Kiersty M. Xavier

An Asian woman with long dark hair, holding a remote control, wearing a light-colored sweater, standing against a dark blue background.

I am an integrative & existential psychotherapist. I’m all about meaning, purpose, and identity, and I strive to uncover root issues and connect the dots between the deeper layers in order to come up with a customized plan on how to navigate your challenges. I use insight therapy and logic reframing in order to bring greater clarity, self-awareness, and mindset shifts to apply in practical ways in your life.

The question is: Who are you now? Who were you before major life events occurred? Who are you becoming? These questions guide what comes next. I believe that practical solutions must be grounded in self-understanding in order for them to be sustainable.

I’m also a relational therapist which means building a therapeutic connection together where subconscious patterns may surface that invite us to challenge limiting mindsets and negative habits. It’s my job to create a safe space yet gently challenge you to face yourself and hard truths.

I’ve spent years working through my own past trauma and healing journey. I believe my lived experiences allow me to connect with clients more authentically on their path of emotional repair and resilience. My favourite thing about being a therapist is the shared joy in discovering the ‘golden nuggets’ or ‘lightbulb moments’ together.

Prior to starting Ikarus Mind, I worked in the hospital for 8 years working with patients with cancer & chronic illness. This experience was deeply life-changing for me and I am continually humbled by what matters most in life.

I absolutely love the diversity of people in my practice. All ethnic and cultural backgrounds are welcome.

I would describe myself as:

  • An empath, introvert, and old soul.

Where did I grow up?

  • I was born and raised in Canada, and currently based in Toronto

What generation am I from?

  • I’m a Millennial in my 40s

Things I value:

  • Staying grounded in humility, practicality, paying attention to details, open communication, authenticity, cross-cultural experiences, and keeping a sense of humour

Modalities I use:

  • Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic Therapy, Inner Child Healing, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Existential Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution-Focused Coaching.

I love working with:

  • Individual Adults & Couples, professionals, health-care workers, parents, high-performers, the analytical, the heavy-hearted, and the dreamers :)

Follow me on Instagram @ikarus_mind to find out my style and approach.

M.A (Univ. of Toronto, 2010), M.T.S (Univ. of Toronto, 2015)

Founder & Clinical Director

Registered Psychotherapist

My Areas of Focus

Experiences

  • Relational Trauma

  • Life Transitions & Starting New Life Stage

  • Outgrowing & Ending Relationships (Separation/Divorce)

  • Anxiety

  • Anger Management, Resentment

  • Marital Issues, Conflict Cycles, Jealousy, Betrayal

  • Unhealthy Family Dynamics

  • Grief, Loneliness, Bereavement

  • Parenting hardships

  • Filial Piety, Transgenerational Trauma

  • Lack of Motivation, Adulting Struggles

  • Health Issues

Sense of Self

  • High-Achievers, High-Performers, Perfectionists

  • Self-Identity & Self-Perception

  • Self-Confidence, Self Esteem, Self-Worth

  • Logic vs Emotions; Intellectualizing Emotions, Spiralling

  • Lack of Boundaries, People-Pleasing, Pressure to Perform, Imposter Syndrome

  • Being Controlling

  • Being Defensive

  • Being an Empath

  • Anxious Attachment Style

  • Avoidant-Dismissive Attachment Style

  • Disorganized Attachment Style

  • Sensitivities and Insecurities

  • Emotional Awareness (Connecting to your inner world)