Maggie Karakehayova, M.Sc.
Services Offered
Individual therapy (18+), couples therapy, family therapy
Available in-person (JLT & Sports City) and online
Accepting new clients
Languages spoken: English, Bulgarian
I am a Canadian CDA-Licensed Counselling Psychologist supporting individuals, couples, and families. My approach is grounded in attachment and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), with a particular interest in how our early relationships shape the way we see ourselves, express our needs, and connect with others.
You may find yourself putting others first, feeling guilty when setting boundaries, or questioning whether you are good enough. You might notice patterns of codependency, such as feeling responsible for someone else’s emotions or setting aside your own needs to preserve a relationship. You may also carry a sense of shame — a feeling that something about you is wrong or that you need to hide parts of yourself to be accepted. Perhaps you long for closeness but find it difficult to trust, ask for support, or feel secure in your relationships. In therapy, we can explore these experiences together and make sense of patterns that feel difficult to change.
I pay particular attention to the lasting impact of difficult family experiences, criticism, rejection, and times when emotional needs went unrecognised. Our work may involve understanding how you learned to protect yourself, making room for feelings that have been difficult to express, and developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself. We also explore what feels helpful now, including recognising your needs, expressing boundaries, and building more secure connections.
With couples and families, I help people understand the emotions and needs beneath recurring conflict or withdrawal, and find ways to respond to one another with greater openness and understanding.
I hold a Master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of Toronto. Alongside EFT and attachment-based therapy, I draw on Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, adapting our work to your needs and goals.
My style is warm, collaborative, and reflective. As a Bulgarian-Canadian, I welcome exploration of the cultural and family expectations that influence identity, belonging, and relationships. I offer sessions in English and Bulgarian.
Therapist Specialities
Self-worth, shame, and self-criticism
Codependency, people-pleasing, and boundaries
Difficulty recognising and expressing needs
The impact of difficult childhood and family relationships
Trust, closeness, and recurring relationship patterns
Understanding and managing difficult emotions
Anxiety, stress, and low mood
Couples communication and emotional connection
Family conflict and parenting challenges
Identity, belonging, and life transitions
Adolescent emotional wellbeing
Treatment Modalities
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Systemic Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
Education, Training, & Memberships
MSc. Couple and Family Therapy – University of Guelph, Canada (2021)
BSc. Biology and Psychology – University of Toronto, Canada (2017)
Externship – Hamilton Child and Adolescent Services, Ontario, Canada
Licenses
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Community Development Authority (CDA) – Dubai
I adhere to the ethical guidelines set forth by both the CRPO and CDA in all aspects of
my professional work.
Publications
Karakehayova, M., Smoliak, O., & Milhausen, R. (2023). Romantic Partner Engagement
in Muscle-Strengthening Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study. The Family Journal,
31(1), 108–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807221104120
