Karen Freud, RP
Psychotherapist
North York, Ontario, Canada
Also available by telehealth: Ontario
Grounded therapy for anxiety, overthinking, and life decisions in North York and across Ontario.
About
I work with adults who are functioning well on the outside but feel anxious, stuck, or caught in cycles of overthinking and self-doubt. Many of the people I see are capable and self-aware, yet they find themselves second-guessing decisions, struggling to set boundaries without guilt, or sensing that something important is missing despite outward success. My approach is conversational and collaborative. We explore what's actually driving the patterns, not just the surface symptoms, and we work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
I integrate psychodynamic, person-centred, attachment-based, and cognitive-behavioural approaches, drawing on whichever lens fits what you're bringing to the session. I also offer art therapy as an optional pathway for clients who want to access emotions or insights that are harder to reach through words alone. No artistic skill or experience is needed. The focus is always on reflection and understanding, not performance.
My style is warm, direct, and grounded. I show up as myself, meet you where you are, and use collaborative language throughout because I genuinely believe change happens in partnership. I work with adults navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, burnout, relationship patterns, and career direction, both in person at my North York office and virtually across Ontario.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in Ontario. Psychotherapy services are exempt from GST/HST, and most extended health plans cover sessions provided by an RP. I offer direct billing when available and provide receipts for reimbursement.
Specialties
- Anxiety
- Stress management
- Self-esteem
- Relationship issues
- Grief & loss
- Life transitions
- Burnout
- Career counselling
- Trauma & PTSD
- Depression
- Parenting
Approaches
- Psychodynamic
- Humanistic / person-centered
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Art therapy
- Narrative therapy
- Mindfulness-based
- Play therapy
Works with
- Adults
- Children (under 13)
- Older adults
Sessions
Languages
- English
Logistics
- Fees
Most extended health plans cover services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). Direct billing available when possible; receipts provided for reimbursement. Psychotherapy services are exempt from GST/HST in Ontario.
- Insurance
Accepts: Blue Cross, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Equitable Life, Great-West Life, Desjardins Insurance, Medavie Blue Cross, Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life
Most extended health plans cover services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). Direct billing when available or receipts for reimbursement.
- Office locations
- Karen Freud, Psychotherapy | Art Therapy: 153 Bridgeland Ave Unit 5, 2nd Floor, North York, Ontario M6A 2Y6, Canada
Licensed or authorized in
Frequently asked questions
- Who do you usually work with?
- I mostly work with adults who are used to being capable and responsible, and who often look like they have things handled. But underneath, they may be dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, overthinking, or feeling overwhelmed. Some are navigating a life change, while others have spent years putting other people’s needs first and struggling to say no. In our work together, we look at what’s behind these patterns, build on your strengths, and find practical ways to make decisions, set boundaries, and approach life differently.
- Do I need to have experienced trauma or have a diagnosis to explore my past in therapy?
- No, not at all. You don't need a diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental health condition to explore how your past might be affecting you today. Sometimes, experiences from childhood or earlier in life continue to influence how we see ourselves, relate to others, or respond to stress, even decades later. You might have learned to be responsible, keep the peace, meet expectations, or put other people's needs first. You may not even realize how these patterns connect to your past. Together, we can explore how your experiences have shaped you, how they might be affecting your life now, and what you might want to do differently.
- How does insurance work? Do you direct bill?
- I offer direct billing for some insurance plans, depending on your provider and coverage. If direct billing is available for your plan (e.g. Sun LIfe, Manulife, Canada Life, etc.) I can submit the claim on your behalf. Otherwise, you'll pay for your session and can submit the receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement. It's a good idea to check with your benefits provider before our first session to confirm your coverage for psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist.
Credentials
- Masters Level Diploma, Toronto Art Therapy Institute
- BA, York University