Avalina is currently accepting new clients and works with children (ages 4+), teens, and young adults, providing a safe, supportive, and comfortable therapeutic space. Her approach is primarily grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), strengths-focused, and person-centered modalities, with psychodynamic influences. When working with children, Avalina incorporates art, play, and creativity to support emotional expression and engagement in therapy.

Avalina has experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and works collaboratively with parents to help navigate challenges in home and school environments. Her primary areas of focus include emotional regulation, self-esteem and low confidence, depression and anxiety, stress management, family conflict, and life transitions.

Avalina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University (2024). She is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). With over four years of experience in the social work sector, she specializes in trauma-informed care and is dedicated to supporting individuals throughout their healing journey.

Avalina is currently accepting new clients and works with children (ages 4+), teens, and young ad... Read More

I am currently a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Mind Matters Psychotherapy & Creative Education under the clinical supervision of Christine Johansen (Founder/Clinical Director at Mind Matters). My approach is through a psychodynamic and relational lens, meaning I work collaboratively with individuals to help discover the ‘why’ of their challenges and develop a deeper understand of themselves. As we journey to the ‘why’ I work with individuals to develop coping skills, manage relationship dynamics, bolster self-esteem, build resilience, and manage negative thoughts along the way.

I work with all populations from youth ages 6 and up to adults of all demographics and genders. With years of crisis intervention experience, I offer a calm, safe, and respectful environment to incite introspective change through talk or play therapy. Through this, I collaborate with clients to build the tools they need to reach their goals. I offer a flexible schedule to help fit your therapeutic goals into daily life. Book a free 20 minute phone or video consult to see if my approach is right for you!

I am currently a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Mind Matters Psychotherapy & Crea... Read More

Hannah’s goal is to provide all her clients with a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to promote healing. She knows that each client’s journey is different and reaching out to begin healing can be a difficult task. For this reason, she believes that establishing a safe, and trusting therapeutic relationship is the first step. She utilizes a client-centered, empathy-based approach, built around the client’s collaboration.

Hannah is currently completing her M.A in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Health Studies (Honours) from Queen’s University, where she also completed a Global Health and Disability exchange program in the UK. As a new mental health professional, Hannah is looking forward to supporting children, youth couples, adults, and families on their healing journeys.

Hannah’s goal is to provide all her clients with a safe, supportive, and empowering environment t... Read More

Kezia John, MCC, is a Mental Health Professional who specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of relationships, life transitions, and healing from the past. With a compassionate and attachment-based approach, Kezia supports clients in exploring how their earlier experiences influence current dynamics. Her goal is to support clients in fostering healthy connections by encouraging authenticity and an active presence within their relationships.

She works with those struggling with people-pleasing, boundary setting, reassurance-seeking, and co-dependence, guiding them toward deeper self-awareness and healthier ways of relating. Drawing on Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Kezia helps clients reframe adversity into opportunities for growth and resilience.

Her practice offers a safe and supportive space for families and individuals to make sense of challenges, strengthen bonds, and foster greater clarity and confidence in facing the “what’s next?” question. Together, Kezia and her clients build pathways toward meaningful change, balancing acceptance of what cannot be altered with empowerment to shape what can.

Kezia John, MCC, is a Mental Health Professional who specializes in helping individuals and famil... Read More

After completing her diploma at The Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI) in 2005, Rachel joined the Birth-to-Six Specialized Therapy Unit working with families and individuals at The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, now The Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at SickKids Hospital.

In addition to her training and credentials in art therapy Rachel has 16 years of experience teaching art to children from 18 months to 16 years old, at the Avenue Road Arts School in Toronto, where she became the Associate Director.

Engaging clients in therapy through creativity comes instinctively to Rachel, and is a natural way to increase self-awareness, and support resilience and nervous system regulation.

Rachel collaborates with her clients to process complex emotions and find ways to cope, endeavouring to cultivate life-long self-care skills.

At Mind Matters, Rachel offers Art Therapy and Counselling to individuals of all ages, with a focus on children and adolescents. Rachel has extensive knowledge of art and play therapy techniques, and is a member of CRPO, OATA, CATA, and OAMHP.

Rachel is currently in the MACP program at Yorkville University. She is delighted enter her 3rd year as a team member at Mind Matters Psychotherapy and Education!

After completing her diploma at The Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI) in 2005, Rachel joined t... Read More

Alex strives to provide a safe, supportive, warm, and non-judgmental environment to encourage self-discovery, exploration of emotions, and healing.

Alex is currently completing her M.A. in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and holds a B.A. in Psychology from Brock University. Alex has experience working in therapeutic settings such as domestic violence shelters and group homes. She has also volunteered as a Crisis Responder with Kids Help Phone and has worked as a support staff in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Alex has experience working with children and youth with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and trauma. Alex has seen the positive effects of using creative and experiential approaches to therapy and strives to incorporate this into her work when appropriate.

Alex is passionate about creating a therapeutic relationship with clients based on collaboration, empathy, and authenticity. Alex works from a client-centered, trauma-informed framework and alters her approach to best fit the needs of each unique client. Compassionate support and positive regard are offered every step of the way for each’s clients journey to embracing positive change. Alex uses a strength-based approach to highlight individual resiliency and is dedicated to making sure clients feel heard, valued, and respected while empowering them to meet their goals and achieve healing at their own pace.

Alex strives to provide a safe, supportive, warm, and non-judgmental environment to encourage sel... Read More

Core Competencies Anxiety/Trauma Life transitions Relationship challenges

Bio

I am a psychotherapist dedicated to supporting children, adults, and couples as they navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My work is grounded in an integrative, person‑centered, and trauma‑informed philosophy that honors the belief that healing unfolds within a safe, collaborative, and deeply empathic therapeutic relationship. I view every client as the expert of their own life. My role is to offer presence, empathy, and cultural humility while creating a space where you feel seen, respected, and understood. Drawing from CBT, EFT, IFS, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, play therapy, and attachment‑based approaches, I tailor each session to your unique needs rather than relying on a one‑size‑fits‑all model.

My therapeutic philosophy emphasizes strengths, meaning‑making, emotional safety, and empowerment. When aligned with a client’s worldview, I also value integrating faith‑based perspectives to support holistic healing. I believe that growth happens when people feel supported in developing insight, resilience, and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

I hold a Master’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Christian Counselling. My style is warm, friendly, and professional, rooted in the conviction that there is light in everyone and I am honored to walk alongside you as you discover and strengthen your own

Core Competencies Anxiety/Trauma Life transitions Relationship challenges Bio I am a psychothe... Read More

Maryna is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Art Therapist who integrates psychotherapy with creative approaches to support emotional healing, self-understanding, and personal growth. She offers a warm, client-centered space where individuals can explore their inner experiences through conversation, art or a combination of both.

She completed her training at the Canadian International Institute of Art Psychotherapy (CiiAT), where she deepened her knowledge of art therapy and her understanding of mental health, creativity, and healing. Maryna also has a Professional Diploma in Counselling Psychology from the University of Contemporary Psychology in Russia. She has completed training in Family Constellations and Internal Parts (Internal Family) to deepen her understanding of family systems and the impact of early experiences on personal growth. She is also currently expanding her expertise through specialized training in Trauma Therapy. Maryna holds a Master’s degree from the Pedagogical University in Belarus and an Art diploma from MaxtheMutt College in Toronto.

Her diverse educational background allows her to offer a holistic, client-centered approach that blends creativity with therapeutic insight. Maryna has a passion for working with individuals who want to focus on Self Esteem / Personal Growth, Anxiety / Life Transitions and Emotional and Stress Regulation

Maryna is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Art Therapist who integrates psychotherap... Read More

Leigh offers a warm, collaborative space where you can slow down, feel safe, and be heard. She trusts that each person has an inner compass—even when it feels hidden. Grounded in a client-centred, strengths-based approach, Leigh works with clients to clarify what matters and support meaningful change. She draws on an integrative framework that includes solution-focused strategies and other evidence-informed tools to help clients cope, connect, and move forward.

Leigh brings deep empathy for those navigating family, identity, and life transitions, informed by both personal reflection and professional learning. She also cares deeply about how broader systems influence our well-being and keeps that in mind as she walks alongside clients.

Before pursuing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University), Leigh worked in partnership-building and advocacy with national health and child-wellbeing organizations. She holds a B.Sc. in Biology and Health from Queen’s University and a Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability from the University of St. Michael’s College (University of Toronto).

When not in session, Leigh can usually be found being walked by her Boston Terriers, reading something she meant to finish weeks ago, or catching up with her teens in the in-between moments.

Leigh offers a warm, collaborative space where you can slow down, feel safe, and be heard. She tr... Read More

Marcie has completed her M.A. in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She holds a B.A. (Hons) in Psychology from Trent University. She is an advocate for mental health and has long-standing ambition to become a counsellor. She is passionate about working with children, youth and families and aspires to continue working with this population once completing her degree. Marcie’s passion for supporting children and youth stems from her extensive experience working with adolescence within the nonprofit sector at both the Boys and Girls Club, and the YMCA. She has seen the important role mindfulness and relaxation techniques can have on children and youth and strives to incorporate this into her work when applicable. Marcie works from a biopsychosocial, trauma-informed framework and believes that there is no standard approach to therapy. She instead alters her approach to meet each individual client’s experiences, goals, and needs. In addition, she believes attachment styles often play a role on current struggles and, in understanding them, we can better identify root causes, or contributors, of negative emotional experiences. Marcie wants to walk alongside her clients and support them through hearing and understanding their stories and implementing coping mechanisms that will best support them

Marcie has completed her M.A. in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She holds a B.A... Read More

As a counsellor, I truly believe that this journey is yours to navigate, and the right support in place can guide you to the best resources to help chart out your path. Therapy is your space to be a messy human. There will be times when I will push you, challenge you, and encourage you to stay the course, but we will do it side by side.

Although the work is not always comfortable (as change rarely is), you will find what you need to move forward or let go within a safer space of compassion and understanding. Together we craft a space that allows you to show up however you are and receive the support you need.

I specialize in supporting individuals and families navigating life concerns, anxiety, grief, trauma, and perinatal (postpartum) concerns. I use a holistic approach to counselling, meaning we will look at all areas of your life, search for your resources, and with tools drawn from creative modalities, solution-focused, mindfulness-based, and narrative therapies we will work through it together.

As a counsellor, I truly believe that this journey is yours to navigate, and the right support in... Read More

I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Honours) from Yorkville University. I also earned an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Child & Youth Studies from Trent University and an Honours Graduate Certificate in Addictions & Mental Health from Durham College. I’m a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II) and have experience supporting adults, as well as mentoring children and youth. I’m passionate about working with people at every stage of life, from childhood through adulthood.

I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard and supported. I take an eclectic, client-centred approach, drawing on methods such as CBT, ACT, existential, humanistic, person-centred (PCT), solution-focused (SFT), strengths-based, mindfulness, and DBT. I also integrate compassion-focused therapy (CFT), attachment-based, and trauma-informed strategies, providing LGBTQ+ affirmative and feminist-informed care. My goal is to walk alongside you, helping you explore your experiences, build coping strategies, and discover your own strengths at a pace that feels right.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dogs, spending time with my family, and listening to podcasts. I bring curiosity, warmth, and a sense of humour into my work, and love celebrating the small and big victories in life with my clients.

I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Honours) from Yorkville University. I also ear... Read More