Meet your therapist

I’m here to help you feel more connected — to yourself and the people you love.

Hi, I’m Portia Zaffaroni.

I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) serving clients in Ontario, British Colombia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland, and the Canadian territories. I was born in Victoria, BC, on the traditional and unceded lands of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations. My educational background is in executive coaching and counselling psychology, and I’m always continuing to learn — through books, research, trainings, and the occasional podcast. I believe this work requires not just curiosity, but humility. I see my role as a guide, helping clients reflect more deeply, reconnect with themselves, and move toward the happiest, most fulfilled version of who they are — on their own terms.

I have a strong interest in working with individuals and couples who are navigating challenges in love, intimacy, and communication. I understand how past patterns — including anxiety, depression, family conflict, or unresolved trauma — can carry over and hinder present-day relationships, and I’m here to help you break free from these cycles. My primary therapeutic approach is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which supports clients in identifying and reshaping the emotional patterns that influence how we connect, respond, and reach for one another in relationships. I also draw practical, evidence-based techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and use my executive coaching skills to create clear goals and challenge clients to reflect inwards.

My family includes my Finnish husband, our son, and our very sassy Pomeranian. Outside of sessions, you’ll usually find me lifting weights, painting, making overly detailed to-do lists, or tackling home projects that may not be necessary — but definitely spark joy.

My Background & Training

01

Education

Masters in Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University

Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching - Royal Roads University


02

Professional Affiliations

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) license #15820

Canadian College of Psychotherapists Association (CCPA)

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)


03

Training

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples Externship - Vancouver Centre for Emotionally Focused Therapy

Foundations in Professional Sexuality Practices - University of Guelph (training-in-progress)

Dare to Lead Trained - Dr. Brené Brown

Dialectal Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Skills Course - Marsha Linehan

I currently work under the supervision of
Jason Stotts (RP), Examined Life Psychotherapy.

Therapy with me is —

  • We'll explore the underlying emotions and beliefs that drive your relational patterns, helping you shift from disconnection to meaningful connection.

  • There’s a time to be gentle and sensitive, and a time to be challenged. I’ll help you navigate both with compassion and clarity. I bring honesty, warmth, and a no-BS approach to help you face what’s not working—and start creating real, lasting change.

  • In our sessions, you'll find space to pause and reflect, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and your partner without external pressures.

  • Come as you are. This is a space that honours all identities, experiences, and relationship types — without shame or judgment.

We are a good fit if —

  • You feel like you’re stuck in unhelpful patterns.

  • You are ready to dig deep and be pushed outside of your comfort zone.

  • You’re open to learning new ways of relating and communicating.

  • You appreciate a realistic, no BS approach.

  • You want accountability and tools that actually lead to change.

  • You and your partner are ready to rebuild connection and trust.

We are not a good fit if —

  • You're not open to looking inward or taking responsibility for your part.

  • You expect quick fixes without doing the deeper work.

  • You’re not willing to reflect outside of sessions.

  • You want to avoid emotional discomfort or vulnerability in the process.

  • You want advice more than self-discovery or growth.

Love doesn’t have to feel this hard.