All CITC Associates provide services to clients as independent contractors to CITC
Dr. Carolina McBride is the founder and Director of the Cognitive and Interpersonal Therapy Centre, which has been in operation since 2003. She completed her PhD in 1999 from the University of Ottawa, and received most of her clinical training at the Toronto General Hospital and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She worked at CAMH from 2000 until 2014 in the Interpersonal Therapy Clinic and was the Director of the Internship Program in Clinical Psychology from 2006 to 2009. Dr. McBride is active in teaching and has been an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, as well as an adjunct professor at Ryerson University, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University. She is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. McBride has several peer-reviewed papers in academic journals, and during her time at CAMH was involved in various government funded research grants examining personality, attachment and depression. Dr. McBride is a certified clinician in Interpersonal Therapy and a CACBT-ACTCC-certified clinician in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, as well as a supervisor and trainer with ISIPT. She is also certified as a Heart-Math practitioner, a biofeedback approach to help improve wellbeing and increase resilience to stress. Dr. McBride is a licensed member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO), and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) and Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). She is a certified diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapists as well as a member of the International Society of Interpersonal Psychotherapists.
mcbride@citcassociates.com
Dr. Daya completed her PhD in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. She is experienced in both assessment and treatment of Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Inter/intra-personal Difficulties. She completed her Psychology Residency with the Nova Scotia Health Authority in the Adult Mental Health and Addictions Program and the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. Prior to that she worked in a variety of treatment sites (i.e. community, private practice, hospital: outpatient and residential). This includes specific training in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre. Her treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Dr. Daya's approach is kind, empathic and client-centered, and grounded in developing an effective and tailored treatment plan. Dr. Daya provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Dr. Lisi received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of British Columbia (Okanagan) in 2021. She completed her pre-doctoral residency at the University of Manitoba's department of Clinical Health Psychology as well as a a post-doctoral fellowship at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Her research, which has been SSHRC-funded throughout her graduate career, focuses on distress regulation, social relationships, as well as the use of digitally-mediated methods of communication. Throughout her graduate training and residency, she has worked with adults who were experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related stressors, and health-related issues. She has numerous experiences co-facilitating group therapy across a variety of concerns. She primarily uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with her clients, but also incorporates elements of other evidence-based frameworks, as is appropriate. She also has extensive training in providing comprehensive cognitive assessments. Dr. Lisi fosters a warm, open, and nonjudgmental space for clients to share their experiences and work towards their goals.Dr. Lisi provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Dr. Lorena Hsu completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of British Columbia. She has received clinical training at the University of British Columbia Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, as well as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto in the Anxiety Disorders Clinic and the Psychological Trauma Program. Dr. Hsu’s primary theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioural therapy, although she often draws from various other therapy modalities, including mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, schema therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy, in order to suit individual client needs. Dr. Hsu has provided therapy to adults in both individual and group settings. Her primary areas of treatment include anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, health anxiety), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress management and adjustment issues, life transitions, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, sleep issues, grief/loss, and chronic pain. She has taught CBT workshops to allied health professionals and internationally trained therapists. Dr. Hsu is a registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA). Dr. Hsu provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
I am an Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist, registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, a certified trainer and supervisor with the International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy and an Associate Member (# 20171123) of the Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy. Clinically, I have worked at CAMH, UHN, Mount Sinai Hospital, and in Chicago at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center. My clinical experience spans a range of settings, including inpatient, emergency and crisis psychiatry, as well as outpatient mental health programs. I co-founded the first Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) clinic in Canada at CAMH (at the former Clarke Institute of Psychiatry). I have taught IPT locally, nationally and internationally. In 2021, I had the privilege of co-teaching IPT and introducing couple and family therapy in Ethiopia as part of the Toronto Addis Ababa Academic Collaboration. My university teaching experience includes a position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Rush University in Chicago and an instructor at Ryerson University, Chang School. My therapeutic approach is informed and developed through self-reflection, experience, and education. In my psychotherapy practice, I employ a systems approach that explores how individuals are both shaped by and shape their environment. In couple therapy, a systems approach enables partners to discover how members are impacting each other in positive and negative ways as well as how they are impacted by their environment. I engage clients in a collaborative approach in psychotherapy. My education in rehabilitation has been an asset in working with individuals, couples and families who are confronting life transitions due to illness or disability, including dementia. After graduating with an occupational therapy bachelor’s degree, I worked full time and obtained psychotherapy training in group therapy, IPT, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. My graduate education includes an MEd (Master of Education in Counselling) at OISE, followed by an MSc and PhD at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto, researching memory. Most recently, I completed the Advanced Certificate in Couples and Family Therapy at the University of Guelph. As you can tell, I am a life-long learner. I provide psychotherapy services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Dr. Niki Fitzgerald completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor, where she also earned her Master’s degree. She trained in both Canada and the United States, including the State University of New York (SUNY) – Upstate Medical University, Detroit Receiving Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, as well as various organizations in the Windsor area. She has worked at the Psychological Trauma Program/Work, Stress, and Health program at CAMH since 2006 where she is involved in assessment, treatment, and supervision of students and interns. Dr. Fitzgerald has worked in a number of therapeutic orientations, including cognitive behavioural (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), interpersonal (IPT), psychodynamic, and experiential. In addition, she has training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is a certified diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.
She currently serves on the Accreditation Panel of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and is the Director of Training of the CPA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Residency Program at CAMH. She previously served on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA). Dr. Fitzgerald is a licensed member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) and holds Lecturer Status in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Fitzgerald’s primary areas of clinical interest are trauma, depression and anxiety and understanding the patterns that maintain these problems in living. In addition, she has extensive experience working with first responders as a clinician as well as a clinical facilitator of the Road to Mental Readiness program (R2MR).
Dr. Fitzgerald provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Dana Solnik is a Registered Psychotherapist who received her Master of Psychology degree from Adler Graduate Professional School and her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. Dana brings acceptance, empathy, warmth, and compassion to her work with clients, creating a safe space for them to explore and better understand their inner experiences, relationships, and behaviours. Dana uses an integrative approach, drawing from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to provide psychotherapy that is attuned to each client’s needs and promotes self-acceptance, self-compassion, and emotional growth. Dana strongly values becoming more aware and accepting of one’s emotions, rather than escaping difficult feelings, and the freedom this creates to choose healthy and effective responses to daily challenges. Dana works with her clients to help them clarify their goals and values, and to identify and remove their blocks to living a meaningful and fulfilling life. She works with adults and adolescents with a wide variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as individuals dealing with significant life stressors, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, and major life transitions. Dana has extensive experience working with people coping with serious medical conditions, such as cancer and strokes. Dana has trained and worked at Mount Sinai Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Sunnybrook Hospital. Dana is a registered member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.
Maliha Ibrahim (She/They) completed a Master’s in Counseling Psychology (2010) and a PhD in Couples and Family Therapy from Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA (2019). Maliha holds certifications in multiple evidence-based clinical models including Attachment-based Family Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Emotionally-focused Couples Therapy. Maliha has over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, educator and mental health researcher. Maliha uses a relational and systemic approach to work with individuals, couples, families and groups across various clinical settings- community-based mental health, educational institutions, workplace well-being (EAPs) and private practice. Maliha teaches undergraduate and graduate students of psychology and counselling as well as conducts individual and group supervision for therapists in training. They have published over 15 peer-reviewed research journal articles in the area of interventions for depression, suicidality, attachment and family therapy, trauma-focused therapies for substance use and disordered eating behaviours, resilience and mental health in minority populations and school based mental health interventions for youth. Maliha has worked as a senior research consultant and advisor for eminent international organizations, including UNICEF and the WHO while also working in coordination with several international research centers (Resilience Research Center, Dalhousie University, University of California (UCLA) and Drexel University, Philadelphia) on various mental health projects. Mental health access and affordability for all and social-justice focused therapy is very important to them. Maliha is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in Ontario with the CRPO and provides psychotherapy services to CITC as an independent contractor.
Dr. Glendon Rayworth completed his Doctor of Psychology degree at New York University, graduating in 2000. Following that, he returned to Canada, providing a wide range of clinical services to clients of all ages in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. This included employment at two adult mental health clinics and a child/adolescent mental health clinic. Since moving to Toronto, Dr. Rayworth has divided his services between the Toronto District School Board, various clinical settings, and various volunteer organizations. The latter have included the Dorothy Ley Hospice and L'Arche. His most recent clinical assignment involved a supervisory position at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), where he served teenagers and young adults presenting with mental health problems and concurrent addictions. Dr. Rayworth treats anxiety disorders, mood disorders (depression/bipolar), personality disorders, autism disorders, and thought disorders- among others. He is trained in cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Dr. Rayworth has a specific interest in integrating psychology and spirituality, with focus around helping clients work through the ‘moral emotions’ of guilt, envy, resentment, and suspicion, drawing on principles of self-compassion, elevation, forgiveness, and trust.
Dr. Leah Enns received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (CPA and APA accredited) from Concordia University in 2014 and C.Psych in 2015. Prior to her move to Toronto, she was a clinical psychologist and assistant professor with the Department of Clinical Health Psychology at the University of Manitoba, where she also completed her residency. In this position, Dr. Enns was a psychologist at the FASD Centre and worked on a multi-disciplinary team that specializes in the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, worked with children, adolescents, parents, and families in the child and adolescent outpatient services at the Health Sciences Centre, and held a private practice. During this time, she also began a research program at the FASD Centre and has several peer-reviewed papers in academic journals regarding the diagnostic assessment of FASD. With respect to her practice with CITC, Dr. Enns’ approach includes an integration of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as an incorporation of strategies from Mindfulness, Collaborative Problem-Solving, and Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) orientations as appropriate. Dr. Enns enjoys working collaboratively with children, adolescents, adults, parents, and/or families on issues concerning anxiety, depression, adjustment to illness, behaviour problems, stress management, chronic pain, enuresis/encopresis, feeding difficulties, and sleep. She also administers psychoeducational and diagnostic assessments for questions regarding cognitive, learning, and attention difficulties. Dr. Enns is a registered clinical psychologist with the College of Ontario (CPO) and Psychological Association of Manitoba (PAM), and is affiliated with several professional associations. Dr. Enns provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Lynn is a Registered Psychotherapist who works with adults on a variety of issues including anxiety, stress, depression, and interpersonal issues from an evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) framework. She also provides career counselling for students, mid-career professionals, and executives. Prior to being a therapist, Lynn was a full-time Assistant Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Ivey Business School at Western University for 7 years, where her research and teaching focused on global leadership and cross-cultural management/psychology. Currently, she continues to teach part-time and runs a global internship program in the Master’s program at Ivey. Lynn obtained her Hon. BSc. in Psychology at the University of Toronto—Trinity College and her M.Psy. in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School. Unrelated to her clinical work, Lynn also obtained graduate degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Maryland—College Park. Lynn spent her developmental years living in Japan, the U.S., Canada, and Belgium, and brings a multi-cultural perspective to therapy. Lynn provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
As a therapist, I am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My integrative approach draws from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and mindfulness practices. This allows me to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs and goals, ensuring a personalized and effective therapeutic process.
I believe in the importance of a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach where clients feel truly seen and heard. My focus is on fostering vulnerability in a safe space and helping clients connect with their authentic selves. Collaboration is key in my work; I partner with clients to set meaningful goals and support them in becoming the best version of themselves. My person-centred orientation emphasizes genuineness and authenticity, which are essential for building trust and fostering strong therapeutic relationships.
I am passionate about exploring the mind-body connection and helping clients reestablish safety within their bodies. My holistic perspective on health recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, and I incorporate mindfulness and body-focused techniques to support clients in this area.
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mumbai, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from SNDT University, Mumbai, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Psychology (MPsy) from Adler Graduate Professional School. I have extensive experience working with clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, identity issues, and chronic illness, gained through my work at Sentier Mind and King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai.
In every aspect of my practice, I am committed to supporting clients on their journey toward healing and growth, helping them achieve their personal goals in a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic environment.
Carly is completing her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor. She has completed training in both assessment and treatment with children, adolescents, and young adults with a range of academic, emotional, and behavioural concerns. Carly has trained at the Psychological Services and Research Centre at the University of Windsor, as well as the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board. She adopts an integrative approach to treatment, drawing from several evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Her goal is to provide clients with creative, useful, and evidence-based strategies to promote desired change. She strives to foster a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming assessment and therapy environment. Carly will be entering into her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor in the Fall. Carly is excited to provide assessment and psychotherapy services to clients as a student clinician under supervision at CITC.
Alina is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology from the University of Toronto (U of T). Throughout her graduate training, she has worked with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, stress, grief, interpersonal conflict, and emotion dysregulation. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy and has led several groups utilizing therapeutic approaches from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Self-Compassion. Alina has worked and trained at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto General Hospital, and the counselling center at U of T. Currently, Alina is completing her Ph.D. dissertation where she is examining the role of rumination in depression and anxiety disorders, and the potentially mitigating role of mindfulness-based interventions. Alina takes a kind and empathetic therapeutic approach, and believes in working collaboratively with her clients to identify and utilize their strengths towards pursuing their goals.
Dr. Jessica Dere completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Concordia University. She received clinical training in a number of settings in Montreal, including St. Mary’s Hospital Centre. She completed her internship in Calgary, working at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre and Foothills Medical Centre. Dr. Dere has received training in assessment and intervention with adolescents and adults, and has experience providing individual, group, and couples therapy. Her primary theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). She also integrates other evidence-based practices into her work, including mindfulness, relaxation methods, and schema therapy. She has worked with individuals experiencing a variety of mental health difficulties, including major depression, anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, health anxiety) and significant life stress. Dr. Dere holds a faculty position as Associate Professor, Teaching Stream in the Psychology Department at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), where she teaches courses in psychology and mental health studies. She is also a faculty member in the Graduate Department of Psychological Clinical Science, based at UTSC, where she provides clinical supervision to clinical psychology graduate students. Her research expertise is in the area of culture and mental health, and she has published a number of academic papers in this area. She is particularly interested in understanding cultural variations in how emotional distress is experienced and expressed to others. This cultural focus also deeply informs her clinical practice, and contributes to the client-centered approach that guides her work with all clients. Dr. Dere provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Shannen is a Ph.D. student in Clinical & Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto (OISE). She has completed training in assessment and treatment, and has worked with clients presenting with anxiety and mood symptoms, stress, and interpersonal issues. Shannen adopts an integrative approach, drawing from several evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). She believes authentic connection, collaboration, and the creation of a safe space, are essential for clients to engage in meaningful reflection and growth.
Elina is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and she completed her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto in 2023. Elina was a practicum student at CITC from 2022 to 2023. Throughout her placement, she worked with adult clients experiencing a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, loss and grief, conflict in familial and intimate relationships, and life transitions.
Elina’s approach to therapy is client-centered, collaborative, and integrative. She draws from evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). Elina incorporates CBT techniques into treatment with clients seeking to identify and change their thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs related to their emotions and behaviours. Using a relational approach, she works with individuals to heal and grow stronger within the context of their relationships, and to navigate life transitions, relationship conflicts, and grief and loss. Elina also employs an EFT approach with clients to help them gain awareness, understanding, and skills to manage their emotions. Additionally, she is interested in drawing techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Elina collaboratively explores therapy modalities with clients and formulates individualized treatment plans that include psychoeducation, symptom management, and coping skills. Elina provides psychotherapy services to clients in English, French, and Portuguese as an independent contractor under supervision at CITC.
Lauren Greenwood is committed to providing a safe and therapeutic environment for her clients to foster growth and change in healthy, meaningful ways. She believes that genuine connection, collaboration, and a focus on strengths-based approaches are essential for building authentic and therapeutic relationships with clients.
In her clinical work, Lauren provides therapy and assessment services to adults experiencing a diverse range of mental health concerns including, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), and PTSD. Lauren practices from a trauma-informed lens, which is enacted through transparent therapy practices including shared goal setting, treatment planning, and conversations regarding clients’ perceptions of progress. Using an integrative approach, Lauren draws from several evidence-based therapies including, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy, which are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. She also brings laughter and joy into the therapy space to encourage clients to access the full range of their emotional experiences. Lauren’s therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and affirming, and she provides culturally sensitive services in an environment that is respectful, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory.
Lauren received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona and has nearly completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School. She completed her clinical training at the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre for severe OCD at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, and at the Cognitive and Interpersonal Therapy Centre. Lauren provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Aaron is a Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Sleep Technologist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He studied Psychology at Trent University and graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree. Aaron then spent two years in the Graduate Program in Experimental Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he specialized in the relationship of Sleep to Learning and Memory. He developed the Evolution Sleep insomnia program in 2013 and specializes in helping people who suffer from behavioural sleep issues.
His approach to insomnia utilizes techniques found in cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (cbt-i). These techniques have shown to be successful in improving behavioural sleep issues. Aaron also has experience with the wide range of sleep disorders, and is often asked to speak at public events offering his insight into the world of sleep. Aaron provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Heather is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and completed her Master's degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. Heather’s approach to therapy is integrative, drawing on techniques from Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and other evidence-based treatments to tailor therapy to meet her client’s specific needs. Heather works with adults with a wide variety of concerns, including relationship difficulties, trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and major life transitions. She strives to create a warm, compassionate, and culturally sensitive environment where clients feel seen and heard. Heather provides psychotherapy services to clients as an independent contractor under supervision at CITC.
Shahana Sittampalam is an intern therapist passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity, confidence, and resilience. Currently, she is completing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Adler Professional Graduate School and brings extensive experience from her clinical work at institutions like Mount Sinai Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Trillium Health Partners. She is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to support clients in overcoming obstacles and achieving emotional well-being.
Shahana works with clients experiencing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and stress. She believes in creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered. Her therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), tailoring each session to meet the unique needs and goals of her clients.
With a warm, collaborative, and client-centered approach, Shahana views therapy as a partnership. She helps clients explore their thoughts and emotions, develop coping skills, and make meaningful changes at a pace that feels right for them. Whether clients are looking to manage difficult emotions, improve relationships, or gain deeper self-understanding, Shahana is dedicated to guiding them toward a more fulfilling, balanced life.
Maria is a psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology. Her primary area of expertise lies within couples therapy for adults and individual and group therapy for adults and adolescents using the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model. Using the CBT model, Maria uses CBT for couples to improve the way they communicate with each other and to work to remove the negative patterns they may have established while working to increase emotional connection, trust, and intimacy in the relationship. The goal is to find a healthy path forward, explore effective ways to resolve ongoing issues and re-establish a meaningful connection. Maria also specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social anxiety. She also treats individuals with depression and those coping with adverse life experiences. Stress and bullying are prevalent issues for adolescents, requiring specialized support to help them cope. Maria can provide this support for your child. For 10 years, Maria was a teacher working in the elementary and secondary school levels. Her experiences vary in both the public and private education systems. Maria went on to receive her Principal’s Qualifications from the OISE Institute at the University of Toronto. Her combined experience and credentials has provided valuable insight and resources for adolescents and their parents. Maria provides psychotherapy services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Aleksandra is a Registered Psychotherapist and a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She completed her clinical training and holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from OISE at University of Toronto (2019). She also completed her scientific research training specializing in the neurobiology of mood disorders and holds a Master of Science (2003) and a Doctorate degree in Neuroscience (2007) from McGill University. Her psychotherapy training at Women’s College Hospital focused on the treatment of adults with trauma. At CITC, Aleksandra is guided by research and uses evidence-based therapies in her clinical practice, drawing largely on cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal, mindfulness and solution-focused approaches. She works primarily with adults in individual therapy and her main clinical areas are depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, life transitions and relationship difficulties. She speaks English, French and Serbian. Aleksandra offers an empathic, compassionate and safe space in which she collaboratively explores feelings, thoughts and behaviours with clients, and helps them learn, grow and feel motivated to work towards their therapy goals. She respects the inner resilience and lived experience that each person brings, and strives to cultivate an empowering and positive therapeutic relationship. Aleksandra currently practices under the supervision of registered psychologists. Aleksandra provides psychotherapy services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Ms. Armita Hosseini is a Psychological Associate with a Master’s of Education in Counselling Psychology from University of Western Ontario (2013) and a Master’s of Arts in Clinical-Developmental Psychology from York University (2015). Throughout her clinical training, she has worked for publicly funded mental health agencies including Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, East Metro Youth Services, Aisling Child and Family Discoveries Centre and has been involved in private practice working with various mental health difficulties and populations. Currently, she conducts psycho-educational and psychological assessments to children, adolescents and adults with learning, attentional or mood difficulties. In the past, she has assessed individuals who have been involved in motor vehicle or industrial accidents.
Armita is warm, compassionate and highly collaborative in her approach to treatment. She takes an integrative approach to treatment and is specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Therapy begins with a thorough psychological assessment to understand your life and the context of your concerns as well as develop the most effective and tailored treatment plan. Armita maintains a focus on the core concerns that impede your goals. She is sensitive and gentle in her approach and focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship. Currently, Armita is registered with the college of psychologists of Ontario as a psychological associate. Her psychology services are covered by most insurance companies. Armita provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Tisha is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and completed her Master's degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. She uses an integrative approach in psychotherapy and draws techniques from Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and other evidence-based modalities based on the client’s values, goals and needs. Tisha has extensive experience supporting clients with disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image concerns. She also works with adults with a wide variety of concerns, including relationship difficulties, trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and major life transitions. Tisha’s approach to therapy is client-centred and collaborative. She is passionate about practicing therapy from a place of sensitivity, compassion, and cultural humility. Tisha provides psychotherapy services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.
Ava recently graduated with a B.A. in Psychology at McGill University. She started at CITC in May 2022 as the Clinical Coordinator and recently took on a new role as the Business Operations Manager.