Life is the
Grey Zone

Services

Couples

Couples face many issues when they seek help. The majority of couples are looking for help in a few common areas: de-escalation (anger, reactivity etc), communication, and the emotional connection. Training in the Gottman Method helps me draw from over 40 years of research with over 3000 couples to provide a thorough and research-supported intervention that you can be assured is up to the highest standards.

Intimacy and sexuality are important facets of individual identities, and a primary feature of romantic relationships. As a sex-positive therapist; I believe sex and sexual desires are a healthy, normal part of a relationship and are good and necessary to talk about while trying to rebuild an emotional connection. I am however NOT a sex therapist (that is an area for further development).

Adults

When most clients come to me they don’t know where to start. Things have been difficult and they haven’t been able to overcome their problems alone or with their friend’s advice. You need someone to listen, someone who knows about the fake face, someone who can help them understand “why”; and help you find a way to get healthy.

The most common issues I work with are anxiety/depression, trauma, self-esteem/assertiveness/confidence, and relationship difficulties. I also have experience with LGBTQ, substance abuse, dishonesty, Borderline, and suicide/self-harm. My approach is client-centered and empathic, allowing clients to tell their story. You are always the expert on you! I am here to listen, and help you find the power to make your life better.

Late Adolescence

Adolescents face their own special challenges at their stage of life. Changes in their place in the world, personal agency, developing sexuality, and being prepared for their roles as adults. My work with Adolescents is primarily when they are facing greater challenges than the norm for their age group, such as thoughts of suicide, trauma, and other adult-centric issues. To this end, I see primarily teens from 15yrs old on to help them understand, face, and improve difficulties in their lives.

First Responders

First Responders have unique challenges. They (you?) see and experience things most people do not. The requirements of the job influence their home lives in ways the majority of even demanding careers do not. It can be especially hard to reach out when they need help and don’t know who they can trust, or in some cases, are unsure if therapy can help them.

I do my best to understand first responders individual experiences. They are used to being the ones providing the help, not receiving it. It can be a little disorienting for some when they find themselves asking for help. I work to really know them and their world, to really get what their problems are, and show that it’s not too much for me to handle their world.

It takes a different approach to help someone who is used to being the fixer in everyone else’s lives. That’s why I have additional training as a Certified First Responder Counsellor to add to my experience.

Crisis

Thoughts of Suicide? Self-Harm? Feeling overwhelmed and out of control? There are many ways to think about or define crisis. With specialized training, a soft approach, and 4 years of experience on a suicide hotline I am well equipped to help clients when they are in greatest need. When you just need things to stop. The first step is the most difficult – to reach out. I will be here when you are ready.

Toronto Distress Centre – call 416-408-4357, or text 45645

Calgary Distress Centre – call 403-266-4357, or online chat

FAQ

How are you doing therapy during the Covid-19 pandemic?

I am doing mostly virtual therapy, restricting in-person appointments only to my office in Whitby. Masks are required and the office screens for symptoms in accordance with guidelines. All sessions in Toronto are currently done remotely via phone and video (Jane, Skype, and Zoom).

How much does therapy cost?

It really depends on a few things. My standard fee is $180 per session (doesn’t matter if it’s individual or a couple). BUT – If you require a psychologist in order to submit your receipt for reimbursement, then I would need to have you as a client at a specific clinic, and adhering to that clinic’s billing practices – and the requirements of the College of Psychologists of Ontario under whose jurisdiction I would be practicing if I am operating under a psychologist’s registration – then the fee varies. Contact me for directly for more specifics.

Where do you practice?

Toronto and Whitby, Ontario. In person I practice at Comrie Counselling in Whitby Ontario; In Toronto practice remote therapy via phone or video depending on the client’s preference. I may resume in-person sessions in Toronto in the future.

If I want an in-person session how do I go about requesting it?

Currently you would contact Comrie Counselling in Whitby at 905-718-3383 to arrange an in-person session, or you could click this link.

How is payment processed?

Payments are processed electronically through Jane (my booking system). I accept credit cards and ETransfers.

How are receipts handled?

Receipts are emailed, so you must have a valid email address.

How do I contact you?

You can email me at marcusatgreyzonetherapy.com, via my Psychology Today profile, or by phone at 647-243-649O. I can also be reached by Morse code, but there will be a delay while I learn it.

Book your 50 minute or 90 minute session with me