About Dr. Karen Hack

Karen Hack, BHSc, ND, RP
Naturopathic Doctor & Registered Psychotherapist

I’ve always been passionate about understanding what allows certain individuals to live happier, healthier lives. Contemplation of the issue first brought me to McMaster University where I completed an honours degree in Biology and Philosophy. The principles which underlie naturopathic medicine then drew my attention, namely a commitment to identify the cause of an illness, to treat the individual as a whole as opposed to their symptoms, and to maintain ongoing health through patient education. My interest in these principles led me to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, where I completed a four-year naturopathic degree in 2001. After being licensed as a naturopathic doctor (and after many months of renovations) I launched the Head to Toe Health Centre in Kensington Market the following year.

Through years of practice, it became clear to me that the wish to be well is an important part of becoming well, yet there exist conflicts, fears, anxieties, and psychological defenses within each of us which inhibit this process. Intent upon gaining further understanding, I completed an advanced-training programme in psychoanalytic psychodynamic psychotherapy with the Toronto Psychoanalytic Society. Many hours of study and supervision allowed me to gain insight into the emotional processes which contribute to disease and distress and how to modify and release them through psychotherapeutic awareness and understanding. I began to practice individual psychotherapy at the Head to Toe Health Centre in 2007 and to this day, I remain devoted to its art.

I believe wholeheartedly in the principles of psychoanalytic psychodynamic psychotherapy and have seen some remarkable results through their practice. I believe in creating an environment where patients feel comfortable talking about their problems and supported in making changes to bring about greater physical, emotional, and spiritual health. We will work together to understand the nature of the symptoms or conditions you are experiencing and to make the changes necessary for you to live a healthier, more enjoyable life.

• Registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
• Member of Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy (CAPT)
• Member of Toronto Psychoanalytic Society (TPS)
• Registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO)
• Member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND)
• Member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND)

About Psychotherapy

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a therapeutic process which helps people to understand and resolve their problems through increased awareness of their inner world and its influence over feelings, relationships, decisions, behavioural patterns, and even somatic responses (sensations in the body, such as insomnia, or asthma).

The goal of psychotherapy is to help individuals overcome their difficulties in day-to- day living so that they can live fuller, more creative, satisfying lives.

Who sees a Psychotherapist?

A great many people seek psychotherapy for a wide range of difficulties such as: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, family troubles, social and work related difficulties, phobias, substance abuse, obsessive compulsive disorders, gender issues, self destructive and other destructive behaviour.

You don’t have to be mentally ill to see a psychotherapist. Those who experience a general loss of meaning in their lives or who are seeking a greater sense of fulfillment will be helped by psychotherapy.

What type of Psychotherapy do I practice?

Providing that our physical needs have been met, it seems as though we humans are motivated primarily by our emotional life as opposed to intellectual or rational thought. It is for this reason that intellectual insight is not the same as emotional insight – intellectual insight is fleeting, whereby emotional insight resonates at a deeper level and leads to ongoing change.

My training is in a form of psychotherapy called psychoanalytic psychodynamic psychotherapy, which differs from most other therapies, in that it aims to understand and change deep-seated, and often unconscious, emotional tensions and conflicts, which affect our behaviours, feelings, and relationships, thereby bringing about lasting change.

In psychoanalytic psychodynamic psychotherapy, therapists help people review emotions, thoughts, early-life experiences, and beliefs to gain insight into their inner lives and their present-day problems and to evaluate the patterns they have developed over time. Recognizing recurring patterns helps people to see the ways in which they have developed coping mechanisms called ‘defenses’. With newfound awareness regarding these defensive strategies, clients can take steps to change their behaviour patterns, improving their relationships, and overall quality of life.

How does Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy differ from Psychoanalysis?  

Psychoanalytic psychodynamic psychotherapy draws on psychoanalytic theory but its practice is less intense than psychoanalysis. For example, in psychoanalytic psychodynamic psychotherapy, the patient sits across from the therapist instead of lying down as they do in psychoanalysis, and the frequency of visits is once to twice weekly, as opposed to 3-5 times weekly, as it is in psychoanalysis.

Why is the first visit free?

A strong therapeutic relationship is central to psychodynamic therapy as it is only through trust and understanding that insight can be gained and change can occur. Furthermore, the therapeutic relationship itself can demonstrate the manner in which you interact with your friends and loved ones and may help you to see your part in relationship patterns. There is a wealth of information available in the therapeutic dynamic itself, however, only trust and a feeling of connection to your therapist will allow you to access that information in order for your therapy to be most effective.

The initial session 30 minute session is offered free of charge in order to provide you with an opportunity to experience our therapeutic dynamic and decide if it is right for you.

Book a free 30 minute initial psychotherapy session with Dr Karen Hack.

The psychotherapy intake form can be emailed to karen@headtotoehealth.ca or brought to our initial session.

Location & Hours

Head to Toe Health Centre

71 Oxford Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P2
416 203 6500
karen@headtotoehealth.ca

Hours of Operation

Monday: 9-5 pm
Tuesday: 10-8 pm
Wednesday: 9-1 pm
Thursday: 9-6 pm
Friday: 8:30-1:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Directions

The Head to Toe Health Centre is on the corner of Augusta & Oxford in Kensington Market (closest major intersection is College & Spadina).

Fees

Psychotherapy session (50 minutes): $170.00 + HST (covered by some insurance benefits).