Ursa Psychology: The Story Behind Our Name

Ursa Psychology was founded on the belief that courage and compassion belong together- that real healing requires both strength and softness.

The name Ursa comes from the Latin word for bear, a symbol rich in both personal and cultural meaning.
In the Seven Sacred Teachings, the Bear represents Courage- living from the heart, facing life’s challenges with honesty, and standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult.

In the night sky, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor (the Great Bear and the Little Bear) represent stability and guidance. Polaris, the North Star in Ursa Minor, is a constant point of light, helping travellers find their way. For us, it symbolizes therapy as a process of orientation: finding direction, strength, and clarity even when the path feels uncertain.

Ursa also carries a legacy of love. It honours the founder’s grandmother, Ursula, “she-bear,”whose kindness, generosity, and quiet leadership shaped generations. And it is a tribute to her son, lovingly called Little Bear, who embodies the playfulness, curiosity, and sweetness that remind us why we do this work.

Our mission is to offer exceptional, evidence-based treatment that honours the full complexity of people’s lives. We do this through our core values of Curiosity, Compassion, Authenticity, and Advocacy, creating a space where clients and clinicians alike can grow, heal, and thrive in connection.