— ABOUT US
Therapy rooted in human connection
We are a team of registered psychotherapists in Toronto committed to walking alongside you, with warmth, clinical skill, and deep respect for who you are.
Joanna Gorres, Registered Psychotherapist & Founder of Kapwa Counselling & Psychotherapy
— OUR STORY
Born from a belief in connection
Kapwa Counselling & Psychotherapy was founded in Toronto in 2018 with a single conviction: that healing is not something that happens to you in isolation, it happens between people, in the space of genuine connection.
The name "Kapwa" comes from a Filipino concept meaning shared identity, shared self. It reflects our belief that we are never fully separate from one another, and that this interconnection is the ground from which healing grows.
We built our practice to be a place where everyone feels genuinely seen, not just clinically assessed. That means honouring your whole story: your culture, your community, your history, and your strengths.
Registered psychotherapists with advanced training in evidence-based modalities
Culturally humble practice serving Toronto's diverse communities
Anti-oppressive framework that acknowledges systemic realities
In-person and online therapy across Toronto and Ontario
THE WORD BEHIND THE NAME
"We are never truly separate from one another."
In Filipino philosophy, Kapwa (pronounced kap-wah) is the unity of self and others. It is not about losing yourself, it is about recognising that your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around you are deeply, fundamentally linked.
We chose this name because it captures what we believe about healing: that it is always relational, always contextual, and always more possible when you don't have to carry it alone.
kapwa
— THE PHILOSOPHY AT THE HEART OF OUR TORONTO PRACTICE
— OUR THERAPISTS
Meet the people who will walk with you
JOANNA GORRES, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
& Founder
ASHLEY WHYLLY, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
CYNTHIA MARHUE, MT-BC
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying),
Music Therapy Accredited
Registered Psychotherapist
(Qualifying)
SHAGOON SHARMA
ANDREA ZAPATA
Registered Psychotherapist
(Qualifying), Art Therapy
— FROM OUR FOUNDER
From the
Founder's Desk
— Hello fellow human,
I'm Joanna, founder of Kapwa and a registered psychotherapist. I'm so glad you're here.
Starting therapy can feel scary, talking to someone new about your story takes courage. But none of us are here to judge. We're all flawed humans who've faced hardship ourselves, and we happen to be qualified, passionate therapists.
At Kapwa, we believe healing happens in human connection. That means building real trust and rapport with your therapist, where you're the expert on your lived experience, and we're the expert on the process. Our goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and understood, while being gently guided toward the change you're looking for. Healing isn't linear, so please be patient with yourself and the process.
I'm proud of you for taking this step. Book a mutual fit call with me or one of our therapists, let's see how we can support you in this season of life. You deserve it.
In your corner,
Joanna