Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with
SABRINA RAMIREZ-FERNANDES
Spec. Clin. Psych. C. Psychological Associate
Professional Disclaimer:
Please note: Private mental health practice is primarily for non-urgent, outpatient services. If you are in crisis or require emergency or inpatient-level care, please call 911, 988, contact any of these mental health crisis lines, or go to your nearest hospital. Phone calls, voicemails, text messages, and emails will be responded to within 48 hours on business days.
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Who May Benefit from Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is especially helpful for individuals who:
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Struggle with anxiety, depression, or low self-worth that seems rooted in past experiences
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Notice recurring emotional patterns or relationship difficulties that feel hard to explain
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Have experienced loss, trauma, or relational wounds that continue to affect their present life
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Want to understand themselves more deeply—not just manage symptoms
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Feel disconnected from their emotions, identity, or sense of purpose
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Are curious about how early experiences, unconscious processes, and inner conflicts shape their current life
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Are willing to engage in a reflective process that unfolds over time
This approach is particularly well-suited for people who value insight, emotional growth, and long-term transformation, rather than quick solutions.
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Who May Need a Different Kind of Support?
While psychodynamic therapy can be transformative, it may not be the most appropriate first-line approach for individuals who:
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Are in an acute crisis requiring immediate stabilization (e.g., recent suicide attempt or psychotic episode)
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Have severe and active substance use disorders that require medical detox or structured addiction treatment
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Are experiencing major cognitive impairments, such as moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) or advanced neurological conditions, that impact memory, attention, or communication
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Have complex, multifactorial medical-psychiatric conditions requiring multidisciplinary intervention
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Are mandated to treatment for legal or institutional reasons and are not seeking therapy voluntarily
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Require short-term, structured symptom management (e.g., for specific phobias or acute behavioral issues)
In these situations, a more integrated care plan, including medical, neuropsychological, or specialized addiction services, may be necessary before—or alongside—psychodynamic work.
​​Qualifications and Registrations:
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5-year degree in Clinical Psychology from the Central University of Venezuela
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Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (3-year program, Psychiatric Hospital El Peñón, Venezuela)
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Certified and in good standing with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO)
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Registered member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA)
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Trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and Motivational Interviewing, with approaches tailored to each client's needs
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Four years of psychoanalytic study with Psychoanalyst Marcelo Augusto Pérez, focused on in-depth discussion of clinical technique
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Services available in-person and virtually (Oakville and Georgetown, Ontario)
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Fluent in English and Spanish
Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions:
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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Motivational Interviewing
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Art and Play Therapy
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Brief Intervention for School Clinicians (BRISC)
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Trauma-Informed Care
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Psychological First Aid (PFA)
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Psychological Assessment Tools:
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST): Suicide first aid intervention
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Comprehensive test batteries tailored to the client’s needs, used to assess and rule out neurodevelopmental and psychological conditions such as Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disability, Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD
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Risk Assessment (RA)
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Threat Assessment (TA)
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Clinical Experience:
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10 years of clinical work in Venezuela, providing psychological care to children, adolescents, and adults in both community-based and inpatient psychiatric settings
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7 years providing psychodynamic psychotherapy to women and couples in Venezuela, under ongoing clinical supervision
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2 years offering psychological first aid in Venezuela to individuals affected by natural disasters, including the 1999 flood (1999 Vargas tragedy); contributed to a published book documenting this work
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1 year providing psychotherapy to inpatients at Venezuela’s pediatric oncology unit
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Over 21 years of experience supporting individuals with psychological symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, work, and family relationships
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10 years providing school and clinical psychology services in elementary and secondary schools across Ontario
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6 years providing private psychodynamic psychotherapy in Ontario
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"Esse est percipi"
"To be is to be perceived."
— Bishop George Berkeley, A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge (1710)
Contact, Booking, Fees and Cancellation Policy
Please note: Engaging in a therapeutic relationship implies agreement with the Privacy Statement.
To schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation, kindly email me. I will respond within regular business hours, typically within 24–48 hours.
Psychotherapy sessions are 50–55 minutes in length and are billed at CAD $225.
Unless otherwise arranged, payment is due on the day of the session. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are subject to a cancellation fee.
This is not an emergency contact.
If you are in crisis or require immediate assistance, please call 911, 988 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
For urgent mental health support, you may contact one of the following crisis lines.
Contact Form:
What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical Psychology is a branch of psychology focused on understanding, assessing, and treating psychological difficulties across the lifespan. It also promotes emotional, physical, and social well-being.
Psychology itself is a scientific discipline with many areas of application related to human behaviour. Clinical psychologists are trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches and may specialize in different populations or treatment modalities.
(Adapted from the Canadian Psychological Association)
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Who Do Clinical Psychologists Help?
Clinical psychologists provide services to:
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Children, adolescents, adults, and older adults
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Individuals coping with mental or physical health issues
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Families, couples, and groups
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Common Areas of Support:
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Depression and low mood
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Anxiety and stress
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Relationship or family difficulties
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Parenting challenges
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Unresolved trauma or abuse (childhood or adult)
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Substance use and addiction (when in remission)
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Emotional distress triggered by past events
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​In addition to psychotherapy, clinical psychologists:
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Conduct psychological assessments (often using standardized tools)
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Collaborate with professionals such as physicians, educators, and social workers
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Offer consultation and support to programs serving special populations (e.g., learning disability services, chronic pain clinics, community living)
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​What is a Psychological Assessment?
A psychological assessment involves comprehensive interviews and standardized testing to answer specific questions about an individual’s emotional, cognitive, or behavioural functioning. It may include:
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Clarifying a diagnosis
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Understanding the impact of injury, trauma, or chronic stress
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Identifying personal strengths and needs
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Guiding treatment planning
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Assessment results are discussed with the client, and their input is always considered as part of the therapeutic process.
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