Anna Cantalini, MA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Life can change in painful and unexpected ways—through loss, illness, life-limiting diagnoses, 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. Whether you are facing the burnout of "doing it all," the nuances of women’s mental health throughout the lifespan, or the challenges of OCD and chronic illness, I provide a space for relief and clarity. Together, we work to make sense of your experiences, helping you rebuild trust in yourself and find reconnection in a world that often asks you to put yourself last.
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 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 supported as you rebuild trust in yourself and your capacity to heal.
Pronouns: She/Her
My Approach
My approach is trauma-sensitive and grounded in neuroscience. In our work, we might explore how your nervous system responds to distress, 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. Your perspective and understanding of your challenges are key to our work together. 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 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
