Finding a Psychoanalyst in Toronto

The same considerations I outlined in finding a psychotherapist apply when you're looking for a psychoanalyst in Toronto. Here are a few more things to keep in mind:

1- There are two psychoanalytic institutes in Toronto: The Toronto Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis (ticp.on.ca) and The Toronto Institute of Psychoanalysis (torontopsychoanalysis.com). Each institute maintains a list of faculty, graduates, and senior candidates who have spots in their schedules for new people. Contact the institutes and they will be able to give you a few referrals.
2- Arrange for consultations with more than one psychoanalyst and, if you need to, see each one more than once. As much as these are qualified professionals, take the time to figure out with whom you have the best personal fit.
3- With that in mind, try to be flexible about whether your psychoanalyst should be a man or a woman, young or old, straight or gay. If this is a major concern for you, explore it early on in the process with the psychoanalyst. Doing that can only help you better understand the issues you're having to deal with.
4- Early on in the process, sort out the details around scheduling, finances, vacations, and missed sessions. Be clear about your psychoanalyst's policy on vacations and missed sessions, especially if, for instance, your work routine changes on a regular basis or if you are in a profession that requires you to travel frequently. If you are paying for your psychoanalysis out of pocket, keep in mind that this is a long process; there is no need to be overwhelmed but do plan for the long haul.

Contact me if you have question about any of this.