Cultivating wholeness in the face of any prognosis

Mindfulness-informed psychotherapy for life-limiting illness and palliative care

Hello! My name is Celina Carter and I’m so glad you found your way here. I am a registered nurse psychotherapist. I am also a research scientist with a PhD in public health, published author, and active lecturer who is committed to increasing access to high quality palliative care that supports people in their spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, and social wellbeing. I have long been curious about experiences of wholeness and spiritual wellbeing, which in addition to research, has led me to many experiences including organic farming, yoga, reiki, long-distance hiking, and of course mindfulness and mindfulness meditation.

I believe that with supportive exploration people can become intimate with their suffering and develop ways of transforming that which distresses them. Everything I do starts with validation, acknowledgment, and compassion. Through deep listening, we can explore experiences of distress and uncertainty as well as joy and wonder and develop a sense of wholeness regardless of the prognosis.

My approach

Mindfulness-informed psychotherapy for life-limiting illness is rooted in evidence-based science and contemplative traditions to bolster people’s capacity to be with the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that emerge when encountering mortality.

Everything I recommend to clients is rooted in evidence-based knowledge and practice.

Education and Training

Academic Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) - Dalhouise University (2002-2006)
Master of Nursing (MN) - Toronto Metropolitan University (2011-2013)
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Social and Behavioural Health Studies (PhD - SBHS) - University of Toronto (2015-2022)

Training

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for grief and end-of-life from Praxis (2024)

Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) training from Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care (2024 & 2016)

Level 1-4 training in palliative care from SE Health (2024)

Certificate in mindfulness-informed end-of-life care from the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto (2017-2018)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy 2-day training from Dr. Mary Elliot (2014)

Dialectical behaviour therapy training from BehaviouralTech (2013)

Motivational interviewing training from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (2010)

200-hour Yoga Teacher Training from Salt Spring Centre of Yoga (2006)

Practice License

Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (registration number 09404450) (2010-Present)

Influential Teachers

Thich Nhat Hanh; Tara Brach; Michele Chaban; Sharon Blackie

Inquire about working together

Request a 20 minute free consultation.

Some extended health care benefits reimburse for psychotherapy delivered by a registered nurse. I recommend investigating if this therapy is covered and for how much. If your plan does not cover this therapy, I can work with you to try to get coverage. Insurance providers who typically reimburse for nurse-led psychotherapy includes: GreenShield, Manulife, Desjardins.

I am located in Toronto, ON, Canada. Clients must be Ontario residents.