Hi there,
My name is Maor Bernshtein
I am a social worker and a therapist, and I specialize in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and BPD.
My approach is collaborative, relational, and trauma-focused, which is a long way of saying that we’re in this together.
Many of the clients I work with feel stuck, lost, and hopeless.
I often hear people say that they feel “like nothing helps” or that they’ve “tried everything” and still feel “stuck”.
For this reason, I offer a counselling approach that puts you in its center.
As a therapist, I am here to help you step out of the cycles of hopelessness and unbearable pain.
Together, we will build a pathway back to yourself: finding stability, healing wounds (like emotional pain and trauma), and reclaiming whole-being.
In a word, let’s get you “un-stuck”.
My approach borrows from a variety of modalities that
help us find calm, stability, and meaning.
Hover over or click each image for more information
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is a type of therapy that helps you understand and heal different parts of yourself. Imagine your mind as a team of different characters, each with its own feelings and roles. Some of these parts may be protective or hurt, but your core Self is always there, capable of guiding and healing these inner aspects. IFS helps you connect with your core Self to better understand and support these parts, leading to personal growth and improved relationships. It’s not just for therapy; it’s also used in various fields to promote understanding and well-being.
Narrative therapy
Narrative therapy
Narrative therapy is a counselling approach that sees you as the expert on your own life. Instead of blaming you for problems, it focuses on separating the issues from who you are. This method believes you have the skills, values, and strengths needed to lessen the impact of these problems. It involves a curious and open-minded attitude, asking questions to uncover new insights and perspectives. It values your unique story and abilities, aiming to empower you and reduce the hold of problems in your life.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
SFBT is a practical, future-oriented therapy that helps you identify and build on your strengths to create meaningful change. Instead of dwelling on problems, we focus on solutions—like uncovering times when the issue wasn’t happening and expanding those successes. Through guided questions and goal-setting, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and tools to move forward quickly. Ideal for overcoming obstacles, improving relationships, or navigating life transitions.
Polyvagal Theory Informed Therapy
Polyvagal Theory Informed Therapy
This approach focuses on understanding how your nervous system responds to stress, trauma, or everyday challenges. By exploring the body’s natural “fight, flight, or freeze” reactions, we work to help you feel safer and more grounded. Through mindfulness, breathing exercises, and gentle body awareness, you’ll learn to regulate emotions, build resilience, and reconnect with a sense of calm. It’s especially helpful for anxiety, trauma recovery, and improving relationships.
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy
This approach is designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences in a safe, supportive environment. We’ll gently explore how past events may still affect your emotions, behaviors, or relationships today, while teaching coping skills to manage triggers and reclaim a sense of control. Techniques may include mindfulness, emotional regulation strategies, and rebuilding trust in yourself and others. It’s tailored to empower survivors to move from “just getting by” to thriving.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
EFT is a research-supported therapy that enhances connections with yourself and others by focusing on emotions and attachment. It helps individuals, couples, and families recognize and change negative patterns in their interactions, improving relationships and emotional well-being. By developing emotional awareness and fostering secure bonds, EFT enables clients to communicate their needs more effectively and respond to loved ones in healthier ways.
Education and qualifications
Master of Social Work
Western University
Concurrent Disorders Post-Graduate Diploma
Mohawk college
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (honours)
York University
Certifications
- Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP/CCTP-II)
- Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory in Trauma Treatment
- Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Level 1 Certificate Course
- Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems Therapy
- Supporting Survivors of Human Sex Trafficking
- IFS Therapy Immersion
- DBT Certification Training
- Crisis Prevention – CPI
- Solution-Focused Conversations
- Addiction Care and Treatment Online Certificate
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- Mental Health First Aid