Michael Szendrei

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), M.Ed.

EMDR & Somatic Therapist in Toronto & Online (Ontario)

Healing Trauma • Reducing Anxiety • Reconnecting Body & Mind

Now Accepting New Clients

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I work with adults 18+ who are experiencing anxiety, trauma, stress, or difficulty regulating emotions. Many of my clients come to therapy because they feel stuck in old patterns, overwhelmed by racing thoughts, or weighed down by past experiences. I offer in-person therapy in Toronto, or virtually anywhere in Ontario.
I work from a person-centered and mindfulness-based perspective, which means therapy is guided by your needs, values, and pace. Depending on what feels most helpful, I draw from several evidence-based methods:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – helps you notice and change unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, worry, or low mood.
- Somatic Psychotherapy – a body-based approach that addresses how stress and trauma show up physically, helping you feel calmer and more grounded.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – a structured therapy that helps reprocess painful or traumatic memories so they feel less distressing.
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) – supports you in understanding emotions and improving relationships by creating healthier patterns of connection.
- Strength-Based Therapy (SBT) – focuses on your skills, values, and inner strengths, building resilience instead of only focusing on problems.
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Codependency
- Depression
- Grief, loss, bereavement
- Impulse Control Disorders
- Infidelity
- Men's Issues
- Mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Relationship Issues
- Self Esteem
- Stress
I currently offer therapy on:
Mondays - 2pm-8pm
Fridays - 8am - 1pm
Available both in person at our Toronto clinic and online across Ontario.
English

Message from Michael

For many, asking for help - let alone accepting it - can be one of the most challenging things we do. It has been my life's mission to provide this space for others with genuine compassion and authenticity, so they no longer feel they need to suffer alone.

When it comes to helping, I work from a holistic approach that puts you first, and accounts for all facets of life, and not just the individualistic. I use multiple theories and approaches that fit you best, and avoid a prescriptive one-size-fits-all stance. Most importantly, I work with your value system and not mine. If you choose to honour me with the stories that have contributed to who you are, I will return that gift with non-judgemental compassion, understanding, and collaboration.

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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps people heal from trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. It works by using eye movements or other gentle forms of stimulation while recalling a memory, which helps the brain “reprocess” it. Over time, the memory feels less upsetting and no longer triggers the same strong reactions.
“Somatic” means “of the body.” Somatic therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on how stress, anxiety, and trauma affect the body not just the mind. It helps you pay attention to body sensations, tension, and patterns so you can release stress and feel calmer.
In a somatic therapy session, you may be guided to notice your breath, posture, or physical sensations. You might try grounding exercises, gentle movement, or mindfulness practices. Sessions are always at your pace, and the goal is to help your body and mind feel safe and more relaxed.
Yes. Anxiety often shows up in the body, like a racing heart, tight chest, or restlessness. Somatic therapy teaches you how to calm these physical signals, which then reduces anxious thoughts and helps you feel more in control.
Absolutely. Trauma therapy isn’t only for people with a PTSD diagnosis. It can help anyone who has experienced overwhelming or stressful events, whether it’s childhood experiences, relationship struggles, or sudden losses. If past events are still affecting you today, trauma therapy can help.
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people feel relief after just a few sessions, while others need more time to work through deeper patterns or trauma. Michael will work with you to set clear goals and check in on progress so you know therapy is moving in the right direction.