Jacob Damelin Therapy
About
I’m Jacob Damelin, a Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto offering therapy for men who want to understand themselves better, manage anxiety, and work toward change.
My work combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), emotional regulation skills, and practical strategies to help you move toward clarity, confidence, and balance, at your own pace.
My Journey Into Therapy
When I was studying jazz piano at Berklee College of Music, I developed tendonitis in both arms from overuse. What started as a physical injury soon became an emotional one. I grew anxious about whether I would ever play again, and that fear began to affect every area of my life.
Through working with a psychotherapist and learning how to address the roots of my anxiety, I began to understand how deeply our thoughts and emotions influence our bodies. Alongside that, a piano teacher helped me heal physically, and together those experiences showed me that real change happens when mind and body work together.
After graduating, I taught music in India. Unfortunately, since I was no longer able to access therapy, my anxiety and pain returned. A family member recommended I learn to meditate, and within two weeks of daily practice, I noticed a profound shift even though my external circumstances hadn’t changed. I became fascinated by the question: “How does the mind itself create such suffering, and such healing?”
When I returned to Canada, I began studying psychology at the University of Toronto while continuing my career as a musician and educator. I realized that I wanted to bring what I’d learned in therapy and mindfulness training to others, especially those struggling with stress, anxiety, and purpose the way I once had. That realization inspired me to pursue formal psychotherapy training and begin my next chapter.
Professional Training and Approach
I completed my graduate training in counselling psychology at Yorkville University, where I developed a deep appreciation for evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). My practicum experience allowed me to learn directly from seasoned clinicians and integrate new skills into real-world client work.
My personal healing through therapy and meditation shaped my belief that self-awareness and practical tools go hand in hand. Today, I draw from CBT, mindfulness, and parts work to help clients understand their inner experiences and translate insight into action.
Why I Focus on Men’s Mental Health
When I began practicing professionally, I noticed that men in their 20s and 30s connected particularly well with my approach. Many of them shared common challenges: anxiety, burnout, relationship conflict, and feeling misunderstood in past therapy experiences. Some were new to therapy altogether, often encouraged by a partner or friend to give it a try.
Listening to their stories made me realize that our field wasn’t fully meeting the needs of men, particularly when it came to helping them feel comfortable opening up.
As a therapist, I’ve had many of the same doubts and pressures my clients face: wondering how to balance ambition with health, fearing failure, or struggling to find meaning. Through experience and practice, I learned that by understanding our thoughts and emotions more clearly, we can transform how we engage with the world.
My role is to create a space where men can ask the questions they’ve been avoiding, explore the connection between their beliefs and emotional pain, and discover that vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s strength in action.
My Philosophy on Therapy for Men
Historically, men have been less likely to seek therapy, and there are many reasons why. Some grew up in environments where emotional expression was discouraged; others worry that opening up means losing control.
My philosophy is simple: meet men where they are. Whether you’re skeptical about therapy, unsure what to expect, or simply curious about how it might help, I’m here to guide you through that process, at your own pace.
I focus on rapport first. Before challenging beliefs or patterns, I make sure each client feels understood. Once trust is built, we begin to explore the thoughts and habits that may be holding you back.
Through an individualized treatment plan, we’ll identify how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours interact, and how changing one can shift the others. Together, we’ll turn insight into practice, helping you respond differently to stress, relationship issues, and self-doubt.
What Sessions Look Like
The process is flexible; you set the pace, and we adapt the approach as your needs evolve.
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In our first two or three sessions, we’ll discuss your background, current challenges, and goals.
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Once the assessment stage is complete, we’ll discuss practical tools to manage anxiety, stress, and relationship concerns.
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If you’d like, I’ll suggest exercises such as journaling, mindfulness, or communication strategies to try in daily life.
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Each session ends with a summary and an invitation to reflect on what you want to remember or work on before we meet again.
What Drives my Work
I believe therapy is about reclaiming agency, learning to respond to life’s challenges with intention instead of impulsive reaction.
Two of my deepest values are self-compassion and autonomy. There’s no shame in acknowledging our struggles, especially in a world where discussing men’s mental health is often stigmatized. True courage lies in facing those struggles with honesty and curiosity.
As your therapist, I won’t tell you who to be or how to feel. My role is to help you understand where your patterns come from, so you can decide how you want to move forward.
When clients begin to live in alignment with their values, that change ripples outward, improving relationships, inspiring loved ones, and strengthening communities.
Common Questions
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Absolutely. Therapy gives you the tools to handle stress, strengthen relationships, and live with greater purpose. It’s not about “fixing” you — it’s about learning to understand yourself better and make choices that align with who you want to be.
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Yes. Anxiety therapy can help identify thought patterns that create stress, and provide practical techniques for calming your body and mind.
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I primarily use CBT-based (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) modalities. These approaches are structured, evidence-based, and effective for anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or returning after a break, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide if we’re the right fit.
Therapy isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress, self-understanding, and the courage to live differently.