Hi, I’m Katherine Bear.

MSW, MA, RSW

I am a Registered Social Worker, Trauma Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor. I specialize in trauma, IFS, somatic therapy, EMDR, and narrative therapy, working with youth and adults across diverse genders, sexualities, and life experiences. I support clients navigating trauma, relationships, identity, sexuality, emotional regulation, and life transitions. My practice offers a space to slow down, understand the stories and patterns that have shaped you, and develop new ways of relating to yourself and others.

My education

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Research Thesis: Justice, Discourse and Community Healing with Survivors of Sexual Assault

York University

MA in Psychology

Specialization: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counseling

The New School for Social Research

University of Guelph

BA in Psychology (Honours)

My clinical experience

  • Registered Social Worker, Trauma Therapist | Toronto, ON (Jan 2022 – Present)

    • Providing trauma-informed psychotherapy to youth, adults, and families navigating complex PTSD, relational trauma, and identity exploration.

    • Specializing in somatic and parts-based work using EMDR, IFS, DBT, and narrative approaches.

    • Supporting queer youth and women with lived experiences of assault, systemic harm, and life transitions.

    • Collaborating with community-based therapists and health providers for wraparound care.

    • Offering clinical supervision and case consultation to emerging therapists.

  • Trauma Therapist | Toronto, ON (Jul 2020 – 2022)

    • Completed trauma assessments, clinical therapy, and treatment planning for youth and families.

    • Provided family and individual therapy using TF-CBT, somatics, play-based modalities, and creative expression.

    • Served as agency-wide trauma consultant and monthly case conference panelist.

  • Therapist (Internship) | Toronto, ON (Sept 2019 – May 2020)

    • Offered brief therapy and crisis support to youth and families.

    • Co-facilitated DBT skills group; trained in trauma-informed and narrative approaches.

  • Social Worker | Toronto, ON (Sept 2018 – Jul 2019)

    • Delivered individual and group therapy to young mothers in residential care.

    • Designed and led mental health workshops and supported family reintegration.

  • Clinical Supervisor | NYC (Jan 2012 – Nov 2014)

    • Supervised a team of case planners; managed caseloads of 60+ families.

    • Co-developed a pilot collaboration with Bellevue Hospital’s Young Parent Program.

  • Therapist | NYC (Aug 2010 – Sept 2011)

    • Supported clients with addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions through CBT and motivational interviewing.

Clinical supervision & teaching

Narrative Therapy Centre of Toronto

Clinical Supervision with Angel Yuen, MSW, RSW
(2020 – 2023)

University of Toronto – MSW Advanced Standing Program Practicum

Clinical Supervisor for MSW student interns
(2020 & 2021 Academic Years)

MSW Practicum Supervisor - UofT

Open to consultations and working with students

New York University

MSW

Certifications & training

  • EMDR – Certified 2022

  • IFS (Internal Family Systems) – level 1 training and graduate from IFSCA program. Somatic/IFS training

  • Narrative Therapy – Narrative Therapy Centre of Toronto. summer training, trauma training and ENRAGED 2026 training

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) – Skills & Clinical Practice

  • Somatic Therapy for Trauma – Certificate Program 2021

  • TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused CBT) – Foundations & Application

  • Compassionate Inquiry – Gabor Maté

  • ARC Framework – Attachment, Regulation, and Competency

  • Circle of Security & Parenting Journey – Group Facilitation

  • Child Sexual Abuse Training – SickKids

  • Creative Arts Therapies – Tree of Life, Narrative Documentation

Clinical interests

  • Trauma & complex PTSD

  • Identity & belonging

  • Narrative meaning-making

  • Intergenerational trauma

  • Somatic psychotherapy

  • Feminist and queer-affirming practice

  • Relational healing

  • IFS/Disordered Eating