Welcome to Ascendy Therapy
Virtual & In-person Counselling & Psychotherapy
in English & Hungarian
Photo by: Jasper Boer
Hi! I am Katalin, a registered psychotherapist (qualifying)—the face behind Ascendy Therapy.
I’m here to offer compassionate support on your journey to self-discovery and improvement, healing, and holistic well-being. I warmly welcome you from ages 16 and older across Canada.
What does Ascendy mean?
The name "Ascendy," inspired by the word "ascend," embodies the concept that despite obstacles, we inherently possess the capacity to emerge from adversity with greater strength, wisdom, and resilience.
What sets me apart?
Recognizing the importance of physical touch for well-being, I combine various psychotherapy interventions with decades of expertise as a clinical aesthetician. That realization led me to create a form of Integrated Sensory Psychotherapy (ISP), an in-person option, which offers a unique healing experience.
What are the key elements of ISP?
Integrated Sensory Psychotherapy (ISP) is a hybrid approach that combines traditional talk therapy with consented therapeutic touch. This approach includes vagus nerve stimulation through gentle stretching and facial massage, mindfulness exercises including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided meditation. Together, these techniques deliver a relaxing and grounding holistic therapeutic experience.
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Physical touch is vital for human health and well-being, encompassing psychological, physiological, and social aspects. Skin-to-skin contact, which stimulates the release of oxytocin, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels, improving mood, and increasing feelings of happiness. Physical touch can foster stronger social bonds by promoting trust and emotional connection and may decrease symptoms of depression. Integrating skin-to-skin contact into mental health care practices can thus support emotional regulation, improve interpersonal relationships, and contribute to overall mental health.
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The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, or CN X, is one of the longest and most complex nerves in the body. Extending from the brainstem through the neck into the chest and abdomen, it plays a crucial role in the parasympathetic nervous system by regulating heart rate, aiding digestion, controlling respiratory rate, and modulating inflammation.
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is part of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration. Often called the "rest and digest" system, its main role is to conserve energy, promote relaxation, and aid in recovery after stress by slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and stimulating digestion.
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While mindfulness improves focus, decreases stress, and enhances emotional well-being, gentle massage, breathing, and stretching techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, boosting mood and reducing anxiety.
Additionally, physical touch releases oxytocin, fostering emotional bonding, promoting trust, enhancing mood, and easing symptoms of depression. This holistic approach lessens stress and, therefore, promotes relaxation.
Ascend to Your Full Potential
60 Min Virtual Therapy @ Ascendy
80 Min Virtual Therapy @ Ascendy
In-Person ISP @ Sante
In-Person & Virtual Therapy @ Sante
Photos by: Shea Rouda, Vlad D, Dan Gomer, Mike Kock
