Heartspring Therapy
Making sense of yesterday. Navigating today. Enjoying a better tomorrow.
In-person and online therapy for individuals, couples and families.
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist: Durel Allen
About Me
Durel Allen, MSW, RSW - Psychotherapist, Founder and Principal
I am a Registered Social Worker with over
14 years of experience in social work, having practiced in the United States, Jamaica, and Canada. My cross-cultural experience has afforded me a keen sense of cultural sensitivity that comes with working with various populations in a variety of social contexts, including intimate partner violence, adult and youth justice, and adult and youth mental health.
When I just entered this field, I supported and advocated for survivors of abuse by writing petitions for Orders of Protection on their behalf, and partnering with local women’s shelters in the Greater Rochester Area in New York. This would later influence my Master of Social Work (MSW) thesis focusing on the experiences of immigrant survivors of abuse. I also served in the courts in Jamaica practicing mediation and Restorative Justice, and supporting adult and youth probationers in their reintegration into the community.
During my work with adults and youth in the criminal justice system, I noticed that there is an overlap between making unhelpful choices, and mental health. As a result, my current work as a therapist is informed by therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative approaches, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and EMDR.
You will also notice that I approach each session with empathy, compassion, and collaboration. My practice focuses on the experience and impact of trauma; emotional experience and emotion regulation; self-identity and self-worth; attachment and family dynamics; relationships and conflict; abuse; grief and loss, and shame. I enjoy partnering with my clients on their journey toward greater well-being.
I am married and reside in Toronto.
Contact Hours
Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm
Sat: 9am-3pm
If you have an emergency or are in crisis...
If you are having thoughts of suicide or self harm, or having strong urges to harm someone else, please contact 911, a crisis line, or go to the nearest hospital.
You may also contact the Toronto Distress Centre at 416-408-HELP (4357), or text 45645.
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
