Accepting new in-person and virtual clients.
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Karissa Paterson
Registered Psychotherapist - qualifying
Authentic Living Phone:
226-224-0301
Email:
Office Address:
130 Thompson Rd., London, ON
Areas of Focus:
*Adolescents ages 12-25
*Adolescent Issues, such as emotional regulation, self harm, stress, life transitioning challenges, anxiety, and depression.
A Bit About Me
Hi, I'm Karissa Paterson.
I'm a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Authentic Living London, where I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and life transitions.
Growing up and finding your place in the world isn't always easy. Between changing friendships, family expectations, school pressures, and figuring out who you are, it can be difficult to know where to turn for support. I particularly enjoy working with young people as they navigate these experiences, helping them feel heard, understood, and more confident in themselves.
Before becoming a psychotherapist, I spent several years working in the not-for-profit sector, supporting young people between the ages of 16 and 30. As a Case Manager and System Navigator, I worked with individuals facing a wide range of personal and practical challenges. Those experiences taught me the importance of looking beyond an individual's immediate struggles to understand the relationships, circumstances, and systems that influence their wellbeing.
My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and collaborative. I believe that meaningful change begins with feeling safe enough to be yourself. Rather than telling you what you should do or how you should feel, I want to understand your experiences and work alongside you to explore what might help.
I also recognize that reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating, particularly for teenagers who may not have chosen counselling for themselves. My goal is to create a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment where you can speak openly, ask questions, and move at a pace that feels right for you.
I welcome people from all backgrounds, faiths, genders, and identities, and I'm proud to be a 2SLGBTQIA+ ally. I believe everyone deserves to feel respected and accepted for who they are.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts, a Social Service Worker Diploma, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I'm registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, feeling disconnected from yourself, having difficulty with relationships, or adjusting to a new stage of life, therapy can be a place to better understand what you're experiencing and develop the confidence to move forward.
I'm currently accepting new clients ages 12 and up in London, Ontario. If you're considering therapy for yourself or your teenager, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation to see whether we'd be a good fit.
Areas of Focus
Adolescent Issues
Growing up can be complicated, especially when you're trying to figure out who you are while navigating school, friendships, family expectations, and changing relationships. Karissa has extensive experience working with young people and understands the challenges that can come with adolescence. She offers a supportive, nonjudgmental space where teens can talk openly about their experiences, build confidence, explore their identity, and develop skills to navigate life's challenges.
Stress
Between school, work, relationships, and everyday responsibilities, stress can build until even small challenges feel overwhelming. Karissa helps clients recognize what contributes to their stress and understand how it affects their emotions, thoughts, and behaviour. Together, you'll explore practical coping strategies, healthier boundaries, and ways to manage life's demands without feeling constantly overwhelmed.
Depression Counselling
Depression can affect motivation, relationships, concentration, and the ability to enjoy things that once felt meaningful. Karissa provides a compassionate space to explore these experiences without pressure or judgment. She works collaboratively with clients to understand what they're going through, develop coping strategies, and gradually reconnect with the people, activities, and goals that matter to them.
Life Transitions
​Changes in relationships, family dynamics, school, work, or personal identity can leave you feeling uncertain about what comes next. Karissa supports clients through these transitions, helping them make sense of difficult emotions, adjust to new circumstances, and build confidence in their ability to move forward. Her approach recognizes that even positive changes can bring unexpected stress, grief, or uncertainty.
Therapy is a collaborative journey that builds resilience, deepens self-awareness, and empowers you to navigate life with confidence, authenticity, and greater control, fostering a healthier future.
Anxiety
​Anxiety can make everyday situations feel more difficult, whether it involves constant worry, fear of judgment, academic pressure, or feeling overwhelmed in social situations. Karissa helps clients better understand their anxiety and recognize the patterns that keep it going. Therapy focuses on developing practical tools to manage anxious thoughts and physical symptoms while building confidence in navigating challenging situations.
Contact
We would love to hear from you.
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Please reach out to us in whichever way feels most comfortable to you and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days at most.
130 Thompson Road, London, ON
226-224-0301 (call or text)