Attachment Assessment

🔍 Discover the Deeper Why Behind Your Patterns with an Attachment-based Mental Health Assessment (AMHA) Our Attachment-based Mental Health Assessments (AMHAs) offer powerful, personalized insight into how you function emotionally, why you respond the way you do, and the unconscious patterns shaping your thoughts, relationships, and wellbeing. These assessments are ideal for anyone looking to... Read More

🔍 Discover the Deeper Why Behind Your Patterns with an Attachment-based Mental Health Assessment (AMHA)

Our Attachment-based Mental Health Assessments (AMHAs) offer powerful, personalized insight into how you function emotionally, why you respond the way you do, and the unconscious patterns shaping your thoughts, relationships, and wellbeing. These assessments are ideal for anyone looking to understand themselves on a deeper level and get more out of therapy.

đź§  What You Get with a Full AMHA:
You’ll receive a psychologist-prepared report for your therapist, along with 5 key benefits:

1) Comprehensive mental health insight – a psychological overview tailored specifically for your therapist
2) Attachment Style assessment – understand how your attachment patterns influence your relationships
3) Beyond symptoms – insight into why your symptoms exist, not just what they are
4) Deeper, more effective therapy – your therapist gains the roadmap to support your healing and growth
5) Uncover hidden blockers – we identify internal biases and unseen mental processes that may limit progress

đź’ˇ Looking for a Simpler Option? Try the AMHA-mini:
The AMHA-mini is a more budget-friendly option, offering 3 essential benefits:

1) A clear understanding of your Attachment Style and how it impacts your relationships
2) Insight into the root causes of your symptoms
3) More focused therapy based on a clearer understanding of your needs

❤️ In a Relationship? The AMHA for Couples is for You:
This version focuses specifically on the emotional patterns and connection dynamics in your romantic relationship. You and your therapist will gain:

1) A psychologist’s report revealing your needs and your relationship style
2) A precise assessment of your Attachment Style in the context of partnership
3) Insight into the underlying causes of relational patterns and challenges
4) Therapy that’s more attuned to your emotional and relational landscape
5) Identification of hidden mental processes that may be keeping you stuck

🌟 Want It All? The AMHA+ Offers a 360° View
The AMHA+ combines the full individual and couples assessments into one powerful, in-depth process. It's designed for individuals and partners who are serious about doing the work and ready for meaningful, lasting transformation both personally and relationally.

🧑‍⚕️ Work with a National Expert
You also have the option to complete the AMHA or AMHA+ with our Clinic Director, Ryan. Ryan co-developed the AMHA-Couples assessment, trained directly under the founder of modern Attachment Theory, and is recognized as one of Canada’s leading experts in Attachment-based psychotherapy.


Couples Therapy

💞 Reconnect, Heal, and Build the Relationship You Deserve The most common mistake couples make is waiting too long to go to couples therapy. A saying we like is "If you're considering couples therapy, you've been ready for couples therapy for a while." Break free from old patterns, heal past hurts, and transform the way you communicate - so you can create the relationship you’ve always wa... Read More

đź’ž Reconnect, Heal, and Build the Relationship You Deserve

The most common mistake couples make is waiting too long to go to couples therapy. A saying we like is "If you're considering couples therapy, you've been ready for couples therapy for a while."

Break free from old patterns, heal past hurts, and transform the way you communicate - so you can create the relationship you’ve always wanted.

At Empire, couples work is at the heart of what we do. We began as a Couples Therapy clinic, and our passion for helping relationships thrive is woven into everything we do. We've helped thousands of couples just like you, so you can count on us if you're:

• Dating or engaged and want to strengthen your foundation
• Navigating the aftermath of infidelity
• Feeling disconnected or stuck
• Navigating divorce with care and consideration
• On the brink of separation
• Wanting to deepen your connection and improve communication
• In a situation where one of you wants therapy, the other doesn't

And many other situations. With decades of experience, we promise we're happy to help you with anything you're going through.

đź§  Decades of Expertise: A Team Behind You.
With over 60 years of combined Couples Therapy experience, our team brings both skill and heart to every session. We’re a true group practice, which means you’re not just getting one therapist - you’re getting the collective expertise and support of our entire team.

đź’Ž Gold Standard Treatment, No Compromises
We exclusively use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the most well-researched and effective couples therapy model available. All of our Couples Therapists are fully trained at the highest level with the International Centre for Excellence in EFT (ICEEFT).

We’re proud to have more fully trained EFT therapists than any other clinic in Ontario.

🗓️ Ready to Begin?
Book your Couples Therapy session today and take the first step toward clarity, connection, and lasting change. You don’t have to do this alone - we’ve got you.


EMDR Therapy

🌿 Heal from the Inside Out with EMDR Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, research-backed therapy that helps people heal from PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and other distressing life experiences. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or stuck. This approach has gained widespread recognition - not just... Read More

🌿 Heal from the Inside Out with EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, research-backed therapy that helps people heal from PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and other distressing life experiences. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or stuck.

This approach has gained widespread recognition - not just in clinical circles, but also in the media. Public figures like Prince Harry have spoken openly about how EMDR helped them heal and move forward.

đź’« Ready for Relief?
Book an EMDR session with Holly today and take the first step toward feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control.


Family Therapy

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Stronger Families, Healthier Lives Nothing matters more than family. When family relationships become strained, the ripple effects can touch every part of our lives—causing stress, tension at home, distraction at work, and even impacting our mental and physical health. 🧠 Experienced Support for Every Family Member Our Family Therapists are seasoned professionals with 10–15 years ... Read More

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Stronger Families, Healthier Lives

Nothing matters more than family. When family relationships become strained, the ripple effects can touch every part of our lives—causing stress, tension at home, distraction at work, and even impacting our mental and physical health.

đź§  Experienced Support for Every Family Member
Our Family Therapists are seasoned professionals with 10–15 years of experience on average. We understand the complexity of family dynamics and tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of your family.

Whether you're dealing with conflict, communication breakdowns, or navigating a major life transition, we're here to help.

We work with families in all forms, and our Clinical Team offers comprehensive support services, including:

đź§’ Child Therapy for younger family members
đź’‘ Couples Therapy for parents and partners
đź§Ť Individual Psychotherapy for adults of all ages

🤝 Let’s Rebuild What Matters Most
Book your Family Therapy session today and take the first step toward a more connected, resilient family.


Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

🌿 A Breakthrough in Mental Health Treatment: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a cutting-edge, medically supervised form of therapy that combines the power of psychotherapy with the transformative effects of Ketamine. Backed by clinical research, KAP offers rapid relief for conditions like: ✅PTSD ✅Treatment-Resistant Depression ✅Anxiety ✅... Read More

🌿 A Breakthrough in Mental Health Treatment: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a cutting-edge, medically supervised form of therapy that combines the power of psychotherapy with the transformative effects of Ketamine.

Backed by clinical research, KAP offers rapid relief for conditions like:

âś…PTSD
âś…Treatment-Resistant Depression
âś…Anxiety
âś…And other deeply rooted emotional challenges.

Many clients report meaningful shifts after just a few sessions.

đź’ˇ Safe. Effective. Covered by Insurance.
KAP is safe, clinically proven, and covered by most insurance plans, making it more accessible than ever.

📞 Ready to Learn More?
Call us for a FREE consultation at (905) 962-2220 or book a paid consultation with our Nurse Practitioner, Paul, to find out if KAP is the right fit for you.


Psychotherapy

🌿 Therapy That Feels Human Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical, awkward, or surface level. We're all real people here - warm, grounded, and genuinely easy to talk with. For over 10 years, we’ve been connecting with people just like you to move from stuck to secure, from surviving to thriving. We’re not here to give you generic advice or quick fixes. We'll take the time to really unders... Read More

🌿 Therapy That Feels Human

Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical, awkward, or surface level. We're all real people here - warm, grounded, and genuinely easy to talk with. For over 10 years, we’ve been connecting with people just like you to move from stuck to secure, from surviving to thriving.

We’re not here to give you generic advice or quick fixes. We'll take the time to really understand you - using Attachment Theory to explore the why beneath your symptoms, and gently uncover the deeper patterns that shape how you think, feel, and connect with others. From there, we draw on modern, evidence-based therapies to support meaningful, lasting change.

đź§  What You Can Expect from Attachment-Based Therapy:
• A structured, safe, and compassionate space to grow into the healthiest version of yourself
• Room to explore your story and understand your emotional and psychological patterns
• Support for navigating symptoms like anxiety, trauma, grief, and burnout
• Increased self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience
• Insight into the early emotional learning that shapes your present-day experiences
• Stronger boundaries and more fulfilling, connected relationships
• Tools to shift reactive patterns and regulate difficult emotions

💬 Book Your Session Today - Let’s begin the work of understanding, healing, and growing together.


Psychotherapy (Student)

🎓 High-Quality Therapy, Lower Cost The same great psychotherapy services, offered at a significantly reduced rate and performed by Student Therapists. Sessions are provided by Student Therapists who are in the final stages of their clinical training and are carefully selected for their compassion, skill, and commitment to growth. They're supervised regularly by our experienced Registered ... Read More

🎓 High-Quality Therapy, Lower Cost

The same great psychotherapy services, offered at a significantly reduced rate and performed by Student Therapists.

Sessions are provided by Student Therapists who are in the final stages of their clinical training and are carefully selected for their compassion, skill, and commitment to growth. They're supervised regularly by our experienced Registered Psychotherapists, who guide assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic direction every step of the way.

That means you’re getting your therapist and multiple experienced members of our team working alongside you on your journey.

🌱 Our Clinical Development Program
We believe in giving back to our community, and to our field, by supporting the growth and development of new psychotherapists. We work closely with Canadian universities to provide instruction and guidance in a safe, supportive environment.

Our highly sought after Clinical Development program accepts less than 5% of all student applicants. We're committed to excellence in psychotherapeutic practice, and go above and beyond the requirements for training and supervision to ensure you receive the best care.

đź’ˇ Why Choose a Student Therapist?
• Access to therapy at a more affordable rate
• A team-based approach, with ongoing input from seasoned supervisors
• The same attachment-informed, evidence-based therapy we're known for
• Coverage through most insurance plans, just like with our senior clinicians

đź’¬ Book your first session today!

James is a Registered Psychotherapist and has cultivated his experience practicing over the last several years. He is a Masters Graduate from Saint Paul University studying Counselling & Spirituality. Prior to that, he graduated from Carleton University with Honours obtaining a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology.

James’ research primarily examined the link between Positive Psychology and Virginia Satir’s Transformational Systemic Therapy. His focus lies in fostering self-esteem through congruent living of personal values and a growth mindset. He aims to work with you as a team to accomplish your counselling goals and galvanize personal growth.

James is a Registered Psychotherapist and has cultivated his experience practicing over the last ... Read More

Hi! I’m Karisa, a Registered Psychotherapist here at Empire.

Karisa is a Registered Psychotherapist and member in good standing with OAMHP with more than 7 years of experience working with individuals and couples in private practice. During this time, she has received certification in Perinatal Mental health from Postpartum Support International to enhance her clinical skills working with perinatal concerns.

My Experience

Karisa’s 12 years of experience as a therapist is diverse, including complex trauma work with the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve, and certification in Biblical Counselling that she uses to help religious leaders integrate evidence based psychology into their faith oriented work.

Additionally, she has training in attachment trauma and the nervous system, and is currently working towards certification in IFS. She works with individuals and couples specializing in perinatal concerns, depression, anxiety, burnout, perfectionism and complex trauma.

Questions?

We’re happy to help! Call us at (905)962-2220 to talk with one of our clinic coordinators. They can answer your questions or help you book an appointment.


Thanks for considering me as your therapist. I’d love to work with you and hope we can talk soon :)

Hi! I’m Karisa, a Registered Psychotherapist here at Empire. Karisa is a Registered Psychotherap... Read More

Cassandra works with adults, youth and children (12+), and utilizes a holistic approach that is unique to every client. She has experience helping clients work through anger, anxiety, body image, break ups, burnout, cancer and chronic illness, codependence, depression, grief, life transitions and relationship issues.

Her approach blends modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness techniques, attachment exploration, inner child work and self compassion.

Cassandra completed her Masters of Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University, and she also has a certified in Counselling Children and Youth. She is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, as well as the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals.

Cassandra works with adults, youth and children (12+), and utilizes a holistic approach that is u... Read More

Hi! I’m Ryan. I specialize in attachment theory, relationship issues, and couples work.

Ryan is the director of Empire Psychotherapy, founding the clinic after 8 years of work with couples. He has now been working on relationship issues for more than 15 years. His focus is attachment based relationship work with adult individuals and couples, emphasizing the connection between attachment, relationship issues, and mental health.

Memberships and Accreditations

Ryan learned about attachment and assessing adult attachment patterns directly from the founder, Dr. Patricia Crittenden. After a year of study with her, he obtained his PGc in Attachment Theory, Research, and Practice from Roehampton University in London, England.

Ryan is a member of the Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the International Association for the Study of Attachment, and the European Family Therapy Association.

Other Professional Work

Outside of his clinical work, Ryan maintains ongoing therapeutic training, conducts research on the topic of attachment strategies, and manages the development of Empire. He also co-hosts the psychology podcast “What Brings You In?”, provides consulting services for therapy clinics, and is an advocate for the integration of attachment principles into the education, healthcare, and justice systems.


Thanks for checking out my profile and considering working with me! I would love to meet with you and hope to talk to you soon :)

Hi! I’m Ryan. I specialize in attachment theory, relationship issues, and couples work. Ryan is ... Read More

Hi! I’m Gracie - a Student Therapist here at Empire!

I am currently completing an education in Art Therapy from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (VATI). I am very passionate about doing deep work to unlock the deep-rooted issues hidden beneath presenting concerns, and I think that art is a lovely tool to help with doing that! We don’t need to make art during every session, and you don’t need to be an artist to engage in the creative process therapeutically - all I ask is that you remain curious about yourself and open-minded to the process :)

A bit more about my educational background: I completed my BA (Honours) in Social Psychology at McMaster University, and my introductory Psychedelic Assisted Therapy certificate from ATMA Psychedelic Journey Centre. I have also completed a certification in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) with the International Centre for Excellence in EFT, and I’m passionate about continuing my journey of learning and growth.

Hi! I’m Gracie - a Student Therapist here at Empire! I am currently completing an education in A... Read More

When processing physical/emotional trauma, mental rehabilitation is key.

Over 17 years of experience helping people manage the stress, anxiety, depression and grief that come with recovering from chronic pain, illness, and injury.

My approach involves collaborating with you to understand what may be missing or lacking in the recovery process, devising a plan to repair or nurture important connections that may be affected by your recovery.

Let’s work together to help you discover the tools and strategies you need to move forward.

When processing physical/emotional trauma, mental rehabilitation is key. Over 17 years of experi... Read More

In addition to her experience in private practice, Ashley has worked in residential treatment centres helping individuals struggling with concurrent disorders including compulsion, Borderline Personality Disorder, and trauma.

Her focus is couples and individuals struggling with relationships concerns, anxiety of all kinds, depression, break ups, low self-esteem, compulsion, and personality disorders. She pulls from a variety of therapeutic modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Client Centered Therapy.

Ashley has post-graduate training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, and completed the Trauma and Attachment series through the Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing. She is member of the of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.

In addition to her experience in private practice, Ashley has worked in residential treatment cen... Read More

Kim is a Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist who graduated with a Master of Social Work from McMaster University. She is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

Over her career, Kim has worked extensively in the areas of child welfare, mental health, youth justice and family law. She was a clinician on the panel of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer from 2002-2022, assisting families and the courts with complex issues related to separation and divorce. With more than 20 years of experience working with children, adults, couples and families, Kim sees each person’s life as a story with many chapters.

Some chapters are more difficult than others and transitioning from one to the next can be challenging. Kim is committed to partnering with clients to examine what their story has been, what it has meant for them and what they want the next chapter to be. Her approach to clinical work is an effective combination of several therapeutic approaches, drawing from Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

In addition to her clinical work, Kim is an experienced clinical supervisor, offering a relational model of supervision for practicing clinicians. She is also an enthusiastic and engaging educator, providing mentorship in the classroom to the next generation of social workers. Kim has a clinical supervision certificate from Smith College, Massachusetts and is a Strong Interest Inventory practitioner.

Kim is a Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist who graduated with a Master of Social Work from... Read More

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Located at: 236 Pritchard Rd, Hamilton
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