Heart Centre Psychotherapy provides integrative therapy for people with ADHD, including individuals, couples, and parents navigating ADHD-related challenges. Karen supports diverse clients across Durham Region, Ontario, and Canada through a primarily online practice.

Her approach blends mind‑ and body‑based therapies, meeting clients where they are today and helping them move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and self‑understanding. Heart Centre Psychotherapy is especially known for its work with neurodivergent clients, including those managing ADHD, chronic illness, anxiety, and overwhelm.

The Inspiration Behind the Business

Karen has worked in front‑line mental healthcare since 1994. After more than two decades in special education teaching and family support, her own lived experience with chronic illness prompted a career shift into psychotherapy.

Living with ADHD while parenting a child with ADHD brought a critical gap into focus—there were not nearly enough specialized services for neurodivergent clients. That realization became the foundation for Heart Centre Psychotherapy.

Why Karen Came to BACD

Karen loves client work and had previously run a successful beekeeping and advocacy business. However, she had no formal business training and quickly recognized the need for trusted guidance as demand for her therapy services increased.

She connected with the Business Advisory Centre Durham to gain support with business growth, administration, and decision‑making.

The Value of BACD Support

Through the Starter Company Plus program, funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Karen benefited from mentorship, peer connection, and one‑to‑one coaching. Working with her business advisor helped her streamline services and confidently decide where to outsource tasks that no longer aligned with her time or energy.

The sense of community—meeting other Durham Region entrepreneurs and learning from shared experiences—played a key role in her growth.

Impact on the Business

BACD’s support helped Karen transition from non‑profit human services work into a sustainable private practice without losing sight of her purpose. Along the way, she gained confidence, clarity, and practical tools to support both her clients and herself as a business owner.

The Starter Company Plus grant also allowed Karen to invest in a specialized marketing course and hire a web designer to build a new website using her own copy. The result is a stronger online presence, improved search visibility, and a clearer way for clients to find the help they need.

Karen works primarily online from Port Perry, serving clients across Durham Region and Ontario. Her practice is nearly full, and client feedback continues to confirm the lasting impact of her work.

What’s Working in Marketing

Narrowing her focus has been a game‑changer. By refining her website copy to speak directly to her ideal clients—those living with ADHD, ASD, and chronic illness—Karen attracts clients who are a strong fit for her services.

This focus not only supports better outcomes for clients, it also helps prevent burnout, a real risk in therapeutic work.

What She’s Most Proud Of

Karen is most proud of the meaningful, lasting changes her clients experience. While confidentiality prevents sharing specifics, the growth she has witnessed in individuals and couples who once felt stuck has been deeply rewarding and continues to fuel her work.

One Piece of Advice for Business Owners

Strive for balance. Outsource as much as possible so you can focus on your strengths and the work that matters most.