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:
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.
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