please recommend a therapist in Toronto to me
November 7, 2014 2:09 PM   Subscribe

I'm looking for a therapist to help with my excessively self-destructive, masochistic desires and tendencies. Don't misunderstand; I don't need a "kink-aware" therapist, because these feelings do not fall within the realm of safe, sane, and consensual; they're compulsive, intrusive, and interfering with my life. They are also not exclusivly sexual or fetishistic in nature. I'm putting myself in real danger, and I need someone to help me stop wanting to.
posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)
 
I have no names but someone who has experience with Non Suicidal Self Injury might be helpful, if you're searching.
posted by geek anachronism at 3:02 PM on November 7, 2014


Try calling these folks. They may be able to recommend someone or offer you direction. (((Hugs)))
posted by harrietthespy at 4:36 PM on November 7, 2014


I found my therapist through http://prstoronto.com/ . They'll give you a little interview with someone, then match you with (what they think is) an appropriate therapist. If you disagree, tell them and they'll suggest someone else! At least, that's what they told me... In my case they got it in one.
posted by rhooke at 6:40 AM on November 8, 2014


First: if you are self-harming and/or in crisis or danger, the absolute fastest way to start getting help is to go to the CAMH emergency room. It's located at College and Spadina, about 50m east of Spadina on the north side. It's Saturday, so I think the main entrance is closed; follow the signs around to the side door. I've gone there (suicidal ideation) and they are wonderful people who will flat out ask you "what do you need to feel safe?"

If you decide to go there and want support from someone who has been through the process, please feel free to email me (dg@ the website listed in my profile; that address will go to my phone) and I will be there. I can also put you in touch with a social worker who can help you access any resources you need.

Second, any ER in the GTA will also help, though you'll have a much longer wait because they'll have to page someone to consult.

Third, you can call the Gerstein Centre at 416.929.5200, 24 hours a day. They provide crisis counselling, and can help you link to resources that work specifically for you.

Fourth, in case you didn't know, most therapists are not covered by OHIP. You'd need a referral from your GP to a psychiatrist to be covered, and generally that means someone who will only provide medication management. (The state of mental healthcare in this country is atrocious). I believe OHIP rules for psychotherapy are changing soon, but I'm not conversant with the details. So you'll need private insurance or pay out of pocket, unless you receive therapy as an in- or outpatient of a hospital.

I strongly urge you, if you're in danger, to go to CAMH. It's like any ER; they'll get you whatever help you need to make things better. Waitlists for therapy can be very long (again, unless you're able to pay out of pocket) so it's best to jump-start the process as quickly as possible.

Please let us know via the mods, when you can, that you are safe. Best of luck, and don't hesitate to email if you need it. I'm going to send the mods my phone number and ask them to pass it on to you if they can.
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 7:26 AM on November 8, 2014 [2 favorites]


(Turns out I was totally mistaken about mods being able to contact anons, derp. Please don't hesitate to email if you need anything.)
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 7:48 AM on November 8, 2014


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