Nova Phoenic Logo

Trusted Therapy and Counselling Services Serving Fort Erie

  • Centennial Branch For Erie Office

Fort Erie Therapists

🔍
Headshot of Thomas, a registered social worker at Nova Phoenix Counselling Services.

Thomas Tom (he/his)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

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.

Headshot of Thomas, a registered social worker at Nova Phoenix Counselling Services.

Tsarina Smith (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Tsarina has her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology and 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 training in CBT and DBT. She has an eclectic approach including aspects of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Person-centered Therapy.

Headshot of Thomas, a registered social worker at Nova Phoenix Counselling Services.

Jeffrey Charboneau

Sliding Scale? Full
Accepting New Clients: No

Jeffrey is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) who holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. He is passionate about supporting children, youth, adults, and families through life's challenges while fostering resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful growth. Jeffrey brings experience from community mental health, family support, developmental services, and outreach work, and is committed to creating a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Jeffrey believes that care is the beacon for change.

Jeffrey's professional perspective has been shaped by both his frontline experience and his personal journey. Growing up alongside his twin sister, who sustained a significant brain injury in infancy, he developed an early appreciation for disability, caregiving, and the complexities of navigating healthcare and social service systems. Combined with more than six years of experience in developmental services, these experiences continue to inform his strengths-based, person-centred approach to supporting individuals and families across the lifespan.

Areas of Focus

· Children, youth, adults, and families

· Neurodiversity (ADHD, autism, and developmental disabilities)

· Parenting and family relationships

· Trauma, attachment, and lifespan development

· Self-esteem and social identity including sexuality

Clinical Approach

Therapeutic Modalities

· Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

· Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

· Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

· Narrative Therapy

· Psychoeducation

· EMDR therapy

Theoretical Foundations

· Attachment-Based Practice

· Psychodynamically Informed Perspectives

· Lifespan Development Theory

· Family Systems Theory

· Strengths-Based Work

· Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)

Accessing compassionate mental health support should be seamless and stress-free. Nova Phoenix Counselling Services provides in-person care designed to fit the everyday lives of residents in Fort Erie. Whether you are navigating routine life adjustments or processing deep-seated trauma, having a dedicated practice right in your neighborhood eliminates long travel times and bridges the gap to quality care. We are here to give you ongoing emotional support.

Recognizing that transit challenges or busy routines can make traveling difficult, our clinic extends flexible care models across the region. Clients can choose between traditional in-person visits at our local office, confidential virtual sessions, or outdoor walking therapy.

We are proud to extend our compassionate counselling services to individuals, youth, couples, and families residing in the following communities:

  • Stevensville
  • Crystal Beach
  • Port Colborne
  • Sherkston
  • Ridgeway

By offering zero-waitlist availability alongside direct billing through most extended health insurance plans, we ensure that specialized care remains both timely and financially manageable for our local community.

Specialised Care Areas Driven by Local Need

Every community faces distinct pressures, from seasonal shifts in workforce demands to the unique stressors experienced by shift workers and rural households. To address these distinct realities, our clinical team provides comprehensive therapy services such as anxiety counselling and other therapy methods tailored to meet diverse developmental and cultural needs.

Trauma and Emotional Regulation

Systemic stress or sudden loss can overwhelm the body's natural coping mechanisms. Our clinicians utilize trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), to help clients safely reprocess painful memories and restore internal calm without feeling re-traumatized.

Family Dynamics

Navigating adolescence or changing family structures often requires specialized care. We offer client-centered, age-appropriate support for children and teens experiencing social anxiety, behavioral shifts, or emotional dysregulation. Additionally, our therapists support parents navigating separation, blended family dynamics, and caregiving stress.

Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Support

Mental health care must respect and honor your lived experience. Our practice features Indigenous clinical leadership, specialized support for South Asian and newcomer populations, neurodivergent-affirming care (ADHD and autism), and anti-oppressive frameworks. Whether exploring cultural identity or personal growth, clients are met with grounded, non-judgmental empathy.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Better Mental Health?

If you are looking for professional, compassionate care with no waitlist, we are here to support you. Connect with us today!

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Better Mental Health?

If you’re looking for professional, compassionate counselling with no wait list, we’re here to support you.

(905) 980-0632

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which type of therapy is right for me?

During your initial intake, our team listens to your specific concerns and personal goals. Whether you are dealing with persistent worry, trauma, relationship distress, or complex life transitions, we match you with a practitioner whose therapeutic approach aligns with your needs.

What is the difference between psychotherapy and social work services?

Both Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) and Registered Social Workers (RSWs) are qualified, regulated professionals trained to provide clinical mental health treatment. RSWs often incorporate broader systemic, community, and resource-based frameworks alongside clinical therapy, whereas RPs focus heavily on psychological modalities and emotional processing. Both credentials are widely covered by extended health benefit plans.

Are in-person and online sessions equally effective?

Yes. Clinical studies demonstrate that virtual sessions deliver identical therapeutic outcomes to in-person meetings for most mental health concerns. Virtual care offers added convenience for clients with tight schedules or mobility constraints, while in-person sessions provide a dedicated physical space away from everyday distractions. You can also alternate between formats as your schedule requires.

How do direct billing and insurance coverage work?

Most private and employee benefits plans cover services rendered by RPs or RSWs. We offer direct billing to major insurance providers whenever possible to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. For clients without insurance coverage, we also maintain open sliding-scale options to keep care accessible.

What should I expect during my first session?

Your initial session focuses on building trust and establishing a safe foundation. Your therapist will review confidentiality, discuss your history and current challenges, and explore what you hope to achieve through care. There is no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with; therapy proceeds entirely at a pace that feels manageable for you.

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

Nova Phoenix Counselling Services

Unit 1, 2655 Liruma Road, Mississauga, ON L5K 1Y8, Canada

905-980-0632

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram