”Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.”
~ Akshay Dubey
My Story
Early in life, I learned that not everyone would protect me, be there for me, or hold my best interests at heart. I grew up afraid to take up space, make mistakes, or embarrass myself. I thought that if I stayed small and quiet I could avoid judgment and rejection.
As a result, I became a people-pleaser, shaping myself into whatever version of “me” I thought others would accept and love. But in doing so, I lost sight of my true self. I let others define who I was, and got lost in a cycle of anxiety, fear, and doubt, and worried about being “too much” or “not enough.” Moments of pride were drowned out by an inner critic reminding me that I still wasn’t good enough.
I withdrew, bottled up my emotions, and fell into a peacekeeper role.
Eventually, the weight of my fears and anxieties began to take a toll. I reached a point where I knew I needed to change, and that change had to start with me. In many ways, this meant unlearning everything I thought I knew about how to survive.
Healing is not a straight path, but by listening to my body and emotions, I’ve slowly uncovered a stronger and more authentic version of myself. One who can set boundaries without feeling guilt, begin to love parts of myself, and quiet my inner critic. I’ve reclaimed parts of me that were once buried, silenced, and shamed.
From this place, I want to help others do the same. In partnership, I strive to guide people in releasing the pain from their past, challenging the stories that keep them stuck, and reconnecting with the most powerful, joyful, and authentic part of themselves.
My Why
Because we all need a safe space to explore the deeper layers beneath the surface; the quiet questions about identity, confidence, and self-trust that so many of us carry privately.
I see therapy as a collaborative journey where we walk side by side.
I’m not there to pull you forward or tell you where you should go. But I can help you notice the terrain, uncover what’s there, and help you navigate it. I can help you slow things down when it feels unsafe, gently point out patterns you might not yet see, and offer steady support when the path feels uncertain or overwhelming.
At the heart of my work is the belief that nothing in you is random or “too much.” If something is happening internally, whether it’s anxiety, shutdown, self-doubt, overthinking, it’s happening for a reason. Rather than pathologizing those responses, we get curious about them. We explore how your nervous system has learned to protect you and what it might need now in order to feel safe enough to soften.
My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in attachment and nervous system science. I integrate Somatic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based approaches.
Ultimately, I believe healing begins with understanding, not fixing. When we slow down and listen to what your system has been protecting you from, things start to shift. Together, we create space for you to feel more grounded, confident, and at home in yourself.
My Philosophy
My Career
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a member of the Canadian Psychological Association. I hold a Master of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and an Honours degree in Psychology from Queen’s University .
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, complex trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
Across settings, from private practice to multidisciplinary clinics, I’ve been committed to providing holistic, collaborative care. I believe strongly in partnership at every stage of the counselling journey and in continuing to deepen my learning through ongoing professional development.
Whether working virtually or in person, my focus remains the same: to create a space that feels safe, grounded, and genuinely supportive. A space where meaningful, lasting change can unfold.
My Areas of Focus
Self Criticism & Self Worth
Identity & Self Discovery
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship Difficulties
Trauma
Attachment & Developmental Wounds
Contact Elze at elze@innersummits.ca, or book a complimentary phone consultation
