Maor Bernshtein, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist (He/Him)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
Reaching out isn’t easy. We know we could probably use the help, but we keep going back to “it’ll pass”; “you're just giving up”; “it’s all in your head”; and "it's just talking". Yet, no matter what we try, nothing seems to help. We’re stuck, overwhelmed by depression, hopelessness, fears, guilt, and shame. This pain is very, very real, and better is possible: we can all achieve real, meaningful change. Specializing in addiction, trauma, BPD, and anxiety therapy for men and women, I use grounded, experience-based methods alongside research-backed tools: parts work (IFS), narrative approaches, mindfulness, EFT, polyvagal and somatic work. My approach is a pathway to bringing back stability, hope, and happiness. A pathway to your best self. When you’re ready, let’s work together to reclaim your life. Visit https://pathwaytoself.ca/ or contact me directly to schedule your free consultation today.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Muslim, Native American, Pacific Islander, Persons with Disabilities, Sikh, Women clients.
Languages: English, Hebrew, Russian
Treatment Approach
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Contemplative Psychotherapy Combines mindfulness and meditation practices with modern psychology. It encourages awareness and compassion as part of the healing process.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Intersubjective Therapy Explores the shared emotional experience between therapist and client. It emphasizes connection and mutual understanding.
- 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.
- Psychosocial Therapy Looks at how social and environmental factors affect psychological health. It emphasizes relationships, community, and resilience.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Self Psychology Explores the development of self-esteem and identity. It emphasizes the importance of empathy in healing.
- Social Constructionist Therapy Looks at how social and cultural context shapes identity and problems. It helps clients create new narratives of meaning.
- 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.
- Transactional Analysis Explores interactions through the lens of Parent, Adult, and Child roles. It aims to improve communication and self-awareness.
- Transpersonal Therapy Integrates spirituality and higher states of consciousness with psychology. It encourages growth beyond the individual self.
Approach Description: Life can feel impossible sometimes. Maybe you carry your past on your shoulders. Or, maybe you have a nagging sense that something’s just not right, despite your best efforts. I get it. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, BPD, or addictions, I'm here to tell you not to give up. Over the years, I've helped many clients overcome the pain and find real balance, calm, and control. My approach is a mix of modalities that focus on helping you get through what blocks you. I use IFS, narrative therapy, mindfulness, EFT, Polyvagal, and other theories in my work, but I tailor it specifically to you. In a way, I co-create a new approach, with you, and just for you. Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face this alone. I offer a free 20-minute virtual consultation so you can see if we’re the right fit before committing. Ready to move forward? Visit pathwaytoself.ca or contact me directly to schedule your free consultation today.
Education & Credentials
Maor Bernshtein, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
- Male
- License # 856903
- Licensed in ON
- Practicing Since 2018
Education: Master's of Social Work - University of Western Ontario
Concurrent Disorders Post-Graduate Diploma - Mohawk College
Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology (Hnrs.) - York University
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 140-175
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Please reach out to me about sliding scale availability.
- Accepts Insurance
- Please reach out to inquire about the insurance I accept.
Maor Bernshtein, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Hamilton, ON L8R 3K8 and Hamilton, ON L8R
- Available Online for residents of Ontario
- Online Therapy Details: I offer online therapy through the Jane app's secure platform.
In our sessions, I offer a blend of compassion, curiosity, and humor to create a space that feels both open and supportive. My approach is rooted in creative, out-of-the-box thinking because I believe that each of us already holds the wisdom and knowledge about who we want to become, where we want to go, and how to get there. My role is to help you uncover and reconnect with that wisdom. Having worked with clients from all walks of life, I’ve learned just how brave it is to reach out for support, and I’m here to make sure that the space we create together allows you to show up fully, with all the different parts that make you who you are. Taking this step deserves acknowledgment, and I commend you for doing so.
My focus areas include Addictions, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Complex Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression. However, your unique experiences are central to our work—your diagnosis is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. I aim to focus on your story as a whole, honoring every part of your path.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or addictions. It’s easy to feel stuck, lost, or disconnected from the person you want to be. My role is to help you access and reconnect with that part of yourself. My approach is built on three primary stages:
Finding Stability and Balance When life feels chaotic, finding stability is key to feeling more like yourself. Whether you’re dealing with overwhelming stress, anxiety, or past trauma, we’ll work together to regain a sense of control. This means rediscovering your strengths—both old and new—while learning tools to manage daily challenges. Our sessions will focus on reducing anxiety and stress, helping you find balance, and cultivating resilience in the face of life’s demands.
Healing Emotional Wounds Healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about finding ways to move beyond it and rediscover joy. Emotional pain and trauma can leave deep imprints, affecting how you see yourself and relate to others. Together, we’ll work to heal these wounds by building a positive relationship with your emotions, even the difficult ones. We’ll focus on letting go of patterns or beliefs that no longer serve you, so you can cultivate healthier relationships with yourself and those around you. This journey of healing is about embracing the full spectrum of your emotions and experiences.
Reclaiming Your Whole Self Your trauma, mental health struggles, or diagnosis don’t define you—they are part of your story, but they aren’t the whole story. I believe in helping you reclaim your inherent worth by embracing every part of yourself, including the painful ones. Our work will focus on integrating those parts, not rejecting them. This process of reclaiming your whole being means understanding that you deserve peace, fulfillment, and joy. I want to help you get there by acknowledging the challenges while helping you tap into the strengths you already possess.
As a social worker and therapist, I specialize in relational, trauma-focused, and collaborative counseling. Many clients I meet express feelings of being “stuck” or hopeless, like nothing they’ve tried has worked. You may have invested time and effort into trying to improve your situation but feel like you’re still struggling. I understand how frustrating that can be, and that’s why my approach centers around you—your experiences, your needs, and your goals. I’m here to help you break through that feeling of being stuck and to offer new ways of looking at your pain and challenges.
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Each person’s journey is unique, and therapy should reflect that. I value creativity and flexibility, which is why I work with you to co-create a therapeutic approach that’s tailored to you. My goal is to help you uncover what works best for you, rather than trying to fit you into a pre-defined method or framework. Whether we’re working on healing trauma, managing anxiety or depression, or addressing relationship challenges, our sessions will be focused on your needs, experiences, and goals.
The Pathway to Self is more than just a name—it’s a commitment to helping you find your way back to the life you deserve. Healing, growth, and reclaiming your wholeness isn’t something that can be dictated from the outside. It’s a path that we walk together, and it requires your active participation and engagement. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you navigate that journey with guidance, support, and insight.
If this sounds like the kind of therapy you’re looking for, I encourage you to reach out. Whether or not we work together, I want you to find the peace, well-being, and strength that you deserve. You’re not alone on this path, I’m here to walk it with you. Feel free to contact me by text, call, or email to get started.
My focus areas include Addictions, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Complex Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression. However, your unique experiences are central to our work—your diagnosis is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. I aim to focus on your story as a whole, honoring every part of your path.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or addictions. It’s easy to feel stuck, lost, or disconnected from the person you want to be. My role is to help you access and reconnect with that part of yourself. My approach is built on three primary stages:
Finding Stability and Balance When life feels chaotic, finding stability is key to feeling more like yourself. Whether you’re dealing with overwhelming stress, anxiety, or past trauma, we’ll work together to regain a sense of control. This means rediscovering your strengths—both old and new—while learning tools to manage daily challenges. Our sessions will focus on reducing anxiety and stress, helping you find balance, and cultivating resilience in the face of life’s demands.
Healing Emotional Wounds Healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about finding ways to move beyond it and rediscover joy. Emotional pain and trauma can leave deep imprints, affecting how you see yourself and relate to others. Together, we’ll work to heal these wounds by building a positive relationship with your emotions, even the difficult ones. We’ll focus on letting go of patterns or beliefs that no longer serve you, so you can cultivate healthier relationships with yourself and those around you. This journey of healing is about embracing the full spectrum of your emotions and experiences.
Reclaiming Your Whole Self Your trauma, mental health struggles, or diagnosis don’t define you—they are part of your story, but they aren’t the whole story. I believe in helping you reclaim your inherent worth by embracing every part of yourself, including the painful ones. Our work will focus on integrating those parts, not rejecting them. This process of reclaiming your whole being means understanding that you deserve peace, fulfillment, and joy. I want to help you get there by acknowledging the challenges while helping you tap into the strengths you already possess.
As a social worker and therapist, I specialize in relational, trauma-focused, and collaborative counseling. Many clients I meet express feelings of being “stuck” or hopeless, like nothing they’ve tried has worked. You may have invested time and effort into trying to improve your situation but feel like you’re still struggling. I understand how frustrating that can be, and that’s why my approach centers around you—your experiences, your needs, and your goals. I’m here to help you break through that feeling of being stuck and to offer new ways of looking at your pain and challenges.
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Each person’s journey is unique, and therapy should reflect that. I value creativity and flexibility, which is why I work with you to co-create a therapeutic approach that’s tailored to you. My goal is to help you uncover what works best for you, rather than trying to fit you into a pre-defined method or framework. Whether we’re working on healing trauma, managing anxiety or depression, or addressing relationship challenges, our sessions will be focused on your needs, experiences, and goals.
The Pathway to Self is more than just a name—it’s a commitment to helping you find your way back to the life you deserve. Healing, growth, and reclaiming your wholeness isn’t something that can be dictated from the outside. It’s a path that we walk together, and it requires your active participation and engagement. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you navigate that journey with guidance, support, and insight.
If this sounds like the kind of therapy you’re looking for, I encourage you to reach out. Whether or not we work together, I want you to find the peace, well-being, and strength that you deserve. You’re not alone on this path, I’m here to walk it with you. Feel free to contact me by text, call, or email to get started.