City sanctuary
Aspenwood
A private house on a wooded ravine lot in the north of Toronto, with a koi pond, an infinity pool and rooms that look onto trees. Where most journey sessions take place.
Medicine-assisted psychotherapy in Toronto
Evidence-based care when nothing else has worked
For treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and other long-term mental health difficulties.
Who we are
A small clinical team, not a clinic chain.
We are a nature-infused sanctuary in the north of Toronto. Every clinician here was personally trained and mentored by our founder, Dr. Dawn DeCunha, which means the consistency of your care does not rest on any one person. Over three decades of clinical practice sit behind every treatment plan we write.
01
Onboard
Screening and assessment
A complimentary safety screening, then a comprehensive whole-person assessment covering psychological and medical health.
Weeks 1 to 302
Prepare
Skills and intentions
Two one-to-one sessions to build safety and skills, set intentions, and shape a treatment plan around your goals.
Weeks 3 to 503
Journey
Supervised journey sessions
Typically six three-hour sessions in a private setting, supervised throughout, each paired with structured integration.
Weeks 5 to 1104
AfterCare
Consolidation
We repeat your original assessment, compare the results together, and consolidate what has changed into something that lasts.
Week 1212Weeks end to end
4Phases
30+Years behind it
Conditions we treat
When conventional treatment has not brought relief.
We work with adults who have tried medication, standard psychotherapy, or both, without the results they were hoping for.
Treatment-resistant depression
When medication and talk therapy have not shifted a depression that has lasted years.
Learn moreAnxiety
Persistent anxiety that has not responded to prior care, including generalised and social anxiety.
Learn morePTSD and trauma
Unresolved trauma, including complex and long-standing presentations.
Learn moreOCD
Obsessive-compulsive presentations where standard approaches have plateaued.
Learn moreWe also work with chronic pain, grief and loss, and major life transitions. We do not treat adolescents.
Where treatment happens
One practice, two sanctuaries.
Journey sessions happen in a house, not a clinic. Both settings are private, quiet and surrounded by trees.
Country sanctuary
Kimberley
A cedar cabin in the Beaver Valley, with the Bruce Trail at the door. For those who want distance from the city and time to stay with the work.
Treatment is also available at our Windsor location.
The founder
"An Eastern soul and a Western mind."
Clinical and educational psychologist, over three decades in practice. Mentor since 2020 and guest lecturer since 2022, Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research, The Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research, California Institute of Integral Studies. Lead therapist, COMPASS Pathways Phase II psilocybin trial for treatment-resistant depression, CAMH site, Toronto.
The Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research, California Institute of Integral Studies, does not endorse or sponsor this programme.
Dr. Dawn DeCunha, Ed.D., C.Psych.
Founder and Clinical Director
Our care pathways
Two ways to work with us.
Whether you are looking for clinical treatment or a self-directed path, we will walk you through every step at your pace.
Medicine-Assisted Psychotherapy
A structured, clinician-led programme for adults living with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, OCD or trauma. Usually about twelve weeks, with a full medical and psychological assessment before anything begins.
How treatment worksSelf-Care Sanctuary
For those who would rather make this journey without medicine. Retreats at Aspenwood and our country sanctuary, plus a six-week self-directed programme supported by a fillable self-care workbook.
Explore the SanctuaryMedicine-assisted psychotherapy is not suitable for everyone, and candidacy depends on your full clinical history.
Treatment is currently available in Ontario only. We are actively working on ways to bring this to people wherever they are, whether that means a visit to see us or a referral to a trusted clinic closer to home. Ask us for more.
Research
A research-active practice, not only a clinical one.
Our team has completed a proof-of-concept study, currently under peer review, examining outcomes across multiple diagnoses. We follow our patients longitudinally at three, six and twelve months. Published results will be shared as they become available.
Longitudinal follow-up
We check in at three, six and twelve months, not only at discharge.
Teaching and mentorship
Our founder trains and mentors the practitioners entering this field.
A candid referral loop
Referring clinicians hear how their patient progressed, not just that they were seen.
Not sure if this is right for you?
Start with a free safety screening. No cost, and no obligation.