Registered Psychotherapist

Life shouldn’t feel like an endless daily struggle.

Filipa Santos

I’ve spent the past 25 years providing specialized mental health support to individuals and families across a wide range of needs and backgrounds.
My clinical experience spans 3 hospitals in 2 countries, where I’ve worked with patients facing diverse and complex mental health conditions.
For over 20 years, I served at Toronto Western Hospital — first as a Mental Health Clinician, and later as Team Leader of the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic.

During my time there, I witnessed firsthand the impact of systemic changes in hospital management, including the reduction and elimination of key therapy programs —changes that, in my view, compromised the quality of patient care.
After deep reflection, I made the decision to leave my long-standing role to be able to offer care that better aligns with my values and meets the needs of clients more fully and compassionately.
I’ve presented at both national and international conferences and have been honoured with nominations recognizing excellence in patient care.

In my psychotherapy practice, I typically employ a holistic Integrative Therapy approach that combines the techniques of different therapeutic schools. I have formal training in various therapeutic modalities (including CBT, ACT, CPT, SFT, MBSR, CFT and EFIT) which, on their own, can be applied effectively.
However, after many years of providing therapy, I’ve come to realize that clients are so unique and multi-dimensional that, most often, they benefit from a combination of techniques and skills pulled from different types of therapies.
During your initial assessment, we will select the type of therapy best suited to your needs and goals.
When offering Case Management, I coordinate all aspects of care for individuals suffering from severe mental illness. I am a tireless patient advocate who supports and guides clients (and/or families and SDMs) as they navigate their mental health journeys.
I offer full treatment in both English and Portuguese.

I was born in Lisbon, Portugal and moved to Canada as a young child. As an adult, I returned to Portugal for additional professional training and then came back to Canada. I live in the Greater Toronto Area, raising two resilient children as a dedicated working mom.
Travel is my greatest passion; I’ve visited over 45 countries, many multiple times! Friends and clients know me for my love of adventure, thrift shopping, sunshine, and sweets. I’m also a committed advocate for social justice, supporting causes in Canada and around the world.

University of Toronto, Canada: Honours Bachelor of Science (H.B.Sc.), Specialist in Psychology
University of Lisbon, Portugal: Recognition degree in Psychology
Hospital Egas Moniz, Lisbon, Portugal: Residency in Neuropsychology
Licensed Psychologist in Portugal (#17/23503/1664)
Registered Psychotherapist in Canada (#004883)