Life can feel overwhelming when you're carrying experiences that no longer make sense or when you find yourself reacting in ways you don't fully understand. Whether you're navigating trauma, relationships, attachment, intimacy, sexuality, grief, life transitions, women's health concerns, or family dynamics, my goal is to help you better understand yourself with curiosity, compassion, and without judgment.
For more than 20 years as a Registered Social Worker, I've had the privilege of supporting people through trauma, mental health concerns, intimate partner violence, family conflict, court involvement, loss, and major life transitions. There is very little that surprises me. I believe that when trust and genuine connection are at the centre of therapy, every part of your story has a place.
I'm naturally curious, and one of the things I love most about counselling is helping people connect the dots. Together, we'll explore how your past experiences, relationships, nervous system, and the messages you've received about yourself continue to shape your life today. I often use stories, metaphors, humour, and practical examples to make complex ideas easier to understand, because sometimes seeing yourself through a different lens is what creates the greatest opportunity for change.
I recognize that our lives are shaped not only by our personal experiences, but also by our relationships, families, communities, culture, and the expectations placed upon us. I welcome people from all walks of life and all relationship structures. Whether you're exploring identity, dating, separation, ethical non-monogamy, intimacy, sexuality, reproductive health, perimenopause, menopause, or the ways these experiences intersect with your relationships and sense of self, you'll find a space where your experiences are respected and your perspective matters.
My work is grounded in trauma-informed, strengths-based practice and informed by attachment theory, Polyvagal Theory, and somatic approaches. I don't believe you're broken. I believe your mind and body adapted in ways that helped you survive. Together, we'll make sense of those adaptations, recognize the strengths they've given you, and explore new ways of moving through life that feel more connected, intentional, and aligned with who you are.
If you're wondering whether we'd be a good fit, I invite you to reach out. Sometimes the first conversation is the best way to know.
Kailey earned her bachelors degree in Behavioural Science and a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), she provides counselling in Hamilton or therapy online. Approaches guiding her work are cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, internal family systems, and person centered therapy. Her experience in the field comes from working with vulnerable, marginalized groups as well as counselling university students. Kailey is a strong believer in advocacy and equipping people to be able to advocate for themselves. Kailey is grateful for the opportunity to be able to work alongside and walk with you as you grow into the person you aspire to be.
As a therapist, she approaches clients with humor, curiosity, and honesty. She guides clients with patience, empathy, focusing on building interpersonal relationships and emphasizing the importance of being their authentic self. She sees the person through a lens of mindfulness, holding the belief that people are doing their best with their current skills and circumstances. She believes in the therapeutic provision of unconditional positive regard. Kailey is dedicated to empowering clients to building on their resiliency and forming into their best self.
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:
Elora was born and raised in the Niagara Region. She opened Nova Phoenix Counselling Services in 2017 with a vision to provide accessible trauma therapy to individuals and families in Niagara. "Nova" means new as well as a reminder of the cosmos and to see beyond the here and now. Phoenix is the journey of rising from the ashes. Evolving into a new and more resilient version of yourself often feels equivalent to the journey of the phoenix. Since beginning in 2017, Nova Phoenix has grown into 80+ phenomenal team members dedicated to the same mission Elora embarked on. In 2025, Elora was awarded the Health Care Hero Women in Business Award from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.
Elora is a Registered Social Worker. Her educational background includes a Bachelor Honours Degree in Psychology from Brock University as well as a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. Elora is pursuing her Executive Master of Business degree beginning January 2027. Elora has a particular affinity to supporting entrepreneurs, high achievers, and "girl bosses."
Elora supports individuals and youth struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance misuse, and/or relationship challenges. Elora is a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Elora has more than 15 years of clinical mental health experience and extended training supporting survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, incest, and sexual abuse of all kinds. Her empathetic and compassionate approach is bolstered by her lived experience with mental health and trauma. She recognizes the pain you are experiencing because she has been there too and believes recovery is possible. Elora has completed her clinical supervision training with Wilfrid Laurier University professional development program. Elora mentors and clinically supervises psychotherapists seeking group and dyadic supervision. Elora also has openings for business coaching referrals for psychotherapists and other business owners seeking support with growing their business. Elora does not have practicum placement opportunities available at this time.
Elora is an eclectic, client centered therapist who has training and experience using the following therapeutic modalities within therapy sessions:
Ruth is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Master of Social Work degree from The University of Toronto. Ruth brings over 35 years of experience to her clinical practice.
Ruth is a warm, welcoming, anti-oppressive social worker. She specializes in supporting survivors of abuse and domestic violence, trauma, and systemic oppression. Ruth works with individuals of all ages as well as families and couples. Furthermore, Ruth has experience teaching social work as well as in clinical supervision and mentoring.
Ruth takes an eclectic approach to therapy that includes the following modalities:
Mackenzie is a Registered Social Worker who obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Victoria. Prior to this, she completed a Social Service Worker diploma at Georgian College.
Mackenzie has clinical experience within the healthcare system, with a primary focus on providing psychosocial assessments, intervention, and support to individuals and families impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses. Her work has included crisis intervention, adjustment and grief counselling, advocacy, and facilitating connections to community and healthcare resources.
Her clinical interests include oncology social work, chronic illness, caregiver support, and end-of-life care.
Mackenzie is committed to fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment, utilizing a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to care. She also has a strong understanding of system navigation and the social determinants of health, and works collaboratively with clients to address barriers and enhance overall well-being.
Sonya Blake is a Registered Social Worker and Master of Social Work (Candidate) with over ten years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across a range of counselling and therapeutic settings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Social Work from McMaster University.
Sonya works with children who have trauma histories, supporting emotional regulation, attachment, and healing through a trauma-informed and developmentally attuned approach. She also works with families facing relational challenges, conflict, or periods of transition, and provides family therapy to help strengthen communication, understanding, and connection within the family system.
In addition, Sonya has extensive experience working with adolescents who may be reluctant to engage in therapy or who present as guarded or unsure about the therapeutic process. She prioritizes building trust, safety, and collaboration, recognizing that meaningful engagement takes time and is central to effective therapeutic work with youth.
Sonya also supports adults and couples navigating anxiety, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, and life stressors. Her work with couples is informed by Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), an evidence-based, attachment-focused approach that helps partners understand their interaction patterns, strengthen emotional bonds, and foster secure, responsive relationships.
Sonya practices from a trauma-informed, client-centred, and anti-oppressive lens. She is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative space where individuals, couples, children, and families feel heard, supported, and empowered to work toward meaningful change.
Krystin is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Manitoba University. Prior to this she completed her Social Service Worker and General Arts and Sciences diploma's from Niagara College.
Krystin has spent the last eight years in counselling and community mental health. She has extensive experience supporting individuals with concurrent disorders, borderline personality disorder, trauma, self harm, depression, and anxiety. Krystin offers a calm, safe, and down to earth space for you to feel seen and supported. She has sound knowledge of community resources and referrals as well as in navigating mental health systems to support you on an individual and systemic level.
Krystin has training and experience using the following modalities in her practice:
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:
Elena is fluent in Russian and Hebrew and is a proud LGBTQ2S+ ally.
Taye is a Registered Social Worker who completed her Master of Social Work degree from The University of Toronto. Prior to this she completed her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Sociology and Psychology as well as her Masters degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of New Brunswick.
Taye is passionate about supporting families, children, youth, and couples. She is adept in treating trauma, addictions, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues at all ages. She is a strong advocate who prides herself on taking an anti-oppressive approach in her practice. If you are feeling stuck in the same pattern of thinking and struggling with your personal and interpersonal relationships, it's time to change the way you think about yourself, your circumstances, and those around you. Taye's passion is to empower individuals, couples, and families to develop new pathways of thinking, establish deeper connections and overcome obstacles.
Taye takes an integrative approach to therapy that includes the following modalities:
Courtney is Registered Social Worker. Her educational background includes a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto with a focus on children and families, as well as an Honors Bachelor degree from the Univeristy of Guelph-Humber in Family and Community Social Services. Courtney also completed her Social Services Worker diploma from Humber College.
Courtney brings 12 years of experience in the social work field working with children, youth and families through an anti-oppressive, strengths based, and client focused lens. Courtney has worked largely with children, youth and families who have experienced family conflict, trauma, sexual abuse, physical abuse, substance misuse, domestic violence, crisis and displacement. Courtney is a proud ally of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Courtney incorporates art, play and creativity into her sessions with children and youth.
Courtney understands complex individual and family systems and will work with you to build on your strengths to find a path forward, despite how difficult things might feel.
Courtney has experience using the following modalities in her practice:
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.
Alicia Richardson is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology from McMaster University. Prior to her clinical training, Alicia worked in a healthcare setting providing emotional support and companionship to older adults. In this role, she supported individuals navigating life transitions, including grief, anxiety, and health-related changes. This experience deepened her appreciation for empathy, connection, and the importance of meeting individuals where they are. Alicia is committed to creating a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where clients feel supported in exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. She believes that healing begins with self-compassion rather than self-judgment, and that meaningful change can occur when individuals feel truly seen and understood. In her clinical work, Alicia supports individuals aged 7 and older who are experiencing concerns such as anxiety, stress, emotional overwhelm, depression, life transitions, and relational challenges. She recognizes that beginning therapy can feel unfamiliar or intimidating and strives to foster a collaborative and comfortable environment, tailoring her approach to each client’s unique needs. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, incorporating elements of Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT).
Amanda (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker. Her educational background includes a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto with a focus on children and families, as well as a Bachelor of Social Work degree from McMaster University. Amanda brings 19 years of experience and expertise in the Social Work field. She works with children, youth, and families through an anti-oppressive, holistic, strengths based, trauma-informed, and family focused lens. She has worked with children, youth and families who have experienced family conflict, parenting struggles/stress, grief, trauma, sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, substance misuse, intimate partner violence, mental health crisis, conflict and crisis, displacement, and adoption.
Amanda is a proud member and advocate of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. She understands complex individual and family systems as well as societal barriers, inequity, discrimination, racism, and homophobia/transphobia/biphobia. Amanda practicesfrom a non-judgmental, compassionate, and supportive perspective that encourages transparency and collaboration. She also likes to use humour and creativity when developing rapport, ensuring therapy is a comfortable place to be, even when it sometimes isn’t. Amanda empowers service users to build on their strengths so they can move forward and feel a sense of hopefulness in their lives.
Amanda has experience using the following modalities in her practice:
Carolyn is a Registered Social Worker. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Social Work degree, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology degree, both from McMaster University.
Carolyn brings 13 years of experience and expertise in the field of social work, working with various populations including children, youth, adults, seniors, and families. Through her holistic, strengths-based, and person-centered approach, Carolyn is able to establish rapport quickly with clients of any age. She has worked extensively with individuals who have experienced trauma, grief, loss, caregiver burnout and stress, and with caregivers of individuals living with dementia and complex cognitive changes. Carolyn’s experience includes a decade of working in the child welfare sector, and more recently a fulfilling career working with individuals living with dementia in the community and helping them transition to long-term care. Carolyn enjoys working with individuals, couples, children, and families who recognize they could benefit from having an objective and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship. Carolyn incorporates music, art, play, and aromatherapy into her practice to foster a relaxed and supportive environment.
Carolyn leads from her own lived experiences of grief, mental health struggles, burnout, and postpartum anxiety to understand her clients better and meet them where they are at. Carolyn is comfortable working with individuals and families going through the end-of-life transition, those experiencing grief and bereavement, and provides a welcoming setting for individuals to work through their feelings in a supportive, helpful, and compassionate way. Carolyn is passionate about helping individuals navigate some of their toughest life stages, and bringing them to a place of acceptance, healing, and peace so that they can thrive once again!
Carolyn uses the following modalities in her eclectic approach to therapy:
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:
Areas of Support: I primarily support individuals and youth experiencing:
Domenique is a Registered Psychotherapist who completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Domenique is a down to earth, and person-centered therapist that uses an attachment lens in her work. She believes in a holistic approach to therapy, and welcomes clients to come as they are. She creates a space where it is safe to express freely, and openly. She specializes in supporting clients through breakups, relationship stressors as well as communication and emotional regulation challenges. She also supports clients experiencing anxiety, major life changes and self-esteem issues.
Domenique uses an integrative approach in her practice drawing on modalities such as
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy. She likes to integrate psychoeducation, self-compassion and mindfulness in her work. She is collaborative and will tailor her approach based on her client’s goals, feedback, lifestyle, and learning style.
Joanne Mormul is a dedicated Registered Social Worker born and raised in Hamilton with over twenty-five years of professional experience in the field. She utilizes her education from her Honours Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Sociology, and her diploma in Social Service Work along with her professional experience working with individuals, families, seniors, children, and youth.
She specializes in mental health (including anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorders and mood disorders), substance use and addictions, gambling, grief and loss, life transitions (such as perimenopause and menopause), conflict, communication and emotional regulation from a holistic, strengths based, client centered, anti-oppressive approach.
Let her life experiences, empathetic, positive, and humorous nature help guide you in setting goals and making life changes to reach your optimum level and journey to recovery.
Maya is a Registered Social Worker. She completed her Master of Social Work degree at King’s University College (Western University) and Bachelor of Social Work degree at Wilfrid Laurier University. She also completed her Child and Youth Care advanced diploma from Mohawk College.
Maya has worked with individuals of all ages for over 6 years using a client-centered, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach. She values therapeutic rapport and working collaboratively with clients to meet their goals. Maya has experience working in acute mental health and community mental health agencies. Her personal and professional experiences have deeply influenced her passion for helping others. She especially loves supporting people who feel stuck or find it hard to set and reach their goals. It’s something she continues to care about deeply in her work!
She recognizes how difficult it can be to reach out for support—especially for those accessing mental health services for the first time. She’s passionate about working with adolescents and students as they navigate life’s stressors and mental health challenges. Maya has experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. She’s also deeply committed to providing affirming care for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Maya works alongside each client to find the best therapeutic modality/approach that works for them! She has training and experience using the following therapeutic modalities/approaches in her practice:
Joanne Towers is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. With over 25 years of experience in developmental services and mental health, Joanne brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice. Throughout her career, Joanne supported youth and adults with developmental disabilities, neurodivergence, and mental health, as well as, parents and caregivers. Joanne is most passionate about advocating for individuals from marginalized communities.
In her clinical practice, Joanne works with persons experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, communication skills, self-esteem, healthy relationships, and self-regulation. Her approach is grounded in a trauma-informed lens and guided by the belief that therapy should be collaborative and tailored to each person's unique needs.Drawing from an eclectic and individualized approach, Joanne integrates elements of:
Joanne is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to move forward in their healing and personal growth.
Rami Safi is a Registered Psychotherapist 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.
148 1/2 Welland Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 2N6
5679 Main Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2G 5Z3
70 Seventh Street, Welland, Ontario, L3B 5B7
203-1038 Garner Road West, Ancaster, Ontario, L9G 3K9
136 Gilmore Rd, Fort Erie, ON L2A 2M2, Canada
534 Brant St, Burlington, ON L7R 2G8, Canada