Education & Training

Jelena earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto, specializing in Mental Health and Health. Jelena completed coursework and has training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, ASSIST training, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness-informed approaches. Jelena’s practice is informed by her experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds in educational institutions, acute care and outpatient hospital settings, and her extensive volunteer experiences at the Toronto Distress Centre and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Theoretical Approach

Jelena practices from a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and client-centred lens. Jelena takes the time to establish and maintain an effective and sustained therapeutic alliance with clients by drawing on her ability to be genuine, authentic, respectful, collaborative, client-focused, and non-judgmental. Jelena creates a safe space for clients to explore their concerns and collaboratively work towards their treatment goals, as she strongly believes that clients are experts in their own lives.

Jelena utilizes an eclectic and integrative approach to therapy where she draws from multiple evidence-based theoretical orientations and techniques, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Mindfulness

Jelena has experience working with clients with various presenting concerns, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Adjustment to chronic health conditions vStress Management
• Self-esteem/self-worth
• Interpersonal Conflict
• Grief and Bereavement
• Emotional Dysregulation
• Difficulty setting boundaries/asserting oneself
• Body Image

Personal Background

Jelena is a first-generation Russian-Canadian who immigrated to Canada from Latvia as a teenager. Having to learn a new language, and get accustomed to new culture and lifestyle while trying to keep up with academic work and sustain a part-time job was not an easy task and it was complicated by her experience of being bullied at school which subsequently led to depression and isolation. This was the time when Jelena learned how culture, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and immigration experiences can affect people’s lives and shape how they see themselves, others and the world.

Jelena’s passion for therapy was driven by her lived experiences where she had to navigate her mental health challenges, life lessons, and losses. These experiences shape and inform her therapeutic work. Jelena is passionate about helping clients understand themselves better through therapy and feels privileged to be able to join clients in their journeys to self-reflection, self-discovery, and healing.

Languages

English, Russian

Memberships

• Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
• Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)

Peer-Reviewed Academic Publications

Surikova, J., Payne, A., Miller, KL., Ravaei, A., & Nolan, R.P. (2020). A cultural and gender-based approach to understanding patient adjustment to chronic heart failure. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 18(1). doi:10.1186/s12955-020-01482-1.

Nolan, R., Ross, H., D’Antono, B., White, M., Chan, S., Toma, M., … Surikova, J. (2015) Prototypical trajectories of patient engagement with an e-counselling platform to promote self-care in heart failure. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 31(10). doi:10.1016/j.cjca.2015.07.571

Nolan, R. P., Feldman, R., Dawes, M., Kaczorowski, J., Lynn, H., Barr, S. I., . . . Surikova, J. (2018). Randomized Controlled Trial of E-Counseling for Hypertension. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 11(7). doi:10.1161/circoutcomes.117.004420

Payne, A.Y.M., Surikova, J., Liu, S., Ross, H., Mechetiuc, T., & Nolan, R.P. (2015). Usability testing of an Internet-based e-counseling platform for adults with chronic heart failure. JMIR Human Factors, 2(1), doi:10.2196/humanfactors.4125

Tanaka, R., Banerjee, A., Surikova, J., Tracey, J., Payne, A., Ross, H., & Nolan, R. (2018). A Moderated e-Forum for Adults with Cardiovascular Disease: Usability Study. JMIR Human Factors, 5(2), doi:10.2196/humanfactors.8820

Education & Training Jelena earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Tor... Read More

Education and Training:

Michelle is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Waterloo, Faculty of Health, with a focus on a holistic approach to social work and health, informed by Indigenous values and traditions. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Political Science from McGill University, which she pursued following a decade of experience as a healthcare activist in Ontario. In addition, Michelle has a Certificate in Thanatology from Humber College, specializing in grief, loss, and supporting individuals through their end-of-life journey, as well as providing counselling for loved ones navigating grief and bereavement. Michelle also holds a Diploma in Behavioural Science with a focus on neurodiverse populations, grounded in understanding human behavior across the lifespan and the social, cultural, and biological factors that influence it. She integrates therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused approaches to support individuals with neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental differences. Michelle is dedicated to creating an inclusive, compassionate environment that values each individual’s unique strengths and challenges.

Michelle’s education and training includes a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness- based and solution-focused interventions. Her clinical expertise encompasses supporting individuals and families dealing with chronic illness, grief and bereavement, developmental disorders, and mental health challenges.

Michelle also spends her time as a Counsellor and Program Facilitator at Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, where she provides short-term individual and family counselling. She facilitates various support groups and specialized programs, including the Healing Journey Programs, Children and Parents Programs, and Relaxation and Visualization sessions. Additionally, Michelle offers culturally informed therapy to NIHB participants, integrating an understanding of the historical, social, and cultural contexts that influence mental health, such as the intergenerational impacts of colonization, residential schools, and systemic inequalities.

Michelle’s practice is also informed by her previous experience as an Acute Care Social Worker at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and acute care inpatient, nephrology, and bariatrics outpatient at Humber River Health. Additionally, she has worked as a Social Worker, Behavioural Therapist, and educator with neurodiverse children and youth in educational and clinical settings in Montreal and Toronto, as well as in research facilities in both cities.

Therapeutic Approach:

Michelle practices from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and anti-oppressive lens, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative, client-centred approach to therapy. She provides a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their challenges and work toward their treatment goals. Her practice is grounded in a deep understanding of the complexities of human behaviour and the ways in which societal and personal contexts shape mental health and emotional well-being.

Michelle integrates a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities tailored to each client’s unique needs, including: - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) - Solution-Focused Therapy - Mindfulness-based approaches

Skills and Areas of Expertise: - Life Transitions - Chronic illness, End-of-Life Care, and Cancer Survivorship - Grief and bereavement support - Intergenerational trauma and its impact - Emotional well-being during life-altering challenges - Mental health and emotional resilience building - Trauma - Eating Disorders - Interpersonal Relations - Supporting neurodiverse peoples and their caregivers

Languages

English

Personal Background:

Michelle is Métis and originally from the Métis Homeland of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She moved to Toronto in 2000 and has traveled extensively across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, as well as living abroad in Ireland, Australia, and China. These experiences have shaped her understanding of intersectionality and how various identities—such as race, culture, socioeconomic status, and gender—intersect to influence an individual’s sense of self and worldview.

As a cancer survivor and someone with personal experience addressing intergenerational trauma, Michelle brings a unique and compassionate perspective to her practice. Her lived experience allows her to empathize deeply, validate clients’ emotions, and inspire hope and resilience. She draws on her understanding of trauma, healthcare navigation, and the profound impact of life-altering challenges to create a safe, supportive space for clients as they navigate their own journeys of healing and growth.

Memberships:

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)

Education and Training: Michelle is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degr... Read More

Education and Training:

Osman is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a City University of Seattle Master’s of Counselling candidate. Over the past 9 years, he has worked at the at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, AB, working with children and adolescents with complex mental health and behavioural issues. Upon moving to Ontario, Osman has built a strong foundation in individual, couples, and family therapy (short to medium term therapy, and walk-in single session) working within a systemic model, with all age groups at various community mental health agencies and post secondary institutions.

Osman has also worked within the youth justice system and supported families through the mental health diversion program. In addition, Osman has volunteered at the Calgary Distress Centre providing support and crisis intervention for clients in distress and volunteered with his faith and cultural communities in Alberta and Ontario in providing mental health workshops to adolescents, adults, and families.

Therapeutic Approach:

Sometimes clients may feel ashamed and confused when thinking of starting therapy. They feel like something is wrong with them and don’t know who to turn to, or where to begin. Osman utilizes a systemic and person-centered approach to better understand his clients; their history, values, beliefs, family/friendships/connections, struggles and most importantly their strengths.

Joining in different modalities of therapy (CBT, DBT, SFBT, Systemic/Structural Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, and EFT), Osman aims to co-create unique goals for therapy, at a pace where the client feels comfortable, in space that is safe and free of judgment, whereby the client can feel hopeful for a positive and healthy future.

Osman has experience working with individuals with a range of presentations, diagnoses and goals including:

• Academic Issues
• Addiction
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Autism/ASD
• FASD
• Behavioural Issues
• BIPOC Experiences
• Bipolar Personality Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Body Image Concerns
• Break Ups
• Bullying
• Childhood Development and Trauma
• Communication
• Co-Parenting, Parenting
• Cross Cultural Challenges
• Cultural Identity
• Depression
• Divorce/Separation
• Emotional Regulation
• Family Conflict
• Faith and Spirituality
• Gender Identity
• Grief/Loss
• Immigration/Emigration
• Financial Issues
• Interpersonal Violence
• Justice System (Mandated)
• LGBTQIA2S+
• Life Transitions
• Loneliness/Isolation
• Men’s Issues
• Mood Disorders
• Panic Attacks
• Perfectionism
• Personal Identity/Growth
• Pornography
• Racial Identity
• Relationships
• Relational Trauma
• School Challenges
• Self-Harm
• Suicide
• Social Anxiety
• Stress and Burnout
• Substance Use,
• Schizophrenia
• Trauma
• Work-Life Balance.

Languages:

English, Urdu, Hindi.

Personal Background:

Being born in Western Canada to parents who migrated from South Asia, Osman understands firsthand the struggles individuals and families face while trying to balance different cultures and traditions, while holding on to personal values, beliefs and faith. Finally, Osman considers himself an ally to the BIPOC and LGBTQ2+ communities and understand the complexities many of them face. Together, we can start your journey of healing, and no matter what has happened Osman strives to help clients outlive their past!

Education and Training: Osman is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a City University... Read More

Education & Training

Banupriya is a Psychological Associate registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She is authorized to practice in the areas of clinical and counselling psychology. She has over 8 years of experience in the field of mental health and offers assessment and individual psychotherapy services to adults at the Toronto Psychology Clinic.

Banupriya obtained her MPhil degree in clinical psychology from the University of Delhi and her MSc in psychology from Bangalore University. She has extensive experience working in both hospital and private practice settings. She is also currently a candidate in training at the Advanced Training Program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Toronto Psychoanalytic Society.

Therapeutic Approach

Banupriya has a strong commitment to being helpful, no matter the approach. Her approach to psychotherapy is integrative and is rooted in the belief that longstanding difficulties in our relationships with ourselves and others have their origins in our early developmental experiences. These difficulties may include abandonment anxiety, perfectionism, conflicts about dependence, difficulty being vulnerable with others, challenges asserting boundaries, feeling stuck in unsatisfying relationship patterns, and excessive self-blame. She works in collaboration with her clients towards co-constructing a coherent narrative of their past, their present experiences, and their fears and aspirations for the future. In her sessions, she often uses her understanding of child development, family dynamics and socio-cultural factors to support the co-construction of such a narrative. With such an understanding of one’s life comes a stronger sense of self, the ability to exercise choice and affect positive change, the capacity to endure unchanging external adversities, and the forbearance to safely experience fear, guilt, sadness and other internal states without feeling overwhelmed.

Banupriya’s work draws from the following approaches to psychotherapy:

• Attachment-based psychotherapy
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Trauma-informed psychotherapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Relational psychotherapy
• Culturally sensitive therapy

Banupriya works with a wide range of presentations that include:

• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Childhood trauma
• Conflicts with family of origin
• Depression
• Dermatotillomania
• Difficulty asserting boundaries
• Difficulty being vulnerable with others
• Emotional dysregulation
• Excessive self-blame
• Feeling stuck in relationship patterns
• Losses related to life transitions
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Perinatal mental health
• Procrastination
• Work-life balance

Languages

English, Hindi, Urdu and Kannada.

Personal Background

Banupriya identifies as a first-generation immigrant of Indian origin. Having spent a considerable part of her life in South Asia, specifically in the Indian subcontinent, she has a deep understanding of the region’s complex history, political milieu, family dynamics and power relations. This knowledge and lived experience of being a part of a rich cultural heritage informs her work and enables her to explore various socio-cultural factors which have a place in the personal and intergenerational narratives shared by her clients.

Memberships - Ontario Psychological Association (OPA)

Education & Training Banupriya is a Psychological Associate registered with the College of P... Read More

Education and Training

Shafaq Ihtesham is a psychotherapist with a master’s in applied psychology (Counselling) from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India. She completed specialized training through the Bridge to Registration and Employment in Mental Health (BREM) at the Mennonite New Life Centre in Toronto, a program recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Her educational journey is further supported by professional certifications, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) foundations and suicide prevention.

Therapeutic Approaches

Shafaq takes a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, striving to create a safe space for clients to explore and address their unique challenges. Her experience spans across diverse environments, including counseling in academic, community, and private settings. With a broad skill set in therapeutic modalities, Shafaq draws from multiple therapeutic approaches: - Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) - Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) - Solution-Focused therapy - Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT) - Trauma-informed psychotherapy - Mindfulness approaches

Shafaq has experience working with a range of presentations, diagnoses and goals. Some of the concerns his clients typically bring into therapy include: - Marital & Romantic challenges - Marital preparation - Family Conflict - Anxiety/ Depression - Trauma - Interpersonal Conflict - Stress Management - Self-esteem/Self-worth - Body image - Work-life balance - Spiritual Issues - Substance use difficulties

Languages

English, Hindi, Urdu

Personal Background

Drawing upon her lived Muslim experiences as well as her South Asian cultural identity, Shafaq brings a lived understanding of the cultural nuances, challenges, and strengths within these communities. She is passionate about supporting marginalized communities. She draws upon her personal and professional experiences to support clients from similar backgrounds, addressing culturally sensitive issues with empathy and insight. Shafaq’s multicultural expertise enriches her therapeutic practice, providing clients with a nuanced approach that respects their identity and experiences.

Education and Training Shafaq Ihtesham is a psychotherapist with a master’s in applied psycholog... Read More

Education & Training

Mahsima is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Toronto. She is trained in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Emotion Focused-Family Therapy (EFFT) and Emotion Focused Therapy for Youth (EFT-Y), and primarily works from an emotion-focused lens, helping clients process difficult emotions. Her clinical work involves individual and group therapy for children, youth, adults, and families facing emotion regulation challenges related to learning difficulties, familial conflict, anxiety, depression, and social concerns.

In addition to her clinical practice, Mahsima has facilitated workshops on mental health and neurodiversity.

Theoretical Approach

Believing that clients are experts in their own lives, Mahsima fosters a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy. She offers a supportive, neurodiversity-affirming, and LGBTQ+-affirming space, providing non-judgmental care to help clients meet their treatment goals and navigate challenging emotions. With a background in social work, Mahsima is particularly interested in how individuals’ intersecting identities shape their experiences within personal and broader societal contexts.

Her focus is on helping clients process emotions in the present moment to promote healing and lasting change. Mahsima draws from various theoretical orientations to suit each client’s goals, including:

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and Emotion Focused Therapy for Youth (EFT-Y)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Mindfulness

Mahsima works with children and youth (ages 9+), adults, and parents (including those who do the work of parenting within diverse family structures). She has experience supporting clients with a wide range of concerns, including:

• Parenting challenges
• Emotion dysregulation and processing challenging emotions (e.g., anger, shame, sadness)
• Interpersonal concerns and conflicts
• Self-esteem and self-worth
• Life transitions
• Symptoms of depression and anxiety
• ADHD and executive functioning concerns
• Learning Disabilities

Languages

English, Persian (Farsi)

Personal Background

Mahsima is a first-generation Iranian-Canadian. Navigating her upbringing in Toronto allowed Mahsima to both witness and experience how one’s identity(ies), whether defined through culture, race, gender, neurodiversity, socioeconomic status, etc., shapes their stories and impacts their worldview and emotional expression. This informs her therapeutic practice. Mahsima believes having the platform to be witness to a client’s story, and all the intricacies involved in being a human living within multiple systems is a privilege. She endeavours to support clients by collaborating with them and amplifying their voice as they undergo personal growth. Mahsima recognizes her responsibility to offer a safe, open, non-judgmental and supportive space for clients to explore their treatment goals, and feel more equipped to work through hard-to-feel emotions.

Memberships - Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers - Ontario Association of Social Workers - International Society for Emotion Focused Therapy

Education & Training Mahsima is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work fr... Read More

Education & Training

Dr. Adrienne Li is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She completed her doctoral training at University College London in the United Kingdom and is also registered as a Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (UK). Prior to her graduate studies, she worked in research in Australia and Hong Kong, where she grew up.

During her training in the UK, she completed internships in adult, child and adolescent, clinical health settings as well as a specialist placement at a complex PTSD service. After relocating to Canada, she completed her supervised practice at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (University Health Network), providing teletherapy and assessments for individuals with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological conditions and healthcare workers impacted by the pandemic.

Theoretical Approach

Dr. Li works with adults and seniors experiencing a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, trauma, brain injuries, and adjustment due to factors such as migration, separation and loss. She employs evidence-based therapies, integrating approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, narrative therapy, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive practices.

With a warm, non-judgmental and collaborative style, she endeavours to create a safe space in sessions to allow clients freely self-explore, work through emotions, and help them meet their treatment goals.

Languages - Fluent in English, Cantonese - Understands Mandarin and Japanese

Education & Training Dr. Adrienne Li is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologi... Read More

Education & Training

Michelle completed her Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, specializing in the mental health and health stream. Michelle holds certificates in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills training, as well as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). She is also clinically trained in mindfulness-informed approaches, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She is interested in integrating neuroscience-informed psychoeducation during her sessions with clients. Michelle also spends her time working as a Psychotherapist, supporting working professionals and executives at Medcan. Michelle’s practice is informed by her previous experience working as an inpatient Social Worker at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), supporting adolescents and adults with acute mental health and substance use challenges.

Theoretical Approach

Michelle strives to integrate various evidence-based treatment approaches to best fit her client’s needs within their unique sociocultural context. By practicing from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and anti-oppressive lens, Michelle aims to establish a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to work through their emotional distress and meet their treatment goals. She takes a collaborative approach to guide clients through their journey of self-exploration and strengthening their toolbox of coping strategies. Michelle believes clients are the experts in their own lives, and she hopes to highlight how race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability/disability, and economic background can influence the processing of your unique experiences and sense of identity.

Michelle holds an eclectic stance and incorporates components of different therapeutic modalities to individualize psychotherapy for each client, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Mindfulness-based approaches

Michelle has experience working with clients with various presenting concerns, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Interpersonal Conflict
• Emotion Dysregulation
• Stress Management
• Self-esteem/Self-worth
• Adjustment to various life stressors
• Disordered eating
• Body image
• Work-life balance

Languages

English

Personal Background

Michelle is a first-generation Chinese-Canadian who immigrated to Toronto at a young age. Growing up in a multicultural city, she is attuned to the impact of race/ethnicity, culture, immigration, socioeconomic status, social inclusion, religion, ability/disability, gender, and sexual orientation on one’s sense of self and worldview. Michelle takes a cultural humility approach to understanding clients’ unique life stories, recognizes her privilege in bearing witness to clients’ lived experiences, and strives to support clients during their process of healing and growth.

Memberships Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)

Education & Training Michelle completed her Master’s of Social Work degree from the Universi... Read More

Education and Training:

Rabiya completed her Master’s level education at the University of Toronto in Counselling Psychology with a focus on Global Mental Health and is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Before venturing into licensure, Rabiya had developed the competency as a helping professional through mentoring students and adults, working as a responder for the distress centres of greater Toronto and volunteering at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Throughout her training and professional experience, Rabiya has had the privilege of working with people from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, age groups and countries. She finds herself extremely fortunate to be trusted with having a part in her clients’ lives.

Therapeutic Approach:

Rabiya believes that pain is undeniably a part of all human experience — but we don’t always have to struggle with carrying it. Rabiya’s focus is on supporting her clients in understanding and processing their pain, and worries, while appreciating the present, and working towards a healthier future.

Rabiya views therapy as a journey that the client and therapist embark on together. Her psychotherapy practice is rooted in evidence-based methods, tailored to fit individual experiences, considering her client’s needs, suffering and aspirations.

Rabiya utilizes techniques from various therapeutic modalities including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Mindfulness

Rabiya believes that a strong and empathic therapeutic relationship is essential for positive change. Hence, she strives to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions. Understanding the importance of cultural and social contexts including religion, family, interpersonal and workplace dynamics, Rabiya aims to provide culturally competent psychotherapy.

Rabiya has multiple years of experience supporting clients with various concerns, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Emotion dysregulation
• Interpersonal relationships & conflict
• Self-esteem
• Stress management

Languages:

Urdu, Hindi, English

Personal Background:

Rabiya moved to Canada as an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto about 10 years ago, where she started out studying economics but quickly realized that her passion lies elsewhere. Having lived most of her life in Pakistan, where therapy was still very stigmatized and mostly unacceptable, Rabiya had witnessed emotional suffering, both personally and around her, being brushed under the carpet. She wanted to find out: how can we understand and alleviate the emotional pain that troubles our hearts and minds? This led her to pursue her training in the mental health field. Rabiya acknowledges that it takes immense courage to allow someone to witness your vulnerabilities and she deeply values her client’s strength in showing up for themselves. Hearing your story and supporting you in your personal journeys is a responsibility and privilege that she cherishes deeply.

Education and Training: Rabiya completed her Master’s level education at the University of Toron... Read More

Education and Training

Christal is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts of Ontario. Christal offers assessment and individual psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, and adults at the Toronto Psychology Clinic. She has over seven years of experience in the field of mental health. She obtained her MPsy degree in clinical psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School and is completing her doctoral degree at the University of Toronto. She has extensive experience working in public and private settings across the GTA.

Therapeutic Approach

Christal is committed to helping her clients navigate the various stages and stressors in life. Her approach to psychotherapy is holistic and integrated, founded on the belief that fostering a safe and nurturing environment is foundational to her work. In her sessions, she helps clients explore various lived experiences that may be impacting their current level of functioning.

Christal’s work draws from the following approaches to psychotherapy: - Client Centred Therapy - Emotion Focused Therapy - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Trauma-Informed psychotherapy - Attachment-based psychotherapy

Christal has experience with diverse individuals and has a wide range of presentations and goals. She adopts an anti-oppressive and inclusive practice and welcomes each client with non-judgment. Some of the concerns Christal’s clients typically present with include: - Neurodivergence - Anxiety - Life transitions - Depression - Personality disorders - Emotional dysregulation - Procrastination - Self-esteem - Stress and burnout - Work-life balance - Parenting - Interpersonal Conflict

Languages

English, Bulgarian

Personal background

Christal is a first-generation Bulgarian-Canadian, which has given her the lived experience of the impact of socio-cultural factors on mental health. She recognizes the importance of offering a safe and supportive space for her clients to navigate their goals and feel equipped to work through their difficulties and the experiences that they bring.

Education and Training Christal is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the College of Psycho... Read More

Education & Training

Dr. Marina Fodor earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where she focused on providing care to underserved communities throughout her training. During this time, she engaged with students and local residents, offering accessible assessment and psychotherapy services. Additionally, she led a therapy group aiding pregnant and postpartum patients in substance use recovery and provided smoking cessation counselling for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Fodor completed her pre-doctoral residency and post-doctoral fellowship at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, where she gained extensive clinical experience across diverse specialized settings. Her roles included treating people with concurrent disorders in Concurrent Outpatient Medical & Psychosocial Addiction Support Services, supporting 2SLGBTQ+ individuals recovering from trauma and addiction in Rainbow Services, and conducting personality assessments and dialectical behavioural therapy for those navigating mood/anxiety disorders alongside trauma-related or personality disorders in the Integrated Day Treatment Service.

Theoretical Approach

Dr. Fodor adopts a compassionate and inclusive approach to treatment, delivering culturally sensitive and affirmative care to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Recognizing the intricacies of individual experiences and the intersectionality of identities, she cultivates a collaborative alliance with her clients, valuing mutual respect and trust as integral to the therapeutic journey. By integrating multiple psychotherapy modalities, Dr. Fodor tailors treatment to align with each client’s unique presentation, goals, identities, and past therapy experiences, ensuring a more personalized and effective approach.

Dr. Fodor approaches treatment from a holistic standpoint, attentively addressing mental health issues while recognizing the impact of physical well-being. Her dedication to promoting overall health is evident through her leadership in founding a lifestyle clinic at a primary care center and contributing to the creation of a new health and wellness group at CAMH, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to comprehensive care and community support.

Her work incorporates a variety of theoretical approaches and evidence-based treatments including:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
• Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness
• Positive psychology
• Trauma-informed psychotherapy

Dr. Fodor works with clients who have a wide range of treatment goals and presentations, some of which include:

• Anxiety and panic
• Depression
• Emotion dysregulation
• Interpersonal conflict and relational issues
• Insomnia
• Life transitions
• Procrastination
• Trauma
• Self-esteem
• Stress and burnout
• Work-life balance

Languages

English

Personal Background

Beyond her work as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Fodor has a passion for plays and musicals, enjoys building mechanical keyboards, and immerses herself in gaming and other nerdy pursuits while also cherishing quality time with her family and friends.

Education & Training Dr. Marina Fodor earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Wayne Sta... Read More

Education & Training

Samuel Williams completed his Ph.D. in Human Relationships with a focus on Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in psychotherapy, including an Advanced Certificate in Couple and Marriage Therapy with the University of Guelph, a Certificate in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Counseling with OISE, University of Toronto and Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship and Core Skills Training with the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Samuel strives to stay current with professional skills and research through ongoing continuing education.

Theoretical Approach Based on over 20 years of working with individuals, couples and families in church, agency, hospital, and private practice settings and drawing from his social and cross-cultural experiences, Samuel’s approach is person-centred, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, non-judgmental, and holistic. He offers services in English and Tamil.

Samuel tailors each session to his client’s specific needs, goals, and preferences. His approach is primarily informed by evidence-based and strength-based modalities, such as:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Family Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Psycho-Spiritual Therapy

Samuel works with a broad range of issues, including:

• Relational Issues
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief and Loss
• Stress and Burnout
• Self-Esteem
• Life transitions
• Spiritual Issues
• Discrimination and Racism

Personal Background

Samuel Williams is a first-generation South Asian. He was born in Chennai, India and immigrated to Toronto, Ontario for his education. He considers it a privilege to be able to journey with people from diverse backgrounds and different walks of life. This compels him to provide a safe, gentle, compassionate, and collaborative therapeutic presence which supports self-awareness, cultivates hope, and promotes growth and wellness.

Languages

English, Tamil.

Memberships - American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) - Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT) - Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (OAMFT) - International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) - Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC)

Education & Training Samuel Williams completed his Ph.D. in Human Relationships with a focus... Read More

Education & Training

Dr. Aastha Gupta earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington DC. She worked in a variety of clinical settings internationally over the past 10 years. Some of those include Artemis Hospital, Children’s National Medical Center, Neuropsychology Associates of Fairfax, and Inova Hospital. She completed her predoctoral internship and clinical residency at Truman Medical Center, where she enjoyed conducting pre-surgical psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery patients.

Over the past few years, Dr. Gupta has focused on providing therapeutic care in outpatient settings. She enjoys working with a variety of mental health diagnoses related to depression, anxiety, panic, insomnia, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), phobias, trauma, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). She also enjoys working with challenges related to chronic stress, shame, perfectionistic tendencies, rejection fears, people-pleasing, and low self-worth. Some of her ongoing research interests are acculturation experiences related to immigration and the mind-body connection.

Theoretical Approach

Dr. Gupta integrates approaches from evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP), and Mindfulness. In addition, she incorporates concepts from attachment research, evolutionary science, and neuroscience to tailor treatment for her clients.

She aims to provide a safe space for clients to navigate their past experiences, synthesize information, deepen self-awareness, and develop ways to strengthen their ability to continue to move through life. She considers it both a privilege and responsibility to be able to make an impact in someone’s life. Her therapeutic style is collaborative, compassionate, and solution-focused. She likes incorporating humour in therapy when appropriate. Her practice is culturally sensitive and LGBTQ+ affirmative. She provides therapy in both English and Hindi.

Personal background

Dr. Gupta loves singing, exploring bakeries and coffee shops, playing racquetball, and spending quality time with her partner, family, close friends, and pets.

Languages:

English, Hindi

Professional Memberships - American Psychological Association (APA) - Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)

Education & Training Dr. Aastha Gupta earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from... Read More

Education & Training

Dr. Saunia Ahmad completed her MA/ Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at York University, Toronto, Canada. During both her master’s and doctoral programs, she was awarded the Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). This scholarship is awarded to top-tier graduate students and was awarded based on her research in couples therapy and cultural sensitivity in psychotherapy.

Prior to starting the Toronto Psychology Clinic, Dr. Saunia Ahmad trained and worked in a diverse range of settings that include the York University Psychology Training Clinic (YUPC), the Borderline Personality Disorder Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), inpatient and outpatient mental health departments at North York General Hospital in Toronto, as well as the State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.

Dr. Saunia Ahmad previously worked as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Toronto where she provided executive health assessments to busy professionals. She has worked as a Clinical Psychologist at the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre where she provided counselling and support to patients, couples and families coping with cancer. She also participated in a project funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) to develop online psychological support for couples coping with cancer. She also trained and supervised graduate students providing clinical services at the York University Psychology Clinic (YUPC).

Dr. Ahmad is a visiting scholar at York University where she collaborates with faculty to supervise graduate student research and oversee research and publications in the area of couple therapy and psychosocial oncology.

Theoretical Approach

Dr. Ahmad’s approach to psychotherapy integrates techniques and theory from several well-researched and highly recommended approaches in which she has extensive training. She continues to stay up to date on new developments in each of these approaches, including:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness
• Family systems theory
• Contemporary psychodynamic
• Social constructivist and Narrative approaches

Dr. Ahmad works with a broad range of issues from general adjustment issues (e.g., workplace stress, anxiety related to academics) to clinical diagnosis (e.g., depression, personality disorders, PTSD, bipolar, psychosis).

Languages

English, Hindi, Urdu.

Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity

Dr. Ahmad established a name for herself by being the first to initiate and complete a study to evaluate the effectiveness of an existing couple intervention with couples who identified as South Asian and were living in Canada (view her publications). The focus of this project was to better understand how underlying theories of psychotherapy for couples are biased towards one cultural worldview (Western culture)and to then expand the underlying theory to accommodate diverse cultural perspectives on marriage and family. This includes recognizing the multiple identities an individual will have because he/she has lived in different countries, belongs to diverse communities (religious, ethnic, etc.) or has grown up in a time and place different from their parents.

Dr. Ahmad is interested in issues related to discrimination and marginalization. Her practice is LGBT affirmative. She is particularly interested in working with members of the Muslim and South Asian communities who struggle with the lack of acceptance from their friends, family and community of their sexual identity.

Consultations and Presentations

Dr. Ahmad provides consultations, workshops and presentations to professionals and the community on delivering culturally sensitive psychotherapy. See list of her workshops and presentations.

Research & Teaching

Dr. Ahmad continues to be actively engaged in training and research alongside her role as a clinician in private practice. As a researcher, specifically in the area of psychotherapy effectiveness, she remains up to date on advances in the theory and practice of effective psychotherapy. Her current research interests include cultural sensitivity, couple therapy and coping with chronic disease. Dr. Ahmad has previously been an adjunct faculty at York University and Humber College.

Dr. Ahmad completed a postdoctoral clinical research fellowship in the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. She worked with a team of researchers to run a national, randomized control trial evaluating the effectiveness of Couplelinks, an online couple workshop for young breast cancer patients and their partners.

Dr. Ahmad has published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and provided presentations at national and international conferences. She was invited to be an editorial board member of the highly regarded Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.

Personal Background

Dr. Saunia Ahmad identifies as a second-generation South Asian. Her parents are first-generation Muslim immigrants from India. She was born in a small town north of Edmonton, Alberta, and spent her childhood in Toronto, Ontario. She also spent a great part of her life in the Middle East, India, the UK, and the US. Having lived in many different countries over the course of her life, she has a personal understanding of how one’s identity is a pluralistic combination of the various countries, communities, families and institutions they belong to. This informs her work in psychotherapy with clients.

Memberships

• Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
• Ontario Psychological Association (OPA)

Peer Reviewer for the Following Journals - Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology - Journal of Marital and Family Therapy Psycho-Oncology - Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Education & Training Dr. Saunia Ahmad completed her MA/ Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at York... Read More

Education & Training

Shafik Sunderani is a Psychological Associate and Psychotherapist in Ontario and a Psychologist in the Maritimes. He completed his PhD at McMaster University in the department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour with a research specialty in romantic relationships (i.e., cheating/ infidelity), personality theory (what are trends within our selves makes us who we are) and the root causes of mental illness (etiology of psychopathology). He also completed a Master’s degree in Clinical-Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. Shafik works with adults and couples.

Shafik has designations in both clinical psychology and forensic/ correctional psychology. Shafik has published 15 research articles and textbook chapters on the topics of: multi-cultural therapy, Freudian psychoanalysis, bullying, psychopaths, narcissism, cheating in relationships, anxiety and intimate partner violence.

Shafik has been a part-time professor and guest speaker at the University of Guelph-Humber, University of Toronto, McMaster University and invited on several podcasts to share his reflections on current affairs from a psychologically-informed perspective. Shafik has also supervised a number of psychology interns, qualifying psychotherapists, social workers, pre- licensed psychologists, social workers and people completing their medical residency following med school.

Therapeutic Approach

Shafik loves all people! Shafik takes a warm, compassionate and in-depth approach with clients. He thrives on finding the humour and the irony within our complexity. Sometimes these paradoxes and contradictions express themselves in fascinating and intriguing ways. Honouring, cherishing and savouring the facets to our unique personality constellation may help, sometimes, with our suffering(s).

Working with Shafik can involve insight into repeat relational patterns, processing old emotional wounds that resurface, and enhancing interpersonal communication with those we love.

With over 15 years of experience. Shafik has worked in hospitals, primary care facilities, medical insurance and disability, forensics; corrections (federal prison) and private practice.

His work is highly integrative and draws from multiple theoretical approaches, including:

• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)
• Gestalt therapy
• Interpersonal therapy
• Existential therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Solution-Focused therapy
• Gottman method
• Multi-Cultural / Systemic
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical-behavioural therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Relational therapies
• Trauma-informed psychotherapy

Shafik has experience working with individuals with a range of presentations, diagnoses and goals. Some of the concerns his clients typically bring into therapy include:

• Marital & Romantic challenges
• Infidelity/ Jealousy/ Betrayal
• Polyamory
• Transgender Identity
• Sex addiction
• Pornography addiction
• Fetishes
• Differences in sexual desire between couples
• Marital preparation (e.g., communication)
• Struggles of being single, dating challenges, poor past romantic choices, dating someone already in a relationship
• Interracial/ Intercultural/ Interfaith couples
• Family Conflict (e.g., tension with parents or in-laws)
• Conflict within friendships
• Autism Spectrum / Neurodiversity
• ADHD
• Social Anxiety
• Personality disorders (e.g., narcissism, borderline)
• Survivors of narcissistic abuse (e.g., gaslighting)
• Toxic Work Environments
• Corporate pressures
• Racial discrimination/ prejudice/ harassment
• Quick-to-frustration, Irritability, Short-temperedness, Anger, Reactivity
• Chronic pain

Languages

English

Personal background

Shafik was born and raised in Toronto. He has resided throughout GTA (east, west, north, south) and is a 2 nd generation BIPOC person from a variety of ethnic diasporas. His cultural ancestry, cultural identity, cultural familiarity, cultural exposures and cultural experiences consist of: South Asian (India), East African (Uganda) and the Caribbean (Trinidad). In his practice, Shafik draws upon his lived experiences growing up 2 nd generation in the ethnically diverse communities of the Greater Toronto Region. Shafik enjoys BBQs, cookouts, beaches, music and get togethers.

Education & Training Shafik Sunderani is a Psychological Associate and Psychotherapist in On... Read More

About Me

As a Registered Psychotherapist, my practice is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, families, and groups navigate the complex intersections of mental health and relationships. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns rooted in trauma, attachment issues, and life’s challenges, offering a compassionate and culturally informed space for growth and healing.

My Approach

I believe that every individual’s story is unique, and my therapeutic approach reflects that. Drawing from a broad spectrum of evidence-based and integrative modalities, I tailor each session to meet my clients where they are. My toolkit includes:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Mindfulness and Somatic Interventions

These methods allow me to address concerns holistically, focusing on the interplay between mind, body, and emotions. Whether navigating past traumas, managing ADHD or OCD-related anxiety, or building self-esteem, I aim to empower my clients to reclaim control over their lives.

What I Address

Individual Therapy- I work with clients dealing with: - Relationship Issues: Trauma bonds, attachment struggles, emotional or sexual challenges. - Mental Health Concerns: ADHD, OCD-related anxiety, depression, and procrastination. - Trauma Recovery: PTSD, narcissistic abuse recovery, and childhood trauma. - Anger Management and Regulation - Grief: Personnel Loss, Loss of relationships, etc. - Self-Esteem and Self-Worth Issues: Often rooted in manipulative relationships with partners, parents, colleagues, or friends. - Gender and Sexual Identity Struggles: Often surrounded by Cultural inhibitions, societal taboos, etc.

Couples Therapy Helping partners foster deeper connection and understanding, I address: - Communication concerns and conflict resolution. - Same-sex relationships and polyamorous dynamics. - Intimacy challenges. - Discernment counseling for couples exploring their future together. - Co-parenting – separation/ Divorce etc.

Family Therapy I guide families through: - Behavioral concerns and ineffective communication patterns. - Navigating grief or chronic illness of a family member. - Resolving family conflicts and rebuilding trust. - Blended family dynamics.

Group Therapy My group therapy offerings create safe, supportive spaces to explore and heal together. Some examples include: - Narcissistic Abuse Recovery - South Asian Women’s Emotional Support Group - Mid-Life Career and Personal Transitions - Self-Care for Superwoman Syndrome - Work-Life Balance for Women in Leadership - Anger Management and Regulation - Breaking Free from Loneliness and Building Genuine Connections

Psychoeducational Workshops In addition to therapy, I host workshops to educate and inspire individuals and organizations. Topics include: - Narcissistic Abuse Navigation & Survival - Understanding Burnout and Promoting Workplace Well-being - Trauma and Its Hidden Impact on Daily Life - The Science of Happiness: Cultivating a Positive Mindset - Digital Detox: Reclaiming Focus and Presence - Mental Health and Self-Care for Caregivers

Culturally Informed and Neurodivergent-Affirming Care

As a therapist, I prioritize creating an inclusive and supportive environment. I am deeply committed to working with marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, and I approach every client with sensitivity to their cultural, gender, and neurodivergent identities.

A Journey Toward Healing I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and I am honored to walk alongside my clients on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Whether you’re seeking to untangle the complexities of past traumas, rebuild self-worth, or cultivate healthier relationships, I provide the guidance, tools, and support you need to thrive.

Let’s begin your journey toward a more empowered, connected, and fulfilling life together.

About Me As a Registered Psychotherapist, my practice is dedicated to helping individuals, coupl... Read More