Hanna Shapiro Counselling
Hanna Shapiro, MA, RCC
Hanna Shapiro, MA, RCC
Depth-oriented therapy and EMDR.
Helping individuals and couples work through trauma, addiction, relationship challenges, and recurring patterns.
And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anaïs Nin
WHAT I HELP WITH
- Trauma and unresolved past experiences
- Substance use disorders/addiction
- Codependency
- Attachment related concerns
- Anxiety, depression, and mood related difficulties
- Life transitions and identity shifts
- Boundaries and assertiveness
- PTSD and C-PTSD
- Interpersonal skills and communication
- Family/friends of those suffering with mental health concerns
-Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Self-esteem and self-doubt
- Emotional regulation
- Difficulty with closeness/trust in relationships
MY APPROACH
My approach is rooted in the belief that a greater awareness of where our actions and reactions come from can give us the power to change. I work with my clients to understand how their attachment styles and life experiences have informed how they relate to others and to themselves. With this knowledge we work together to address unwanted behaviours and implement new coping skills for emotional regulation and communication.
When treating addictive behaviours, I view the addiction as a symptom of a larger problem. Many people struggling with addiction have experienced past trauma or are suffering from concurrent disorders such as anxiety and depression. I work with my clients to look beyond the addictive behaviours and address the underlying issues that create a desire to mood-alter.
One of the modalities I use to assist my clients who have experienced trauma is EMDR, an effective and well-researched protocol, recognized by the World Health Organization as one of two effective treatments for trauma and PTSD. EMDR allows clients to reprocess and integrate negative memories and traumatic events so they no longer impact daily life.
I also work with family and friends of those struggling with mental illness and addiction. When dealing with a struggling loved one it is common to feel helpless and like you have lost your sense of self. I enjoy assisting family members to reconnect to their vitality and enjoy life again.
I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients to explore themselves and make important decisions about their health. My approach is psychodynamic and is rooted in attachment theory and family systems, while incorporating elements of CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness.
COUPLES WORK
Close relationships often reflect parts of ourselves that are otherwise difficult to see - bringing forward our histories, attachment patterns, and our emotional responses. Many couples find themselves caught in cycles that repeat despite good intentions: the same arguments, distance that grows over time, or feeling misunderstood even when trying to communicate clearly.
My approach to couples work is thoughtful, structured, and collaborative. I aim to create a space where both people feel heard and understood, while also gently challenging the patterns that keep you stuck. In our work together, we slow things down and look more closely at what is happening under the surface. Rather than focusing only on strategies, we work to understand the patterns between you - how they formed and how they can begin to shift.
ABOUT ME
While my training in depth psychology, attachment, and trauma informs my work, what matters just as much is how I show up in the room with you. I aim to be both professional and genuine - someone you can think with, but also someone you don't have to perform for. I take pride in bringing my full self into the work, with curiosity, honesty, warmth and humour.
While this work can be serious, I don't believe it needs to feel heavy all the time. There is often space for perspective, lightness, and moments of real connection alongside the more difficult parts of the process.
My own personal journey of healing and recovery has led me to this work and my approach is shaped by my own experience of transformation. I believe it is imperative to work with someone who not only has the training, but who has engaged in this process themselves.
Outside of my work, I am drawn to art, design, and gardening - all of which reflect my appreciation for processes that unfold gradually, with care and attention.
SERVICES & FEES
I currently accept cash, cheque, and e-transfer. Many extended benefits providers cover services for Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC's). Contact your provider for details.