Saara Vahtola

• Qualifying Member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO): 22308

• Under the supervision of Clinic Director, Dr. Jenn Bossio, C.Psych, who is a Member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (#6462) with practice in clinical psychology and health psychology

• MSc Psychotherapy from McMaster University

• Experience and training in perinatal mental health and anxiety disorders

• Formally trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

• Trauma informed, client centered, and compassion-based

Life doesn’t have to be navigated alone. Intimacy is one of the most universal human experiences, yet it’s one of the things we talk about least – whether that’s sex, desire, connection with a partner, or connection with yourself. It can be incredibly difficult to figure out, in isolation, how to fix something that feels off. You can sense something is wrong but can’t quite pinpoint how to change it, or you’re watching the same cycles repeat over and over again. Maybe your sex life isn’t as satisfying as you want it to be, or you feel “stuck” when it comes up. Many clients come to therapy when they feel like things could be even 1% easier.

My therapy style revolves around warmth, humour, and curiosity. Therapy should be collaborative, where your experiences and individual goals guide our work together. I act as a partner in healing, a clinical tool, and a non-judgmental listener as we navigate unfamiliar situations, patterns that no longer serve you, or the complexity of being a person. Together, we’ll work on better understanding the patterns in your daily life and developing greater confidence and self-awareness. I may gently challenge and work to build insight, whether that means looking at what’s showing up for you in the present or exploring survival tools you picked up in the past. From there, we discuss finding healthier ways to address problems or approach life in a way that fits you.

Alongside sex therapy, my practice focuses on women’s health, anxiety and OCD, and burnout. I enjoy working with those experiencing life transitions, grief, interpersonal conflict, low self-esteem and perfectionism, or who are part of the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community. I use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and I integrate tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and humanistic theory. My treatment model is flexible based on your needs as an individual. My goal as a therapist is to reconnect you with what feels meaningful in your life.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with an MSc in Psychotherapy from McMaster University, and I have specialized training from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, as well as their Women’s Health Concerns Clinic. I have experience researching queer inclusivity and intercultural relationships within the Methodology and Relationship/Sexual Science lab at Western University.

Outside of the therapy room, I love to travel, play sports, hand-craft, and hang out with my cat, Clementine