Hi, I’m Erin MacPherson, MSW, RSW

I am a psychotherapist focusing on individual therapy for adults and youth around, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, stress and trauma.

I am a clinical social worker with over 16 years of experience in mental health.

I hold a Master's of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. I am a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

During my career as a psychotherapist in community mental health in Toronto, my focus was on treating various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, anger management, trauma, family dynamics, chronic illness and youth mental health. In addition, in Feb. 2024 I had a heart event that landed me in the hospital. This experience was scary and humbling and it changed my outlook and gave me insight into how others with health issues and cardiovascular disease might feel. As a result, I have extensive experience in working with individuals with a range of challenges and experiences. 

I strongly believe that building a solid therapeutic relationship is the most important part of the therapy process.

I integrate meditation and mindfulness practice into my life and therapeutic approach. 

I have been practicing mindfulness and meditation for 20 years, and for the last 12 years, I have been studying under a Tibetan Buddhist teacher. According to the Buddhist perspective, every person is inherently good. We are just a collection of changing characteristics and personalities that help us navigate life. This belief allows us to observe these traits without being hard on ourselves and approach them with curiosity.

I value relationships and connection. I see a lot of disconnection in the world and people moving through life on autopilot. When we take the time to connect with ourselves, we can see our inherent goodness and recognize the goodness in others.

I believe in placing the client's needs, experiences, and strengths at the center of their care.

I work with my clients collaboratively using a client-centred, trauma-informed, strengths-based model. I have extensive experience working with diverse clients, and I welcome individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to diversity of race, gender expression, sexual orientation, culture, ability, and religion.

My goal is for us to work together and create a plan to move forward. I want you to feel supported and understood throughout this process. There is no judgment here, and we don't need to strive for perfection. We can have difficult conversations and feelings while showing up with compassion and care. As a therapist, I am honoured to be invited on the journey with my clients as they create the life they want!  

My Approach IS Integrative and Versatile

I have extensive training in a variety of therapy modalities, including Eye Motion Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR, Level 1), FALSH, Progressive Counting, Attachment Theory, Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Emotion Focused Skills Training (EFST), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Level 1), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness.

I use a variety of therapy modalities to help individuals experience increased confidence, have better relationships, and improve well-being, allowing our inner brilliance and light to shine.

  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence-based therapy that supports health and healing through bilateral stimulation (BLS). This therapy not only works for trauma but also for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, pain, grief, chronic illness and more.

  • Body-Based Psychotherapy

    I incorporate several body-based therapies in addition to EMDR, such as progressive counting, FLASH and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, to help my clients overcome their challenges. This approach helps us tap into the wisdom stored in the body, find new ways to manage the present moment and reconnect with ourselves.

  • Buddhist Psychology/Mindfulness

    Mindfulness is a practice that allows us to be more conscious and engaged in the present moment, enabling us to let go of expectations. Buddhist psychology offers valuable tools to deal with stress, depression, and anxiety. Buddhism provides a meaningful system and pathways to happiness, as a practicing Buddhist, I can guide clients through elements of mindfulness to improve well-being or explore spirituality in whatever capacity they wish.

  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps clients improve well-being by exploring connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through various strategies, clients can address unhelpful thoughts and confront their fears with behavioural practice.

  • Emotion-Focused Family Therapy

    Emotion-Focused Family Therapy involves identifying negative communication patterns, recognizing emotional avoidance, understanding and validating emotions, creating safety, and developing new ways to connect and communicate within the family.