Every Journey Begins With A First Step
At First Step Psychotherapy, We offer compassionate support to help you heal, grow, and thrive through life’s challenges
WELCOME
At First Step Psychotherapy, we provide a compassionate space where healing begins. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by fear, guilt, or anxiety, we’re here to help you process emotions, heal from past experiences, and develop healthy coping skills. Our specialized therapies, including CBT and trauma-informed care, are tailored to your needs, fostering meaningful and lasting change.
We believe everyone deserves access to mental health care, so we offer flexible options to ensure finances aren't a barrier.
Take the first step toward healing today—book a free consultation with us.
At First Step Psychotherapy, you'll work one-on-one with our dedicated therapist
Meet Your Therapist
M. Luisa Amenta
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Pronouns: She/Her
Originally from Italy and now based in Canada, I offer a unique perspective in therapy, blending a passion for learning, a love for gardening, and a belief in nature’s healing power.
As a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), I’m committed to providing compassionate, nonjudgmental support to help you heal and grow. Click to discover how my approach and qualifications can help you achieve your goals.
Our Unique Approach
At First Step Psychotherapy, we’ll work together to uncover the root cause of your struggles, aiming for relief with each step forward. Our approach blends empathy with challenge, supporting you while helping you overcome obstacles like improving self-esteem, enhancing your overall health, and nurturing relationships.
We also focus on developing effective coping skills to help you manage your mental health, regulate your nervous system, and process difficult emotions. Using a holistic framework, we incorporate solution-focused and acceptance-based therapies, along with grounding techniques that connect you to nature's healing energy, promoting emotional and physical well-being.
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Consultation
Every journey begins with a first step. During your free consultation, we’ll have a friendly chat about your path and see if we’re the right fit for you. We’ll explore your concerns and what you’re looking for in a therapist, ensuring we’re aligned for your journey ahead.
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Your First Session
During our initial session, we’ll discuss consent and confidentiality, review your intake form, and start collaboratively planning your treatment. You are the expert of your own life, and together, we'll manage your mental health, regulate your nervous system, and coping skills - all tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to support you during every step on your path to healing.
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Continued Care
Together, we'll explore the root causes of the issues negatively affecting your life and relationships. Our focus is to help you navigate challenging emotions, express yourself authentically, and reach your goals. We’re committed to supporting your mental health and overall well-being for the long term.
We’re committed to supporting your mental health and overall well-being
our wellness services
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy empowers individuals to "re-author" their life stories, fostering a strengths-based perspective and helping them move beyond feeling stuck or defined by their past.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
IFS is a transformative therapy that helps clients heal by addressing and integrating the various "parts" within them, such as inner critics or protectors, leading to greater self-awareness and emotional balance.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy recognizes the profound impact of trauma and provides a compassionate, safe space for individuals to explore and heal from difficult emotions, offering tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and empowerment.
Existential Therapy
Existential therapy helps individuals explore meaning, purpose, and freedom, guiding them to reflect on their values and make conscious choices, particularly during life transitions or existential crises.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, effectively managing anxiety, depression, and stress while improving emotional well-being.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-focused therapy is a short-term, goal-oriented approach that emphasizes building on clients' strengths and resources to achieve their goals through practical solutions.
Acceptance Commitment Therapy(ACT)
ACT helps clients accept difficult emotions and thoughts through mindfulness and behavioral changes, enabling them to live in alignment with their values while managing chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional pain.
