Therapeutic Approach and Areas of Practice

Hi, I’m Sarah, and I use an eclectic, integrative approach drawing from multiple evidence-based modalities, like Brief Solution-Focused Therapy (B-SFT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Meditation, Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. I do my best work addressing concerns relating to depression, anxiety, identity, and self-esteem, and approach my treatment from a trauma-informed, biopsychosocial, culturally responsive and socially just lens. I work with individual adults, young adults, teens, and adolescents.

Therapy can feel like a daunting task, especially if it is a new experience for you, and taking the first step in the therapeutic journey is often the hardest. I would be honoured to work alongside you to make that first step, and every step after, easier. Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Professional & Academic Background

Sarah is licensed as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and is a student member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She is pursuing her Master’s of Arts in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Yorkville University. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s of Science with a Double Major in Biology and Psychology from Western University. She has also received certification in Foundations of Applied Mindfulness Meditation from the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. Sarah engages in consultation and supervision with other professionals as a supervisee, and she is always eager to pursue additional training and certification.

Why They Chose This Work

I believe that therapy should be a client-centered, collaborative effort that empowers and supports clients to overcome challenges and address their concerns. Our identities and self-concepts are often shaped by the narratives that we receive growing up, and I want to support others in rewriting their own stories to better suit themselves and foster more authentic, fulfilling lives. As a mixed-race, nonbinary lesbian, I have always believed in the power and transformation of defining and occupying your own space, navigating identity and roles in a way that honours your experience of body, mind, spirit, and culture. I would be delighted to assist you in this process in any way I am capable.

Outside the Office

When I am not at work, I am probably curled up with a good book, listening to music, watching anime, or playing video games. Sci-fi and RPGs are my favourite genres. I am also excited to try my hand at making increasingly complicated baked goods now that I finally have a hand mixer. My family and friends are always eager taste testers, and making desserts is a great way to recharge after a long day.

Therapeutic Approach and Areas of Practice Hi, I’m Sarah, and I use an eclectic, integrative app... Read More

Sometimes you know exactly what you want to work on in therapy; other times, it can be harder to put into words. You might feel disconnected from yourself or others, find yourself repeating unhelpful patterns, or feel overwhelmed by emotions that are hard to manage. Rebecca meets you wherever you are, offering a space to slow down and turn toward your experience with curiosity and compassion.

Rebecca is particularly interested in supporting adults navigating challenging or painful experiences that are affecting how they feel, relate to others, and see themselves. Therapy with Rebecca is a collaborative process. Her integrative approach draws from a range of evidence-based therapies and is tailored to your individual needs and goals. Some sessions may focus on deeper exploration and making sense of difficult emotions or experiences. At other times, the work may be more practical, helping you regulate overwhelming feelings or work with thoughts and behaviours you would like to change. Alongside the harder parts of therapy, there can also be space to reconnect with joy, humour, and the things that make you feel most like yourself.

At the heart of Rebecca’s approach is a deep respect for the complexity of each person and a belief that your story deserves to be understood in its full context. Her work is trauma-informed and culturally responsive, recognizing that who we are is shaped by the relationships, cultures, and broader social worlds we are part of. Rebecca sees each client as the expert on their own life. Meaningful change can grow from the strengths you already carry and your own sense of what feels right.

Rebecca is a student clinician, currently completing a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Toronto.

Sometimes you know exactly what you want to work on in therapy; other times, it can be harder to ... Read More

Shayan is a Psychotherapy Intern under supervision and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) supervised by Tamara Fernandez, Registered Psychotherapist currently completing a master’s in counselling psychology at Yorkville University. He holds a Bachelor’s in Developmental Psychology from Carleton University and has extensive experience working with diverse individuals in clinical, school, residential, and community settings.

Shayan has previous experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) working with young children and adults. Additionally, he brings experience working with dually-diagnosed individuals with the goal to build independence and community reintegration.

I am passionate about helping people feel genuinely understood, supported, and empowered in their healing journey. I adopt a warm, non-judgmental, and person-centred approach, and strive to create a safe space where people can explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges at their own pace.

I value the importance of tailoring care to everyone’s unique needs, goals, and life circumstances. I am drawn to a holistic and collaborative model of care, where people can access a wide range of evidence-based modalities and supports. I chose this work so I can thoughtfully respond to each individual’s concerns while fostering meaningful therapeutic connection, trust, and growth.

Outside the Office I enjoy hiking outdoors with my wife during the summer and fall months. I love travelling to new places whenever possible to experience different cultures and foods. Before this profession, I played Soccer professionally, which I try to enjoy on the weekends

Shayan is a Psychotherapy Intern under supervision and a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) ... Read More

Therapeutic approaches and specialties

Christopher believes therapy works best when a client feels genuinely safe to be honest — with their therapist and with themselves. He brings a calm, steady presence into the room and works to create a space that is authentic, non-judgmental, and free of pressure to perform or perform wellness.

Christopher draws primarily from Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helping clients understand the emotions driving their patterns while also building practical tools to shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. His grounding in Bowenian Family Systems theory adds a wider lens, helping clients see how their struggles are often shaped by the relationships and family patterns around them.

Christopher works with adults, teens, and individuals navigating depression, anxiety, workplace stress, and relationship difficulties. He is especially attentive to how these concerns show up in the context of a person’s closest relationships and life roles, and he tailors his approach to fit each client’s pace and goals.

Professional & Academic Background Christopher holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and is currently completing his Master’s degree in Clinical Counselling and Psychotherapy at Tyndale University, with a primary clinical orientation in Bowenian Family Systems theory. He is working toward registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), beginning as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Christopher is completing his clinical internship at NuVista Mental Health’s Toronto location.

Why He Chose This Work Christopher sees a great and growing need for accessible mental health support, and he has long felt a genuine passion to help meet it. He is drawn to the moments when a client feels truly heard, often for the first time in a long while, and he believes empathy and authenticity are not just supportive qualities but essential ingredients for real change. Christopher is committed to walking alongside clients as they work through depression, anxiety, and the relationship and work pressures that weigh on daily life.

Outside the Office Outside of the therapy room, Christopher recharges by spending time in nature through camping and walks. At home, Christopher is kept company by nine budgies and a turtle which he loves hanging out with. Christopher is also a music lover and vinyl collector, spending his time browsing through vinyl stores looking for rare finds. 

Therapeutic approaches and specialties Christopher believes therapy works best when a client fee... Read More

Anam has a lot of respect for what it takes to come to therapy. There’s something really meaningful to her about a person deciding to make that appointment, show up, and let someone else into parts of their life that may be difficult to understand or even put into words; and she doesn’t take that trust lightly.

Anam doesn’t see herself as someone who is supposed to have all the answers. She sees therapy as a place where you can slow things down, get curious about what’s happening, and try to make sense of it together; particularly those times when you may be trying to figure out who you are, what you want for yourself, or how to find your own voice. Having navigated different cultural worlds herself, she understands some of the complexity that can come with balancing family and cultural expectations with your own needs, values, and hopes for your life.

Her path into psychotherapy has grown out of many years of working with children, youth, adults, and families in community and crisis-support settings. Anam is now completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, and sees this next chapter as an opportunity to deepen something she has valued throughout her work: listening closely to people, understanding the context of their lives, and helping them recognize the strengths and possibilities they may not always see in themselves.

Anam has a lot of respect for what it takes to come to therapy. There’s something really meaningf... Read More

Beni comes to this work with a quiet conviction that something meaningful can happen when a person feels genuinely met. Therapy, to him, isn’t about fixing or diagnosing from a distance, it’s about sitting together and making room for what’s real. Beni tries to offer a presence that is steady and unhurried, where you don’t have to perform or have things neatly figured out. Whether you’re carrying anxiety, grief, a sense of being stuck, or questions that don’t have easy answers, your time together is a sanctuary - a safe place where those things can be spoken and, over time, understood a little differently.

The way Beni works is shaped by a mix of approaches—humanistic, Internal Family Systems, psychodynamic, ACT, and CBT—but more importantly, by the person in front of him. Some days your work may be about understanding patterns that have been with you for a long time; other days it might be about learning how to relate differently to difficult thoughts or emotions. Beni is interested in both insight and change, in helping you make sense of your story while also finding practical ways to move through the parts of life that feel heavy or overwhelming. There’s room here for seriousness, but also for moments of lightness and even humour when they find their way in.

Alongside his clinical work, Beni is also an ordained religious leader, and for many years he has sat with people in moments of loss, transition, and searching. That experience continues to shape how he listens—without rushing to answers, and with respect for how complex and layered a life can be. Outside the therapy room, he is a partner, a parent, someone who plays the cello with more enthusiasm than skill, and someone who believes in the value of slowing down—often over a cup of tea—to really be with another person. If this way of working resonates with you, Ihe’d be glad to connect.

Beni comes to this work with a quiet conviction that something meaningful can happen when a perso... Read More

Meet Alicia! She is currently completing my Master’s in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).

Her background is in behaviour therapy, where she developed strong skills in building relationships, supporting emotional regulation, and creating spaces where people feel safe and understood. That experience has really shaped the way she approaches therapy today.

Alicia believes therapy should feel comfortable, collaborative, and free of judgment. Her goal is to create a space where you feel able to show up exactly as you are, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or simply trying to better understand yourself. She values building genuine connections with clients and moving at a pace that feels supportive and realistic for you. Alicia takes a client-centred approach and draw from therapies such as CBT and person-centred therapy while always recognizing that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and her hope is that your work together feels grounded, supportive, and meaningful.

Meet Alicia! She is currently completing my Master’s in Counselling Psychology and is a Registere... Read More

Rachel believes that some of the most meaningful parts of therapy happen when you feel safe enough to show up as you truly are. Her approach is warm, curious, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own experience.

She hopes to create a space where you can slow things down and explore your experiences together. She draws from person-centred, CBT, ACT, DBT, attachment-based, and trauma-informed approaches, adapting the work to what feels most helpful for each client.

Rachel’s experience working with youth and families has also given her the opportunity to support individuals through family conflict, low mood, self-harm, suicidality, and periods of significant emotional distress. She enjoys helping clients better understand their emotions and patterns, build practical tools for managing difficult moments, and develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves.

Rachel believes that some of the most meaningful parts of therapy happen when you feel safe enoug... Read More

Whether you’re struggling with trauma, relationship issues, or sexuality struggles, my aim is to help you feel secure, confident, and connected. You might be feeling hurt, angry, and uncertain after being betrayed by someone close to you. Are you struggling with sexual concerns that are affecting your relationships, causing you to feel disconnected from your partner, and alone? When we are faced with feelings of distrust, resentment, guilt, or shame, the hope for change can seem far away. Therapy can provide a safe place for you to identify these feelings, identify the root causes, and feel empowered.

I have a dedicated focus on helping individuals heal from past trauma, first responder issues, sexual disorders and paraphilias, and infidelity. Understanding that trauma and sexual issues often intersect, impacting self-esteem, relationships, and emotional well-being. I utilize evidence-based modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Somatic techniques, attachment theory, and “best practices” in sex therapy research.

Utilizing a client-centered and holistic approach, I am devoted to helping individuals heal from trauma and navigate challenges related to sex and intimacy. I provide a safe and compassionate space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences. It would be an honor to support you on your journey toward healing, empowerment, and personal growth.

Denise Mariani is a Registered Psychotherapist, in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and has been practicing since 2017. Denise utilizes a variety of evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, IFS, CBT, DBT, ego state interventions, mindfulness, somatic, and attachment theory. She is a certified EMDR therapist and has received specific training in DBT-intensive. Her areas of interest include survivors of sexual violence, intergenerational trauma, narcissistic parents, trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, first responders, co-dependency, emotional disturbance, domestic violence, anxiety and depression. Denise also meets the CRPO requirements as a clinical supervisor. Denise strives to create an environment that is warm, comfortable, authentic, and safe. Working collaboratively with the client is essential.

Client Focus: Adults

Types of therapy: EMDR, IFS, CBT, DBT, Sensorimotor psychotherapy, mindfulness, attachment theory, and “best practices: in sex therapy research.

Issues: PTSD, C-PTSD, survivors of sexual abuse, intergenerational trauma, early childhood trauma, co-dependency, borderline personality disorder, sexual disorders, low sex drive, paraphilias, infidelity and first responders.

MORE THAN JUST MY WORK: “Growth is painful. Change is painful. But, nothing is as painful as staying stuck where you do not belong.” N.R. Narayana Murthy

Whether you’re struggling with trauma, relationship issues, or sexuality struggles, my aim is to ... Read More

“I am not perfect…But I am enough.” – Carl Rogers Life can bring with it successes and challenges. Success; however we define it, allows for celebration. Challenges; however we define it, allow for growth and an opportunity to heal. We can experience a range of emotions; where feelings of sadness, hurt, guilt, self-doubt, helplessness, hopelessness, anger, despair, anxiety, loneliness, grief can impact our well-being. But there can be opportunities to find the light at the end of the tunnel. YOU are enough and together we can heal. Therapy is the exercise we can offer to our emotional being to kickstart our journey of self-acceptance, autonomy, purpose in life, positive relations, and happiness.

My passion is to work with children, teens, adults, and families to explore their inner strengths, resources, and achieve growth. I aspire to create a supportive, confidential, safe, and non-judgmental space for you to explore concerns, find your strengths, and heal. I will actively listen to your concerns with empathy, compassion, trust, and care. We will collaborate on the exploration of personal issues and healing so that you can achieve meaningful outcomes in life.

Our approach to therapy is person-centered and eclectic. I utilize approaches from various modalities to individualize therapy as per your needs. I am flexible and encourage collaboration on therapeutic techniques to best suit you.

Experience: Tamara kickstarted her dream of empowering individuals with her BSc. Specialized Honors in Psychology at York University. She continued this journey to empower others and completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Tamara has also completed her Applied Behavior Analysis course sequence at the Florida Institute of Technology and is registered with the College of Psychologists and Behavior Analysts as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She is also registered as a Registered Psychotherapist. Tamara has also gained training towards her certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – Individual/Family.

Tamara has worked with children, youth, and adults from various cultural and religious backgrounds, as well as a variety of gender identities, abilities, and sexual orientations. She is sensitive to diversity, inclusion, and equity, with a value for pluralism. Tamara comes with 9+ years of experience with children, youth, and adults. She has volunteered at Toronto Rehab, Holland Bloor view Kids Rehab, Toronto Distress Centres, Kids Help Phone and currently volunteers at Wood green Community Services as a walk-in counsellor. She has gained experience in providing a wide variety of psychotherapeutic techniques with adults, the geriatric population, and children/teens. She has considerable experience with a holistic approach to treatment focusing on your heart, mind, and body.

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, ADHD coaching, Neurodivergence

Types of Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Child EMDR, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Informed Approach, Acceptance and commitment-based therapy, Gestalt therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed, play therapy approaches, Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Issues: Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Life transitions, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Neurodivergence, Executive Functioning, Emotional Regulation, Stress, Grief, Self Esteem, Relationship issues, Parenting, perinatal and postnatal mental health

More Than Just My Work: I value time with my family and enjoy exploring the outdoors. I enjoy art, playing the piano, and photography. I truly believe in taking a moment to engage in mindfulness everyday.

“I am not perfect…But I am enough.” – Carl Rogers Life can bring with it successes and challenges... Read More