Therapy Toronto Free Directory

West Toronto secular therapist Daryl Landau

Common Ground

Couples Counselling ● Mediation of separations ● Coaching

for interpersonal skills ● Individual and family counselling

Clients come to me to improve the communication in their marriage and resolve some tough issues.  It may be their last hope for keeping their marriage and family together, or it might be a wise ounce of prevention at the start of their marriage.  I particularly like to assist intercultural couples, a growing population in our diverse city.  I draw on my background in both counselling and conflict resolution – a Masters degree in Conflict Resolution (George Mason U), my Brief and Narrative Therapy training at Hincks-Dellcrest, and the teaching I’ve done in Culture and Diversity in families (McMaster U) – to develop a structured, problem-solving process to build trust and respect.  One client said:

                “I feel that you were skilled at keeping us focused and on track—even when emotions were running very high and at times ‘explosive.’  I also feel that you were able to maintain a position of neutrality.”

Clients also come seeking coaching for conflict and interpersonal skills for work or home.  For instance, some people have a boss they can’t stand, and who might be bullying them.  Others have a difficult relationship with a neighbour or relative.  Still others have experienced frustration in relationships over time, and are seeking some insights to turn over a new leaf.  One client commented,

                "I believe you were able to get us to see where there was an opening on the other party's side...In our anger we had not seen the real message that the other party was sending...You have an amazing ability to understand the issues quickly and get to the heart of the matter. Your patience and easy-going manner were assets to having us see ourselves."

Of course, not all relationships can be saved, and some people come to end their marriage and begin a new chapter in their lives.  I can mediate a separation agreement that maximizes their financial needs and their desire to parent their children.  I help people save money that would otherwise go to lawyers, or the frustration that comes from do-it-yourself contracts that easily fall apart.  I have received my accreditation in family mediation (Ontario Association for Family Mediation) and have over two hundred hours of mediation training.   I am a member of the ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Institute of Ontario, and I train mediators in regular public courses.  Having family mediation training is important, to navigate the complex and contentious issues in separation.

Finally, for those who would like help with other life issues, and like my focused, pragmatic approach, I welcome individuals for talk therapy – except those in crisis, who would do better to seek expert assistance.