About Audrey Kao, MSW, RSW

Audrey Kao, MSW, RSW, a dating and relationship therapist based in Toronto

I'm Audrey, & I help people feel secure in relationships and within themselves.

You can change how you show up. That’s what Modern Relationships Therapy is all about.

Audrey Kao, Registered Social Worker, in her therapy office

A little about me and how I work

I work with people in their 20s and 30s caught in the same painful relationship cycles. Some are single or dating and tired of feeling anxious, not-enough, or stuck on an ex. Others are in committed relationships that have become a loop of conflict, resentment, or doubt. What they share is a willingness to self-reflect and ask not just “why does this keep happening?” but “what’s my part, and how do I change it?”

I'm warm yet practical—no fluff or endless circling. You'll leave sessions with tangible tools you can use right away.

My clients often tell me they want a therapist who will actually challenge them, not just nod along. That's how I work.

You'll feel deeply understood and accepted—and from that foundation, I'll gently push you toward the insights that are harder to reach on your own.

As a second-generation Chinese Canadian, I understand how unspoken family expectations and cultural messages shape the way we show up in relationships. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, and when these cultural dynamics are part of your experience, I'll meet them with understanding so you won't have to explain your background from scratch.

I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, with a specialization in Health and Mental Health, and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Waterloo. I have extensive training in attachment-based therapy, which forms the foundation of how I practice. Within that, I draw on a range of well-researched approaches, including CBT and DBT, tailored to what each person needs.

When I'm not in session, you'll likely find me at a workout class, planning my next meal, or being bossed around by my mini goldendoodle, Finn.

If this resonates, I’d love to connect.

The best place to start is a free meet & greet call — a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to see if we’re a good fit.