Life can become overwhelming in ways that aren’t always visible to others. You may find yourself overthinking, being hard on yourself, trying to meet expectations, or carrying emotions that feel difficult to understand. Perhaps you’re struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, relationships, or feeling stuck in familiar patterns. Whatever brings you to therapy, it can offer a space to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and begin moving toward meaningful change.

Ayshen Tuncel is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who supports teens and adults navigating anxiety, stress, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. She has particular interests in eating disorders, body image, ADHD, autism, perfectionism, and self-criticism. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply feeling stuck, Ayshen helps you explore what’s happening beneath the surface, understand patterns in your thoughts and emotions, and build a more compassionate and confident relationship with yourself.

Ayshen brings a warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth approach to therapy. She believes your struggles make sense within the context of your experiences, relationships, and the expectations you’ve faced. Her approach combines genuine curiosity and compassion with practical, evidence-informed strategies tailored to your needs. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed strategies, and narrative therapy, she helps you develop greater self-understanding, navigate difficult emotions, and make changes that align with your values.

Ayshen has worked in mental health and community support since 2017, including roles with the Canadian Mental Health Association, House of Friendship, and the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region. Her experience supporting individuals with diverse mental health concerns, disabilities, substance use challenges, and difficult life circumstances has shaped her compassionate, nonjudgmental approach and appreciation for each person’s unique experiences and strengths. Ayshen is committed to ongoing professional development and has completed additional training in areas including eating disorders, ADHD and autism, mood disorders, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and 2SLGBTQ+ affirming care.

As part of CARESPACE’s multidisciplinary team, Ayshen recognizes that mental, emotional, and physical well-being are closely connected. Whether you’re experiencing chronic stress or anxiety that’s affecting your physical health, or navigating challenges with food and body image, she can collaborate with other healthcare practitioners, such as registered massage therapists and registered dietitians, to support different aspects of your well-being. With your consent, she works alongside the team to develop a coordinated care plan that reflects your goals, preferences, and individual needs. Above all, Ayshen wants therapy to be a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted as you are. Her goal is to help you build self-trust, develop practical tools for navigating life’s challenges, and move toward a life that feels more manageable, meaningful, and true to you.