Sara Mottola
Sara Mottola, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
Specialties: Relationships, anxiety, grief and loss, caregivers and helping professionals like other social workers and medical professionals.
Clients like: I create a space that feels safe enough to explore hard truths and supportive enough to take meaningful steps forward. My approach is direct but compassionate—I’ll tell you what I see and name patterns that might be getting in your way, but I’ll always do it with kindness.
Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness, attachment based trauma informed.
Availability: Virtual
Schedule: Days and Evenings
Languages spoken: English
More About Me
Hi, I’m Sara. I became a therapist because I’ve always been fascinated by people—how we grow, adapt, and ultimately become who we are. Growing up, I had experiences that made me reflect on the nature of people and relationships, and the struggle to find help when you need it most. It felt natural for me to do this work because I love connecting with others and watching them achieve things they never thought were possible.
My clients often tell me they come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by their emotions, stuck in old patterns, or unsure where to even start. They’re juggling caregiving roles, demanding careers, or complex family dynamics, and many come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Maybe you’ve been thinking, “I can’t keep going like this, but I don’t know how to change.” That’s where I come in. I specialize in helping people make sense of their experiences, whether you’re navigating grief, dealing with anxiety, untangling a complicated relationship, or managing the stress of a high-pressure job.
I work particularly well with professionals like teachers, therapists, doctors, nurses, and women in leadership roles who carry a lot of responsibility. I also love working with men who are just starting to explore their emotional awareness and how they show up in relationships. No matter where you’re starting from, I’ll meet you with warmth, honesty, and a steady hand to guide you through the hard stuff.
In therapy, I create a space that feels safe enough to explore hard truths and supportive enough to take meaningful steps forward. My approach is direct but compassionate—I’ll tell you what I see and name patterns that might be getting in your way, but I’ll always do it with kindness. I believe accountability is part of the work, and I’ll hold it with you, not against you. You won’t feel like therapy is just endless talking—I’ll challenge you when it’s needed, celebrate your progress, and keep the focus on real, tangible change.
I’m especially passionate about grief work because I believe grief is love with nowhere to go. Whether you’ve lost someone you love, experienced a betrayal, or found yourself questioning a relationship, I’ll help you process the emotions you’re carrying and find a path forward.
Outside of therapy, you’ll find me with a coffee in hand, hanging out with my dog, or taking care of my houseplants (yes, they have names!). I believe therapy isn’t just for times of crisis—it’s an opportunity to grow, reflect, and create the life you want.
If you’re ready to explore what’s next, let’s connect. I offer virtual sessions during the day and evening, and I’d love to meet you for a free 20-minute consultation.
Education & Certifications
-
Masters of Social Work, Health and Mental Health, University of Toronto, 2022
Diploma in Addictions and Mental Health, Humber College, 2019
Bachelor of Social Work, Ryerson University, 2018
-
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: The Basics (University of Toronto)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: Beyond the Basics (University of Toronto)
Motivational Interviewing – Strategies for Supporting Change (Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute, 2019)
Trauma Informed Care – Building a Culture of Strength (Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute)
De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations (Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST, 2019)
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Centre for Mindfulness Studies, 2014)
Dementia Care Training U-First PIECES (Toronto Alzheimer’s Society, 2021)
Supporting Bereaved Parents After a Pregnancy Loss or the Death of a Child (Wilfred Laurier University)
Compassionate Care Workshop for Health Care Professionals – Pregnancy and Infancy Loss (Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Network)
Postpartum Anxiety, Rage an Burnout: Common Concerns in the Perinatal Period and Practical Tools for Clinicians (Hexagon Psychology)
