Steph Paolucci (She/Her)
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, Registered Yoga Teacher
I'm a psychotherapist and yoga teacher who works from a trauma-informed, body-based lens to support clients who feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, or disconnected from themselves. Through a blend of psychotherapy and movement, I help individuals slow down, regulate their nervous system, and reconnect with a sense of balance and clarity. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and deeply human focused on creating a space where clients can explore their patterns, build resilience, and move through life with more ease and intention.
Client Focus
Session Format: Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+, Men, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- 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.
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- 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.
- Dance / Movement Therapy Uses movement and body awareness to express emotions and improve mental health. It can increase confidence, reduce stress, and support healing.
- 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.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- 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.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: My approach blends talk therapy with body-based practices, including somatic therapy and Somatic EMDR, to support nervous system regulation and deeper, more lasting change. I focus on helping clients understand their patterns, build emotional resilience, and develop a more flexible, compassionate relationship with themselves so they can move through life with greater ease and clarity.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $170
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- My sliding scale is currently full. However, my associates have sliding scale spaces available from $110-$150.
- Out of Network
- We do not do any direct billing with insurance companies, however, we can issue you a receipt to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
Education & Credentials
Steph Paolucci MA, Registered Yoga Teacher
- Female
- License # 009767
- Licensed in Ontario
- Practicing Since 2020
Education: I am a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Yoga Teacher with a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and a bachelor's degree in Devised Theatre. I have over 15 years experience working in the fitness industry and have training in expressive arts therapy and somatic EMDR.
Steph Paolucci Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Pickering, ON and Ajax, ON
- Available Online for residents of Ontario
- Online Therapy Details: Jane App
I work with individuals who are used to carrying a lot people who show up for others, push through stress, and often find themselves feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their own needs. Many clients come to me during periods of transition or burnout, when the ways they’ve been coping no longer feel sustainable. I also specialize in working with trauma. I work often with new moms, artists, healthcare/helping professionals and entrepreneurs.