Philip Ames
B.A. Psychology, York University, Registered Psychotherapist

*Serving Clients in Ontario*

See Video Introduction at bottom of page.

  • Began Training in 1973

  • A Psychotherapist since 1990

You knew it was supposed to be good here when you were little. There were things to explore, feelings to feel, and people to love and to be loved (by). You can still see that in children you meet — the assumption that life is a great adventure! You are the result of a billion years of evolution — to build a being designed to succeed and be happy in life. But over time that promise has seemed to fade — so much that you have trouble believing it was ever there. Finally, you are left with the feeling that life is an intolerable burden — and this is a feeling you don’t know how to shift. You may carry a sense of trouble that has sprung onto you from a specific time of your life — or that has simply taken a long time for you to recognize. You still have that feeling of how life should be deep inside but you don’t know how to get there.

Fortunately, this can change! You can rebuild a sense of hope and happiness! You have the potential to change the direction of your life. You are more powerful than you know. You only need the desire, knowledge, and support to do it!

I have been there and done that. I started in therapy myself in 1968 and began training as a Psychotherapist in 1973. I’ve worked as a counsellor for years and began private practice in 1990.

I have a two-step plan we can fit to YOUR needs:

  • The first phase is Triage — that’s helping you heal from the hurt that caused you to look for help in the first place. My job is to help you feel safe and to show myself as trustworthy — so you can gradually open, share, and discover where it hurts. This will start the healing.

  • As we have success in easing the pain and increasing confidence, we shift, ever so gently, to phase two, the Creation of Deliberate Happiness. In this stage you start to feel your power and create your life the way you want it to be. You think of your dreams and goals and discover a way to allow them into your life.

And you don’t have to do it alone. I have been there and done that. I know you can too!

Hit the “Get Started Now” button and ask for me (Philip) to begin our work together.

Clinical Background and Interests

  • Registered Psychotherapist, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

  • B.A. in Psychology from York University.

  • I have worked as a psychotherapist in private practice since 1990 (over 30 years).

  • In addition to one-to-one client work, my experience includes supervising self-help recovery groups, addiction education, and volunteering in various leadership positions with my professional community.

  • I incorporate a variety of techniques into my therapy, that is, approaches that are best suited to the personality and particular needs of my clients. I am an advocate for the principles found in positive psychology and I work to foster the healing of hurts and also happiness in the lives of my clients.

  • My focus for clinical practice includes working with various issues, including:

    • Anger

    • Anxiety and Panic Attacks

    • Attention Deficit (ADHD)

    • Depression

    • Family Conflict

    • Grief and Loss

    • Life Transitions

    • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Tendencies

    • Relationship/Marital Issues

    • Self-esteem

    • Spirituality

    • Stress Management

    • Trauma and PTSD 

  • I work with individual adults (18+) and seniors as well as couples.

  • My personal Interests include: Reading, spending time with family, and finding new hobbies.

Can you imagine finding healing and happiness?

I encourage you to hit the “Get Started Now” button to begin our work together — ask for me, Philip!