Transforming Emotions

Mara Dempsey, B.A.H.

(she/her)

Clinical Associate

If you are here, you might be feeling anxious, lost, or overwhelmed. Your mind may be constantly spiraling, with past memories resurfacing or the voice of your self-critic filling every spare moment. Perhaps you care a lot about what others think of you and find it hard to stand up for yourself, leaving you people-pleasing at your own expense. Your emotions might feel intense, and you may have been called “too sensitive” by others.

You may have found your way to me because you are contemplating or experiencing a big life transition like starting university, living alone for the first time, entering the workforce, or going through a breakup. You might find yourself questioning who you are, your sexuality and relationships, your values, or your career path. If you are feeling lost and behind in life, are having a hard time letting go, or are feeling unsure of your direction, you are in the right place.

As a young, female, and LGBT+-affirming therapist, I’m especially passionate about showing up for “the girls and the gays.” I can help you work through difficult emotions in a way that is supportive, empathetic, and evidence-based, while also bringing a playful, down-to-earth style, so therapy feels like talking to a real person.

We will build a more supportive relationship with yourself, so the harsh voice in your head softens and a friendlier, more confident voice grows. Together, we will build a personalized toolkit to help you manage your emotions and create routines so life feels less out of control. We will also explore your personal values and how to live in alignment with them, so your life starts to feel more like your own, with a clearer direction forward.

I work from a trauma-informed perspective, which means my focus is not on “what is wrong with you,” but on what has happened to you, how those experiences shaped the way you respond today, and what you need now. I work with a foundation in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and self-compassion, while integrating elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) as needed for each person’s unique needs.

I offer therapy fully virtually, so you can join from home, cozy and curled up on your couch with your tea. There is no such thing as TMI here, and no need to apologize for your feelings, your tears, or being upset. This is a non-judgmental space where you do not have to perform or pretend to hold it together. You can just show up exactly as you are.

At Transforming Emotions, I am supervised by Dr. Sarah Thompson, C.Psych, and Dr. Jessica Burdo, Psychologist (Supervised Practice).