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My Approach

I’m deeply inspired by the science of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, especially in response to psychological experiences and trauma. By creating a secure base rooted in trust and emotional safety, I aim to support that natural capacity for transformation.

At the heart of my therapy practice is the belief that healing happens through connection—within ourselves, and with others. My work is grounded in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), a healing-oriented approach that helps people transform emotional pain by tapping into their innate capacity for resilience, growth, and connection.

In addition to AEDP, my work is IFS-informed ("parts work"), which means I support clients in exploring the different “parts” of themselves—like the inner critic, the overwhelmed part, or the protective part—with curiosity and compassion. This approach helps us understand that all parts of us have a purpose, even the ones we struggle with. By building relationships with these parts, we can reduce inner conflict and move toward a more integrated, whole sense of self.

My approach is also attachment-focused and relational, recognizing the essential role of safe, trusting relationships—both in our past and in the therapy space—in shaping how we relate to ourselves and others. I aim to be a steady, warm presence who meets you with empathy and attunement, so that together we can co-create a secure base for exploration and growth.

Lastly, I practice embodied therapy, which means we bring awareness to what’s happening not just in your mind, but also in your body. Our bodies hold so much of our emotional history—tuning into sensations, breath, and movement can offer powerful insights and new ways of experiencing safety, connection, and aliveness.

Together, these approaches create a deeply compassionate, experiential, and transformational process—one that honours your full self and emotional healing.

Experience and Professional Affiliations 

  • 10 years of practice as a Registered Social Worker

  • Member of the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers (RSW) 

  • Member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)

  • Member of the AEDP Institute

  • Masters of Social Worker (MSW), University of Toronto 2016

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, York University 2013

Ongoing Professional Development
 

  • Emotion Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Level 1 & 2, International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) 2026

  • Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Level 1, AEDP Institute 2025

  • AEDP Portrayals: The Dyadic Experiential Processing of Trauma to a Corrective Emotional Experience with Diana Fosha AEDP Institute 2025

  • AEDP Psychotherapy 101: An Introduction to the Fundamentals of AEDP Course AEDP Institute 2024

  • Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) Basics I Course: Protectors with Dr. Karen Grayson 2024

  • Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) Basics II Course: Exile Repair & Healing with Dr. Karen Grayson 2024

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT) Course: Leveraging Attachment Theory by Leanne Campbell, PhD 2024

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Essentials Course from the Association of Psychological Therapies (APT) Canada 2023

  • DBT Skills for Adolescents and Families Course with Dr. Marsha Linehan, Dr. Alec Miller, and Dr. Jill Rathus 2021

  • Collaborating with Families Affected by Concurrent Disorders Course, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) 2018

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Let's connect.

Free 15-minute Consultation

I look forward to meeting you at a free 15-minute video consultation. The purpose of the consultation is for me to learn more about you, what has prompted you to seeking out therapy, and for you to learn about my therapy approach and how I can help you. To schedule a consultation please e-mail me at mikayla@therapywithmikayla.ca We would meet for a consultation through Jane app. Jane App is PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) compliant. It is also compliant with PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) and other equivalent health information protection legislation in Canada.

Mikayla Rukavina, MSW, RSW

134 London St. South

Hamilton, ON Canada L8K 2G9

mikayla@therapywithmikayla.ca

© 2026 by Therapy with Mikayla. Mikayla Rukavina, MSW, RSW

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