Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
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Where symptoms can be listened to.
Virtual across Ontario · In-person Oakville/Georgetown
English · Spanish
Responses within 48-72 hours on business days
Sabrina Ramirez-Fernandes
Spec. Clin. Psych. C. Psychological Associate
Professional note: This practice provides non-urgent outpatient care only. If you are in crisis, please call 911, 988, or go to your nearest hospital. Calls and emails are responded to within 48–72 hours on business days.​​​
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Who May Benefit from Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is especially helpful for individuals who:
• Experience anxiety, depression, or persistent feelings of low self-worth rooted in earlier life experiences
• Notice recurring emotional patterns or relationship difficulties that feel difficult to explain
• Have lived through loss, trauma, or relational wounds that continue to shape their present life
• Wish to understand themselves more deeply, rather than focusing solely on symptom management
• Feel disconnected from their emotions, identity, or sense of purpose
• Are curious about how unconscious processes and early relationships influence their current difficulties
• Are willing to engage in a reflective process that unfolds over time
• This approach is particularly suited to those who value insight, emotional depth, and long-term transformation over quick solutions.
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​Who May Need a Different Kind of Support?
While psychodynamic therapy can be transformative, it may not be the most appropriate first-line approach for individuals who:
• Are in an acute crisis requiring immediate stabilization (e.g., recent suicide attempt or active psychosis)
• Have severe and active substance use disorders requiring medical detoxification or structured addiction treatment
• Are experiencing significant cognitive impairments (e.g., moderate to severe traumatic brain injury or advanced neurological conditions)
• Present with complex medical–psychiatric conditions requiring intensive multidisciplinary care
• Are mandated to treatment for legal or institutional reasons and are not seeking therapy voluntarily
• Require short-term, highly structured symptom-focused interventions
In these situations, a more integrated care plan may be necessary before, or alongside, psychodynamic work.
​​​Qualifications and Registrations:
• Five-year degree in Clinical Psychology, Central University of Venezuela
• Master’s degree in clinical psychology (three-year program), Psychiatric Hospital El Peñón, Venezuela
• Certified and in good standing with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO)
• Registered member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA)
• Trained in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Motivational Interviewing
• Four years of psychoanalytic study with Psychoanalyst Marcelo Augusto Pérez, focused on clinical technique and case discussion
​Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions:
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Art and Play Therapy
• Brief Intervention for School Clinicians (BRISC)
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Psychological First Aid (PFA)
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Psychological Assessment Tools:
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
• Comprehensive assessment batteries tailored to the individual, including evaluation of learning disabilities, intellectual functioning, depression, anxiety, and ADHD
• Risk Assessment
• Threat Assessment
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Clinical Experience:
• Over ten years of clinical work in Venezuela with children, adolescents, and adults in community-based and inpatient psychiatric settings
• Seven years providing psychodynamic psychotherapy to women and couples in Venezuela under ongoing clinical supervision
• Two years delivering psychological first aid following natural disasters, including the 1999 Vargas floods; contributor to a published book documenting this work
• One year providing psychotherapy to inpatients in a pediatric oncology unit
• Over twenty-one years supporting individuals whose psychological symptoms interfere with daily functioning, work, and relationships
• Ten years providing school and clinical psychology services in elementary and secondary schools across Ontario
• Seven years offering private psychodynamic psychotherapy in Ontario
​​​Professional Disclaimer:
Please note: Private mental health practice is primarily for non-urgent, outpatient services. If you are in crisis or require emergency or inpatient-level care, please call 911, 988, contact any of these mental health crisis lines, or go to your nearest hospital. Phone calls, voicemails, text messages, and emails will be responded to within 48 hours on business days.
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"Esse est percipi"
"To be is to be perceived."
— Bishop George Berkeley, A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (1710)
Contact, Booking, Fees and Cancellation Policy
Please note: By engaging in a therapeutic relationship, you agree to the Privacy Statement.
To request a free 15-minute phone consultation, please email me. I respond during regular business hours, typically within 24–72 hours.
Psychotherapy sessions are 55 minutes and are billed at CAD $225.
Unless otherwise arranged, payment is due on the day of the session. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are subject to a cancellation fee.
This is not an emergency contact.
If you are in crisis or require immediate assistance, please call 911, 988, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. For urgent mental health support, you may contact one of the following crisis lines.
Contact Form:
What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical Psychology is a branch of psychology focused on understanding, assessing, and treating psychological difficulties across the lifespan. It also promotes emotional, physical, and social well-being.
Psychology itself is a scientific discipline with many areas of application related to human behaviour. Clinical psychologists are trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches and may specialize in different populations or treatment modalities.
(Adapted from the Canadian Psychological Association)
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Who Do Clinical Psychologists Help?
Clinical psychologists provide services to:
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Children, adolescents, adults, and older adults
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Individuals coping with mental or physical health issues
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Families, couples, and groups
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Common Areas of Support:
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Depression and low mood
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Anxiety and stress
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Relationship or family difficulties
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Parenting challenges
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Unresolved trauma or abuse (childhood or adult)
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Substance use and addiction (when in remission)
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Emotional distress triggered by past events
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​In addition to psychotherapy, clinical psychologists:
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Conduct psychological assessments (often using standardized tools)
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Collaborate with professionals such as physicians, educators, and social workers
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Offer consultation and support to programs serving special populations (e.g., learning disability services, chronic pain clinics, community living)
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​What is a Psychological Assessment?
A psychological assessment involves comprehensive interviews and standardized testing to answer specific questions about an individual’s emotional, cognitive, or behavioural functioning. It may include:
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Clarifying a diagnosis
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Understanding the impact of injury, trauma, or chronic stress
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Identifying personal strengths and needs
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Guiding treatment planning
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Assessment results are discussed with the client, and their input is always considered as part of the therapeutic process.
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