OTTAWA BASED THERAPISTS

A woman with wavy, ombre hair wearing a light-colored top, smiling at the camera against a plain background.

Zara Canteenwalla, BA, MSW, RSW - Registered social worker

Are you feeling stuck in your life and not sure what steps to take? Do you ever feel overwhelmed and anxious by every day issues? Feeling like you have no where to turn to deal with your challenges? Working together I can support you in finding the right path for you, step by step. In a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment, we will find the solutions that are meaningful to your life, and help you get where you want to be. I believe that even the smallest changes can have a great impact on mental health and quality of life.

I'm a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers. My active status in these governing bodies ensures the protection of clients and the continued protection of the social work practice. If you are using insurance benefits for reimbursement please check with your provider to ensure they cover social workers under the psychological services.

I believe that we all have the capacity to find our own solutions; sometimes we just need a helping hand getting there. I work with Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative approaches, tailoring to each individual's needs and experiences. My counselling approach is often solution focused to help you start creating positive change in your life right away. I am experienced in supporting clients from various cultural backgrounds and ethnicities that may be struggling to adapt to new environments and expectations. I also work with clients dealing with workplace stress, burnout, parenting, relationships, and women’s sexual and intimacy issues.

I can also offer support through video or telephone counselling. Please contact me via email at canteenwallacounselling@gmail.com.

Phaedra Gryz, M.Ed, R.P., CCC - Registered Psychotherapist

Psychotherapy and counselling can help individuals gain self-awareness and facilitate personal growth. Seeking psychotherapy can be a daunting task, and I’d like to acknowledge that you have taken a big step by reviewing potential therapists to meet with.

The goal of my practice is to facilitate conversations with you in order to find your unique way of processing your experiences and the feelings that accompany them. The scope of my practice includes working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, identity issues as well as a specialization in perinatal mental health. As a parent, I understand the many struggles that accompany bringing a baby into your home. This immense transition requires care and support to help ensure balance in the household. I offer an inviting space for all clients to share their innermost concerns and feelings; in addition, the office space is child friendly for those clients who would like to bring their young ones to the session. I am also able to provide psychotherapy sessions in home upon request (please contact me for further information on in-home sessions).

I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, as well as a Canadian Certified Counsellor. I started my education at Carleton University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a special interest in personality and motivation. I then completed a Master of Education, with a concentration in Educational Counselling from the University of Ottawa. I continue to seek additional training and certification in order to stay up to date with current practices and techniques in the field. My career thus far has centered on providing mental health and psychotherapy to youth and adults with a broad range of emotional concerns. I have worked as a therapist in various settings within a post-secondary institution, within a hospital, and here in my private practice.

My theoretical orientation is empathic, compassionate, and non-judgmental with a strong client focused approach. I utilize a variety of techniques that stem from positive psychology, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, solution focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I believe it is my role to help clients uncover the strength they hold within and take strides towards becoming the person they would like to be.

If you believe that you or someone you know could benefit from working with me, please contact me via email at phaedra@calmwaterspsychotherapy.ca

Saman Hannah - Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MFT, RP

Saman is a Registered Psychotherapist who is experienced in marital and family therapy, mental health, post trauma, crisis, work related issues, stress, parenting, and overall sense of self. Saman is fluent in English, French, and Farsi.

Saman collaborates with her clients, in a supportive and safe way, to arrive at a place of meaningful change and improved day to day living. A Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapies as well as a post Master’s certification in Marriage and Family Therapy have given Saman the tools to work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

Saman bases her approach on the needs of her clients, meaning that although she has a systemic and psychodynamic foundation, she will use cognitive behavioral or solution focused strategies as required. Fundamentally, Saman’s core belief is that people are capable of change and that in order to change we need a better understanding of ourselves and others.

Saman is passionate about each individual’s ability to grow and therefore fosters the right environment for her clients to be successful in their journeys. Please feel free to contact me via email at samanhannah17@gmail.com.

Woman with long dark hair in a red blazer smiling with arms crossed against a gray background.

Sogol Kafi - Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP

I have accompanied numerous clients on their journeys since 2010, facilitating a deeper connection with their authentic selves and empowering them to discover their own solutions. As an adjunct clinical professor and advanced PhD student at Saint Paul University/University of Ottawa, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my practice.

In my therapeutic work, I welcome a diverse population, addressing relational challenges and various mental health diagnoses. Employing a dynamic approach to psychotherapy, I integrate my educational background, ongoing training, and lived experiences into my practice.
I approach therapy with a non-judgmental, anti-oppressive, and compassionate stance. My goal is to cultivate a therapeutic relationship with you that fosters a sense of safety, connection, and support throughout your journey towards improving your emotional and relational well-being.

Email: kafipsychotherapy@gmail.com

Suhena Khosla - Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP (Q)

When we experience chronic and severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for our lives to unravel. Sometimes we find ourselves struggling with everyday tasks, becoming easily overwhelmed or feeling disconnected from our life, goals and loved ones. Together we can find healthy perceptions of yourself and strengthen that feeling of connection. 

Ultimately, the goal of my practice is to facilitate conversations with you in order to identify the ways in which you uniquely process your experiences and how we can collaboratively move forward. From there we can work on identifying tools and strategies to enhance your quality of life and achieve your greater goals.

As a therapist, I value your lived experiences and work from a systemic approach. My theoretical orientation is in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, narrative and solution-focused therapy. I work using a client centered approach, focusing on creating a non-judgemental and collaborative space with adults. I am particularly passionate about mental health in people of colour and the issues of marginalization, discrimination and racism. I work with individuals on issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationships, stress, major life-changes and burnout.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Carleton University with a special interest in Cognition and Neuroscience and a Master of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. My practice is supervised by Phaedra Gryz, Registered Psychotherapist, and Zara Canteenwalla, Registered Social Worker.

If you believe that you or someone you know could benefit from working with me, please contact me via email at skhoslacounselling@gmail.com. I am available for evening appointments as well as regular business hours. 


Amarpreet Vaid - Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP (Q)

Person smiling wearing a black blazer and striped shirt.

I am committed to assisting individuals in developing a healthy perspective to confront life’s challenging moments. Life often resembles a roller-coaster ride with its highs and lows, and I acknowledge the need for respite to attain and sustain clarity. Within a collaborative and non-judgmental space, I look forward to exploring insights that foster a sense of feeling grounded with you!

I specialize in supporting clients facing a variety of mental health challenges, focusing on symptoms of depression, anxiety, occupational stress, burnout, life/role transitions, imposter syndrome, and relationship discord. As an identity-affirming and culturally-sensitive clinician, I employ a strengths-based lens to empower community members to navigate their lived experiences. My therapeutic approach integrates solution-focused principles, cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, and person-centred therapy. These methods can help you develop the skills and coping strategies needed to navigate moments of adversity while striving for mental wellness effectively.

Building a strong therapeutic alliance is essential, and I invite you to call 613-699-0528 or email preetfittherapy@gmail.com to set up a free consultation to ensure we are a good fit.

TORONTO BASED THERAPISTS

Sonya Deol - Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW

I often speak to individuals who are committed to being the best version of themselves, whether in their career or in their relationships, but are feeling trapped by trauma-related anxiety. Mindfulness and self-compassion can shed a light on what’s behind the persistent helplessness and worry. Many people discover how to be kinder to themselves, how to feel more empowered, and how to refocus their energy on what they value.

I specialize in treating trauma and its influence on how we see the world around us. Therapy can provide individuals a chance to understand how their life experiences have impacted them, as well as support their healing for a more peaceful future.

When choosing a therapist, it's important to find someone who you feel comfortable with. Just like in any relationship, there needs to be trust and understanding so you can safely share your story.

Feel free to email me if you would like to chat further. sonyadeolcounselling@gmail.com

Coretta Rego - Registered Psychotherapist R.P.

In life, we all struggle. We also deserve support as we navigate our problems. However, we are often reluctant to seek support for fear of being perceived as ill or weak. This is especially true for BIPOC people as there is stigma around mental health and therapy is seen as being for the weak or wealthy.

Therapy is a safe space where we can explore our challenges without judgment and fear of social exclusion. As a BIPOC therapist, I provide a safe space for my clients to not only discuss their struggles, but also to examine how race, culture, religious affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation and socio-economic factors influence how they experience these struggles.

I have extensive experience working with clients from culturally diverse communities around issues of stigma around mental health, racism, interracial relationships, family pressure and conflict, cultivating cultural identities and disclosures around sexual orientation. 

As a therapist, I believe that my role is to work with my client to determine what is best for them, and then to give my client the tools to make that a reality. My role is not to tell you the destination, but rather to explore ways to get to a destination of your choosing

I have a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counselling, am a Registered Psychotherapist & a Canadian Certified Counsellor. I provide services in English and Hindi. At this time, my services are delivered virtually. For more information please visit www.corettaregotherapy.com or email me at regocoretta@gmail.com