Adolescents and Adults 14+

Valita is a dedicated Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a deep passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, she specializes in providing mental health therapy to those seeking support and guidance. Valita is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards achieving personal growth and well-being. Her unwavering dedication to mental health and her clients’ well-being is the cornerstone of her therapeutic practice.

Adolescents and Adults 14+ Valita is a dedicated Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a ... Read More

Adolescents (11+), Adults, Couples, Families

Niki comes to Qualia with a variety of experiences within the fields of education, fitness and wellness and psychotherapy. She is a registered psychotherapist with CRPO as well as a certified counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She is also a certified Yoga teacher, Triathlon coach and fitness trainer (youth and adult). Her educational background includes Child development and Learning (BSc) from the University of Toronto as well as a Master of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University (Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care). She is currently completing her Child and Youth Mental Health Certificate from Wilfrid Laurier University and has experience working with students in educational settings from elementary school to university. Niki believes that a warm and caring therapeutic relationship can be the foundation for healing and growth. As a therapist, she draws from a variety of modalities that include CBT, DBT, EFT, Narrative, Spiritually-integrated and Mindfulness approaches. She has worked with a wide range of individuals and families (children 8+, youth and adults) experiencing mood disorders, life transitions, divorce/custody support, grief and loss. She believes that strengthening the connection between mental, physical, and spiritual well-being is important for long-term health and wholeness. Areas of special interest include: mindfulness, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and body image, couple and family relationships, youth and children, spiritual development and growth, life transitions and loss.

Adolescents (11+), Adults, Couples, Families Niki comes to Qualia with a variety of experiences ... Read More

Individuals, 18+

Martha brings with her a background in crisis intervention, as well as domestic violence, supporting both women and children while transitioning through the shelter system. Martha also has several years of clinical experience supporting individuals with mood disorders and is most passionate about working with clientele struggling with depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders.

Martha is registered with both the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Support Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). Additionally, Martha has obtained a Masters of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a number of years prior, a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Ryerson University in Toronto.

Martha has completed further training as well as supervised clinical practice in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectal Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Martha has also trained further in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and has a certificate in Death Dying and Bereavement.

Martha is committed to ongoing learning, much of which occurs through supporting clients, balancing the pragmatic with the theoretical. A background in social work helps her understand the systemic factors which contribute to struggles clients face individually, further appreciating just how challenging it can be to implement change when there are constant barriers being faced simultaneously. Outside of work, Martha enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family. She recharges through exploring the beautiful hiking trails in the Guelph Region and having down time with her feline roommate.

Individuals, 18+ Martha brings with her a background in crisis intervention, as well as domestic... Read More

Teens (13+), Adults, Seniors LGBTQ+

Madison prefers not to work with addictions, or motor vehicle accidents.

Madison is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). She has training in CBT, DBT, and ACT modalities, trauma, and anti-oppressive frameworks and will use an eclectic approach to support clients with their individual needs. Madison graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a major in psychology and minor in religion and culture. Madison completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University in New Brunswick. Madison has a history working with adolescents, adults, seniors, and 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Madison has experience providing support in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, self-esteem, interpersonal challenges, relationships, life transitions along with other mental health concerns. Madison has experiencing working at a VAW shelter providing support to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors including women and children. She has training in trauma and works from a trauma-informed lens with clients who are experiencing mental health crises.

Teens (13+), Adults, Seniors LGBTQ+ Madison prefers not to work with addictions, or motor vehicl... Read More

Area of Focus:

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Life Transitions, Relationship Issues, Cultural and Identity Issues, Grief, Loss, and Bereavement

Work Experience and Education:

B.Sc. Honours Psychology, Biology Minor – University of Waterloo (2016) M.A. Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy – Wilfrid Laurier University (expected 2025)

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy – Externship Certificate (2024) Emotionally Focused Individuals Therapy – Essentials Certificate (2024)

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Alex’s ongoing journey towards becoming a registered psychotherapist has been shaped by a diverse range of professional experiences in education, research, and non-profits.

Most recently, Alex spent six years living abroad in South Korea, where he taught English and science to students of all ages and worked in simultaneous interpretation and translation. His time there was driven by a desire to connect with his cultural roots, learn Korean language, and broaden his global perspective. Alex views multicultural competence as a lifelong pursuit rather than an acquired skill and is dedicated to supporting diverse individuals through therapy grounded in empathy, respect, and cultural humility.

In clinical settings, Alex strives to provide a safe and non-judgemental environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, discover new insights and perspectives, and foster personal growth and resilience. He welcomes people from all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, ability, faith, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Alex’s approach to psychotherapy incorporates elements from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Narrative Therapy (NT).

When Alex isn’t in the office, you’ll most likely find him at the library, or a café immersed in a good book and a cup of coffee. Also, he enjoys going for walks to reconnect with nature and playing video games to escape into different worlds. Lastly, Alex prioritizes spending quality time with his family, friends, and his two dogs.

Area of Focus: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Life Transitions, Relationship Issues, Cultural and ... Read More

Adolescents (16+), Adults

Ashleigh graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with her Masters of Social Work Degree. Ashleigh’s aim is to work from a client-centered approach and create a respectful, empathetic, and trauma informed space. Her past experience has involved working with children, youth and adults in the areas of addictions and mental health, grief and loss, anxiety and depression. Ashleigh relies mostly on CBT, motivational interviewing and DBT modalities.

Adolescents (16+), Adults Ashleigh graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with her Masters of... Read More

Children 5+, Adults, Couples, Families

Natalie graduated from Humber College with her diploma in Social Service Work. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba and Master’s of Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Natalie is compassionate and empathetic to the needs of her clients. She will walk alongside you through your personal journey of growth, self-discovery, and healing. Her practice focused on individuals in any life stage seeking support with their mental health, parenting, relationships, and personal struggles. She creates a safe, culturally competent, and non-judgmental space for her clients to feel understood and collaborate to achieve their goals. She works from an integrational, holistic approach, which encompasses elements from a variety of models and theories including, but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Systems Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Strengths-Based Approach, Relational and Attachment Therapy.

She also offers CBT for youth and is experienced working with children ages 5 and up, and their caregivers.

Children 5+, Adults, Couples, Families Natalie graduated from Humber College with her diploma in... Read More

Individuals, 14+

Narine Sookram has a passion for people and humanity, his many and ongoing ways of giving to others, his values and belief in the concept of Caritas and love for all fit perfectly with his career as a Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist.

He believes that each person, regardless of their circumstances, has something to offer, he meets people where they are at, without judgement, and always encourages them to maximize their potential.

Education is something Narine values the most. For that reason, he is constantly seeking knowledge and personal growth.

Although already married with two lovely daughters, he managed to successfully complete over a dozen college /university degrees, including but not limited to: Bachelor of Social Work -University of Manitoba, Master of Social Work-Brescia University, Graduate Certificate in Career Development -Conestoga College, Associate Degree in the Social Service Worker program -Mohawk College, Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services -Athabasca University, Bachelor of Education in Adult Education -Brock University, Doctor of Social Work Candidate -Capella University, expected to be completed in 2024. .

Individuals, 14+ Narine Sookram has a passion for people and humanity, his many and ongoing ways... Read More

Adolescents (16+), Adults

Lesley is a Registered Social Worker with special interests in anxiety disorders, trauma, grief, and women’s health across the lifespan.

She draws on her extensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy to help her clients navigate the challenges they face. In her spare time, she enjoys running, knitting, drawing, and hiking.

Education and Training:

• Honours Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, 2003 (University of Guelph)
• Master of Social Work, 2007 (Wilfrid Laurier University)
• Volunteer training in Grief, Bereavement, and Palliative Care, 2015 (Hospice Wellington)
• Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, 2017 (Wilfrid Laurier University)
• Course: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Trauma, 2022 (Qualia Counselling Services)
• Certificate in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, 2021
• Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Women’s Reproductive Health, 2023 (Qualia Counselling Services)

Adolescents (16+), Adults Lesley is a Registered Social Worker with special interests in anxiety... Read More

Adolescents (12+), Adults, DBT

Ngozi is a licensed Social Worker (RSW) with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She completed her Masters in Social Work at McMasters University and graduated from York University with a Bachelors in Social Work. She also graduated from Sheridan College Brampton with a diploma in Social Services Worker. She studied Early Childhood Education, and Autism and Behavioural Science at Conestoga college Brantford and has great knowledge of childhood development. Ngozi has a history and continues to work with the mental health population on the experiences of Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorder, and Trauma especially with individuals experiencing homelessness and concurrent disorder. She employs a collaborative, holistic, and caring approach to therapy in her work with clients with the aim of cultivating hope, facilitating healing, and promoting resilience. She also has experience with individuals facing the difficult journey of loss, bereavement, and terminal illnesses. She is dedicated to creating an accepting environment where clients can feel comfortable enough to talk about difficult issues and emotions without fear of judgment. She tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client and works with them at their own pace. She finds great satisfaction in collaborating with individuals who represent diverse cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations. As a clinical therapist, she sees every day as having its rewarding experience because of the significant positive impact she makes in the lives of individuals that promotes holistic recovery journey, healing, change, acquisition of better coping skills, and pursuit of independence. In her work with individuals struggling with their mental and emotional health, relationship issues, and life challenges, she collaborates with them to establish treatment goal plan for recovery. She provides individual counselling and also facilitates various psychotherapy groups such as DBT skills group, CBT- mood and anxiety group, and crisis group for behaviour change and better coping of individuals navigating life struggles to improve their quality of life. Her best practices are based on Trauma Informed, Strength-Based and Anti-Oppressive care with core therapeutic focus in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Adolescents (12+), Adults, DBT Ngozi is a licensed Social Worker (RSW) with Ontario College of S... Read More