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Addictions Therapy

Healing is Possible—Not Through Shame, But Through Understanding.

If you’re feeling stuck in patterns you swore you’d break, you are not alone. We offer compassionate, trauma-informed support to help you move from secrecy and cravings toward safety, progress, and connection.

No wait list!
(905) 980-0632

Path to Recovery and Renewed Hope

At Nova Phoenix Counselling, we understand that addiction is a complex journey that affects not only the individual but also their families and loved ones. Whether you are struggling with substance use, behavioral addictions, or the underlying trauma that often fuels these challenges, our team is here to offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space for healing. Serving Niagara Falls and communities across Ontario, we provide evidence-based addiction therapy designed to help you regain control and build a meaningful, healthy life.

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How We Help

Harm Reduction & Stability

Focusing on safety and practical tools first to help you regulate your emotions and manage daily triggers.

Exploring the Roots

Gently uncovering the unresolved trauma, attachment wounds, or early experiences that lie beneath the addiction.

Trauma-Informed Healing

Using evidence-based therapies like EMDR, Inner Child Work, and community-focused connection to support long-term change.
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A Holistic Approach to Recovery

Addiction is rarely just about the substance or behavior; it is often a way of coping with deeper emotional pain, anxiety, or past experiences. Our addictions therapy goes beyond surface-level symptoms. We focus on understanding the root causes of dependency while equipping you with practical tools for relapse prevention and emotional regulation. Our clinicians use a variety of proven methods, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and harm-reduction strategies tailored to your specific needs.
 

Empowering You Through Every Stage

Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. Whether you are taking the very first step toward change or looking for long-term support to maintain sobriety, our therapists are dedicated to your growth. We provide:
  • Substance Use Counselling: Support for alcohol, drug, and prescription medication challenges.
  • Behavioral Addiction Support: Helping navigate issues like gambling, internet, or gaming addiction.
  • Concurrent Disorders: Addressing mental health concerns (like depression or PTSD) alongside addiction.
  • Family Support: Guidance for loved ones navigating the impact of addiction within the family unit.

Flexible Care That Meets You Where You Are

We believe that barriers should never stand in the way of recovery. Nova Phoenix Counselling offers flexible appointment options, including in-person sessionsvirtual therapy, and our unique walking therapy for those who find healing in movement. With no-waitlist availability and direct billing options, we make it easier for you to access the high-quality care you deserve, right when you need it most.

Serving Niagara Falls and Beyond

From our roots in Niagara Falls to our locations in St. Catharines, Welland, Ancaster, and across Ontario, we are committed to building stronger, healthier communities. Our diverse team of specialists brings expertise in various modalities—including innovative approaches like psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy—to ensure your path to recovery is as unique as you are.

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Why Choose Nova Phoenix?

Experience That Matters

Our therapists have supported thousands of individuals through the complex journey of recovery.

Sustainability Over Perfection

We don't demand perfection; we celebrate progress, accountability, and sustainable growth at your own pace.

Compassionate Accountability

We offer a balance of deep understanding and the professional tools needed to build a life you don't need to escape from.

Meet the Therapist

A compassionate therapist smiling warmly outdoors, ready to support your healing.

Zoe Sisson (she/her)

Zoe is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology with a Minor in Anthropology from Western University. Her clinical experience spans youth mental health in live-in treatment settings as well as crisis intervention across local and national services supporting both youth and adults. In these roles, she has supported individuals navigating emotional dysregulation, family conflict, and complex life experiences.
Zoe specializes in working with youth and young adults as they navigate life transitions, identity development, relationships, and emotional challenges. Her approach is trauma-informed, relational, and client-centred, integrating evidence-based modalities to support meaningful and sustainable change. She focuses on building practical skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, while fostering insight and self-understanding.
Zoe is dedicated to building strong therapeutic relationships and creating a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel supported in exploring their experiences. Her background in crisis work has strengthened her ability to remain grounded, responsive, and attuned in high-intensity situations.

She recognizes that periods of transition, particularly in adolescence, can feel overwhelming, and works collaboratively with clients to meet them where they are, supporting growth at a pace that feels manageable and empowering. Zoe values therapy rooted in trust and collaboration, helping clients develop tools and insights that translate into their everyday lives.

Zoe integrates elements of the following modalities into her practice:
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Narrative Therapy

A welcoming and professional female therapist smiling in a circular headshot.

Tia Van Fleet (she/her)

Tia is a Registered Social Worker with more than 15 years of experience supporting children, youth, adults, and families. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology (minor in Indigenous Studies) and a Bachelor of Social Work. Her career spans frontline, clinical, and community-based roles, supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges, addictions, system involvement, and complex life circumstances.

A significant portion of her career has focused on children and youth in residential, treatment, and community settings, where she works closely with parents, foster and adoptive families, as well as young people impacted by attachment disruptions and complex emotional or behavioural needs. She is skilled in building trust with even the most guarded children and creating spaces where caregivers feel informed, supported, and free from judgment.

Alongside her work with children and youth, Tia brings over a decade of experience supporting adults across crisis, acute care, forensic, domestic violence, and independent practice settings. Through her work in first responder mental health roles, she has developed a strong commitment to supporting this population, grounded in firsthand understanding of frontline culture, cumulative trauma, operational stress, and the unique barriers that can make seeking support difficult.

Early in her career, Tia worked with Indigenous communities through domestic violence agencies and in public education. With several family members who are Status First Nations, this work is both professionally and personally meaningful. It has shaped her ongoing passion for supporting Indigenous individuals and families in a way that is respectful, relational, and culturally responsive.

Tia has completed formal university-level training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, with additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, somatic and nervous system-based approaches, attachment-focused modalities, and specialized caregiver support frameworks. She is a registered member of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy and will begin advanced play therapy training this year, further integrating play-based approaches into her child and youth work.
Drawing on experience across child and youth care, adult mental health, first responders, and culturally informed practice, Tia combines extensive clinical knowledge with a deeply relational approach. She supports individuals and families through complex challenges, offering compassionate, skilled, and culturally sensitive guidance that empowers clients to build resilience, find clarity, and move forward with confidence. Her practice is grounded in trust, respect, and evidence-informed approaches, ensuring clients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their care.
Siobhan Kenny

Siobhan Kenny (she/her)

Siobhan is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor and Masters degree in Social Work. Siobhan has worked with families, individuals and children over the last 8 years. Siobhan is also a Métis individual and a mother of two children.
Siobhan is a dedicated and compassionate social worker who wants to foster change in the individuals and families she works with. She works from a client centered approach which focuses on the goals and values that you want to achieve.  She also enjoys working with children on emotional regulation, mental health and well-being, and navigating parental separation.

Siobhan is patient, non-judgmental, and extremely knowledgeable of resources that can support you and your family. Siobhan also has lived experience in managing family addiction, high conflict families, financial and housing stress, as well as loss of a parent and bereavement.

 

Siobhan utilizes CBT, DBT, solution focused and meditation strategies, just to name a few of her approaches. Siobhan is eager to help clients become their best self through empowerment and exploration of self-awareness. 

Thomas Tom

Thomas Tom (he/his)

Thomas is a Registered Social Worker. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Social Work from Christ University in Bangalore, India. After moving to Canada as a student, Thomas completed post-graduate programs in Community and Social Service Management at Conestoga College and in Autism and Behavioural Science at Niagara College.

Thomas is a dedicated and compassionate social worker, deeply committed to creating positive change in the lives of the individuals and families he serves. With over four years of experience, Thomas has worked with individuals, couples, youth, and families in a variety of community and mental health settings, including hospitals, group homes, and addiction centers. He is skilled in several therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Crisis Intervention.

Thomas has a particular interest in working with South Asian men, individuals who have immigrated to Canada for studies and work, and those navigating the complexities of cultural identity. Having personally experienced the challenges of transitioning to a new country, he understands the unique struggles faced by immigrants and is passionate about supporting them in overcoming these obstacles.

In addition to his professional expertise, Thomas is fluent in English and Malayalam, and has the ability to communicate in Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada. His multicultural background and linguistic abilities allow him to connect with a diverse range of clients, ensuring that they feel seen, heard, and supported in their therapeutic journey.

Thomas also recognizes the importance of spirituality and cultural practices in individuals' well-being. He values the integration of cultural and spiritual aspects in therapy, which helps clients find meaning, strength, and resilience as they work through their challenges.

Tsarina Smith

Tsarina Smith (she/her)

Tsarina is pursuing her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She has her bachelors of honours in Sociology with a minor in women and gender studies.
For the past 7 years, Tsarina has been working with those experiencing homelessness in Hamilton, ON. During this time, she became familiar with the large gaps that exist within the system and decided to further her education to further support those in need. This work has created a solid foundation for Tsarina, where she has built skills working with those in crisis, experiencing complex situations as a result of situations outside of one’s control.

Tsarina has experience working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity concerns, systemic injustices, and criminally involved individuals.

Tsarina strives to practice from anti-oppressive, non-judgemental, compassionate, and trauma-informed framework. Her hope is to continue to provide safe spaces in which people are able to feel empowered to improve themselves and the world around them.

Tsarina has begun some training in CBT and DBT. She has an eclectic approach including aspects of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Person-centered Therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect in my first addiction therapy session?

Your first session is about building trust and understanding. We will discuss your history, your goals, and any immediate challenges you're facing. It’s a safe, confidential space where you can speak freely without fear of judgment. Together, we will outline a personalized plan for your recovery.

Do I have to be "sober" to start therapy?

Not necessarily. We meet you exactly where you are in your journey. Whether you are aiming for total abstinence or looking to reduce harm and understand your patterns better, our therapists are here to support your specific goals.

How does therapy help prevent relapse?

Therapy helps you identify "triggers"—the people, places, or emotions that lead to addictive behaviors. By developing healthy coping mechanisms, stress management skills, and a strong support network, you become better equipped to handle life's challenges without turning to old habits.

How is your approach different from 12-step programs?

While we respect all paths to recovery, our focus is clinical and trauma-informed, looking deeply at the reasons behind the behavior to create lasting change.

Do I have to quit everything immediately to start therapy?

No. We follow a "stability first" and harm reduction approach. We meet you where you are and work together toward the goals you feel ready for.

Your New Chapter Starts Here

It’s time to trade shame for support. We are ready when you are.

(905) 980-0632

Our Locations

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

148 1/2 Welland Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 2N6

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

5679 Main Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G 5Z3

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

70 Seventh Street, Welland, Ontario, L3B 5B7

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

203-1038 Garner Road West, Ancaster, Ontario, L9G 3K9

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

 136 Gilmore Rd, Fort Erie, ON L2A 2M2, Canada

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

534 Brant St, Burlington, ON L7R 2G8, Canada

905-980-0632

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

430 Hazeldean Road, Suite 227, Ottawa, ON K2L 1T9, Canada

905-980-0632

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