Stephen Garfinkel, MA, RP

Registered Psychotherapist

Currently Accepting New Clients

Stephen has gained valuable experience as a psychotherapist in the mental health field over the past 20+ years. His initial work was in Children’s Mental Health Organizations (CMHO), including residential, day treatment and outpatient services for children and adolescents and their families who have suffered with a variety of severe psychiatric issues. For the past 12 years, he has been employed as a family therapist in a recognized Eating Disorder Program in Newmarket, Ontario. He thus has expertise in working with individuals and their families who have been impacted by this debilitating illness. 

He currently works with individuals, couples and families who are looking for ways to improve their lives at home, in relationships and in their academic or professional pursuits. Stephen hopes to create a safe, fun, and relaxing environment for people to explore their untapped resources and use creativity to solve problems that may previously have seemed insurmountable. He uses humor and lightheartedness, as well as a mindful awareness to help re-frame serious or traumatic events that can be overwhelming at times. Overall, he believes in the power of people’s ability to heal their wounds, both old and new, despite the many obstacles that are in their way. 

He is currently registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and in good standing with the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP). 

Specializing working with: Children, adolescent and adult individuals; couples and family therapy.
Modality: Virtual and In- person
Approaches: Attachment-based interventions, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Based Treatment (FBT) for Eating Disorders.
Specializations: Anxiety, depression and chronic emotion dysregulation; families overwhelmed by life’s challenges; high conflict/ extreme stress situations; Eating Disorders.
Languages: English

Trainings:

• Intensive Training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (2022)- Elisha Van Harte
• Advanced Training in Family Based Treatment of Eating Disorders in Adolescence: The
• Maudsley Method (2019)- Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders
• Advanced Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy (2016)- University of Guelph
• M.A., Early Childhood Studies (2009)- Toronto Metropolitan University
• B.A., Child and Youth Care with Distinction (2001) – University of Victoria
• Modified Interaction Guidance (2006)- Blue Hills Child and Family Centre

Professional Licences: College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Professional Associations: Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP)