Kingston Therapist Spotlight: Meet Linay Repath, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) 

Finding the right therapist in Kingston can feel overwhelming. With so many approaches and personalities, how do you know who will be the right fit? To help make that process a little easier, I sat down with Linay Repath, MACP, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Centre Wellness, to talk about her approach to therapy, how she works with clients, and what they can expect from their sessions. Whether you’re looking for therapy for trauma, therapy for anxiety, or simply a safe space to explore personal growth, Linay offers a warm, flexible, and deeply personalized approach.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Space

From the very first session, Linay’s priority is making sure clients feel safe, heard, and supported. “I want them to feel like they can come and share their personal story in a way that they don’t have to worry about being judged,” she explains. Understanding that each client is unique, she adapts her approach based on their needs—some may want to dive right into their story, while others may prefer a more structured, back-and-forth conversation. “My goal ultimately is to give them what they need and meet them where they’re at,” she says.

Linay describes the first session as an invitation rather than an interrogation. “I use that word very intentionally—to invite them to share their story, whatever that looks like.” She reassures clients that there’s no right or wrong way to begin, and that the process is entirely shaped around their comfort level.

A Flexible, Relational Approach to Therapy

One of the key aspects of Linay’s approach is how she helps clients engage with their emotions in real time. “It’s not just about telling me what happened last week,” she explains. “It’s about noticing what’s happening now, in the room, as you’re sharing that.” She integrates an experiential approach that helps clients become more aware of their emotions and reactions as they arise, providing them with the tools to identify, communicate, and regulate their experiences both inside and outside of therapy.

For those seeking therapy for trauma, therapy for anxiety, anger management, interpersonal issues, therapy for stress or therapy for grief and loss, this approach can be particularly powerful. By practicing emotional awareness, self-compassion, and self-regulation in session, clients develop skills they can apply in their daily lives. Over time, they gain confidence in managing difficult emotions, recognizing patterns in their thoughts and behaviors, and responding to challenges in a more adaptive way. “Therapy is about learning,” Linay says. “And the best way to learn is to experience something differently in a safe and supportive space.”

Empowering Clients to Take Control of Their Healing

Throughout therapy, Linay sees powerful transformations in her clients. “There’s an increased sense of self; a feeling of empowerment,” she notes. She describes it as a shift from feeling like life is something happening to them, to realizing they have the skills to navigate challenges with confidence. “It’s like they’ve gotten their footing back,” she says. “Even if things in their lives haven’t necessarily gotten easier, they now have the capacity to manage them in a way that feels easier.”

One of the biggest markers of progress, Linay says, is when clients begin acting as their own therapists—coming in and saying, “This happened, and here’s how I handled it,” rather than asking, “What do I do?” Seeing those moments of self-trust and resilience is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

For Those Hesitant to Start Therapy

If you’re considering therapy in Kingston but feel unsure about taking the first step, Linay understands. “Therapy is hard. It’s daunting. But it’s also incredibly rewarding if you’re willing and ready to give it a try,” she says. She acknowledges that many people hesitate because they fear the unknown or aren’t sure what change will look like. “It’s okay to not be ready yet,” she reassures. “But keep an open mind. When the time is right, there’s someone out there who will be the right fit for you.”

For those ready to begin but unsure where to start, she encourages patience in finding the right therapist. “Be choosy,” she advises. “Finding a therapist is kind of like trying on shoes—some fit better than others. If one therapist doesn’t feel right, don’t let that discourage you from the process entirely.”

A Therapist Who Meets You Where You Are

Whether you’re seeking therapy for trauma, therapy for anxiety, or simply looking for a space to explore personal growth, Linay offers a warm, intuitive, and highly personalized approach. She understands that healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process and believes that clients should feel empowered in their therapy journey.

If you’re looking for a therapist in Kingston who values authenticity, flexibility, and deep human connection, Linay might be the right fit for you. Click here to book a free 15-minute consultation with Linay, and start your healing journey today.