“It’s only when therapy enlists deep emotions that it becomes a powerful force for change.”

~Irvin Yalom

Psychotherapist & Counsellor

Welcome, I’m Lana

I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and psychotherapist based in North York, Toronto, with a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto and over 20 years of experience in mental health. You can explore more about my education and credentials [here].

Before transitioning to full-time private practice, I served as a research coordinator at St. Joseph’s Health Care, Women’s College Hospital, and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, focusing on anxiety, depression, and perinatal mental health. I later worked as a therapist at Sunnybrook’s Women’s Mood & Anxiety Clinic, where I supported women during the pre- and postpartum periods, including those coping with loss.

In my private practice today, I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, couples facing relationship challenges and continue to provide specialized care for perinatal mental health.

By the end of our work together, you will feel more at ease, confident, with an increased capacity for self-compassion, joy, and clarity of mind and heart. 

I’m looking forward to meeting you and supporting you in your journey. Please, use the contact form below to reach out, or email me at lana@lanamamisashvili.com.

My Approaches

In my practice, I take an integrative approach to therapy, tailoring my methods to meet the unique needs of each client. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT),  and extensive knowledge of interpersonal neurobiology, polyvagal theory,  and attachment science, I provide a flexible and personalized framework for healing and growth. This integrative methodology allows me to address a wide range of challenges while honouring each individual’s needs, preferences, strengths, and goals. Some of my areas of special interest include:

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a proven approach for addressing trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. By using guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps clients process distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity. This therapy is especially effective for individuals coping with PTSD, unresolved trauma, or deeply rooted negative beliefs, enabling them to regain control and move forward with greater resilience and clarity.


Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy helps individuals develop a deeper awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment. This practice fosters a sense of calm and clarity, empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. It is particularly effective for reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing overall well-being.

EFT For Individuals

EFT for individuals is a therapeutic approach that helps clients explore their emotional experiences and develop deeper self-awareness. This therapy is effective for processing unresolved feelings, trauma, and improving emotional resilience.

EFT for Couples

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples helps partners understand and strengthen their emotional bonds, fostering a secure and connected relationship. It is particularly effective for couples facing communication challenges, emotional disconnection, or recurring conflicts.

Discernment Counselling

Discernment counseling is designed for couples who are uncertain about the future of their relationship, offering a structured way to explore their options. It provides clarity and understanding for both partners, helping them decide whether to work on the relationship or consider separation.

Education

  • Master of Social Work, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.
  • Honours Bachelor of Science, (Psychology), University of Toronto

Additional Training

  • Neuroscience Seminars – Dr. Norman Doidge
  • Interpersonal Neurobiology and Innovative Therapeutic Practices: Working with Children and Families.  – The Hincks Dellcrest Centre
  • The Power of Awareness – A Transformative Mindfulness Training, with Drs. Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield
  • Advanced Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma, The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine
  • Trauma and the Embodied Brain: a Heart Based Training in Relational Neuroscience for Healing Trauma – Dr. Bonnie Badenoch
  • Your Brain on Love: The Neurobiology of Healthy Relationships – Dr. Stan Tatkin
  • Working with the Neurobiological Legacy of Trauma: Levels 1 and 2 | Janina Fisher, Ph.D.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR l and II) – Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic
  • Brainspotting (BSP) Phase l with Dr. David  Grand
  • The Attachment and Trauma Mastery Training Program with Dr. Diane Poole Heller
  • Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) with Dr. Sue Johnson
  • Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy Core Skills
  • Emotion Focused Couple Therapy Externship with Dr. Sue Johnson
  • Emotion Focused Therapy. Working with Emotions in Psychotherapy: A Trans-Theoretical Approach, workshop with Dr. Leslie Greenberg, University of Toronto
  • Discernment Counselling with Dr. Bill Doherty, The Doherty Relationship Institute
  • Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and T.E.A.M. Therapy Techniques with Dr. David Burns, M.D.
  • Mindfulness Counselling Strategies – Activating Compassion and Regulation. Crisis and Trauma Resource Centre.
  • Working with Adolescents and their Families – Navigating Through Tough Times, The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre
  • Clinical Hypnotherapy (all levels), Canadian Society for Clinical Hypnosis (CSCH-OD)
  • Brief Therapy Certificate Program, The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre/Gail Appel Institute
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. Centre for Addiction & Mental Health
  • Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders, The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre
  • Special Extension Program Workshop, Techniques of Infant/Child/Adolescent Psychoanalytic Therapy in the 21st Century, Toronto Psychoanalytic Society & Institute 
  • Special Extension Program Workshop – Trauma: A Psychoanalytic View, Toronto Psychoanalytic Society & Institute

    Professional License and Memberships

    • Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
    • Ontario Association of Social Workers
      International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
    • EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
    • EMDR Canada

    Publications

    • Mamisachvili L, Ardiles P, Mancewicz G, Thompson S, Rabin K and Ross LE. Culture and Postpartum Mood Problems: Similarities and Differences in the Experiences of First- and Second- Generation Canadian Women. Journal of Transcultural Nursing 24(2):162-70, 2013
    • Grigoriadis S, Mamisashvili L, and Ross LE. Antidepressant Medications Versus Depression: Achieving the Balance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry74:375–376, 2013
    • Grigoriadis S, VonderPorten E H, Mamisashvili L, Roerecke M, Rehm J, Dennis CL, Koren G, Steiner M, Mousmanis P, Cheung A, Ross LE. Antidepressant Exposure During Pregnancy and Congenital Malformations: Is there an Association? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Best Evidence. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 74(4): e293-e308, 2013
    • Grigoriadis S, VonderPorten EH, Mamisashvili L, Tomlinson G, Dennis CL, Koren G, Steiner M, Mousmanis P, Cheung A, Ross LE. The Impact of Maternal Depression During Pregnancy on Perinatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 74(4): e321-e341, 2013
    • Grigoriadis S, VonderPorten EH, Mamisashvili L, Tomlinson G, Dennis CL, Koren G, Steiner M, Mousmanis P, Cheung A, Ross LE. The Effect of Prenatal Antidepressant Exposure on Neonatal Adaptation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 74(4): e309-e320, 2013
    • Ross LE, Grigoriadis S, Mamisashvili L, VonderPorten EH, Roerecke M, Rehm J, Dennis CL, Koren G, Steiner M, Mousmanis P, Cheung A. Pregnancy and Delivery Outcomes after Exposure to Antidepressant Medication: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Archives of General Psychiatry 70 (4): 436-443, 2013
    • Ross LE, Grigoriadis S, Mamisashvili L, Koren G, Steiner M, Dennis CL, Cheung A, Mousmanis P.  Quality assessment of observational studies in psychiatry: an example from perinatal psychiatric research. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 20 (4): 224-234, 2011 PMID:  22113965
    • Grigoriadis S, de Camps Meschino D, Barrons E, Bradley L, Eady A, Fishell A, Mamisashvili L, Cook GS, O’Keefe M. Romans S, Ross LE. Mood and anxiety disorders in a sample of Canadian perinatal women referred for psychiatric care. Archives of Womens Mental Health, Aug; 14(4): 325-33, 2011. PMID:  21695590
    • Grigoriadis S, VonderPorten EH, Mamisashvili L, Tomlinson G, Dennis CL, Koren G, Steiner M, Mousmanis P, Cheung A, Ross LE. Prenatal exposure to antidepressants and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal 2013; 348:f6932 doi: 10.1136/bmj.f6932 (Published 14 January 2014)
    • Grigoriadis S, Graves L, Peer M, Mamisashvili, L, Vigod S, Dennis CL, Steiner M, Brown C, Cheung A, Guenette M. Maternal anxiety during pregnancy and the association with adverse perinatal outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79, 2018 (in press)
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