(she/her) MA, RP

Counselling Services: Individual Counselling for Adults, Young Adults, and Teens (15+)

Hello! My name is Anna and I am a Registered Psychotherapist. My decision to become a psychotherapist was influenced by having support through difficult early life experiences and wanting to give this same support back to the world. I am passionate about supporting clients to see their self in a more positive light, and to find a sense of meaning and belonging in life. I strive to support clients to feel understood and to make sense of their own experiences.

Areas of Focus

Anxiety and Panic, Depression, Social Anxiety, Self-esteem Issues, Trauma and Complex Trauma, Emotion Dysregulation, Relationship Concerns, Stress, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anger Management, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Addictions (e.g., food, substance-use), Eating Disorders (depending on the type and severity), Grief, OCD

I have experience supporting clients towards the following:

• Increased sense of safety

• Improved confidence and self-esteem

• Increased self-love and self-compassion

• Communication skills, such as assertiveness and setting boundaries

• Emotion regulation skills, including for high distress/panic

• Secure attachment

• Finding a sense of belonging, meaning, and purpose in one’s life

• Identifying how one’s past might be influencing their present

• Positive thinking

• Healthy habits, motivation, and self-discipline

• Mindfulness

Approach

I use an eclectic approach according to clients’ specific needs and goals. I tend to incorporate both past- and present-focused techniques, and techniques which work with one’s thoughts, behaviours, emotions, and bodily (somatic) experience of emotions. Here are some examples of therapy modalities I incorporate:

- Person-Centred Therapy. Includes foundational counselling skills such as unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence.

-Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Includes skills to support individuals towards increased mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful thinking styles, beliefs, and behaviours.

-Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM). Used to support individuals to process trauma, including attachment trauma. Includes somatic techniques, bilateral stimulation (tapping), parts work, visualization, art (drawing), and CBT.

-Solution-Focused Therapy. Influenced by positive psychology, focuses on supporting clients to identify and amplify their strengths, and to identify and describe their future goals.

-Motivational Interviewing (MI). Uses techniques such as open-ended questions to support clients to increase their motivation to make change(s) in their life.

-Existential Therapy. Supports individuals to identify and explore their values, and to explore where they derive a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

I also have a special interest in the intersection between mental and physical health (e.g., exercise and nutrition) and where desired, I can support you to find support in these additional areas.

Educational Background

I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Queen’s University and a Master of Arts in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care from Wilfrid Laurier University. I am a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

Thank you for taking the time to read my biography, and I look forward to connecting with you!

BOOK WITH ANNA

(she/her), MA, RP Qualifying

Counselling Services: Individual Counselling, Adults, 16+

It is part of the human experience to have ups and downs in life. My passion as a therapist is holding space for those struggling or navigating through life’s difficulties. As a client centered therapist, my goal is to provide clients a warm, safe and accepting environment where they can feel comfortable to share their story. Each individual person is unique, and it is important to me to understand all of the aspects of a persons life that make them who they are.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. My educational background includes a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Family and Child Studies from the University of Guelph.

I utilize a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches in order to suit each clients needs. The modalities I primarily use are Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindful Self Compassion, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Along with these different modalities, I work from an attachment-based and trauma informed lens.

Together we will collaboratively develop goals that would be meaningful, that are realistic, achievable and bring you closer to the life you want to live. During our time together we will develop self reflection, work through difficult emotions and thoughts, and make use of new coping skills and strategies to restore your sense of wellbeing. I believe that trust, compassion and validation are the keys to a successful therapeutic relationship. Empathy is at the core of my work to genuinely care for each and every client and helping them on their journey to reach their full potential.

I would be honoured to guide and support you as we work together to bring about change that is meaningful to you.

Areas of Focus

I have worked with a variety of individuals with different presenting concerns, providing one on one counselling. My areas of focus include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Relationship Issues
• Self esteem / Confidence
• LGBTQ support
• Anger
• Trauma
• Life Transitions

BOOK WITH JEWELEY

(she/her), MA, RP

Counselling Services: Individual Counselling, Adults, Youth

My name is Rajni, I am a registered psychotherapist and have been practicing in the field for the last 10 years. Finding the right support and feeling a connection with your therapist is important. To help you get a better sense of my work as a therapist here is a little bit more about me.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist and Art Therapist. I hold membership with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I initially completed a graduate diploma in Art Therapy and then went on to complete a Masters in Counselling Psychology. The therapeutic modalities I primarily use are Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness/Self-Compassion, and Art Therapy.

My passion and work is centered around creating healing spaces where folks can feel supported and not alone in their mental health journeys. The path of recovery looks different for everyone, and it is my goal to help individuals discover what that might look like for them. My work with clients includes, but is not limited too, exploring the mind-body connection to heal trauma, discovering how past experiences are connected to the present, unpacking thought patterns, regulating emotions, or learning how our challenges are connected to larger-system and structural realities that can be oppressive and impact our mental health. I help clients work on strategies and tools that can address some of the root causes of their challenges and build a sense of meaning. I am currently doing a Ph.D. in Community Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University. My research is on ways of decolonizing the mental health space through the lens of social justice and radical healing.

If you would like to connect further to explore if this is the right fit for you, please feel free to contact me or our office to arrange a free consultation.

Areas of Focus

I have experience with one-on-one therapy (in-person, telephone, online), as well as group therapy. I have worked with youth, adults, refugees/immigrants, and LGTBQ+ communities in clinical and community settings. My experiences have allowed me to tailor therapy to the needs of the client, whether for crisis intervention or long-term therapy.

• Therapeutic approaches include: Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, Mindfulness/Self-compassion, Cognitive- Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strengths-based, Solution-Focused Therapy.
• Areas of focus include but are not limited to: Depression, Generalized Anxiety, Social anxiety, Drive anxiety, Grief/Loss, Stress/Acute stress.
• Concerns may be related to: Childhood Trauma, Emotional Disturbance, Employment/Unemployment, Immigration/Resettlement, Motor Vehicle Accident, Life Transitions, Racial Trauma, Relationship Issues, Suicidal Ideation, Self-Esteem/Self-Confidence, Sleep Disturbances, Trauma, Work-Life Balance.
• Support for BIPOC clients: For clients who identify as members of BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous, and/or Person of Colour) and are experiencing race-related stress/trauma and are hoping to seek a safe space to talk with a therapist who also identifies as a person of colour (sliding scale options available).
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach developed to help people heal from trauma or adversities such as issues of abuse, bullying, domestic violence, grief/loss, attachment wounds, abandonment, PTSD, and many other complicated life issues

BOOK WITH RAJNI

(she/her), MA, RP Qualifying

Counselling Services: Individual Counselling, Adults, 16+

Hi! My name is Claire Bergen, and I am a registered psychotherapist (qualifying). As a therapist, I aim to create a safe, warm, and welcoming space for people to open up about their experiences. Every individual is unique and there are many reasons for seeking out counselling, this is why I make every effort to meet my clients where they are at in their own journey. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is a powerful and essential component of the healing process.

Here is a little more about me! I hold a membership with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I have a Master of Education degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. I have experience working with youth, adolescents, adults and student populations. I recognize the unique challenges students face with the combined pressures of both academic and personal stressors. I seek to help clients explore their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, gain self-awareness and make meaningful, self-directed change. My experience also includes working in addiction, crisis situations, and developmental disabilities.

I aim to take a holistic approach to mental health and well-being in session. This means considering all facets of life including emotional, social, physical, and spiritual. The therapeutic modalities I primary use are Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused therapy (CFT). I use these modalities within a client-centered, trauma informed and anti-oppressive framework. This includes acknowledging how trauma experiences effect people in their day-to-day life, taking into consideration the power dynamics that exist in society, and working towards empowering clients who have experienced oppression, trauma, and discrimination. To me, creating growth-fostering relationships are an important part of the therapeutic process.

Areas of Focus

My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, trauma, interpersonal relationships, grief, motivation, autism spectrum disorder, sexuality, and gender identity.

BOOK WITH CLAIRE

(She/Her), MA, RP

Counselling Services: Individual Counselling, Youth, 16+

My name is Kandice and I am a Registered Psychotherapist. As a therapist I help people work through many different kinds of challenges, whether that is looking at how their day-to-day lives are being impacted or working through deeper-rooted concerns. There are times in life when we all struggle, helping individuals work through the challenges they face in life by walking beside them is my passion and is always the main focus in my work.

I hold membership with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I have a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, as well as a Bachelors of Arts with a major in Psychology and Minor in Family and Child Studies from the University of Guelph. The therapeutic modalities I primarily use are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). The foundational approach I use with all of my clients is a Person-Centered approach, otherwise known as Client-Centered Therapy (CCT).

I believe that all clients are unique and are the experts in their own lives, in session I put this belief into practice by helping clients discover their own path to healing. With all the individuals I support I explore in-depth the concerns they are experiencing, including looking at the emotions and behaviours we attach to our experiences. In all my work I use a trauma-informed lens. A trauma-informed approach acknowledges the impact trauma can have, recognizes the symptoms and looks at how this can affect a person's understanding of the world and their relationships. From this approach I help clients understand how experiences of trauma can impact us all and seek to help them make sense of this in the context of their current lives. In addition to supporting clients, I also strongly believe it is important to continue to strive in my own growth and education, and to keep up with best-practice to ensure the best support for my clients.

Taking the first step in therapy can be overwhelming and intimidating which is why I strive to create a warm and welcome space for my clients. Please feel free to contact me or our office with any questions you might have.

Areas of focus

I have experience working with individuals providing one-on-one therapy, from a variety of populations. I have experience working with youth, adolescents/teens, adults, and LGBTQ+ community. While my goal is to provide support to clients with a variety of needs, my areas of focus include: anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship/family conflict, attachment, mood disorders, stress, phobias, suicide, LGBTQ+, and self-esteem.

Clinical Supervision

As a part of my work and licensing, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario requires I participate in regular clinical supervision to ensure the integrity of services. This means I meet regularly with a Registered Psychotherapist to reflect on my practice with the intention of working to further develop my skills and learning in order to provide the best possible care to my clients.

BOOK WITH KANDICE

(She/Her), SSW, MSW, RSW

Counselling Services: Individual Counselling, Adults, Youth

I believe in a common humanity, which understands suffering as a universal human experience. What this means is that you are not alone. Even the feeling of isolation is part of the human experience. Whether you are feeling distressed, would like to deepen your understanding of your self, or would like to experience more joy and fulfilment in your life, I offer a safe space for you to unpack and be yourself. As someone who has personal experience healing from trauma, I have an appreciation for how past experiences and traumatic events can get in the way of our ability to form trusting relationships with others. Part of my work as a therapist is to work with you to demystify and gain a greater understanding of the roots to your unwanted feelings, thoughts, and actions that keep you stuck. With this understanding, we can move forward together to begin embracing a more purposeful and fulfilling life. I look forward to getting to know you and working alongside you in your healing journey.

Approach

My work as a therapist is built on a foundation of safety and respect. Healing can occur when we feel safe to open up, explore, and take risks in a supportive relationship. I practice from a trauma-centered lens that is rooted in attachment, systems, social learning, conflict, and psychodynamic theory. I also take an integrative approach, which recognizes the intimate relationship between our emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, and social wellbeing. In seeking to attend to the whole person, I use a variety of approaches including:

Somatization: Building awareness and fostering a re-connection with our physical body.

Emotion Focused and Mindfulness work: Building greater understanding and acceptance of thoughts and emotions held and experienced in the mind and body.

Trauma Processing: Processing and making meaning out of memories and traumatic experiences through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), talk therapy, art therapy, and body-focused work.

Therapeutic modalities primarily used: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy (NT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Somatic Body Movement.

Educational Background

I am a registered Social Worker (registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers). My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts earned at the University of Guelph, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Family and Child studies. I then earned a graduate diploma in Social Service Work at Fanshawe College. Finally, I completed a Master’s in Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University.

EMDR Therapy

Trauma Recovery, EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs

Emotion Focused Therapy with Individuals (EFIT) (level 1)

Vancouver Couple and Family Institute

Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM)

Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH)

Areas of focus

My areas of focus include addictions/eating disorders, anxiety, childhood trauma/attachment traumas, depression, discrimination/power imbalances, emotional disturbances, identity, LGBTQ+, life transitions, personal growth/development, relationship/family conflict, self esteem, spiritual seeking and exploration, stress, suicidal ideation, trauma/post traumatic stress.

BOOK WITH JEN

(she/her), MA, RP

Counselling Services: Individual Counselling, Adults, Young Adult, 16+

To give you a better sense of my work as a therapist here is a little more about me. My desire to work as a psychotherapist began with my own personal journey and experience accessing counselling services. There are moments in life when we all need support, when we deserve to be respected and validated as we navigate challenges in our lives.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist and hold membership with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. My educational background includes a Masters of Counselling Psychology, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health and a Bachelors of Arts and Science in Psychology and Biology.

The therapeutic modalities I primarily use are Narrative Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). My work with clients includes, but is not limited too, looking at how the past may be influencing the present, unpacking behaviours, regulating emotions, interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, and increasing mindfulness. I have extensive training and experience with a biopsychosocial approach, and provide support that looks at people as a whole: physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.

I have worked alongside individuals with a range of concerns and have worked specifically with borderline personality disorder, personality disorders, trauma and complex trauma. Every person has their own unique experiences and stories which are as valid and true as all others. As a therapist I support folks to find balance and to validate the often opposing truths that exist in our realities. I work with my clients to recognize their needs and support them in creating meaningful change where desired. I help individuals recognize and make meaning of the broader cultural and social factors that have influenced them. In all my work I acknowledge the impact trauma can have and how this can affect our understanding of the world and the relationships around us.

Feeling a connection with your therapist is important, if you are interested in support and/or want to connect with me more please feel free to reach out to me! The first step can be hard and it is my goal to ensure that this is the right fit for you.

Areas of focus

I work alongside individuals experiencing a range of concerns and personal wellness goals. While I support individuals with a wide range of needs, my areas of focus include: relationship/interpersonal, personality disorders, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, identity, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma and complex trauma, gender, finding balance, difficult life transitions, emotion regulation, personal development and wellness, LGBTQ+, young adult mental health (16-35 years) and adult mental health.

More on LGBTQ+: Folks identifying as being a part of the LGBTQ+ community experience unique challenges due to social contexts such as stigma, stereotypes, marginalization and oppression. It is important that this is addressed when providing mental health and wellness support, as it leads to unique stressors and challenges. As someone with lived experience and experience working with organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community, I strive to create a space to address these concerns and needs. Therapeutic Modalities: Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) , Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) and Brief Solution Focused Therapy.

In all my work I apply a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and strengths-based lens. I have extensive training and experience with a biopsychosocial approach, and provide support that looks at people as a whole: physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.

Clinical Supervision

As part of my work and licensing I myself participate in regular clinical supervision. Clinical supervision involves meeting regularly to reflect on practice with the intention of learning, developing practice and providing high quality, safe care to clients. This means I work regularly with someone who is experienced in both therapy and supervision to ensure the integrity of clinical services. The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario recommends practice under supervision at all stages of licensing as best practice and requires it at others.

BOOK WITH HEIDI

(He/Him), MEd, RP

Counselling Services: Individual Counselling, Adults, 16+

Hi there! My name is Paulo, and I want to thank you for taking the time to read my bio. I understand how the counselling journey can look very different to each unique individual, and I try to respect that and embrace it while helping you work towards your goals and self-actualization. Here is a little bit about me in hopes of better understanding how I may be able to help you.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I have a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology degree from the University of Ottawa, in addition to a Professional Addiction Studies Diploma through McMaster University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology from the University of Waterloo. I have always been passionate about developing my understanding of the field of mental health, and continuously strive to increase my knowledge for the betterment of those I work with.

The therapeutic modalities I primarily use are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with an underlying foundation of Person/Client Centered Therapy (CCT) . However, I believe that each person is unique and may benefit from different approaches, and so I also try to incorporate elements of Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). I also try to incorporate awareness of somatic experiences related to one’s mental health through mind-body connection discussions.

My passion involves helping people recognize they are not alone when needing support, and that it is okay to not be okay. As a therapist, I aim to validate individual’s concerns and explore them through every angle, hoping to create connections and allow for understanding. I work at this by exploring both past and present circumstances, and using a trauma-informed lens in our time together. I also aim to help individuals realize their own resilience and potential with the ultimate goal of showing oneself that their goals can be achieved.

I truly understand and respect the courage it takes to step into therapy, which is why I aim to continuously provide a safe, judgement-free space for self-expression, and to work collaboratively to meet your goals. I know finding the right therapist is an equally difficult process, so please feel free to contact me regarding any questions or concerns you may have, and I will try my best to help with the first steps, and make sure it is the right fit. I am honored to play a role in helping you with this important journey.

Areas of focus

I have years of experience from both professional and volunteer settings working with individuals providing one-on-one therapy. I have specifically worked more intensely with student populations in guiding them through the difficulties of combined academic and personal struggles, and the challenging transitions accompanied by academic life. My experience also includes crises situations, short-term therapy, and long-term therapy, as each individual’s counselling journey takes whatever amount of time is right for them.

Areas of Concern dealt with: General & Social Anxiety, Depression, Adolescents/Teens and Young Adults, Academic Related Concerns, Eating Disorders, Family Relationships/Conflict, Grief, LGBTQ+, Life Transitions, OCD, Self-esteem, Stress, Self-harm, Suicide, Sexual Assault, Trauma.

I aim to be culturally sensitive and aware of the impact cultural differences and lived experiences can have on an individual – in my work, I will always be respectful of these life aspects, and acknowledge the immeasurable difficulties minority populations have faced.

BOOK WITH PAULO

(she/her), Clinic Manager

Hi my name is Karly and I am the Clinic Manager of KW Mental Health and Wellness.

My journey into this field started, like for many, with navigating my own mental health and accessing services. As the Clinic Manager I am often the person you will connect with first when you are reaching out to our clinic. Reaching out can be challenging and speaking to anyone especially a new person can be uncomfortable. I am here to answer questions, help you navigate services and to support you in finding the therapist that is the right fit.

I strive to create a place where people can connect and feel supported even before speaking with their therapist.