Hi, I’m Katherine Bear.
MSW, MA, RSW
I am a Registered Social Worker, a Trauma Therapist and a Clinical Supervisor. I am specialized in trauma, somatics, EMDR, and narrative therapy with youth, women, and queer communities.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Certifications & training
EMDR – training 2022
IFS (Internal Family Systems) – level 1 training and Applied in Practice
Narrative Therapy – Narrative Therapy Centre of Toronto. 2020 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
Therapist mentorship