Welcome, so glad you are here

Katherine Borak

Registered Social Worker

Hi! My name is Katherine and I am a registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).

With over 25 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families, I have helped them navigate significant challenges, such as anxiety, parent-child relationship difficulties, mood disorders, grief, trauma, loss, emotional dysregulation, and other mental health and interpersonal issues. My experience spans community settings, live-in treatment centres, schools, hospital programs, and private practice.

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My Approach

My practice is grounded in a trauma-informed and gender-affirming lens, with a strong emphasis on relational safety and collaboration. I approach therapy as an evolving practice and value ongoing learning to remain responsive to the people I work with. I regularly engage in training and supervision to integrate approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Polyvagal Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Strengths-Based work in ways that fit each individual’s needs. Whether you are working through relational challenges, making sense of earlier experiences, or building skills to navigate stress and life transitions, I aim to offer a thoughtful, grounded, and supportive space where growth can happen at your pace.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy - University of Toronto-OISE

Master’s of Education - University of Toronto-OISE

Bachelor of Arts-Child and Youth Care-Toronto Metropolitan University

Child and Youth Care-Advanced Diploma-Humber Polytechnic

My Availability

I am available for weekday days/evenings and weekends. I am happy to work with
your availability!

Currently accepting new clients!

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Services Offered

Children (5+)
Youth
Emerging Adults (18-29)
Adults
Parents & Families

Treatment Specialities

Attachment injuries and relational patterns
Trauma and complex trauma
Grief, loss, and ambiguous or disenfranchised loss
Interpersonal and family-of-origin challenges
Life transitions, identity shifts, and role strain
Chronic pain and illness
Stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm
Anxiety, low mood, and related mental health concerns
Self-worth, self-criticism, and shame cycles
Meaning-making and values-based growth following adversity

Therapeutic Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment-focused and person-centred approach
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-informed approach
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed approach
Internal Family Systems-informed practice
Polyvagal-informed practice
Somatic and body-based approach
Trauma-informed practice

Get to Know Katherine

What made you decide to pursue a career as a therapist?

My decision to pursue a career as a therapist grew out of my long-standing work in Child and Youth Care and my commitment to working alongside individuals and families navigating vulnerability, trauma, and systemic barriers. Over the years, I have worked in a range of community and institutional settings, supporting children, youth, and caregivers whose challenges were often shaped not only by individual experiences, but by broader social, relational, and structural factors. Through this work, I became increasingly drawn to the depth of therapeutic relationships and the ways that consistent, attuned support can foster safety, meaning, and change across the lifespan. Moving into private practice has felt like a natural continuation of this path-one that allows me to offer a dedicated space for individuals to slow down, make sense of their experiences, and build skills for
navigating life with greater clarity and self-compassion. My practice is rooted in the same values that have guided my work from the beginning: relational care, respect for lived experience, and a belief in people’s capacity for growth when they feel genuinely supported.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

What I enjoy most about what I do is the variety and depth of the work itself. I value the opportunity to think collaboratively with clients and to draw from different therapeutic approaches in ways that fit each person rather than relying on a one size fits all model. I find it especially meaningful to notice moments of increased clarity, flexibility, or steadiness when clients feel better equipped to respond to what life is asking of them. The ongoing learning, reflection, and creativity involved in this work continues to keep me engaged and grounded in the practice.

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about mental health?

One of the biggest misconceptions about mental health is that struggles are a sign of personal weakness or something that can be fixed quickly if someone just tries hard enough. Mental health is deeply shaped by relationships, life experiences, and broader social and structural factors, not simply individual effort or mindset. Another common misconception is that therapy is only for crisis or severe distress, rather than a space for reflection, growth, and skill building across different stages of life. I also think there is a misunderstanding that progress in therapy should be linear, when in reality change often involves pauses, setbacks, and learning along the way.

What will it be like for clients to work with you as their therapist?

One of the biggest misconceptions about mental health is that struggles are a sign of personal weakness or something that can be fixed quickly if someone just tries hard enough. Mental health is deeply shaped by relationships, life experiences, and broader social and structural factors, not simply individual effort or mindset. Another common misconception is that therapy is only for crisis or severe distress, rather than a space for reflection, growth, and skill building across different stages of life. I also think there is a misunderstanding that progress in therapy should be linear, when in reality change often involves pauses, setbacks, and learning along the way.

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Our Office

We provide a safe, private, and empathetic space where individuals can explore their challenges, knowing they will be met with understanding, respect,a dn support throughout their journey toward healing.

In-Person & Online

All services at Bridge Therapy Services are offered for either in-person and online (virtual) appointments – or a mixture of both to suit your needs! Our hope for in-person appointments is that we have created a space that is safe and comfortable for all clients. For those hoping to access online appointments, you are encouraged to set up in a private, safe, and comfortable space to ensure you get the most out of your appointment.

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