Our Mission
Did you know your heart has its own “brain”? Within your heart are about 40,000 neurons that can sense, process information, and even hold emotional memories. These heart neurons communicate constantly with your brain through the vagus nerve, shaping how you feel, think, and respond to stress. In psychotherapy—especially somatic and polyvagal-informed approaches—you can learn to tune into your heart’s wisdom and signals. By bringing mindful awareness, gentle breathing, and compassion to what your heart is holding, you can release emotional pain, calm your nervous system, and begin to heal from the inside out—restoring harmony between your mind, body, and heart.
Karen McKenna-Quayle
CCC, RP (Qualifying), MACP, B.A., B.Ed.
Psychotherapy
I’m a compassionate, heart-centred therapist offering trauma-informed psychotherapy for adults and neurodivergent individuals. I provide a warm, supportive space where you can feel understood, respected, and empowered.
I am an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) with over two decades of experience in education and counselling. As a neurodiverse clinician with lived experience of ADHD, I understand the real-world challenges of focus, overwhelm, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.
My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and grounded in evidence-based therapies, including CBT, ACT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic interventions. I also support clients navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, co-parenting, separation, and divorce.
Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, confidence, emotional wellbeing, and more fulfilling relationships—at a pace that feels right for you.
Training, Certifications & Professional Development
Extensive training to support teens, adults and neurodiverse clients so that you can access effective, evidence-based therapy.
ADHD & Neurodivergence
- ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider
- Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication
- ADHD in Children and Adolescents: Advances in Diagnosis, Treatment and Management
- Rethinking ADHD: A New Treatment Approach
- Psychopharmacology: Essential Updates for Mental Health Professionals
- Adult ADHD: Targeting Executive Skills to Manage ADHD in Adults
- ADHD, Relationships, and Sex: Strategies to Overcome the Over/Underfunctioner Dynamic
- Extended Adolescence-When 25 Looks More Like 18: Clinical Strategies for Clients Struggling to Meet the Demands of Adulthood
- CBT Strategies for Kids and Adolescents: Supporting Students with ADHD and Anxiety
- Identifying and Treating the 1 in 5 Students with ADHD and Learning Disabilities who are Returning to School Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood
Eating Disorders
- Body Brave: Eating Disorder Sensitive Training
Somatic & Trauma
- The Embodied Therapist: Polyvagal Informed Somatic Techniques in Action
- Walk and Talk Therapy Training Course
- 2024 CCPA Annual Conference-Navigating Trauma, Finding Connection (3-day)
- 2025 CCPA Annual Conference (3-day)
- The Wounded Healer
- Unlocking the Mystery of Chronic Pain: A Collaborative Approach to Understand Managing Chronic Pain
- Stress Reduction Techniques for Therapists
- Clinical Applications of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for Anxiety
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Relationships, Couples, & Sex Therapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples Levels 1-5
- Sex Therapy: Core Skills for Clinicians
- Sexuality Counselling Through the Lifespan
- Levels 1 and 2 Collaborative Family Professional
- Power Imbalances and Domestic Violence Screening
- Gottmann Method Couples Therapy Level 1 in progress
Professional Development/Misc.
- AI in Therapy: Navigating the Future of Mental Health
- Navigating Boundaries, Countertransference and Self-Disclosure: Top Ethical Challenges in Clinical Practice
- ASIST Workshop in Suicide First Aid
- CG. Jung, WB Yeats and the Anima Mundi
- Cinema Therapy
Award Winning Psychotherapist
Trained and experienced in eclectic approaches to support your unique needs.
Accreditations:
- Member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
- Canadian Certified Counsellor with Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association; Winner of 2025 CCPA Student Representative Award
- Member of Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals
- Member of the Ontario College of Teachers
Education:
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
- B.Ed; Special Education Specialist, Guidance, Law and other Qualifications
- B.A. Disability Studies, Minor in Family Support & Community Practice
- Developmental Services Worker Diploma
Land Acknowledgement
Heart Centre Psychotherapy is based on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, part of the Williams Treaties lands.
We honour the the Michi Saagiiig Anishnaabeg and their longstanding care for the land, water, and sky. As a mental health clinic, we recognize our responsiblility to be thoughtful caretakers-of this place and the people we serve-and to uphold respect, learning and reconciliation in all we do. Biindigen Nikiinaaginaa.
