Paula Ruiz
Clinic Owner, Registered Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor
My path into psychotherapy grew out of my own lived experience as a person navigating life’s challenges, as well as a longstanding curiosity about people’s inner worlds. I have always been deeply interested in understanding how individuals make meaning of their experiences, particularly in the context of trauma, loss, identity, and emotional suffering.
This interest initially led me to pursue graduate training in anthropology, where I completed both Master’s and PhD degrees. My academic work focused on trauma, mental health, suffering, and the ways individuals and communities adapt to adversity. While I valued the depth and insight that research offered, I found myself wanting to move beyond studying people’s stories toward being able to offer direct support to those who were struggling.
This desire led me to train as a psychotherapist.
I completed a five-year training program in psychodynamic psychotherapy through the Ontario Psychotherapy & Counselling College, where I am now also a faculty member. My clinical work is grounded in a trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive approach, with a strong emphasis on understanding emotional patterns, relational dynamics, and the impact of early experiences on present-day functioning.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO #008198) and a member of the Canadian Association of Psychodynamic Therapy.
Clinic Owner, Registered Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor
My path into psychotherapy grew out of my own lived experience as a person navigating life’s challenges, as well as a longstanding curiosity about people’s inner worlds. I have always been deeply interested in understanding how individuals make meaning of their experiences, particularly in the context of trauma, loss, identity, and emotional suffering.
This interest initially led me to pursue graduate training in anthropology, where I completed both Master’s and PhD degrees. My academic work focused on trauma, mental health, suffering, and the ways individuals and communities adapt to adversity. While I valued the depth and insight that research offered, I found myself wanting to move beyond studying people’s stories toward being able to offer direct support to those who were struggling.
This desire led me to train as a psychotherapist.
I completed a five-year training program in psychodynamic psychotherapy through the Ontario Psychotherapy & Counselling College, where I am now also a faculty member. My clinical work is grounded in a trauma-informed, relational, and culturally responsive approach, with a strong emphasis on understanding emotional patterns, relational dynamics, and the impact of early experiences on present-day functioning.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO #008198) and a member of the Canadian Association of Psychodynamic Therapy.
Additional Training & Professional Development
In addition to my core psychotherapy training, I have completed continuing education in trauma, EMDR, anxiety, oncology-related psychosocial care, and clinical supervision. This includes:
In addition to my core psychotherapy training, I have completed continuing education in trauma, EMDR, anxiety, oncology-related psychosocial care, and clinical supervision. This includes:
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Course, Psychotherapy Networker
- EMDR Basic Training (63 hours), Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic
- How to Work with Anxiety, National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine
- Psychosocial Oncology: Caring for Individuals Living with Cancer, Harvard Medical School
- Foundations of Clinical Supervision, University of Ottawa