Anna Cantalini, MA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Life can change in painful and unexpected ways—through loss, illness, or the lasting effects of a challenging relationship. You may feel overwhelmed, on edge, or disconnected. I support women and caregivers as they navigate the complexities of grief, chronic pain, anxiety, and the emotional impact of trauma.
As a mother and a dual-licensed healthcare professional, I understand the unique weight women carry. Practicing from an intersectional, feminist lens, I recognize that the burnout of "doing it all" isn’t a personal failure, but a natural response to a world that often demands you put yourself last. Whether you are navigating the nuances of women’s mental health throughout the lifespan, or managing the challenges of OCD and chronic illness, I provide a collaborative space for relief and clarity. Together, we work to dismantle systemic pressures, make sense of your experiences, and help you rebuild trust in yourself.
With 17 years in the healthcare sector and an eclectic background in Fine Arts, Massage Therapy, and Counselling Psychology, I bring a deep understanding of human suffering, systemic impact, and resilience to every session. My approach is compassionate, transparent, and unwavering in its commitment to your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
You don’t have to keep carrying the weight of your struggle alone. Therapy offers a calm, steady, space to be seen, understood, and empowered as you reclaim your capacity to heal.
Pronouns: She/Her
My Approach
My approach is trauma-sensitive, feminist-informed, and grounded in neuroscience. In our work, we might explore how your nervous system responds to both personal distress and systemic stressors, how you process emotions that feel heavy or stuck, and how to build tools to feel more grounded and present. I draw from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), polyvagal theory, grief theory, pain science, and shame resiliency models to make sense of your concerns and help you reach your goals. I also incorporate self-compassion, mindfulness, and body-mind principles into our sessions if they suit your needs and preferences.
You are the expert of your struggle and life experience. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space for us to get to know each other and for you to feel comfortable sharing your concerns; there is always room for lightness and laughter in our sessions. I value collaboration and will always encourage your feedback.
Additional and Ongoing Training & Certification
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Certificate
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Grief & Loss - Certificate
- Master Class for Trauma & Chronic Pain: Dr. Peter Levine - Certificate
- Foundations of Brain Injury for HCPs: Brain Injury Canada - Certificate
- How to Work with Perfectionism: NICABM - Certificate
- Hospice Palliative Care Training: HPCO - Certificate
- OCD Fundamentals: International OCD Foundation - Certificate
- OCD and ACT - Certificate
- Exposure Therapy and Inhibitory Learning - Certificate
- Rage and Resilience - Reclaiming Women's Anger in Mental Health Care: Wilfried Laurier University (FSW Workshop)
- Shame Certification Training: Dr. Janina Fischer - In progress
- Narcissistic and Antagonistic Relationships: Dr. Ramani Durvasula - In progress
