Carli Cristofari, MA, RP
Founder & Clinical Director
Welcome
I know how difficult it can be to reach out for support, and I deeply respect the courage it takes to get started. My goal is to offer a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported without judgment. No concern is too big or too small. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and I aim to meet you where you are.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO #11353) and a professional member in good standing with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA #11241171). I founded Garden of Wellness Psychotherapy to provide an inclusive and compassionate environment for adults in Ontario and across Canada.
Inclusive, integrative therapy for growth, healing, and the tender, messy work of being human. Rooted in compassion, tailored to you.
Areas of Focus
I support adults with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, life transitions, and identity (including neurodiversity, gender, sexuality, disability, spirituality, and culture).
I have a focused interest in supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and those navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition into parenthood. This often includes identity exploration, coming out, adjusting to life after birth, or reconnecting with yourself during times of change.
Registered Psychotherapist
Therapy is not about “fixing” you. I honour your resilience and autonomy while supporting you in building on your existing strengths, insights, and capacity for growth. I value authenticity, compassion, empathy, and curiosity, and bring these qualities into the therapeutic relationship.
My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. I take time to understand what matters most to you and shape our work around your unique needs and goals. Within therapy, I strive to provide a space where you can approach vulnerability with greater self-understanding and compassion, explore your story, recognize your strengths, clarify your values, and work toward meaningful change.
Many of the clients I work with are navigating identity transitions and relational shifts. This can include LGBTQ2IA+ identity exploration, navigating relationships and family dynamics, or adjusting to the emotional and relational changes that come with pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. These experiences can bring up shame, self-doubt, and old patterns, and therapy can be a place to gently work through them.
My work is integrative, relational, and trauma-informed, drawing from approaches including ACT, emotionally focused, mindfulness-based, compassion-focused, attachment-based, and narrative therapies, while incorporating CBT, IFS-informed, and solution-focused techniques in flexible and collaborative ways. Rather than applying one rigid approach, I collaborate with clients to find what feels supportive, meaningful, and sustainable for them.
Clients often describe me as warm, approachable, and compassionate. I believe the therapeutic relationship is foundational to meaningful change and aim to create a space where you feel safe enough to show up as yourself.
At Garden of Wellness
Garden of Wellness Psychotherapy is guided by curiosity, compassion, and respect for each person’s individuality. It is a space where your experiences and perspectives are welcomed and understood.
Beyond the Therapy Room
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my growing family, being in nature, and exploring creative outlets. You will often find me curled up with a fuzzy blanket, a warm tea, and a good book. I believe openness, playfulness, and creativity bring balance to life, and I value taking time to refuel so I can bring these qualities into my work with clients.
"Shame cannot survive being spoken and met with empathy," Brené Brown
Garden of Wellness Psychotherapy
GWP is a team of like-hearted therapists offering trauma-informed, identity-affirming, and relational care through virtual therapy across Ontario and Canada.
Whatever you're navigating, you are welcome here.
Rooted in connection. Growing through healing.
Registration Credentials
GWP is a team of Registered Psychotherapists and RP (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Clinical Director:
Carli Cristofari, RP (CRPO #11353)