PH: 647-982-2527
Simar Gill Lowther, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO)
Director, Insightful Journey Inc.
PH: 647-982-2527
Simar Gill Lowther, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO)
Director, Insightful Journey Inc.
"Therapy works best when we’re both committed — you to the process, and me to guiding you." - Simar
PS: In case you’re wondering, here’s how to pronounce my name — Simar rhymes with “simmer,” like “simmer down” when you’re letting a pot of soup cook gently.
Hi, I'm Simar- licensed psychotherapist who believes that real change begins in a space where you feel understood, supported, and never judged. My passion is helping people navigate life’s twists and challenges with a blend of empathy, curiosity, and a holistic approach that sees you as more than your struggles. With dual Master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology and specialized training in Mental Health and Addictions, I offer not just academic expertise, but a grounded, real-world perspective that helps therapy feel practical, relevant, and deeply human.
I work exclusively with individuals (ages 12 and up), couples, and families in the areas I specialize in, which means my approach is deeply informed, focused, and tailored to the specific challenges you’re facing. If you are struggling with one or more of the following areas — mood and anxiety disorders, addictions, trauma and stress-related challenges, relationship and interpersonal issues, narcissistic abuse recovery, major life transitions, health and wellness concerns, or other specific issues such as self-esteem, self-harm, and suicidal ideation — this is your sign to start therapy. Let’s create a plan that meets you where you are and helps you move toward where you want to be.
At Insightful Journey, I keep it simple yet deeply impactful: empathy is at the heart of everything I do. Therapy here isn’t just about conversation — it’s about truly understanding your story, your experiences, and what matters most to you. Clients often share that from the very first session, they feel safe, respected, and at ease to speak openly without fear of judgment. I go beyond surface-level dialogue to explore the nuances of your thoughts, emotions, and aspirations, creating a space where you feel both supported and gently challenged when it’s needed.
This depth of understanding allows me to offer more than guidance — I provide insights and strategies tailored specifically to your unique journey, backed by professional skill and a genuine investment in your well-being. The environment we create together is one of trust, compassion, and steady encouragement, where you can explore difficult truths, discover new perspectives, and practice meaningful change. Through this collaborative process, we don’t just talk — we uncover, we heal, and we move forward in a way that aligns with who you are and the life you want to build.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, seamlessly drawing from different modalities to meet each client’s unique needs. I believe in blending various approaches to create a personalized and comprehensive path to healing. In our sessions, I cultivate a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences freely. I often use metaphors and analogies to simplify complex ideas, making them more relatable and easier to grasp. These storytelling tools provide powerful insights, helping you gain clarity and a fresh perspective on your challenges.
Beyond insight, I offer practical tools and techniques you can apply in daily life — helping you navigate obstacles with confidence and resilience. Therapy works best when we give it the time and consistency it needs. While everyone’s journey is different, starting with weekly sessions helps us build trust, stay connected, and make steady progress toward your goals. Over time, as you feel more confident and equipped, we can space sessions further apart — often moving to a bi-weekly rhythm — to maintain progress while giving you room to integrate what you’ve learned. Think of weekly sessions as laying the foundation for change; once it’s strong, we can focus on maintaining and building on what we’ve created together.
Healing is not one-size-fits-all, and your therapy should reflect that. I integrate a range of evidence-based therapies — including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Approaches, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) — to create a treatment plan that is as unique as you are.
Each modality offers different strengths: CBT helps you challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, ACT supports living in alignment with your values, DBT builds emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills, mindfulness deepens present-moment awareness, EFT fosters emotional understanding and connection, and IFS helps you work compassionately with the different parts of yourself.
By weaving these approaches together, I can meet you where you are and adapt our work as your needs evolve. Whether your path calls for steady, gradual progress or a more focused, action-oriented approach, we’ll shape the process to fit your needs — always with the aim of creating meaningful and sustainable change you can live out with confidence.
Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (2021)
Diploma in Health Care Administration (2015)
Diploma in Addictions and Mental Health (2014)
Masters of Arts in Psychology (2012)
Diploma in Guidance and Counseling (2010)
Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology (2009)
Frontline workers, veterans, and newcomers each hold an essential place in our communities, often facing unique challenges that can affect their mental and emotional well-being. Frontline workers dedicate themselves to the care and safety of others, often under intense pressure. Veterans bring invaluable experience and sacrifice, yet may continue to live with the lasting impact of their service. Newcomers arrive seeking connection and a fresh start, carrying both the weight of past experiences and the hope of building a new life.
Together, these groups create a tapestry of resilience and strength. Yet, the emotional toll can be significant. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness — it is a vital step toward healing. At Insightful Journey, I offer a compassionate space where you can share your story, process your experiences, and cultivate the resilience needed to thrive. Your well-being matters, and together we can work toward a healthier, more balanced future for you and the communities you serve.
Direct billing is available for Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross, the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
*Insurance authorization and a prescription from a nurse practitioner or physician are required.
Upcoming Specialized 1:1 Virtual Therapy Programs
Insightful Journey is proud to offer a range of structured, virtual one-on-one therapy programs—each designed to address a specific area of need with focused support and practical tools.
These specialized programs include:
Each program is tailored to your unique experiences and goals, offering a step-by-step therapeutic framework grounded in evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS and mindfulness. These confidential, virtual sessions allow you to engage in meaningful therapeutic work from the comfort of your home, at your own pace, with guidance every step of the way.
📅 Stay tuned for updates!
Each 60-minute appointment includes 50 minutes of direct client time, with the final 10 minutes dedicated to note-taking, care planning, and record-keeping.
Each 90-minute appointment includes 75 minutes of direct client time, with the final 15 minutes dedicated to note-taking, care planning, and record-keeping.
Each 60-minute appointment includes 50 minutes of direct client time, with the final 10 minutes dedicated to note-taking, care planning, and record-keeping.
Each 90-minute appointment includes 75 minutes of direct client time, with the final 15 minutes dedicated to note-taking, care planning, and record-keeping.
Each 60-minute appointment includes 50 minutes of direct client time, with the final 10 minutes dedicated to note-taking, care planning, and record-keeping.
Each 90-minute appointment includes 75 minutes of direct client time, with the final 15 minutes dedicated to note-taking, care planning, and record-keeping.
Upcoming Update: Beginning January 1, 2026, rates for individual and couples sessions will increase by $10.
Melissa is a skilled psychotherapist specializing in trauma and EMDR therapy. She provides virtual services to children, adolescents, adults, and couples, offering a supportive and personalized approach to healing and growth.
Melissa is passionate about helping clients build long-term resilience, gain insight into their experiences, and develop coping strategies that support lasting change. She is particularly skilled in working with neurodivergent individuals, providing guidance that respects their unique perspectives and needs. Whether assisting clients in processing past experiences, overcoming personal roadblocks, or navigating major life transitions, Melissa is committed to fostering a supportive and transformative therapeutic experience.
Her areas of specialization include:
Melissa utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process distressing memories, reduce emotional distress, and foster resilience. This structured, evidence-based approach enables individuals to reprocess past experiences in a way that promotes healing and emotional balance. Recognizing that healing is not one-size-fits-all, she integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to provide individualized and effective care.
Melissa offers virtual therapy sessions only, providing a flexible and convenient way for clients to access support from the comfort of their own space. Her secure online sessions ensure accessibility for individuals, couples, and families, making therapy more adaptable to busy schedules and diverse needs.
Session Fees: Therapy services start at $165+ per session, reflecting her commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s unique journey.
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If you ever find yourself uncertain, don't hesitate to reach out to me for personalized guidance and support.
Individual sessions start at $150, Couples sessions at $170, Family sessions at $180. Different therapists may have varying rates. EMDR therapy individual sessions are at $165.
The standard duration for therapy sessions at Insightful Journey is typically 50 minutes for both individual and couples therapy. However, you have the option to extend your session to 90 minutes if you prefer.
My professional title is Registered Psychotherapist, and I am affiliated with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
To determine if I am the right fit for you, consider scheduling a free 15-minute telephonic or virtual consultation. During this consultation, we can discuss my therapy style, and you can share more about yourself. If it feels like a good match, you're welcome to book your first session. There’s no obligation to continue therapy if you sense a disconnect with my approach. In such cases, I would be happy to provide referrals to other therapists who may better suit your needs.
After the consultation, if you choose to commence therapy, the subsequent steps include filling out the consent form for treatment and scheduling your first session.
Many insurance plans cover psychotherapy. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for registered psychotherapy services. If you require my license number, please let me know via email, and I would be happy to provide it. No direct billing to insurance.
At Insightful Journey, we appreciate your time and commitment to therapy. To ensure that we can accommodate all clients, we require 48 hours' notice (excluding weekends and holidays) for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. If you provide less than 48 hours' notice or miss your appointment, the full session fee will be charged to the credit card we have on file.
At Insightful Journey, I welcome payments for therapy sessions through all major credit cards. Payments are taken automatically using your card information at the start of each session, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for you. Your financial information is kept secure and confidential, so you can feel at ease knowing that your privacy is a top priority.
Insightful Journey's office is located at: Lord Simcoe Place
57 Simcoe St S, Suite 1J- Studio 57, Office 8, Oshawa, ON, L1H 4G4
If you’re having suicidal thoughts, do not feel safe, and/or are looking for immediate support, please visit your nearest emergency department, contact 911, or use the following resources:
Lord Simcoe Place, 57 Simcoe St S, Suite 1J-Studio 57, Office 8, Oshawa, ON L1H 4G4
Mon | 11:00 a.m. – 08:00 p.m. | |
Tue | 11:00 a.m. – 08:00 p.m. | |
Wed | 11:00 a.m. – 08:00 p.m. | |
Thu | 11:00 a.m. – 08:00 p.m. | |
Fri | 10:00 a.m. – 02:00 p.m. | |
Sat | 10:00 a.m. – 02:00 p.m. | |
Sun | 10:00 a.m. – 02:00 p.m. |
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