Dr. Ellen Katz
Ph.D., MSW, RSW (she/her)
Clinical Social Worker/Psychotherapist, Academic Research Advisor
Welcome!
My name is Ellen Katz. I have been a social worker and therapist for 30 years. It is a privilege and honour to work with people seeking to change some aspect of their lives or their experience. I find each person and their situation unique and see every person as having the potential to shift their lives in a way that aligns better with their own values, and find greater meaning in life. I am fortunate to offer a variety of approaches in my work. My offerings integrate trauma-informed practices such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, mindfulness practices, and a variety of other approaches such as psychodynamic, narrative, solution-focused and family therapy theories in working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I believe that first and foremost in my work is the goal of helping people balance their thoughts, feelings, and emotions so that they can more accurately see and understand what is unfolding in their lives. They then make the best decisions possible to take action and create the kind of life that is more in tune with who they really are.
“It is a privilege and honour to work with people seeking to change some aspect of their lives or their experience ”
Specialties and Approach
I came to social work later in life after having worked in related fields. I obtained a Masters in Social Work from the University of Toronto. I earned a post-MSW Fellowship in Family Systems and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Hincks Institute where I was able to train in a variety of modalities. After that, I worked in hospitals and children’s mental health settings with a strong focus on families and family therapy. I also ran groups and provided couples counselling. I became interested in Buddhism and meditation and obtained training within a Buddhist community, studying intensely with a teacher which informed both my personal and professional lives. I have training in a somatic form of meditation which focuses on the body, integrating other aspects of the human experience (feelings and thoughts) from a somatic focus. Some time after, I returned to complete a PhD in social work and was able to integrate all of my interests in my research, studying the way clinicians trained in mindfulness meditation approach their work with clients. Since then, I have balanced academic work as a professor of social work at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and working with clients. I have also obtained further training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy. All this training has led me to recognize that sometimes a focus on the body can be a valuable part of my work with clients. It is the bodily experience that informs the mind so paying attention to both the body and the mind deepens my work.
My post-MSW Fellowship has equipped me to follow the client’s lead and incorporate the therapeutic approach that best suits the client. That means that I am able to adapt my approach to the client’s goals in areas such as relationship difficulties, trauma, anxiety, depression, and work issues. I am comfortable working with a variety of mental health issues and in helping clients find deeper meaning in the human experience and in their lives. I can address the body, the mind, thoughts and feelings, looking at problems, solutions, meaning and changing actions. I particularly enjoy complex client situations in working with families, couples, and leading groups.
Treatment & Techniques
Trauma-Informed, Body-Oriented Psychotherapy
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Neurofeedback - Levels 1 & 2
EMDR
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Safe and Sound Protocol (Polyvagal Informed Therapy)
Psychedelic Integration
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Attachment-based - Emotionally Focused Therapy
Harness the mind-body connection to create new pathways in your life.
At New Pathways Therapy Center, we believe therapy is a collaborative process. We don’t just sit back and listen. We look forward to supporting you on your journey towards healing, balance and growth.