About Kumsal

Credentials and Education

​As a Registered Social Worker in Ontario, Kumsal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey. She has completed postdoctoral training and extensive research on cancer and neurodegenrative disease mechanisms at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, US.

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She further completed a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, with a specialization in Mental Health and Health.

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Memberships

She is registered and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

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Kumsal holds a membership in the following professional organizations:

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• ​​​OASW - Ontario Association of Social Workers

• CASW - The Canadian Association of Social Workers

• ​International Centre for Excellence in EFT (ICEEFT)​

• Toronto Centre for Emotionally Focused Therapy (TCEFT)​​

 

Experience

She has worked with various populations and gained experience in multiple settings, including inpatient and outpatient hospital teams and community agencies. 

 

Kumsal is working in a major GTA hospital in an outpatient capacity, alongside her private practice, Our Healing Connection Therapy. She is well-versed in navigating the complex health care system in Ontario, Canada and advocating for her clients. She strives to practice from the highest ethical standards and has completed rigorous training in various modalities.

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Clinical Practice and Approach​

Kumsal is trained and informed by a range of integrative approaches and modalities, including:​

• Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)

• Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)

• Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

• Trauma-informed care 

• Polyvagal theory

• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

• Mindfulness 

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

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Her clinical approach is anti-oppressive, strengths-based, harm-reduction focused and recovery-oriented.

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She continues to engage in ongoing professional development and clinical training to ensure her practice is based on evidence-based therapeutic approaches. 

 

She consults her experienced and supportive clinical supervisors regularly and is part of peer consultation circles.

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Training and Qualifications

 

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Emotionally Focused Therapy 

• Mastering Skills and Overcoming Challenges in EFIT: A Consultation Process - Trainers: Dr. Senem Zeytinoglu Saydam and Dr. Ali Barbosa - ICEEFT, 12 hours

• Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Essentials (Level 1+ Level 2) - Trainers: Dr. Kathryn De Bruin and Dr. Teri Murphy, ICEEFT, 24 hours

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) - Advanced Topics in Mental Health, University of Toronto, 36 hours

• Transforming Trauma with Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) - Dr. Sue Johnson - PESI

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) Level 1 - Individual Therapy, York University Psychology, 28 hours

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Couples Therapy Training 

• Attachment Injury Repair (AIRM) (upcoming)- Trainers: Drs. James Hawkins & Leanne Campbell - SNVEFT, 12hours

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 and Level 2 (ongoing) - The Gottman Institute, 30 hours

•  Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy – Core Skills Extended - (2025 - 2026) Trainer: Dr. Kathryn De Bruin  - ICEEFT, 48 hours

• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) Certificate Course - Trainers: Dr. James Hawkins,  Dr. Kathryn De Bruin and Robin Blake - Psychotherapy Networker, 15 hours

• Emotionally-Focused Therapy for Couples (EFCT) 4-day Externship - Trainers: Robin Blake and Dr. Senem Zeytinoglu Saydam - TCEFT / ICEEFT, 24 hours

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Trauma and Addictions

• Trauma Certificate, Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) - (ongoing) - 84 hours

• ​Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) -Evergreen Certifications

• Polyvagal Theory for Embodied Trauma Recovery - Trainer: Dr. Arielle Schwartz - PESI, 16 hours

• Seeking Safety Webinar- Treatment Innovations, 6 hours

• Trauma-Informed Practice Webinar- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), 4 hours

• Introduction to Problem Gambling Course-GGTU CAMH, 25hours

 

Mindfulness

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)- Centre for Mindfulness Studies, Toronto (16h + one silent retreat)

 

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) 3-day Certification Training- Trainer: Dr. Lane Pederson - PESI AU, 20hours

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): An Introduction to Essential Components-SickKids CCMHLI, 12hours

 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis - Training by Dr. Noah Lazar, 7 hours

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Certificate, Wilfrid Laurier University, 72 hours

  • CBT Level II – Anxiety Disorders and Depression,  Wilfrid Laurier University, 36hours

  • CBT Level I - Fundamental Skills OISE, University of Toronto, 36 hours

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Motivational Interviewing

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)-Social Work Practice in Mental Health - University of Toronto, 36 hours

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)-University of British Columbia CPD, 4 hours

 

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

• Interpersonal Psychotherapy - University of Toronto & Coursera  - Trainer: Dr. Paula Ravitz, 9 hours       ​​

 

Miscellaneous Training

• Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Online Course-CAMH, 25 hours​

• The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs - University of Toronto & Coursera, 8 weeks

• The Art and Science of Love, Two-day intensive - The Gottman Institute, 12 hours  

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Specialization

Kumsal's clinical practice focuses on creating safety and building a therapeutic relationship to address your unique needs.

 

She is a relational therapist who prioritizes working with emotion and the healing power of attachment science.

 

She has extensive training in trauma-informed care and integrating safety, collaboration and empowerment into her clinical practice. She will meet you where you are on your journey and will work collaboratively to support you with the challenges, whether it is anxiety or depression, navigating life transitions or addressing traumatic experiences.

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Kumsal specializes in helping couples strengthen their emotional connection, break out of painful communication patterns, and rebuild trust. Using Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, Kumsal supports partners in understanding their negative cycles, improving communication, and creating a more secure, loving relationship.

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Services

She offers her services in English and/or Turkish.​