Carson Kivari

MA, RCC, Director of Thrive Downtown

“You can’t leave a place until you have arrived at it.” – Les Greenberg

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Rates

Blog Posts

Specialties

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Grief
  • Self-esteem and inner-critic
  • Adult and childhood trauma
  • Abuse and neglect
  • Men’s issues

Approaches

 

Whether you feel anxious, highly sensitive and emotionally reactive… or stuck in disconnected, foggy auto-pilot mode, trust me on this — you make sense and you are not alone. In fact, this is just your body trying to deal with overwhelming stress, criticism, shameful guilt, or the ever-looming human terror of ‘not good enough.’
But the story doesn’t end there. I love my work, because I have seen countless individuals emerge from lonely invalidation, chronic irritability, or grief so big that it feels like once it starts, it won’t ever stop (spoiler: it does). You are resilient and wise beyond measure; you’ve just taken some injuries that haven’t yet been acknowledged and healed.

I have never seen healing begin through self-judgment. Curiosity reveals that every single one of our emotions, aches and pains come from automatic impulses during times of immense stress. Like winding a top, the movement continues long after the events. Kindness alone isn’t enough to heal this — what is required is understanding the neuroscience. Our first session will always being with an understanding of what, how and why you experience your symptoms.

My approach is reflected both in my work and in how I lead my own life, how I supervise, and how I help to train 30 clinicians in 7 different provinces. It is the love reflected in ancient myth and modern neuroscience alike — the act of restoring harmony with your biology, trust and safety in relationships, purpose in career, and deep knowledge of your value

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Your Questions

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How many sessions does therapy take?

Growth and healing are best viewed as a journey that you learn to live, instead of a cure that you take like a pill. For this reason, everybody is different. We often find that 4 – 8 sessions accomplish a great deal of relief. With that said, clients may experience transformation within a few sessions or realize there is something bigger they want to work on longterm.

How often should I come?

When possible, it’s a great idea to come in every week or two when getting started. The biggest first step is building the trust and safety that allows good work to be done. Once this occurs, clients often space out appointments to a month or more, or take breaks from counselling altogether.

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Does insurance cover your fees?
Registered Clinical Counsellors are covered under most Extended Health Plans, but always call or check online to ensure your plan covers counselling specifically.
What is a session like?

You will be greeted in a waiting room that offers espresso, tea and water, before joining your counsellor in a comfortable sound-proofed room. You will be met with warmth and respect before you are guided through the process of informed consent so that there is total transparency. Your counsellor will get to know you so that the therapy is specially fitted to you as a unique person. All activities will be explained fully and nothing will ever happen without your consent and awareness.