Despina Hatzipetrakos

Canadian Certified Counsellor, CCC

Hi, I’m Despina — and if you're here, you might be navigating something really challenging, or maybe you're just feeling a bit stuck. Either way, I'm really glad you’ve landed here.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in real connection. I truly believe that meaningful change happens when we feel safe, seen, and supported — and that's the space I aim to create for every person I work with. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, I draw from a range of approaches so we can tailor our work to fit you and what you need most.

I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help clients build emotional resilience and acceptance. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy provide practical tools for managing challenges, while Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) supports deeper emotional healing. I also integrate Psychodynamic Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to gently explore how past experiences and inner parts influence the present.

My years of working in the addictions field have deeply shaped the way I show up in therapy. I’ve had the privilege of supporting people in some of the most challenging and vulnerable moments of their lives — whether on the front lines in high-acuity, low-barrier shelters and supportive housing, in private practice, or through research focused on systemic and individual change. These experiences have taught me the importance of meeting people exactly where they are, without judgment or expectation. I bring that same grounded, compassionate approach into my therapy work today. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just trying to figure out the next step, we'll move at your pace — together.