Tracy Puurunen

Hi, I'm Tracy

Pronouns: (She/Her)

Services Offered: Individual Therapy
(Ages 18+), In Person + Virtual Appointments

Insurance Designation: Masters of Social Work

I am a Registered Social Worker with more than 26 years of experience supporting individuals through some of life's most difficult and meaningful moments. Throughout my career, I have seen how having a space to openly share challenges, thoughts, and feelings can help people gain clarity, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change. I believe reaching out for support is both a courageous and positive step.

I understand that deciding to begin therapy is not always easy. Many people worry about being judged, wonder whether their struggles are "serious enough," or feel uncertain about sharing personal experiences with someone new. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, respected, and understood as we work together toward the changes that are important to you.

I support adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the impact of traumatic experiences. I also have extensive experience in palliative care, supporting individuals and families facing serious illness, end-of-life concerns, caregiving responsibilities, anticipatory grief, and bereavement.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, coping with loss, navigating a significant change, or trying to make sense of difficult experiences, my hope is to provide a space where you can better understand your experiences, develop practical tools for navigating challenges, and move forward in a way that feels right for you.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs. I work alongside clients to explore concerns, problem-solve challenges, develop effective coping strategies, and build on their existing strengths. I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. In addition to traditional talk therapy approaches, I have experience utilizing art-based and creative interventions to support self-expression, insight, and healing.

Even during life's most difficult moments, I believe growth and healing are possible. I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about how we might work together.

• Education & Training

  • Lakehead University, Masters of Social Work, May 2000

  • Lakehead University, Honours Bachelor of Social Work, May 1995

  Additional training including:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certification

  • Clinical Traumatologist Certificate

  • Art Therapy Certificate

  • Compassion Fatigue Specialist

  • Grief and Bereavement Certificate

• Treatment Specialties

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • PTSD/Trauma

  • OCD

  • Grief and loss

  • Life transitions

  • End-of-life concerns

  • Relationship issues

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Distress Tolerance

  • Coping Skills

  • Burn out

  • Compassion Fatigue

  • Stress Management

  • Chronic illness

• Therapeutic Modalities

  • Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT)

  • Solution Focused Therapy

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

  • Art Therapy