– ABOUT Julia Savina -

More about me

Born and raised in Russia, I came to Canada after high school and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honors) from Concordia University. I proceeded to complete Masters and Doctorate studies in Experimental Psychology from Queen’s University, and a post-doctorate fellowship at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. During my post-doc, I was also teaching psychology and neuroscience at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. Following my graduate training I accepted a limited term appointment in the Psychology Department at Concordia University, and have taught there for 3 years.

During my career I have done research and clinical coordination of two First Episode Psychosis Programs: one at the Institute of Community and Family Psychiatry, Jewish General Hospital; and the other at the Department of Pediatric Psychiatry, Montreal Children’s Hospital. At the same time, I received further clinical training at the Argyle Institute of Human relations in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a licensed psychotherapist (by the Quebec Order of Psychologists - registered under Ioulia Savina) in private practice. I am also affiliated with the Herzl Family Practice at the Jewish General Hospital, Adolescent Psychology Services. I have been practicing psychotherapy for over 10 years, and am experienced in providing brief and long-term therapy.

– ABOUT Julia Savina -

Approach and Specialties

I employ an integrative approach to psychotherapy, which is based on the cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused perspectives, attachment theory, family systems and psychodynamic theory. I have training and experience in the following therapeutic approaches:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

• Mindfulness

• Schema Therapy 

The methods are always ultimately unique for everyone, and are adjusted in the process of therapy depending on each client’s needs. I believe therapy is most effective when the therapist and client agree on the goals of therapy and the strategies needed to achieve these goals. A collaborative therapy process is essential to helping me tailor my approach to best meet your needs. 

I have a unique, neuroscience and psychopharmacology background. This gives me an extensive understanding of brain function and structure. I also understand and can explain how different drugs (legal and illegal) work. I can explain to my clients the science/biology background on why the techniques I am teaching them work. Most patients want to know WHY and HOW their mental illness/symptoms is happening to them, it gives them some control and understanding. I can explain some of the how and why it may be happening (to the best of my knowledge of current scientific research).

I think my personality helps me in my work. I am passionate about helping people regain their lives! I love my work! I am deeply respectful and curious about my client’s lives. I strive to understand my clients, how it’s like to be them, before I make my treatment plan; in fact, it helps me in making my case conceptualization and treatment plan.

I am a warm, compassionate, empathetic and positive person. I am also very direct and honest - qualities I have learned to moderate - but they also set me apart, and those that like these qualities really appreciate them. I strive to create a warm, supportive and nonjudgmental environment where we can work together to make healthy changes that address immediate concerns, as well as provide enduring change.

I experienced a lot of hardships in life, as well as many peak experiences. I believe my life experiences make me a better therapist because my empathy is genuine, comes from real experience. I have also learned to overcome all those hardships and channel the learned experience into helping others do the same. That makes me strong, strong enough to hold for my clients their pain and help them process it.

Getting connected

 It’s normal to feel anxious and uncomfortable about making contact. It may help you to email me or talk to me first on the phone to clarify any of your concerns, determine our fit for each other, or simply want to “get the vibe”.

I offer a free 20 min phone consultation. Appointments can be made via phone/text (514-516-1415), or online from my website by clicking the button below.