MEET YOUR THERAPIST
About Hitesh Lakhiani
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
As a gay, South Asian, cisgendered man who was born and raised in Dubai, UAE, before moving to Toronto, I am uniquely positioned to understand the struggles faced by BIPOC, queer, or immigrant folks. I have also previously lived in New York, Bangalore, Tehran, and Nairobi, which has helped me gain rich and immersive experiences in various cultures. More importantly, exposure to this diversity has shaped me into a nonjudgmental human being who strives to bring warmth, comfort, and growth to others.
Although my undergraduate education was in Finance at New York University, I later completed a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. These two chapters of my life helped me discern how to navigate living in a capitalistic society while remaining true to my humanity and generous spirit. You are likely here because today’s society is harmfully affecting humanity, and we can navigate that together.
So, what does therapy with me look like? Like most experienced therapists, I employ an integrative approach tailored to your specific needs and goals. First, I learn as much as possible about you so I can meet you exactly where you are. Once we have your therapeutic goals refined and are aligned with your values, I use a blend of various approaches to help you integrate your thoughts and emotions while honouring your cultural wisdom. Through deep compassion, mindfulness exercises, tears, and a lot of laughter- we will get to your goals, one step at a time, and together.
THERAPY APPROACH
I work with adolescents, adults and couples. My areas of focus include managing sudden or significant life changes, processing grief, improving relational concerns, and navigating self-acceptance around gender or sexual identities. My advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy has helped me hone my skills as a couples therapist. I can help you track both negative and positive cycles in your relationship, tap into the depth of emotions behind these cycles, and help reformulate your relationship into one that honours your needs for secure attachment.
My Experience & Approach to Therapy
Specialties: anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, working with the LGBTQIA+ community on self-esteem and self-acceptance, relationship issues, coping with stress, and recovery from narcissistic emotional abuse.
Therapeutic Approaches & Modalities: Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative and Existential Therapies, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.
Availability: weekdays in the afternoons and evenings
Client Base: Hitesh works with adolescents (15+), adults, and couples.
Language: English and Hindi.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Taking the first step toward mental health support takes courage, and we're honored you're considering our practice. HL Therapy is here to support you with compassion, expertise, and respect for your unique experience.