In-Person in Toronto, ON M6G 1L5
Online in
Ontario
In uncertain times, it is common to feel overwhelmed by difficulties and feel stuck in a cycle of challenges in the 6 general arenas of human experience: habituated repertoire of thoughts, emotions, soma, behaviours, situations, and environment. Many of the problems we experience are not our fault, but they can still have a significant impact on our mental health and well-being. As a psychotherapist with 27 years of experience in Toronto, I have helped countless individuals effectively and quickly resolve a variety of issues, including self-other relationship stressors, trauma from sexual abuse, emotional regulation, feelings of betrayal and abandonment, social anxiety, self-blame, self-esteem issues, motivation problems, and mis-transits of anger, shame and grief.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Muslim, Persons with Disabilities, Sikh, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) A trauma-focused therapy that uses eye movements and imagery to help the brain reframe distressing memories. It often leads to quicker relief from symptoms compared to traditional talk therapy.
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Contemplative Psychotherapy Combines mindfulness and meditation practices with modern psychology. It encourages awareness and compassion as part of the healing process.
- Developmental Therapy Looks at how childhood and developmental experiences affect current challenges. It aims to repair unmet needs and foster healthy growth.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Imago Relationship Therapy Helps couples understand how childhood experiences influence adult relationships. It teaches communication techniques to deepen connection.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Object Relations Therapy Focuses on how early caregiver relationships shape current relationships. It aims to improve patterns of attachment and trust.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) Helps clients challenge and replace irrational beliefs. It is an action-oriented approach for lasting change.
- Reality Therapy / Choice Theory Focuses on present choices and taking responsibility for actions. It helps clients create more fulfilling relationships and lives.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Social Learning Therapy Based on the idea that people learn behaviors by observing others. It applies modeling and reinforcement to encourage healthy change.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
- Transpersonal Therapy Integrates spirituality and higher states of consciousness with psychology. It encourages growth beyond the individual self.
Approach Description: My approach to emotional healing combines elements of both counselling and psychotherapy modalities to address a range of emotional challenges to facilitate personal growth and development. Counselling modalities focus on providing individuals with effective coping strategies to navigate the challenges of everyday life, such as managing stress, building healthy relationships, and overcoming past traumas. By teaching clients practical tools and techniques, counselling helps them to better cope with difficult emotions and situations, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being. On the other hand, psychotherapy modalities delve deeper into the root causes of emotional distress, such as attachment disruptions and unresolved childhood traumas. By exploring these underlying issues and working through them in a safe and supportive environment, individuals can heal emotional wounds, break destructive patterns, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. By combining counselling and psychotherapy modalities, I offer a comprehensive approach to cognitive, emotional, somatic and relational healing and personal development. This integrated approach ensures that clients receive the support and guidance they need to address both surface-level symptoms and deep-seated issues, leading to long-lasting healing and positive transformation. Ultimately, my goal is to help individuals enhance their quality of life and cultivate greater emotional resilience and well-being.
It should be noted that while I have had extensive experience working collaterally with psychiatry, I firmly believe in not psychopathologizing people’s emotions. Rather, mental illness is a misnomer as emotional distress, and mental health is really emotional well-being at its core.
Education & Credentials
David Rockman MSW RSW BA psych hon
- Male
- License # OCSWSSW #321089
- Licensed in ONTARIO
- Practicing Since 1994
Education: Masters Social Work University of Toronto Specializing in Individual, Couple, Family, Group Counselling, Psychotherapy, Mediation & Negotiation. Thesis: comparison of Feminist & Traditional Family Mediation & Durability of Agreement
BA Psych hon Specialized in Clinical Counselling & Psychotherapy
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee $190 - $225
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Sliding scale options are available for on-line sessions, for individuals experiencing financial hardship and marginalization.
- Accepts Insurance
- All workplace insurance benefits reimburse all clients promptly with non-third-party billing.
David Rockman Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Toronto, ON M6G 1L5
- Available Online for residents of Ontario
- Online Therapy Details: Zoom Video Calls
You deserve to live a life that is aligned with your values and dreams, and do not have to face your challenges alone. As a therapist, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore these feelings and gain insight into the root causes of your struggles and constructive tools to find better alignment with your goals.
I understand that every person is unique, and that their values and beliefs may differ from those of their loved ones and others in their life. This can often lead to feelings of isolation and confusion, but I am here to validate your experiences and support you in finding a sense of self determination, clarity and direction. Through mindful, empathic connection and evidence-based interventions, I can help you navigate the complexities of your relationships (with self / other) and make meaningful connections that align with your values and goals.
Some of the most common issues I see in my practice include depression, anxiety, relationship attachment disruptions and personal crisis. These are often the result of intergenerational wounding, sexual abuse trauma, feelings of betrayal, abandonment, and shame. Through counselling, psychotherapy and mediation, I can help you process these experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms and healing to move forward in your life, to get to the better place that you aspire. Additionally, many people struggle with feelings of social anxiety, self-blame, and questionable self-worth. These issues can stem from a variety of sources, such as past experiences or societal pressures. By working with me, you can explore the root causes of these feelings and learn strategies to build confidence and self-worth. One of the most common challenges I see in my clients is the feeling of losing their sense of purpose in life, loss of agency, and not understanding why they are plagued by unhelpful thoughts and feelings. By working together, we can help you uncover your strengths and potential for growth, and develop strategies to overcome the challenges you are facing.
During your first consultation, we can discuss your concerns and goals for therapy. Many clients find relief simply by taking the first step towards seeking help, and I am confident that you will feel validated and always understood in your sessions. I provide both brief counselling and in-depth psychotherapy, tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in my Annex area office or virtual therapy sessions, I am committed to providing a safe and confidential environment for your healing journey.
Throughout my career, I have worked in 9 GTA hospitals in most departments, especially ER and mental health / crisis intervention. I have assisted individuals of all ages and backgrounds in overcoming a wide range of challenges. I am a Master of Social Work Practice with a degree in Psychology, and specialized training in trauma, grief, addiction, emotional regulation, and past child abuse, among other areas. In an eclectic approach, I draw upon a variety of therapeutic modalities that I am trained and seasoned in employing, including Trauma Informed Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness-based self-compassion, and numerous other approaches based on what is assessed (see treatment approaches below), to help you build resilience and develop healthy coping strategies for healing.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by difficulties and uncertain about your next steps, I encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment with me. Together, we can work towards resolving your current challenges and creating a more fulfilling and purposeful life. I am here to guide and support you on your journey towards healing and self-discovery every step of the way.