Our Team

Welcome to Toronto Family Therapy! Get to know a bit about our therapists below. Stay tuned for updates as our team continues to grow.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/about-joanna-seidel/">Joanna Seidel - Clinical Director and Founder</a>

Joanna Seidel - Clinical Director and Founder

Social Worker, MSW. RSW. Acc.FM

Joanna Seidel has been counselling individuals, families and children and has helped couples re-connect for over a decade. She is a Child and Family Therapist and specializes in separation and divorce. She has been on panel of Clinical Investigators for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer since 2011.

Joanna holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, graduating with Honours from York University, and a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Toronto. She is a Social Worker registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers in the Greater Toronto Area. She is also a member of the Association of Family Conciliation Courts.

Joanna is the owner and operator of Toronto Family Therapy, a private practice in Toronto. Prior to establishing her private practice in Toronto 2006, Joanna worked in mental health settings and children’s agencies.

Joanna Seidel has particular expertise in the area of separation and divorce. She has worked extensively in her practice with families and children, helping them manage the often difficult, stressful and emotional process of separation and divorce. With Joanna’s guidance, families learn strategies to cope with this challenging process and to minimize the conflicts and disputes that arise.

To book an appointment call our office at (416)-629-7410 or click Book Now to fill out a contact form.
<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/keren-wisniewski/">Keren Wisniewski</a>

Keren Wisniewski

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Keren Wisniewski is a registered social worker with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Keren has experience working as a clinical social worker, working with youth aged 0-25 and their families. Keren has supported youth who are in care and placed in foster and residential homes and she has participated in helping youth reintegrate back home to their families successfully, with the voice of the child highlighted. She utilizes a trauma informed lens and a strength based framework to provide effective interventions to a diverse population of clients. Keren has experience in counselling clients who have experienced mental health struggles, separation and divorce, trauma and violence, attachment disorders, school and learning challenges, human trafficking, social and emotional challenges, and addictions. In addition, Keren has supported clients identifying with the LGBTQ2S+, BIPOC and marginalized communities.

Keren has a strong understanding of the psychosocial development of children and adolescents and she is able to form a strong therapeutic alliance with the clients she works with by fostering an empathic, trusting and nurturing therapeutic environment. Keren has been a member of the Adolescent Counselling Team for the past decade and she is very skilled in working and supporting positive mental health with at risk adolescents and helping to mediate family conflict. By utilizing various intervention modalities Keren is able to help clients better understand their struggles, attachments and how to repair their relationships. In particular, Keren has extensive skills in supporting clients who are dealing with crisis oriented situations such as youth running away, engaging in self harm and experiencing suicidal ideation and exposure to high conflict divorce and separation.

Keren has the strong counselling and critical thinking skills to support the social emotional development of her clients. She is trained in trauma informed practice, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and crisis intervention and these skills have assisted in her being able to provide a high level of support to her clients and their wellbeing. In addition, Keren is able to provide parenting support to clients and their families by identifying prosocial goals and devise resolution plans to achieve long term success.

Keren holds a Masters of Social Work degree from University of Toronto Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and she is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).

Keren is proud to be a part of the Toronto Family Therapy &Mediation clinic and looks forward to using her expertise and therapeutic relationships to support her clients. She works endlessly with her clients to help them to recognize their strengths and overcome life’s challenges. Keren works with families to help restore the family unit in whatever manner fits best for the family, in a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Keren believes that her clients are the experts on their situation, however they might need some support around communication, goal setting, and conflict resolution to achieve success and well being.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/kinga-burjan/">Kinga Burjan</a>

Kinga Burjan

Registered Psychotherapist M.A., R.P.

Kinga has specialized in working in the mental health and wellness field for over a decade. She has experience working with individuals, couples and families facing hardship, conflict, communication issues, separation, divorce and addictions. Kinga possesses a deep understanding of the underlying issues experienced by people with mental health concerns, trauma and/or an addiction, helping her clients walk through to the other side of the pain and confusion where hope, self-agency and empowerment await. Kinga is versed in helping people with ADHD, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression and PTSD. Prior to her Master’s degree, Kinga was a yoga teacher/therapist for 8 years which enhanced her experience and practice with mindfulness, understanding and application of the "mind-body connection", as well as knowledge and application of many stress-reduction techniques.

Her breadth and depth of experience has fine-tuned her mindful, person-centred and eclectic approach to therapy. Kinga is known for her attuned listening skills and ability to reflect what is going on for her clients; in essence being a mirror for her clients to see themselves more clearly. Throughout the years she has learned many techniques that help her clients disentangle the thoughts and feelings that keep people feeling stuck, overwhelmed or helpless. In addition, she provides multiple tools and techniques (as per her clients’ needs) that assist her clients to be better equipped to face the challenges that brought them to therapy in the first place.

Kinga has had several roles over the past decade, from yoga teacher, yoga therapist, to clinical therapist, clinical manager, nursing student preceptor, and clinical director. She obtained a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree from the University of Waterloo, a 2,000 hour Yoga Therapist certificate from Amara Yoga School, and a Master of Arts in Theology: Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy Degree from Wilfred Laurier University. Kinga is in good standing and qualifies for Independent Practice with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. In addition, she has completed a variety of therapy trainings including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Brainspotting (Phase 1), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy, and completion of an Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Course for Health Service Providers.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/john-dunn/">John Dunn</a>

John Dunn

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

John Dunn has the privilege and distinction of being recognized as a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree (Psychology), as well as his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) Degrees from the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ontario.

His career spans a period of approximately thirty years, during which time he has worked in various community settings and with countless individuals who have experienced overwhelming conditions and experiences in their lifetimes. John is a dedicated and focused practitioner, having enhanced his practice through development and use of such clinical modalities as Trauma Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Over the course of his career, he has worked with adolescents, adults, couples and groups, with a singular focus upon improving quality of life and wellness for all of his clients.

During the years of his practice as a mental health and addictions therapist, John has worked with individuals who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This condition is treatable with an approach which promotes focus and regulation of regulated behaviour through the introduction of medication and adjunct therapeutic models of intervention.

John has spent countless hours focusing upon areas of behaviour modification, emotion regulation, relationships, trauma, stress management, and reconciliation. Topics which have often been discussed during therapy include anger, loss, resentment, fear, loneliness and mistrust. He endeavours to instill hope and optimism in his clients, so as to achieve the best possible outcomes for themselves and their loved ones. These levels of practice and expertise have assisted him greatly in working with those who have been impacted directly by the reality of separation and divorce. He has worked with many individuals who have experienced the challenges and adjustments which are related to these forms of transition and change.

John demonstrates an acute sensitivity and compassion for those who find themselves navigating through these often difficult sets of circumstances. His desire is to provide support, and an opportunity for growth and understanding, in an effort towards making necessary adjustments.

John is proud to be part of the Toronto Family Therapy program and looks forward to the opportunity of providing assistance and support to those of whom he has the good fortune to meet.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/nicole-khaitman/">Nicole Khaitman</a>

Nicole Khaitman

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Nicole is a seasoned Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with children, youth and families impacted by separation and divorce (including instances of high conflict) in addition to issues of mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Nicole adopts a clinical and strengths-based approach to support and counsel her clients, as well as the children of separation and divorce, to make sense of their situation, identify healthy goals, devise resolution plans, and see those plans to fruition with long-term success and wellbeing in mind.

Nicole also specializes in postpartum, infant care, and effective parenting techniques. As a parent herself, Nicole understands the stressors and difficulties associated with raising children. She promotes a mindful, respectful, and holistic approach to parenting that involves setting firm boundaries and learning how to understand what children/youth are trying to tell us and then employing appropriate responses based on their age, disposition, and developmental stage. Nicole also works directly with children and youth to help them unpack any harboured, challenging feelings and self esteem needs.

Nicole works tirelessly to ensure each individual recognizes their own strengths, as well as the strengths of those around them to build a safe and nurturing environment in which each individual can find their own path to health, safety, and a sense of ownership and optimism about their future. Nicole takes a holistic approach from a psycho-bio-social framework when working with her clients and also takes an active role in events, committees, and programs focused on improving the field of social work, quality of care, and education/outreach.

Nicole’s expertise and empathy enable her to guide families as they learn to understand and resolve their unique challenges, and support them holistically as they move beyond them.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/rebecca-skippen/">Rebecca Skippen</a>

Rebecca Skippen

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Rebecca Skippen is a Registered Social Worker with a diverse background in helping individuals, families, children, and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges, anxiety, stress, conflict, domestic violence, addiction, separation, divorce, and relationship breakdown.

Rebecca began her education in the field of Social Work by earning a Social Service Worker diploma from Georgian College, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University. With a desire to further specialize in working with children and families, Rebecca completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Throughout Rebecca’s career, she has gained a wealth of experience working with individuals, families, and youth experiencing trauma, violence, grief and loss, and a wide variety of other challenges. Rebecca has worked as a case manager, counselor, and child protection worker. Rebecca has learned the importance of the child’s voice in developing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Rebecca practices various therapeutic modalities, including CCT, CBT, Play Therapy, Motivational-Interviewing, and Holistic Therapy approaches. Rebecca specializes in holistic approaches that develop and nourish one’s mind, body, and spirit, such as mindfulness and meditation.

When working with families experiencing relationship breakdown, Rebecca utilizes Play Therapy, Role Play Therapy, and Behavioral Therapy to strengthen and create a positive parent-child relationship. Rebecca utilizes a family systems and attachment lens when working with families to guide them in identifying patterns, behaviors, and conflict areas. Rebecca’s approach is empowering, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive. Rebecca believes each family and individual is different and utilizes several different approaches to ensure their needs are being supported and fulfilled. Rebecca has a patient, empathetic, warm, and non-judgmental approach. Rebecca creates a safe space for those she supports and utilizes a strengths-based approach that allows clients to problem-solve and create change.

Rebecca has a passion for helping others and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those she supports. Rebecca has established herself as a dedicated and skilled social worker, committed to empowering families, children, and individuals to overcome their challenges and build healthy, fulfilling lives.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/alison-robinette/">Alison Robinette</a>

Alison Robinette

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Alison Robinette has been providing counselling services to adults, youth, and children for over 20 years in Toronto. Alison’s focus has been around repairing relationships within the family unit as well as supporting individuals struggling with life challenges. Her practice has centered around children and youth mental health (including anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation, mindfulness) as well as parent support and coaching. Alison uses a caring, helpful, and non-judgmental approach with clients. Her priority is to help clients feel safe, supported and understood. When working with children and youth, Alison uses creative interventions and play as this can be an effective window into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and at times more effective than talk therapy.

Alison also has extensive experience and training in intimate partner violence and uses a trauma informed approach when working with clients. She has also done long-term work with families experiencing separation and divorce and is committed to ensuring that children have a voice especially when complex, often stressful situations arise.

Alison has had extensive training in Attachment Theory, Trauma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), Emotional Regulation, Mindfulness, and Child Development. Alison graduated with her Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto and is Registered with the Ontario College of Social Worker and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) as well as the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/regina-kotoviets/">Regina Kotoviets </a>

Regina Kotoviets

Social Worker ME.d, MSW. RSW.

Regina is Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Work (OCSWSSW) and holds a Master degree in Education (ME.d). Regina has worked within the areas of family conflict, parenting support, career counselling, behavioural counselling, fertility/maternal mental health, and most recently in a Family Health Team. In addition to being a Clinical Therapist, Regina has over a decade of experience working with children, youth, and individuals of varying ages. Regina has worked as an educator with children with special needs– learning disabilities and behavioural issues.

Regina is passionate about supporting individuals on their journeys towards healing, recovery, and personal growth. She provides counselling services to children, youth, and adults of all ages, and is available to support the array of mental health and emotional difficulties that arise throughout different stages of life. Regina embraces a holistic approach to therapy where the focus is the individual and their unique needs. Through a multi-disciplinary style, she uses a variety of interventions and provides a non-judgemental space for individuals to share their story, explore goals, and achieve a life that truly feels valuable to them.

Regina offers individualized support: CBT, DBT, & a person-centred approach among other therapeutic modalities. Regina’s practice is enhanced by her ability to connect with individuals where they are, and support them to feel understood, validated, and respected. Regina holds vast experience with children, addiction, and infertility which allows her to service a vast population of clients.

Taking the first step to therapy is not always easy. Regina hopes to ensure a relationship that is committed to creating positive change. Regina’s goal is to present individuals with the tools to feel more content, at peace, and in command of their life and future. The client is the expert of their experience, and it is Regina’s hope to work alongside the client to achieve their utmost potential in a safe, compassionate, and empathic environment.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/lisa-zemanovich/">Lisa Zemanovich</a>

Lisa Zemanovich

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

With over 10 years of experience, Lisa has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and skill set in a variety of settings. Lisa has worked among diverse populations, including children, adolescents, university students, adults, families and couples who have presented with a variety of mental health issues, including complex PTSD/trauma, anxiety, depression, somatic symptom disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and relational issues.

Lisa has provided a combination of individual, family and couples therapy throughout her practice. Lisa also uses an eclectic approach when treating clients, drawing on modalities, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, mindfulness base treatments, somatic psychotherapies and relational psychotherapies. Lastly, Lisa has a strong interest in relational and trauma therapy, specializing in interpersonal trauma/complex PTSD, which includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect. From this, Lisa is keen on utilizing a trauma-informed lens when treating clients, families and couples.

Since 2017, Lisa has worked as a Clinician in private practice in several clinics in downtown Toronto. Prior to working in private practice, Lisa also obtained clinical experience in numerous hospitals, including The Hospital for Sick Children, Women’s College Hospital and The Douglas Mental Health University Institute as part of McGill University. Lisa is keen on fostering a non-judgemental, empathetic and collaborative relationship with clients in order to establish trust and create a safe space. She believes this is crucial in order to establish a strong therapeutic alliance, which is one of the key components for a successful therapeutic outcome. Additionally, Lisa is oriented towards utilizing evidence-based practices with an eclectic approach in order to meet clients’ where they are at given the heterogeneity and uniqueness of each person. From a holistic perspective, Lisa is also keen on providing supports to both the individual and their family, as families are crucial in providing a safe space for recovery.

Lisa has completed her Masters in Social Work at the University of Toronto and her Bachelor in Arts in Psychology at McGill University. Additionally, Lisa is registered with the Ontario College of Social Worker and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) as well as the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/rabia-ahmed/">Rabia Ahmed</a>

Rabia Ahmed

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Rabia is a Registered Clinical Social Worker providing therapy services to individuals, families and children for over a decade . She has extensive training in trauma and mental health and uses a trauma focused lens in providing all services. She has an expertise in working with individuals and families in complex situations using dispute resolution, conflict management and her vast skill set.

Rabia was a Clinical Supervisor for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL) guiding many of the Parenting and Decision Making Assessments. She has done extensive work with individuals and families in conflict, worked with children with behavioural issues, and children and adults with trauma and mental health. She has significant expertise in providing services to individuals experiencing domestic violence, individuals and families of first responders, and many who have concurrent disorders.

Rabia has a diverse background and has provided counselling services for 20 years in community organizations, mental health clinics, in hospitals inpatient and outpatient settings, Courts and Corrections in Family, Criminal (youth and adult), and Mental Health Court matters. She takes her knowledge and expertise to guide her therapeutic interventions with client focused therapy goals.

Rabia has her Bachelors of Sociology and Social Work from McMaster University and her Clinical Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is trained in various modalities and uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy skills for emotional regulation, interpersonal skills and mindfulness techniques to name a few.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/melissa-frishling/">Melissa Frishling</a>

Melissa Frishling

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Melissa is a dedicated social worker with a specialization in trauma-focused care and over a decade of comprehensive experience working with families. With a master’s degree in Social Work, Melissa has honed her skills in addressing complex social issues and providing crucial support to children, youth, and families facing various challenges. She is a member of the OASW.

Melissa’s expertise spans a broad spectrum, including anxiety, stress, depression, emotional regulation, PTSD, personality disorders, separation and divorce, developmental disabilities, parent-child issues, and child welfare. Her professional journey includes the Children’s Aid Society, where she has diligently assisted families in crisis, navigating through situations of mental and physical abuse, addictions, and trauma. Additionally, Melissa has served within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) for seven years, supporting children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

Central to Melissa’s practice is a multidimensional approach to therapy, which integrates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions to tailor interventions that meet the unique needs of each client. She is deeply committed to client-centered and trauma-informed care, fostering genuine connections and providing a safe space for healing and growth. She very much believes that a big part of what determines the success in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client.

Melissa actively engages in continuous learning and professional development, participating in workshops, seminars, and educational initiatives to stay abreast of advancements in the field of social work. Her dedication extends beyond professional responsibilities; she volunteers as a mentor to parents of neurodivergent children, specifically those with autism and ADHD, advocating for their support and empowerment.

As a supporter of self-care and mental health awareness, both within her practice and in the broader community, Melissa exemplifies the values of empathy, resilience, and dedication. She strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families, embodying the true spirit of social work through her unwavering commitment to fostering well-being and resilience in those she serves.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/lara-danielle-feinstein/">Lara Feinstein</a>

Lara Feinstein

Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying), MA

Lara Danielle has extensive experience with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. She has worked with children and parents navigating divorce, adjustment difficulties, PTSD, anxiety including social anxiety, low mood, ADHD, burnout, war trauma, parent-child issues and emotional regulation. She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology, is registered with CRPO and accredited as a therapist in the United Kingdom. As a therapist Lara previously worked in short-term residential treatment centres with foster youth aged 12 to 18, along with a private treatment centre for adolescents struggling with substance use issues. She is skilled with crisis intervention, including safety planning, aggressive behaviour and suicidality. She has experience and training in the area of domestic violence having worked at a non-profit domestic violence community centre and shelter with children from the age of six and adults.

Lara approaches her work through a compassion-focused and trauma-informed lens. She has experience with various therapeutic modalities including play, parent management, expressive arts, cognitive behavioural, dialectical behavioural, acceptance and commitment and mindfulness. She gears her approach toward the individual client. Sensitivity and empathy are a crucial element of her approach. In addition she highlights building resilience and empowerment within the therapeutic tools that she implements so as to assist clients in overcoming challenges and building tools to navigate challenging times in their lives. Lara has taken numerous trainings in supporting children therapeutically, including somatic healing from complex trauma, overcoming early trauma and substance use disorder prevention.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/sidra-fisch/">Sidra Fisch</a>

Sidra Fisch

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Sidra Fisch is a registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Sidra also belongs to the OCSWSSW and the OASW. Sidra has worked among diverse populations, including children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and families as they navigate everyday challenges and obstacles.

Sidra has worked in various settings, alongside individuals and families experiencing struggles in all stages of life. While working with a client, Sidra recognizes the importance of building a therapeutic relationship especially with children and adolescents. Sidra has much experience working with children between 5-18 years of age in schools, clinical settings, and communities. Throughout Sidra’s time working at TDSB and a Day Treatment program, she has guided students away from negative behaviours through teamwork exercises, problem analysis, and creative strategizing. As well, presented ongoing development of counselling skills with clients through increasing engagement and assessment skills, contracting skills and therapeutic intervention skills.

Sidra strives to create a warm and compassionate environment for all clients; while utilizing an honest, open, and direct approach. With a lens on effective communication and a strength-based perspective, Sidra specializes in helping clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, suicidal ideation, family conflict, life challenges, and poor self-esteem. She draws from a range of clinical modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Strength Based Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, and Art Therapy. Sidra is trained in CPI (non-violent crisis prevention training), ASIST (applied suicidal intervention skills training), and EFT (emotion focused training).

Sidra aims to create a judgement-free space where clients feel comfortable being their true, authentic selves. The empathy that Sidra holds allows her to guide clients and families while reaching their therapeutic goals. Together, they can work to foster an improved sense of self and a more fulfilled quality of life.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/caroline-lock/">Caroline Lock</a>

Caroline Lock

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Caroline is a Registered Social Worker working as a therapist, providing in-person therapy in Toronto and online virtual therapy throughout Ontario. The focus of Caroline’s work is supporting families, children, and individuals as they navigate challenging circumstances and helping them find peace in their everyday lives. Caroline has a deep understanding of the impacts of living through conflict and crisis, and the distinct value of being supported through these phases of life.

Caroline specializes in supporting people experiencing codependency, anxiety, burnout, and distress. She understands firsthand the complexity of familial relationship breakdowns, and the impact of mental health and addiction concerns on one’s relationships with partners and the wider family, including children. She is also a counsellor with the Family Care Team at one of Ontario’s largest and longest-standing addiction treatment providers, supporting family members, children, and loved ones who have been impacted by someone else’s addiction.

With a firmly held belief that each person is the expert of their own story, Caroline uses narrative therapy to help you share and understand your story. As you continue to work together, Caroline may incorporate elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, emotion focused therapy, family systems therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Caroline’s practice is goal-oriented, and grounded in an anti-oppressive, strengths-based approach. This means that as your therapist, Caroline is looking for ways to apply your strengths to your goals, while helping you understand your behaviour patterns and make changes.

By aligning herself with you and your goals, Caroline’s client-centred approach allows you to work together as a team. Caroline’s work is consistently solutions-focused; as a team, we’re using the momentum of progress to work towards a win.

Caroline completed her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at York University, and did a Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions and her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Toronto Metropolitan University.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/arshia-chima/">Arshia Chima</a>

Arshia Chima

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

As a Clinical Therapist, Arshia offers empathetic and solution-focused support to children, families, couples, and adolescents who are looking to create positive changes in their lives.

Arshia is committed to fostering a genuinely open and sincere therapeutic relationship, where you can find comfort, security, and a space to express yourself. She understands that it is common to feel isolated, fearful, and overwhelmed when facing life’s challenges alone. Arshia’s responsibility is to assist you in navigating these challenges step by step and developing a structured plan for a healthier journey forward.

Arshia holds extensive experience in aiding adults, adolescents, and families, spanning various areas, including but not limited to youth mental health, post-separation conflict resolution, crisis management, immigration issues, domestic violence, substance use, mental health support, parent-child conflict resolution, and a wide spectrum of family challenges. Drawing from her seasoned expertise, Arshia values the importance of cultivating a client-centered environment that empowers individuals to address their concerns and effectuate significant change

In therapy, Arshia assists clients who experience various mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and burnout. Arshia also helps clients work through interpersonal problems, such as family conflict, attachment and relationship issues, low self-esteem and other life stressors.

When working with children, Arshia excels in recognizing the essential aspect of incorporating a child‘s perspective when considering their emotional well-being. She understands the significance of valuing and respecting a child’s unique voice and perspective, which plays a vital role in their emotional development. Arshia ensures that children are active participants in the therapeutic process, allowing them to express their feelings, concerns, and experiences, and she tailors her approach to create a safe and supportive space for children to articulate their emotions. This child-centered approach fosters a stronger therapeutic bond, empowers children to take ownership of their emotional health, and contributes to more effective and empathetic support.

Using an integrative approach, Arshia does not believe that one size fits all when it comes to therapy; instead she draws from a variety of modalities, primarily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy. Arshia also understands that family systems theory is necessary when complex family dynamics are present.

Arshia holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University. Prior to this, she earned her bachelor’s degree at McMaster University with a specialization in mental health and addictions.

Arshia’s practice, reflects her commitment to connecting with clients on a personal level to establish trust and facilitate meaningful change. Arshia’s professional journey began with volunteer work in hospitals and student organizations, where she cultivated one-on-one relationships rooted in unwavering support. While working professionally in the realm of addictions and mental health, Arshia honed her skills in a strengths-based approach. She realized the transformative power of empowering individuals to set and achieve their goals while acknowledging their unique strengths. Arshia also recognized the importance of celebrating "small wins" as catalysts for significant change. Arshia has also worked extensively with children and the family unit. Her work involves assisting families facing a myriad of challenges. She provides solution-focused therapy, helping families build capacity, create safe environments, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles. Her ultimate goals are to facilitate positive behavioral change, nurture healthy relationships, encourage sound decision-making, and foster resiliency.

Arshia possesses an innate passion for aiding others and a resolute commitment to leaving a positive mark on the lives of those she supports. Arshia has firmly established herself as a diligent and highly skilled social worker and therapist wholeheartedly dedicated to empowering families, children, and individuals to surmount challenges and construct wholesome, fulfilling lives.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/maria-victoria-mata/">Maria Victoria Mata</a>

Maria Victoria Mata

Registered Psychotherapist, EXAT, MFA, BA, CRPO (Qualifying)

Maria Victoria Mata is an Expressive Arts Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) focused on body-centered therapeutic methods working with a vast diversity of populations and ages in Spanish and English. Maria Victoria’s practice is centered on repairing relationships in the client’s ecosystem to attain personal and emotional autonomy.

For more than a decade, Maria Victoria’s practice has committed to working with families and individuals impacted by intimate partner violence navigating the challenges of shifting family structures and prioritizing the wellness of children. For twenty years, Maria Victoria has been working with newcomer communities, Queer, Trans and 2-spirited communities supporting the journeys of transitions of society integration, identity, self-esteem, violence, anxiety, isolation, depression, multiamory structures and substance use.

Creativity, curiosity and compassionate care are at the core of Maria Victoria’s practice. When journeying through difficult experiences, art becomes a powerful friend for the courageous path of healing and transformation. Maria Victoria deeply believes that the arts can be a portal through which a personal metamorphosis can be facilitated. She incorporates all the art modalities, works with adults and children, and works from trauma-centred and anti-oppression frameworks. Maria Victoria’s extensive experience lies at the intersection of Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Drama Therapy, Music Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Somatic practices, and Narrative Therapy and is rooted in the fundamentals of the client being the expert of their lived experiences.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team-2/Fiona-Green/">Fiona Green</a>

Fiona Green

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Drama Therapist, P-RDT

Fiona is certified as both a Registered Psychotherapist (Q) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a Provisional Registered Drama Therapist with the North American Drama Therapy Association. She holds a Master’s Degree in Drama Therapy from Concordia University and a Honors Bachelor degree in Psychology and Theatre from the University of Ottawa.

Fiona offers deeply compassionate client-centered services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Trained in the evidence-based models of psychodynamic, ACT, CBT, and Narrative therapy as well as the Creative Arts Therapies (Role theory, Psychodrama, Puppets, Improv) Fiona interweaves exercises and techniques to best suit an individual client or family. Her therapy approach goes beyond talk therapy, to also be embodied and explorative, interactive, and somatically based. In this way emotions, memories, and presenting issues are explored and processed not only with words but with movement, metaphors, play, and body relaxation techniques.

Before becoming a therapist, Fiona worked as a professional actress and somatic therapeutic practitioner for 12 years. She brings her creative skills and extensive knowledge of the human body and nervous system into her practice.

Fiona specializes in working with those experiencing grief and loss, identity challenges, family conflict, and anxiety and depression. She believes greatly in creating a safe space throughout the therapy journey and brings a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive lens to her practice. Her approach is strength-based and empowering, while evoking insight and transformation.

For child clients, Fiona brings extensive experience working with children aged 3-18 years of age in schools, clinical settings, and creative community centers. Fiona is able to create a comfortable, positive, and playful environment for children to explore within. The Creative Arts Therapies intersect with Play Therapy and child psychology approaches and allow Fiona to help children achieve not only emotional and mental health goals but behavioral changes and interpersonal development.

Having worked both in clinical settings and creative centers, practicing psychotherapy, drama therapy, and dance movement therapy for children, adults, and those with developmental disabilities, Fiona is a mature practitioner who inspires and nourishes her clients.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/sarah-nahum/">Sarah Nahum</a>

Sarah Nahum

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Sarah is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and two masters’ degrees, one in Social Work (MSW) with a focus in Trauma Therapy and the other in business administration (MBA). Sarah has experience working with individuals, couples, teens, and children, in a variety of settings such as schools and clinics. Her experience includes helping those struggling with anxiety and depression, family conflict, stress, trauma, and major life events, such as new relationships, pregnancy, postpartum, moving, transitioning to a new school, breakups, and divorce.

With an empathetic approach, Sarah enters each session with you, ready to collaborate and create a therapeutic relationship that sets you up for success. Her approach is marked by personalization, tailored to individuals facing emotional hurdles during challenging life events. Drawing from a diverse range of effective psychotherapeutic techniques, she strives to empower you on your journey to well-being. Sessions with her will include humour, conversations, activities, thought-provoking questions, and some (fun) homework.

Through the Toronto Family Therapy program, Sarah is committed to supporting you and your family to navigate life’s challenges. Sarah will create a safe space for you to express your emotions and jointly work towards healing, wellness, and a better future.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/amanda-silver/">Amanda Silver </a>

Amanda Silver

Family Mediator B.A., BEd., Acc.FM., OCT

Amanda is an Accredited Family Mediator, a Court-Connected Family Mediator, and a member of the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM). In addition, she is co-host of the popular divorce podcast, Dirty Laundry.

Amanda is certified in Online Dispute Resolution and provides comprehensive family mediation services which include: parenting plans, child support, spousal support, and property division. Amanda has extensive experience with high-conflict files. She uses this experience and her conflict-resolution skills to help de-escalate conflict and support parties in coming to a resolution. In addition to mediation, Amanda also provides separation and divorce coaching for individuals going through the divorce process.

Amanda completed her mediation training through York University and Family Mediation Training Canada. After going through the divorce process, herself, Amanda was inspired to become a family mediator with the hope of helping others going through separation and divorce.

In addition to being a family mediator, Amanda is also a teacher and a member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). She spent several years teaching kindergarten before moving on to grades six through eight. Amanda has extensive experience working with children and families from a variety of backgrounds. She takes great pride in her ability to bring families together, improve communication, and assist them in coming to a resolution.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team-2/Kristen-Chambers-2/">Kristen Chambers</a>

Kristen Chambers

Parenting Time Support Worker

Kristen Chambers provides supervised and therapeutic parenting time sessions, as well as in-home or virtual child, family and parenting support sessions. She has a degree in Early Childhood Development, and is a mother of two teenagers. She has created a lifetime career of supporting families to heal, feel heard, and to find joy. This passion has stemmed from her own life experiences, and her firm belief in the good in people and the restorative power of human connection. Kristen has worked with families for over 25 years in child development, family crisis, parenting support, counselling, and coaching. She has worked in the fields of maternal and post-natal care, child abuse, parent-child conflict, child behaviours, parenting conflict, separation and divorce, domestic violence, teen online safety and human trafficking. Kristen believes in people’s ability to create change for themselves, and to find the answers, and her role is simply to support you in doing so. She works with family members from a non-judgemental, trauma-informed, strength-based, family centred approach. Kristen is thrilled to begin helping you and your family find joy!

What can Kristen help you with – supporting your children’s emotional development; communication within your family; worries about your relationship; feelings of uncertainty and confidence as a parent; worries about your children’s safety online, in the community, in relationships; worries about connectedness as a family; becoming the best mother or father you hope to be; worries about safety in relationships; reaching your individual and family goals; managing behaviours; working through separation issues for your family; supporting you to make a plan to begin a deeper journey through therapy and other services; anything that might be impacting on you and your family!

What Kristen can help you do – identify areas of struggle in your family, individually, as parents together, as a family; empower you and your family to feel in control of positive change; help to put pieces of the puzzle together to better understand triggers, responses, and to clarify strengths and challenges; help you to create small steps to bring about the change you wish to see; problem-solve with you along the way; provide options for additional supports to consider along the way; be flexible and creative in how you work together to meet your family or child’s needs

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team-2/hannah-jack/">Hannah Jack</a>

Hannah Jack

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), M.A.,

Hannah is a registered Psychotherapist (Q) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Concordia University and specializes in working with children, teens, and families. Before becoming a therapist, Hannah worked as a writer and performer, it was through that work she saw the healing power of storytelling. Hannah is passionate about helping you and your family tell your stories, rewrite the narratives that hold you back, and work towards your therapeutic goals.

For children: Using stories, art, drama, and play Hannah helps your child better understand their brain, build the skills necessary for life’s challenges, and manage big emotions. Hannah uses creative arts and play-based interventions which offers a more accessible and dynamic approach for children than conventional talk therapy. They can have fun learning about themselves and their brains while meeting the same therapeutic goals. Hannah loves to create a welcoming, comfortable, and caring environment for children where they feel free to explore, create, and flourish!

For Parents: Through her work in various hospital and community health settings Hannah has seen first-hand how important and impactful incorporating parents into their child’s healing process can be. Using an attachment lens, Hannah helps parents to reflect on their own childhood experiences while also providing hands-on techniques to help withal of the big and little parenting struggles.

Hannah’s practice focusses on emotional regulation, communication skills, stress management, and psychoeducation. She has extensive experience with anxiety, depression, identity exploration, self-harm, and suicidality. Hannah looks forward to meeting with you and helping to guide you and your family towards your goals.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/malerie-lipa/">Malerie Lipa</a>

Malerie Lipa

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Malerie Lipa is a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with individuals, children, adolescents and families. She has extensive experience supporting children and youth struggling with mental health concerns including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, loss, family challenges, parent-child conflict and troubles with school. As an experienced child and family therapist, Malerie knows that partnering with caregivers is key to helping young people reach their goals. Malerie has supported many parents in caring for children with difficult behaviours, attachment disruptions, ADHD diagnoses, trauma and big family changes. She works hard to foster a warm and welcoming environment—to create a space where people feel safe and understood.

Malerie specializes in working with children and youth, using a combination of play, art, and talk therapy. Her work is holistic and body based, using play and movement to help individuals process big feelings and tough memories. Malerie practices from a strengths based, client-centred, trauma informed approach. Malerie has significant experience working with children and youth who have experienced trauma and attachment disruptions. Her treatment methods are approachable and all stem from evidence based treatment modalities and years of training. Some of these trainings include: Play-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Synergetic Play Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Art Therapy, Sandtray and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). To provide the best level of clinical care, she has been trained in the Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) Framework, which is a flexible, components-based intervention developed for children and adolescents, along with their caregiving systems.

Malerie holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from McGill University and a Masters of Social Work degree from New York University. Malerie is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). She has worked in children’s mental health in Toronto, Montreal, New York and Vancouver. Malerie is happy to be a part of the Toronto Family Therapy and Meditation team and hopes she can support clients to make meaningful and lasting change in their lives.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team-2/Ashley-Sloan-2/">Ashley Sloan</a>

Ashley Sloan

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Ashley is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and holds a bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Counseling and a master’s degree in Social Work (MSW). Ashley has over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples, children, and families, in a variety of settings; most recent being at The Hospital for Sick Children in the critical care unit supporting families and individuals through medical uncertainty, crisis, grief and loss. Over the years Ashley has also worked in areas within child welfare and school settings supporting individuals and families experiencing anxiety and depression, stress, life transitions, life challenges, trauma, family conflict, and relationship difficulties.

Ashley is known for her warm and empathetic approach by being fully present, actively listening, and in tune to things you might not notice. Ashley’s approach to therapy is client-centered, recognizing you as the expert in your life, and guided by your individual needs, concerns and lived experiences. She practices taking an Anti-Oppressive, Anti-Racism approach to create a warm, supportive, non-judgemental environment. Ashley believes in meeting clients ‘where they are at’ with focus on their core values and strengths to create solution-focused goals to help you grow and heal.

As every individual, couple, and family experience life and impact differently, she takes a collaborative approach within her work, with focus on attachment, family systems, narrative therapy, and trauma informed care. Ashley will work collaboratively with you to explore your story to uncover the problem, along with its impact and what it means for you. In couples therapy, you will work together to move forward from feeling stuck in past hurts, frustrating communication patterns, and depleted intimacy to moving toward the relationship that allows for more honesty, openness, trust, understanding, curiosity, and connection.

Ashley is proud to be a part of the Toronto Family Therapy program and will dedicate her time to supporting individuals, families, and couples to being the best versions of themselves that they can be. Ashley will honor your story and will support you through identifying the areas of need you feel is creating a barrier within yourself and your relationships.

<a href="https://torontofamilytherapist.com/our-team/naz-ara">Naz Ara</a>

Naz Ara

Social Worker, MSW. RSW.

Naz Ara is a Registered Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in social work equipping her with extensive knowledge and skills in the field. She views counselling as an opportunity to partner with couples and individuals to navigate both their past and present challenges and to discover their inherent resilience while fostering healthy coping mechanisms to enhance their well-being and overall quality of life.

Naz draws from a range of therapy models, including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Strength-based approaches and takes a holistic approach to offer a safe, inclusive and supportive therapeutic space where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings and work towards reaching their full potential through transformative changes.

She specializes in couple and relationship therapy and draws from a range of therapy models including the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Attachment Therapy to support couples in enhancing their communication skills, reconnecting emotionally, healing from past emotional wounds and rebuilding trust by developing skills that help them to strengthen their connections and intimacy with a renewed sense of compassion and commitment.