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All
Spanish
Arabic
Russian
Hindi
Armenian
Hebrew
Malayalam
Nepali
Punjabi
Tamil

Bilingual Therapists

A smiling professional therapist providing compassionate mental health support for clients.

Erika Olarte-Godoy (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Full
Accepting New Clients: No

Erika is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Prior to this, Erika completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Human Rights and Equity Studies. Erika is a strengths based social worker who brings a down to earth approach to her practice.

Erika has specialized experience supporting youth, young adults and families. She is comfortable working with family systems and is skilled at de-escalating high conflict and crisis situations. Erika offers a calm and safe space for individuals and families to feel supported and heard. She has demonstrated experience improving self esteem, parenting, anger, anxiety, low mood and struggles with self harm.

Erika takes an eclectic approach to therapy that includes the following modalities:

  • Trauma Informed therapy
  • Eye Movement-Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
  • Family Mediation
  • Crisis De-escalation

 

Niketha Velautham

Niketha Velautham (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Niketha is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree from York University before going on to complete her Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. Her approach to therapy is focused on facilitating client growth through an equity lens.
Niketha has spent the last 13 years identifying and promoting self growth opportunities with a diverse range of individuals and families. Her skills are strength based including advocacy, conflict resolution and anti-racism. Niketha helps clients to alleviate suffering with kindness, self determination and offering a fresh perspective in challenging situations. Niketha is accepting clients seeking support with self esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, racism and intersectionality, conflict resolution, and parenting.

Niketha has training and experience using the following modalities in her practice:

  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Eye Movement-Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
  • Anti-oppression and anti-racism
  • Crisis De-escalation and Suicide Intervention
Photo of Elena Neiterman (she/her) who offers therapy services.

Elena Neiterman (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Elena is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Wilfrid Laurier University. She also holds a PhD from McMaster University in Sociology , as well as a Master's in Sociology of Education. Elena brings over 15 years of experience in academia to her clinical practice.

Elena is a warm, compassionate, and client-centred therapist. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating work–life balance, family and relationship challenges, trauma, and grief.

Elena takes an integrative approach to therapy and is trained in:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Elena is fluent in Russian and Hebrew and is a proud LGBTQ2S+ ally.

A smiling medical professional with a stethoscope offering compassionate and expert care.

Annie Mazmanian (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Full
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Annie is a Registered Psychotherapist who completed her Master of Arts in Counselling degree. Annie is also a Registered Nurse who spent 20 years working in the ICU and ER. Annie is currently pursuing further education to pursue becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She takes a holistic approach to helping you achieve your goals. Combining psychotherapy theories with co-active coaching principles, Annie conceptualizes a plan that is unique to you. She will help you better understand your feelings and uncover sources of conflict in your life. You will discover more about yourself, define your aspirations and values and most importantly, build skills for dealing with obstacles in the future.  Her purpose is to motivate and inspire high-stressed people, so that they are supported by someone who understands a similar reality and can equip them with tools and strategies to manage their own well-being. A trustworthy relationship between the individual and the therapist is essential in any healing journey and something that Annie prioritizes. 

  • Eye Movement-Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Positive Psychology
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Person-Centred Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Mindfulness Based Therapy 
Photo of Maria Ostapenko.

Maria Ostapenko (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Maria Ostapenko is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Brock University, a Master of Education from Griffith University in Australia, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Before becoming a therapist, Maria worked as a settlement language instructor supporting refugees and newcomers. Through this work, she witnessed firsthand how trauma, displacement, and major life transitions shape a person’s emotional world. She learned about the power of safety, validation, and being truly heard — insights that continue to guide her work today.

Maria supports individuals navigating life transitions, feeling stuck or lost, low mood, grief, stress, parenting and relationship challenges. She works from a trauma-informed, collaborative approach, meeting clients exactly where they are. Her focus is on helping you stabilize, feel safe, and explore what’s most present for you right now — without needing to recount your entire life story before you're ready to do so.

Maria believes well-being emerges from balance and a strong mind-body-nature connection. Her therapeutic style is compassionate, practical, and grounded. She integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Polyvagal theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Sessions may include exploring unhelpful thought patterns, uncovering the trauma themes influencing your present-day experiences. understanding and tolerating overwhelming emotions, reconnecting with the body, and clarifying values that bring direction and purpose. Many clients notice small but meaningful shifts early on, such as feeling more grounded, clear, or supported.

Maria offers in-person appointments in Ancaster and St. Catharines, as well as virtual sessions across Ontario. She speaks English, Russian, and Spanish and practices through a culturally sensitive, client-centered lens. Having migrated from the Ukraine at age nine, Maria understands firsthand the importance of honouring the unique experiences, identities, and cultural histories that shape who you are.

Thomas Tom

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.

Photo of Rami Safi who provides therapy.

Rami Safi (he/him)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Rami Safi is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a licensed Pharmacist, bringing more than 28 years of multidisciplinary healthcare experience across Canada, West Asia, North Africa, and Europe. His practice is rooted in the belief that every individual is unique, and he works closely with clients to explore their strengths, inner resources, and capacity for healing—always in a client-directed, holistic, and culturally sensitive way.

Rami lived in several countries before making Canada his home 18 years ago and has travelled widely across West Asia, North Africa, and Europe. This broad exposure shaped his deep commitment to cultural humility, and to the understanding that human beings share similar emotional experiences, expressed differently through culture. Professionally, Rami is a pharmacist by training, holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy and a Master of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. His blended healthcare background allows him to integrate medical, psychological, holistic, and cultural perspectives when supporting clients with complex emotional needs.His therapeutic work focuses on anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use, ADHD-related challenges, behavioural addictions, and cross-cultural adjustment, using CBT-informed, DBT, and ACT-based interventions to support clients in meaningful, evidence-aligned ways.

Rami provides therapy in English and various Arabic dialects, and is committed to creating a space grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect—meeting clients exactly where they are and walking alongside them as they move toward healing, clarity, and growth.

Photo of Sugam Nepal who can provide therapy.

Sugam Nepal (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Born and raised in the heart of Himalayas, I bring a culturally grounded, compassionate approach to therapy. I believe there is no single path to healing—each person's journey is unique. My eclectic, trauma-informed practice is shaped by both lived experience and clinical training, and I hold space for clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and life transitions. I offer therapy in Hindi and Nepali.

As a cancer survivor, mindfulness and spirituality are integral to my life and practice. I support individuals and youth using evidence-based approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT, CBT, EFFT, and Narrative Therapy, grounded in anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles. My eclectic, trauma-informed practice is shaped by over two decades of experience as a social worker in Canada and more than a decade of work with marginalized communities in the Global South. I currently work as an educator in the School of Social Work at McMaster University.

At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship—a sacred space for healing, growth, and transformation. My Approach Includes:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Anti-Oppression & Anti-Racism Frameworks
  • Crisis De-escalation & Suicide Prevention

Areas of Support: I primarily support individuals and youth experiencing:

  •  Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma and complex trauma
  • Substance misuse
  •  Relationship challenges
  • Life transitions and feeling stuck
  • ·Internal conflict and emotional overwhelm

Nirja Thakkar

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Nirja (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (awaiting degree to be conferred) from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Xavier’s College (India). Nirja, is passionate about destigmatizing mental health and normalizing seeking support for day to day conflicts, even when you may not be in crisis. Just like we don’t wait for our teeth to fall out to go to the dentist, she aspires to create a space where people feel encouraged to come for a regular check in of our emotional selves. She is interested about working with people who are seeking support from day to day conflicts, to people who have experienced complex trauma, using trauma informed, somatic approaches. She brings humility, curiosity and a relational approach to the room. She loves working with individuals, couples and families and strives to understand different relationship dynamics. In her previous role she has extensive experience working with people with autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities. Nirja has seen first-hand the impact caregiver guilt and burnout can have, so she also works with family members and caregivers of people with different needs. Her practice is grounded in a person-centered, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive approach. She has a strong commitment to creating a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for marginalized groups, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, people with disabilities and Indigenous communities. She mainly uses a psychodynamic framework and integrates other modalities below as your needs evolve. Nirja offers therapy in English, Hindi and Gujarati languages.

Nirja has training and experience using the following modalities in her practice:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Trauma informed therapy
  • Gottman Method (Couples Therapy)

Spanish Therapist

A smiling professional therapist providing compassionate mental health support for clients.

Erika Olarte-Godoy (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Full
Accepting New Clients: No

Erika is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Prior to this, Erika completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Human Rights and Equity Studies. Erika is a strengths based social worker who brings a down to earth approach to her practice.

Erika has specialized experience supporting youth, young adults and families. She is comfortable working with family systems and is skilled at de-escalating high conflict and crisis situations. Erika offers a calm and safe space for individuals and families to feel supported and heard. She has demonstrated experience improving self esteem, parenting, anger, anxiety, low mood and struggles with self harm.

Erika takes an eclectic approach to therapy that includes the following modalities:

  • Trauma Informed therapy
  • Eye Movement-Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
  • Family Mediation
  • Crisis De-escalation

 

Photo of Maria Ostapenko.

Maria Ostapenko (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Maria Ostapenko is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Brock University, a Master of Education from Griffith University in Australia, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Before becoming a therapist, Maria worked as a settlement language instructor supporting refugees and newcomers. Through this work, she witnessed firsthand how trauma, displacement, and major life transitions shape a person’s emotional world. She learned about the power of safety, validation, and being truly heard — insights that continue to guide her work today.

Maria supports individuals navigating life transitions, feeling stuck or lost, low mood, grief, stress, parenting and relationship challenges. She works from a trauma-informed, collaborative approach, meeting clients exactly where they are. Her focus is on helping you stabilize, feel safe, and explore what’s most present for you right now — without needing to recount your entire life story before you're ready to do so.

Maria believes well-being emerges from balance and a strong mind-body-nature connection. Her therapeutic style is compassionate, practical, and grounded. She integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Polyvagal theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Sessions may include exploring unhelpful thought patterns, uncovering the trauma themes influencing your present-day experiences. understanding and tolerating overwhelming emotions, reconnecting with the body, and clarifying values that bring direction and purpose. Many clients notice small but meaningful shifts early on, such as feeling more grounded, clear, or supported.

Maria offers in-person appointments in Ancaster and St. Catharines, as well as virtual sessions across Ontario. She speaks English, Russian, and Spanish and practices through a culturally sensitive, client-centered lens. Having migrated from the Ukraine at age nine, Maria understands firsthand the importance of honouring the unique experiences, identities, and cultural histories that shape who you are.

Arabic Therapist

Photo of Rami Safi who provides therapy.

Rami Safi (he/him)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Rami Safi is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a licensed Pharmacist, bringing more than 28 years of multidisciplinary healthcare experience across Canada, West Asia, North Africa, and Europe. His practice is rooted in the belief that every individual is unique, and he works closely with clients to explore their strengths, inner resources, and capacity for healing—always in a client-directed, holistic, and culturally sensitive way.

Rami lived in several countries before making Canada his home 18 years ago and has travelled widely across West Asia, North Africa, and Europe. This broad exposure shaped his deep commitment to cultural humility, and to the understanding that human beings share similar emotional experiences, expressed differently through culture. Professionally, Rami is a pharmacist by training, holding a Bachelor of Pharmacy and a Master of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. His blended healthcare background allows him to integrate medical, psychological, holistic, and cultural perspectives when supporting clients with complex emotional needs.His therapeutic work focuses on anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use, ADHD-related challenges, behavioural addictions, and cross-cultural adjustment, using CBT-informed, DBT, and ACT-based interventions to support clients in meaningful, evidence-aligned ways.

Rami provides therapy in English and various Arabic dialects, and is committed to creating a space grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect—meeting clients exactly where they are and walking alongside them as they move toward healing, clarity, and growth.

Russian Therapist

Photo of Elena Neiterman (she/her) who offers therapy services.

Elena Neiterman (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Elena is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Wilfrid Laurier University. She also holds a PhD from McMaster University in Sociology , as well as a Master's in Sociology of Education. Elena brings over 15 years of experience in academia to her clinical practice.

Elena is a warm, compassionate, and client-centred therapist. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating work–life balance, family and relationship challenges, trauma, and grief.

Elena takes an integrative approach to therapy and is trained in:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Elena is fluent in Russian and Hebrew and is a proud LGBTQ2S+ ally.

Photo of Maria Ostapenko.

Maria Ostapenko (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Maria Ostapenko is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Brock University, a Master of Education from Griffith University in Australia, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Before becoming a therapist, Maria worked as a settlement language instructor supporting refugees and newcomers. Through this work, she witnessed firsthand how trauma, displacement, and major life transitions shape a person’s emotional world. She learned about the power of safety, validation, and being truly heard — insights that continue to guide her work today.

Maria supports individuals navigating life transitions, feeling stuck or lost, low mood, grief, stress, parenting and relationship challenges. She works from a trauma-informed, collaborative approach, meeting clients exactly where they are. Her focus is on helping you stabilize, feel safe, and explore what’s most present for you right now — without needing to recount your entire life story before you're ready to do so.

Maria believes well-being emerges from balance and a strong mind-body-nature connection. Her therapeutic style is compassionate, practical, and grounded. She integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Polyvagal theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Sessions may include exploring unhelpful thought patterns, uncovering the trauma themes influencing your present-day experiences. understanding and tolerating overwhelming emotions, reconnecting with the body, and clarifying values that bring direction and purpose. Many clients notice small but meaningful shifts early on, such as feeling more grounded, clear, or supported.

Maria offers in-person appointments in Ancaster and St. Catharines, as well as virtual sessions across Ontario. She speaks English, Russian, and Spanish and practices through a culturally sensitive, client-centered lens. Having migrated from the Ukraine at age nine, Maria understands firsthand the importance of honouring the unique experiences, identities, and cultural histories that shape who you are.

Hindi Therapist

Nirja Thakkar

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Nirja (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (awaiting degree to be conferred) from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Xavier’s College (India). Nirja, is passionate about destigmatizing mental health and normalizing seeking support for day to day conflicts, even when you may not be in crisis. Just like we don’t wait for our teeth to fall out to go to the dentist, she aspires to create a space where people feel encouraged to come for a regular check in of our emotional selves. She is interested about working with people who are seeking support from day to day conflicts, to people who have experienced complex trauma, using trauma informed, somatic approaches. She brings humility, curiosity and a relational approach to the room. She loves working with individuals, couples and families and strives to understand different relationship dynamics. In her previous role she has extensive experience working with people with autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities. Nirja has seen first-hand the impact caregiver guilt and burnout can have, so she also works with family members and caregivers of people with different needs. Her practice is grounded in a person-centered, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive approach. She has a strong commitment to creating a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for marginalized groups, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, people with disabilities and Indigenous communities. She mainly uses a psychodynamic framework and integrates other modalities below as your needs evolve. Nirja offers therapy in English, Hindi and Gujarati languages.

Nirja has training and experience using the following modalities in her practice:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Trauma informed therapy
  • Gottman Method (Couples Therapy)
Photo of Sugam Nepal who can provide therapy.

Sugam Nepal (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Born and raised in the heart of Himalayas, I bring a culturally grounded, compassionate approach to therapy. I believe there is no single path to healing—each person's journey is unique. My eclectic, trauma-informed practice is shaped by both lived experience and clinical training, and I hold space for clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and life transitions. I offer therapy in Hindi and Nepali.

As a cancer survivor, mindfulness and spirituality are integral to my life and practice. I support individuals and youth using evidence-based approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT, CBT, EFFT, and Narrative Therapy, grounded in anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles. My eclectic, trauma-informed practice is shaped by over two decades of experience as a social worker in Canada and more than a decade of work with marginalized communities in the Global South. I currently work as an educator in the School of Social Work at McMaster University.

At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship—a sacred space for healing, growth, and transformation. My Approach Includes:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Anti-Oppression & Anti-Racism Frameworks
  • Crisis De-escalation & Suicide Prevention

Areas of Support: I primarily support individuals and youth experiencing:

  •  Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma and complex trauma
  • Substance misuse
  •  Relationship challenges
  • Life transitions and feeling stuck
  • ·Internal conflict and emotional overwhelm

Armenian Therapist

A smiling medical professional with a stethoscope offering compassionate and expert care.

Annie Mazmanian (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Full
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Annie is a Registered Psychotherapist who completed her Master of Arts in Counselling degree. Annie is also a Registered Nurse who spent 20 years working in the ICU and ER. Annie is currently pursuing further education to pursue becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She takes a holistic approach to helping you achieve your goals. Combining psychotherapy theories with co-active coaching principles, Annie conceptualizes a plan that is unique to you. She will help you better understand your feelings and uncover sources of conflict in your life. You will discover more about yourself, define your aspirations and values and most importantly, build skills for dealing with obstacles in the future.  Her purpose is to motivate and inspire high-stressed people, so that they are supported by someone who understands a similar reality and can equip them with tools and strategies to manage their own well-being. A trustworthy relationship between the individual and the therapist is essential in any healing journey and something that Annie prioritizes. 

  • Eye Movement-Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Positive Psychology
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Person-Centred Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Mindfulness Based Therapy 

Hebrew Therapist

Photo of Elena Neiterman (she/her) who offers therapy services.

Elena Neiterman (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Elena is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Wilfrid Laurier University. She also holds a PhD from McMaster University in Sociology , as well as a Master's in Sociology of Education. Elena brings over 15 years of experience in academia to her clinical practice.

Elena is a warm, compassionate, and client-centred therapist. She specializes in supporting individuals navigating work–life balance, family and relationship challenges, trauma, and grief.

Elena takes an integrative approach to therapy and is trained in:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Elena is fluent in Russian and Hebrew and is a proud LGBTQ2S+ ally.

Malayalam Therapist

Thomas Tom

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.

Nepali Therapist

Photo of Sugam Nepal who can provide therapy.

Sugam Nepal (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Born and raised in the heart of Himalayas, I bring a culturally grounded, compassionate approach to therapy. I believe there is no single path to healing—each person's journey is unique. My eclectic, trauma-informed practice is shaped by both lived experience and clinical training, and I hold space for clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and life transitions. I offer therapy in Hindi and Nepali.

As a cancer survivor, mindfulness and spirituality are integral to my life and practice. I support individuals and youth using evidence-based approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT, CBT, EFFT, and Narrative Therapy, grounded in anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles. My eclectic, trauma-informed practice is shaped by over two decades of experience as a social worker in Canada and more than a decade of work with marginalized communities in the Global South. I currently work as an educator in the School of Social Work at McMaster University.

At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship—a sacred space for healing, growth, and transformation. My Approach Includes:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Anti-Oppression & Anti-Racism Frameworks
  • Crisis De-escalation & Suicide Prevention

Areas of Support: I primarily support individuals and youth experiencing:

  •  Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma and complex trauma
  • Substance misuse
  •  Relationship challenges
  • Life transitions and feeling stuck
  • ·Internal conflict and emotional overwhelm

Punjabi Therapist

Tamil Therapist

Niketha Velautham

Niketha Velautham (she/her)

Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Niketha is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree from York University before going on to complete her Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. Her approach to therapy is focused on facilitating client growth through an equity lens.
Niketha has spent the last 13 years identifying and promoting self growth opportunities with a diverse range of individuals and families. Her skills are strength based including advocacy, conflict resolution and anti-racism. Niketha helps clients to alleviate suffering with kindness, self determination and offering a fresh perspective in challenging situations. Niketha is accepting clients seeking support with self esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, racism and intersectionality, conflict resolution, and parenting.

Niketha has training and experience using the following modalities in her practice:

  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Eye Movement-Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
  • Anti-oppression and anti-racism
  • Crisis De-escalation and Suicide Intervention

Therapist in Armenian

A smiling medical professional with a stethoscope offering compassionate and expert care.

Annie Mazmanian (she/her)

Sliding scale? Full
Accepting New Clients: Yes

Annie is a Registered Psychotherapist who completed her Master of Arts in Counselling degree. Annie is also a Registered Nurse who spent 20 years working in the ICU and ER. Annie is currently pursuing further education to pursue becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She takes a holistic approach to helping you achieve your goals. Combining psychotherapy theories with co-active coaching principles, Annie conceptualizes a plan that is unique to you. She will help you better understand your feelings and uncover sources of conflict in your life. You will discover more about yourself, define your aspirations and values and most importantly, build skills for dealing with obstacles in the future.  Her purpose is to motivate and inspire high-stressed people, so that they are supported by someone who understands a similar reality and can equip them with tools and strategies to manage their own well-being. A trustworthy relationship between the individual and the therapist is essential in any healing journey and something that Annie prioritizes. 

  • Eye Movement-Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Positive Psychology
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Person-Centred Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Mindfulness Based Therapy 

Book your free consultation

(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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