https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/blog daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/blog/myth-of-perfect-tradition monthly 0.5 2026-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/4c2a98f4-d26d-437b-af96-4a894f7994bb/Expectations+vs+Reality.png Blog - The Myth of the Perfect Tradition - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/1772910208549-CRH9V77HB17J1KYIPNVZ/unsplash-image-sWRPYgjpygQ.jpg Blog - The Myth of the Perfect Tradition - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/ee12731d-c732-40bc-bbe7-76fdd45ab403/1000009423.jpg Blog - The Myth of the Perfect Tradition - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/5730e666-7da9-44e0-9bb3-b2611fc34b0b/1000009237+%281%29.jpg Blog - The Myth of the Perfect Tradition - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/1772912004029-A6QZ74UPNYDDP0LJAGQ2/unsplash-image-Z1pAofkalYY.jpg Blog - The Myth of the Perfect Tradition - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/blog/overcoming-family-disapproval-interracial-relationships monthly 0.5 2026-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/cbd96fb5-d30f-4c40-90fd-fbe5fb3041ea/Family+Disapproval.png Blog - Overcoming Family Disapproval in Interracial Relationships - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/946d42a7-ec4a-4d90-87e7-55d5418e2ca9/unsplash-image-Tlgo45SPODc.jpg Blog - Overcoming Family Disapproval in Interracial Relationships - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/1769891734617-X8T3GJQVOD4FRF3WGLJC/unsplash-image--eAtOTvnkQI.jpg Blog - Overcoming Family Disapproval in Interracial Relationships - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/1769892826496-9V54Z178VN0AC4BJU735/unsplash-image-P2fhbHmqzQg.jpg Blog - Overcoming Family Disapproval in Interracial Relationships - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/1769894144947-C2VGVFYNRP6Z6Z1RQE42/unsplash-image-LQ1t-8Ms5PY.jpg Blog - Overcoming Family Disapproval in Interracial Relationships - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/4750255c-b40a-4d92-a55c-d073cb6d5827/unsplash-image-zrYoWYAyhZo.jpg Blog - Overcoming Family Disapproval in Interracial Relationships - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/blog/do-you-get-sad-this-time-of-year monthly 0.5 2025-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/62646bfd-0099-4815-b986-38e99a0e8034/SAD.png Blog - Do you get SAD this time of year? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/1766781555194-8F3FLFYOISZOYVUEVG52/unsplash-image-WxmZT3sIe4g.jpg Blog - Do you get SAD this time of year? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/fbc6bdfc-3c7c-42f3-8072-7bdfc68a18b5/unsplash-image-P7rVuQ19OCY.jpg Blog - Do you get SAD this time of year? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/a312ec34-f166-4fb2-a218-579e6eca970f/unsplash-image-O-FoUsmqzbY.jpg Blog - Do you get SAD this time of year? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/1766783714304-66Q36IVL6H9WZJJQBPWX/unsplash-image-DM2i1wbfq1M.jpg Blog - Do you get SAD this time of year? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/1766783958252-LTL6TTY7ER3N4TR8FQ0Y/unsplash-image-hNv5s6NEYig.jpg Blog - Do you get SAD this time of year? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/blog/how-therapy-can-help-strengthen-interracial-relationships monthly 0.5 2025-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/540bbe78-7ca2-411c-b024-53d0291775be/pexels-pexels-user-94107537-9194206.jpg Blog - How Therapy Can Help Strengthen Interracial Relationships The thing about interracial relationships that not many people talk about is how beautiful it can be when two distinctly unique backgrounds come together to create something truly magical. Whether it’s sharing fresh perspectives, blending family customs and traditions, or navigating different ways of being in the world, interracial relationships offer a richness that can expand each partner’s understanding of life and love. But while these relationships can be incredibly fulfilling, they also come with unique challenges that aren’t always easy to talk about—especially without the right tools or support. That’s where therapy for interracial relationships can be transformative. Couples therapy offers a space not only for healing but also for growth, deeper intimacy, and cultural understanding. At Hold to Heal Therapy, we understand how layered interracial partnerships can be. Interracial relationship therapy can help couples build stronger foundations by addressing cultural differences, communication difficulties, family dynamics, and external pressures. All of these are facilitated through a compassionate and emotionally focused lens. https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/blog/interracial-relationship-and-emotionally-focused-therapy monthly 0.5 2025-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/4f626239-4582-4ef0-a5c5-b6ced5ffcb3e/pexels-cristian-rojas-8907162.jpg Blog - Interracial Relationships and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/bipoc-therapist-michelleliu daily 0.75 2026-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/5ce39b40-e07d-474c-8e6e-21a81ec7632e/AmandaShearPhoto-C-17.jpg Michelle Liu - My Journey as a BIPOC, Asian Therapist Focusing on Interracial Couples Born and raised in Toronto, as a daughter of immigrant parents I am familiar with the unique challenges that are common amongst first generation Canadians. I've learned that I was impacted by emotional pain I experienced growing up, and I discovered that the patterns I learned as a child with my parents followed me into my romantic relationships. I knew I struggled between my identity as a Chinese - Canadian woman in the dating world, while trying to please my parents at the same time. I often felt caught between their expectations and simultaneously misunderstood by my partner. Navigating the challenges of familial and cultural expectations, and having a partner with a different cultural landscape, I felt like my partner and I were worlds apart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/17aee4a6-c15e-4f12-83ac-859301053792/AmandaShearPhoto-C-11.jpg Michelle Liu Being in an interracial relationship I've discovered that communication, and addressing my unique needs were common sources of conflict with my partner. It was evident to me that my partner struggled to relate and understand my values. Through my own journey in couples therapy, I found I was able to express clearly my needs and take emotional risks. Over time my partner was able to understand the importance of my needs and learned ways to help me feel safe. If these experiences are familiar to you, I want you to know that it's not your fault and there is nothing wrong with you. These patterns are learned behaviours, but with therapy there is hope! In our sessions together, I will work with you and your partner to gain a better understanding of the ideal life you both wish to live, which includes your needs and wants in a relationship. We can begin to navigate this path together by strengthening your bond with your partner while learning about yourself and each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/6c8863da-c0b4-49ac-a193-8f6374f4561d/566e57_6b2b16ea737b4b8386f03b476a811400%7Emv2.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/bea01621-837d-40b8-bee9-b4516c00b0a5/IMG_20230111_202714_530.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/e44e1cf1-506a-48c1-9bd3-1c73d357b98f/michelle-liu-counselling-psycotherapy-individual-couples-therapy-interactial-toronto-ontario-roncensvalles-emotionally-focused-icon.png https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/home daily 1.0 2026-02-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/eed46815-f83c-400d-bbaa-77cdb3605ee7/AmandaShearPhoto-C-13.jpg HOME - Hi, I am Michelle! Clinic Owner & Director I'm so glad you're here! Life presents many hardships and challenges, especially in relationships. As a first-generation Canadian born and raised in Toronto, I understand the unique struggles that come with balancing cultural expectations and personal identity. Let’s work together to navigate these challenges and strengthen your connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/82c083fc-992b-47aa-8568-0c19adbf9222/AmandaShearPhoto-C-5.jpg HOME - Couples Therapy Are you constantly fighting and can't seem to get along? Maybe you feel more like roommates than partners? Couples therapy can help you break through the barriers, address the underlying issues, and reconnect on a deeper level. Biracial, interfaith, or other mixed couples can address cultural and faith differences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/3d3e2aa6-4641-4b4d-9e0c-ee09391b7c20/AmandaShearPhoto-C-7.jpg HOME - Individual Counselling Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, or stuck? Do you crave a space where you can be truly heard and understood? Individual therapy allows you to explore your emotions, gain clarity, and rediscover your inner strength. Working with a BIPOC, female counsellor, can help you to explore from a shared perspective. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/1d37e087-4ccb-42c0-9ad1-b390678d3315/AmandaShearPhoto-C-8.jpg HOME - Interracial & Interethnic Relationships Do you feel worlds apart from your partner? Are cultural differences, societal prejudice, identity issues, family acceptance, or parenting complexities causing conflict in your interracial, interethnic or mixed relationship? Couples therapy can provide the space and guidance you need to navigate these challenges and build a stronger, more connected partnership. https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/counselling-faqs daily 0.75 2026-03-21 https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/contact-bipoc-counsellor daily 0.75 2026-03-21 https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/terms-of-use daily 0.75 2025-10-17 https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/couples-therapy daily 0.75 2025-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/17aee4a6-c15e-4f12-83ac-859301053792/AmandaShearPhoto-C-11.jpg Couples Therapy Couples counseling, also known as couples therapy or marriage counselling, is a specialized form of therapy designed to help couples improve their relationship, enhance communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their emotional connection. It involves working with a trained therapist who specializes in guiding couples through a process of self-discovery, insight, and positive change. The goal of couples counseling is to address the challenges and issues that the couple is facing and to promote healthier relationship dynamics. Couples counseling is suitable for couples at any stage of their relationship, whether they are dating, engaged, married, or in long-term partnerships. The process typically involves a series of sessions where the therapist facilitates open and productive discussions, offers guidance and insights, and empowers the couple to create positive changes. The ultimate aim is to help couples develop the tools and skills they need to build a resilient, fulfilling, and satisfying relationship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/c3a9b9d3-8afb-4cd0-8e50-146f6e10b103/AmandaShearPhoto-C-10.jpg Couples Therapy - What is Emotionally Focused Therapy? EFT was co-founded and discovered by Canadian Psychologist, Dr. Sue Johnson, in the 1980s. EFT is an empirically studied model with evidence! In EFT, 70-75% of couples move from conflict and tension to love and connection, and approximately 90% show significant improvements in their relationships over time. EFT is a theory an attachment-based which demonstrates our survival needs create a biological imperative for connection and bonding to another person. EFT helps couples discovers new patterns of conversations that creates safety and bonding instead of feeling stuck in conflict. It provides us with a map to help couples interrupt the negative cycle and step out of the unhealthy patterns in their relationship that causes disconnection and distress. In session, EFT therapists will help you learn how to be vulnerable, access your deep emotions, and express your core needs in a healthy way where growth, understanding, and trust can be developed. I specialize in interracial and intercultural relationships, interfaith marriage, and BIPOC couples therapy, and I'm here to help you connect by using Emotionally Focused Therapy. https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/interracial-couples-counselling daily 0.75 2025-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/541342f2-25f3-4070-a041-8cbaddac5d0a/AmandaShearPhoto-C-1.jpg Interracial Relationships - What is EFT? We use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in guiding couples through the intricate and beautiful journey of love across racial boundaries. With advanced training in EFT and a deep understanding of the dynamics that interracial couples face, we are committed to helping you and your partner build a foundation of love that withstands the tests of time and societal pressures. Why Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)? Emotionally Focused Therapy is a research-backed approach that focuses on the emotional connection between partners. In the context of interracial relationships, EFT helps couples navigate the layers of cultural differences, identity complexities, and external judgments that can impact their bond. By delving into your unique experiences, emotions, and communication patterns, we can identify the underlying issues that may be causing conflict or distance. https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/individual-counselling daily 0.75 2025-10-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/e6e9821c-12a3-474e-a55f-ddcb49b787df/AmandaShearPhoto-C-18.jpg Individual Counselling A Personalized Approach to Transformation We firmly believe that every individual is unique, with their own strengths and potential waiting to be discovered. In our time together, we will focus on uncovering and nurturing these strengths, enabling you to build resilience and tackle life's challenges with confidence. Guidance Across Multiple Paths Our therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from a variety of proven techniques to tailor our sessions to your specific needs. From Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Person-Centered Therapy, we will collaborate to find the strategies that resonate most with your journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/925c7603-ebd6-4701-966d-30a99fc8bfd5/AmandaShearPhoto-C-16.jpg Individual Counselling A Partner in Your Transformation As your therapist, I am more than just a guide; I am a partner dedicated to walking alongside you on your journey. With empathy, support, and a collaborative spirit, we will navigate the complexities of life together. Let's work together to cultivate your strengths, conquer challenges, and create a roadmap to a more empowered and fulfilling life. I welcome all clients and specialize in individuals who identify as BIPOC and first generation Canadians. https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/bipoc-counselling-services daily 0.75 2025-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/20376c9d-c456-402a-9854-b2bfb6416af9/AmandaShearPhoto-C-4.jpg All Services - Couples Therapy Feeling stuck in your relationship or marriage? Wanting to find intimacy and emotional connection again? Couples therapy can help you navigate the problems that you can't seem to resolve together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/3d3e2aa6-4641-4b4d-9e0c-ee09391b7c20/AmandaShearPhoto-C-7.jpg All Services - Individual Counselling Life can be challenging and stressful. Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, low, or upset. Individual therapy can help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/82c083fc-992b-47aa-8568-0c19adbf9222/AmandaShearPhoto-C-5.jpg All Services - Interracial & Interethnic Relationships Do you feel worlds apart from your partner? Are you experiencing conflict related to cultural differences, societal prejudice, identity issues, family acceptance, and parenting complexities in your relationship? https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/meet-our-team daily 0.75 2026-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/f23935d0-1431-4d0a-9e91-6c6766ce8c75/AmandaShearPhoto-C-13.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/958c448c-6764-42ec-a10c-405ab146c999/1000009068.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/c022673a-e1cc-49e6-87a5-ae2132b32b32/Me.jpg https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/alerica-carr daily 0.75 2026-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/74acff60-f8f1-465f-8181-fc65bd7f3c03/1000009068.jpg https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/katie-korchok daily 0.75 2025-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/9efe0e04-2aca-45ef-8b70-487b97883e91/Me.jpg https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/brainspotting daily 0.75 2025-10-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/d9bc4775-3161-4ff1-b485-04eee406f961/Brainspotting+Photo+Collage.png BRAINSPOTTING The Brain-Body Connection Do you notice yourself getting headaches or stomachaches for reasons you don’t understand? Can you tell you’re feeling angry or anxious based on your hands clenching or your palms sweating? Our bodies and brains are connected, even when we might prefer that they are not. Luckily, this can also help us when we know how to use it, like how brainspotting accesses subconscious patterns using eye positioning. Where You Look Affects How You Feel People often stare into space while thinking or discussing difficult topics, which is a natural kind of brainspotting called gaze-spotting. In therapy, the therapist will point out that you are looking at a specific place and explore that connection to the topic more closely. Brainspotting is a more intentional version of this, where the therapist will have you look at the end of a pointer and slowly move it around, until a specific “brainspot” resonates with you. Looking at this spot will allow your therapist to guide you through the uncovering of trauma or memories that may have been hidden within your brain. Trauma overwhelms the brain’s ability to process properly, and leaves the trauma unprocessed and hidden until it can be found. Brainspotting is one way of finding it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/524e6c44-023c-4dd4-8eef-1b5a72e1df55/AmandaShearPhoto-C-6.jpg BRAINSPOTTING What Will Happen? Each brainspotting appointment will be a little different, but these are the basic steps: Choose the issue you want to address Assess how distressed you are to begin with Identify where in the body you are activated Find the brainspot for the day Process with focused mindfulness Assess your level of distress after Make sure you are deactivated If these steps sound intimidating, remember that Michelle will be with you the entire time, guiding you through the process! https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/resources daily 0.75 2026-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/93a19ae0-0c6b-4224-b386-5698f4a9b3e9/Screenshot+%2811%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/1355c2ec-6362-45ce-9f58-e0e9cb29282c/2026+Intentions.png https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/media daily 0.75 2026-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/2d2de4d6-fad2-4ecd-982c-f736be96b867/pexels-karola-g2-6053.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/5482860d-47e5-4951-83e9-049d2fe37fff/NOW.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65c2d075b937903892453b5c/ee12731d-c732-40bc-bbe7-76fdd45ab403/1000009423.jpg https://www.holdtohealpsychotherapy.ca/store daily 0.75 57812-09-10