Therapy for understanding yourself, healing from past experiences, and building more meaningful connections.
Sometimes, the ways we've learned to cope with difficult experiences can follow us into the present. You might find yourself feeling overwhelmed, struggling in relationships, disconnected from who you are, or repeating patterns you don't fully understand.
At Inner Sanctuary Therapy, we offer a warm, collaborative space for teens, adults, and couples to explore these experiences, understand themselves more deeply, and work toward meaningful change.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, questions about identity, or difficulties in your relationships, you don't have to figure everything out on your own.
About Hayley Rayson
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Before beginning my journey into psychotherapy, I worked with adolescents and young adults who had come into contact with the legal system in both custodial and community residential settings. I have also worked within hospital and inpatient mental health environments, supporting youth navigating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidality, and other mental health challenges.
These experiences shaped my understanding of the importance of having a space where people feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood. They also deepened my belief that people are more than the challenges they are experiencing and that there is often meaning behind the patterns we develop to cope and survive that may no longer be serving us presently.
I hold a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Psychology and a diploma in Community and Justice Services. I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and am a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
I regularly engage in clinical supervision, continuing education, and professional development to grow as a therapist and ensure I provide client-centred, thoughtful, ethical, and responsive care.
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) #19281
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) #11255669
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Outside of the therapy room, you can usually find me exploring a beautiful hiking trail, weightlifting, listening to music or a good podcast, enjoying a delicious cup of coffee, or getting lost in a good book.
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
ACT for Behavioural Addictions: A Shame-Free Approach for Helping Clients Understand Their Triggers, Break Compulsive Patterns, and Embrace Pain with Purpose
Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & Level 2.
I believe therapy begins with a warm, collaborative, compassionate, and non-judgmental relationship. I aim to create a space where you can show up as yourself without having to hide, minimize your experiences, or feel like you need to have everything together or figured out.
As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I view therapy as a journey we navigate together. You are the expert on your life and experiences, and my role is to walk alongside you with curiosity, care, and encouragement as you work toward changes that feel meaningful to you. As a queer woman, I am committed to creating a safe, affirming space for other 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and couples as they navigate diverse challenges such as coming out, relationships, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Seeking support can be difficult, and I recognize the courage it takes to begin your healing journey.
My approach is trauma-informed, humanistic and integrative, drawing on different modalities to support your needs and goals. These include Internal Family Systems-Informed (IFS), Emotionally Focused Individual and Couples Therapy (EFIT/EFCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the Gottman Method, and mindfulness-based approaches.
Therapy isn’t about forcing you into a particular way of being. It’s about creating enough safety, patience, flexibility, and space to understand yourself, explore the experiences and beliefs that may be holding you back, and move toward greater authenticity and connection. I also believe that small moments of joy, connection, and aliveness matter, and that healing means making room for the life you want to move toward.
My Style and Approach
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
Have Questions?
Available for in-person sessions in Pickering, ON and virtual sessions across Ontario.
In-Person/Virtual Hours:
Tuesday: 9am-8pm
Wednesday: 9am-1pm
Friday: 11am-7pm
Address: 1970 Brock Road, Pickering, ON L1V 1Y3