Supporting Mental Health
& Sustainable Lifestyles
Psychotherapy
Registered Psychologist | Psychotherapist
Welcome
Dr. Donna Reist, PhD., C.Psych.
Welcome to my psychotherapy practice. After you have visited my website, I would be pleased to speak with you and answer any questions you have about working together.
My approach to psychotherapy combines four main treatment options, depending on your needs and goals: psychoanalytic psychotherapy, brief psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and solution-focused counselling. When we meet and begin to understand what your needs are, we will work together to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Registered Psychologist | Psychotherapist
Over 30 years experience

Registered Psychologist
Some of the issues I am experienced working with include:
- Personality disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Complex developmental trauma
- Post-traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sexual assault & rape
- Victims of violent crime
- WSIB
- Substance abuse & addictions
- Family conflict & dysfunction
- Crisis intervention
- LGBT and gender identity issues
- Racism
- Bereavement
- Relationship issues
- Infidelity
- Life transitions
- Stress management, compassion fatigue, burn out
- Development of emotional intelligence
- Financial stress, personal values and lifestyle issues
Types of Psychotherapy
Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy are both commonly referred to as ‘talk therapy’ and are based on psychoanalytic theories and research. These therapies focus on how experiences in life have molded who you are; both your strengths and unique capacities, as well as those aspects of yourself that seem to get in your way.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapies are particularly recommended for persistent depression and anxiety, personality disorders, a history of trauma, repeated self-destructive patterns of behavior and expectations, etc. Successful outcomes typically include resolution of past traumas, self-awareness, a stronger sense of self, emotional relief and increased comfort with emotions, improved relationships with others, and greater social and professional confidence, to name a few. Psychodynamic psychotherapies may last for years and the frequency of sessions may range from 1- 5 times per week, depending on your needs, and many do well working bi-weekly with adjunct therapies.
Brief psychodynamic psychotherapy is more short term and is a good option for those who wish to gain personal insight and resolve specific patterns or problems.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists with symptom management of a wide range of disorders including ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, addictions, and low self-esteem. Sessions may be frequent or infrequent.
Solution focused counselling is designed to help you create a vision for how to solve a specific problem. If you are not looking for therapy, but have a problem you want to solve, then solution focused counselling would be a good fit for you.