Dr. Cathy Notarfonzo,
Psychologist 

Hi, I'm Dr. Cathy Notarfonzo

I am registered psychologist with over 30 years of experience assisting individuals who are experiencing challenges with their emotional and physical health and feeling stuck in cycles that maintain their distress. Over the course of my career, I have come to appreciate that everyone struggles in some way but also that everyone possesses strengths and are doing their best to manage the inevitable difficulties of life. However, sometimes circumstances overwhelm our capacities and reaching out for support can be very helpful.

My Approach

My approach in therapy is compassionate, respectful, down-to-earth (with gentle humour mixed in), and collaborative. I will work together with you to help you to cultivate the necessary skills to better navigate distressing emotions and physical symptoms and help you to take action in your life in ways that are aligned with your values and goals. I will also work with you to identify and build on strengths in order to promote greater resilience and confidence in your ability to manage whatever life throws your way.​I draw from and integrate a variety of evidence-based approaches in therapy including: Mindfulness Meditation and Mindful Self-Compassion, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Relaxation Techniques, Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma, and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Every treatment plan is custom tailored to your unique needs and goals. I also bring to therapy the wisdom of my own lived experience and experience of 30+ years of clinical practice.

My Expereince

I completed a doctoral degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto (OISE). I have been a Registered Psychologist in the province of Ontario since 1992. Over the past 30 years, I have worked in both the public and private sectors providing assessment and treatment services to adults presenting with anxiety, stress, chronic pain, illness and disability issues. I have extensive experience conducting disability assessments to auto and LTD insurers and working with first responders. I also have extensive training in mindfulness practices, mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindful self-compassion.

A little bit about me ...

When I’m not working, I enjoy line-dancing, reading mystery novels and spending time with my family and grandchildren.

Areas of Expertise