Mairin, Michaela & Megan have weekday & evening openings this month. Book a free 15-minute matching call
Michaela has weekday & evening openings this month
Meet our therapists

Michaela DeSimone

MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) · CRPO #19666

Sees: Preteens, teens, adults, couples and families

View Michaela’s Psychology Today profile (opens in a new tab)

Michaela DeSimone, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Heart of Oak Psychotherapy in Oakville

Hi! I’m Michaela DeSimone, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). My journey into psychotherapy hasn’t been linear. I’ve always been passionate and curious about human behaviour and the connection between our body and brain. I was originally drawn to the research behind why humans behave the way they do, but through that passion, I realized that clinical work was where my heart was. That led me to where I am now, talking to you!

I became the therapist that I knew I would want: someone who creates a comfortable and authentic space where we can speak honestly and openly, while also bringing in humanity, humour, and fun when appropriate. I’m a big believer that therapy is an extension of our personal selves. You shouldn’t have to come into therapy and suddenly become a different version of yourself. I want you to be able to show up as you are, and I’ll do the same.

Michaela DeSimone at Heart of Oak Psychotherapy

What Is It Like Working With Me?

I’d describe myself as a bit of a “Bestie Therapist.” We can crack jokes, laugh, cry, talk about the serious stuff, and everything in between. I’m not here to sit across from you and just nod for 50 minutes, I want therapy to feel like an actual conversation.

I’ll ask questions, give you my perspective, challenge you when I think it could be helpful, and of course, we’ll do the actual therapy part too. My personality is a big part of how I connect with people, and I think therapy works well when you don’t feel like you have to put on a version of yourself just because you’re in a therapist’s office.

Ready when you are. Let’s talk.

A free 15-minute consultation is the easiest first step. Book online in a minute, or give us a call.

Areas of Focus

  • ADHD & neurodivergence
  • Anxiety & overthinking
  • Emotional regulation
  • Parenting/family support
  • Perfectionism & people pleasing
  • Preteen/teen mental health
  • Relationships, dating & attachment
  • School stress & school avoidance
  • Self-esteem & confidence

I Can Also Help With…

  • Anger & emotional regulation
  • Boundaries & communication
  • Chronic illness, pain & disability
  • Depression & low mood
  • Grief & loss, including pet loss
  • Identity & personal growth
  • LGBTQIA+ issues
  • Life transitions
  • Men’s issues
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Stress & burnout
  • Women’s issues
  • Workplace & career stress

Therapeutic Approaches and Modalities

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Attachment-Based Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

I don’t expect you to know which approach you need. I draw from different modalities based on your concerns, preferences, goals and what feels most helpful to you.

Education and Professional Credentials

  • Honours Bachelors of Applied Science (Psychology Neuroscience and Behaviour- Human Behaviour) - McMaster University
  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP), Yorkville University
  • Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO #19666)
Outside the therapy room

Get to Know Me

What’s your go-to comfort show?
Definitely New Girl or Modern Family, I could watch them on repeat forever.
What’s one thing that instantly improves your mood?
A good coffee or matcha, time with my dog, or a good gym session
What’s your favourite way to spend a Sunday?
A slow morning, a good breakfast, and finding a cute coffee shop or wandering around Winners.
What was your dream job as a child?
A singer or a psychiatrist, I clearly couldn’t pick a lane!
What’s one thing currently on your bucket list?
Spending an entire summer travelling around Europe with my friends.
What’s your most-used emoji?
🙃 — somehow it works for every situation.
Free 15-minute matching call

Not sure who to see? We’ll match you.

Finding the right fit matters more than finding the perfect words. Answer two quick questions and book a free consultation; we’ll point you to the therapist who suits what you’re looking for.

Who is therapy for?
How would you like to meet?

Therapists who see this: Mairin, Michaela, Megan, Katarina

Book a free 15-minute matching call →Or fill out our short matching form →

Quick guide to our team

Who works with what, at a glance.

CouplesMichaela, Megan
PreteensMairin, Michaela
TeensMairin, Michaela, Megan (16+), Katarina
Families & parentingMichaela, Megan, Katarina
OCD & intrusive thoughtsMairin, Megan (ERP: Mairin)
Eating disorders & body imageMegan, Katarina
Trauma & PTSDMairin, Megan, Katarina
ADHD & neurodivergenceMairin, Michaela, Megan
Men’s mental healthMairin (a particular focus), Michaela, Megan, Katarina
First responders & healthcare workersMairin, Megan, Katarina
Anxiety, stress & self-esteemAll four of us

Not on the list? Ask us in your free consultation.

Our team

Meet the rest of the team

All of our therapists →

Katarina Jurriaans, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Heart of Oak Psychotherapy in Oakville

Katarina

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Sees: Teens, adults, families, and first responders & healthcare workers

  • Anxiety
  • Eating disorders
  • First responders
  • Grief & pet loss
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Teens
  • Families
Mairin, Michaela & Megan have weekday & evening openings this month.

Ready when you are. Let’s talk.

A free 15-minute consultation is the easiest first step. Book online in a minute, or give us a call.

CallFree matching call