Puja Devanand Rao, MACP

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s take the next step together.

Life can be a lot sometimes — especially when past challenges or childhood trauma pile up alongside the everyday stress of work, parenting, and just trying to keep it all together. It’s easy to feel stuck, disconnected, or weighed down by guilt, burnout, or that nagging feeling of “not enough.”

As a qualified mental health therapist, I’m here to offer a safe, supportive space where you can take a breath and be yourself — no judgment, no pressure. Together, we’ll explore ways to manage stress, meet guilt with self-compassion, and unpack how the (often overwhelming) world might impact your well-being and relationships.

Most of all, I’d love to support you in reconnecting with your purpose, setting boundaries that feel good, and finding a life rhythm that works for you.

Therapy is a journey we take together — one intentional step at a time:

• We begin by building a foundation of trust, creating a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported.

• Next, we focus on emotional regulation and inner safety, finding ways to navigate tough moments with more clarity and calm.

• Then, we explore attachment patterns, unhelpful coping mechanisms, and beliefs that might be holding you back, using evidence-based approaches.

• Finally, with your goals in mind, we build resilience, reconnect with your values, and move toward a more grounded and meaningful life.  

Why Work With Me

I understand what it’s like to navigate the overlap of multiple identities—a ciswoman, person of colour, new mother, and new Canadian. Balancing all these parts of who I am hasn’t always been straightforward, especially in a world that can feel increasingly unstable, polarized, and overwhelming. The pressure to keep up or fit in can come at the cost of your well-being and sense of self.

Over time, I’ve learned how grounding it is to clarify your values, beliefs, and how you want to show up in the world. This clarity can be a powerful guide, especially when things feel overwhelming or depressing.

You're not alone if you feel anxious about your work, parenthood, relationships, identity, or just trying to make sense of the world around you. Together, we can explore what’s coming up, find meaning in the chaos, and build a life that feels more authentic, grounded, and aligned with who you are.  

Professional Background

I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. My evidence-based approach emphasizes the connection between mind and body in the healing process. I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to explore how early attachment shapes our emotional world. I also incorporate somatic-based methods like Brainspotting and Mindfulness-based therapies to support trauma processing and profound emotional healing. I also integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help clients build self-awareness, navigate challenges, and move toward meaningful change.

Things I bet you didn't know about me:  

• I discovered I’m allergic to cats after adopting two — a bold move, I know. Despite the sneezes, I still can’t resist their cuddles. Their purring is my favourite form of self-care (even if it comes with tissues).

• My idea of the perfect getaway? A beach vacation, hands down. A good book in hand, and the soothing sound of waves in the background. Throw in delicious food and quality time with family, and that is my paradise.