Associates

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 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Interpersonal 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. 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. 

lorena@citcassociates.com

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 – Upstate Medical University, Detroit Receiving Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, as well as various organizations in the Windsor area. She has worked at the Psychological Trauma Program/Work, Stress, and Health program 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, interpersonal, psychodynamic, and experiential. She is a certified diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She is actively involved in her professional association as she sits on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Psychological Association. Dr. Fitzgerald is a licensed member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO), and a member of various professional organizations including the Canadian, American, and Ontario Psychological Associations, (CPA, APA, and OPA), as well at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). Dr. Fitzgerald’s primary areas of clinical interest are depression and anxiety and understanding the patterns that maintain these problems in living. Dr. Fitzgerald provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC. 

fitzgerald@citcassociates.com

Dr. Ameeta Dudani is a Clinical and School Psychologist who completed her doctorate at York University in Clinical-Developmental Psychology (2015). Dr. Dudani is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association. At CITC, she works with children and adolescents, and provides psychoeducational and psychodiagnostic assessments, parent consultation, and therapeutic services. She provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.

Dr. Dudani has a special interest in working with immigrant, indigenous and marginalized children/youth, and with trauma. She takes a family centered, culturally sensitive, and holistic approach in working with clients. She specializes in providing mindfulness-based therapy to children and adolescents and integrates mind and body approaches. She believes that mindfulness is a superpower that promotes self-acceptance and change from the inside out. She loves to help children and youth blossom into their fullest beings and find strength and confidence to face their difficulties. With young children, this transformation is often through Play Therapy. Dr. Dudani is also trained in and frequently integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other evidence-based approaches (i.e., Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, parent-child attachment therapy, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy), as appropriate to the needs of the client.

Dr. Dudani has worked in various settings including school-based, community mental health, private practice and a nonprofit social service agency. Most recently she worked in community mental health as a Clinical Psychologist at Victoria Child and Youth Mental Health (British Columbia). As a school psychologist she also has extensive experience working in school systems. In addition to her work at CITC, Dr. Dudani works as a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist at the North Peel Family Health Team, and as an independent mindfulness and yoga teacher/consultant.

ameeta@citcassociates.com

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. 

arkin@citcassociates.com

Maria is a psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology. Her primary area of expertise lies within individual and group therapy for adults and adolescents using the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model. Using the CBT model, Maria specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, 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.  

mariac@citcassociates.com

Alexandra is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), and a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds a Master’s of Education in Counselling Psychology from OISE at University of Toronto. Alexandra has completed her scientific training in Experimental Psychology/Behavioural Neuroscience and holds a Master’s of Arts and a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Vermont. She has also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Systems Neuroscience – University of Hamburg. Her research includes animal models of Fetal-Alcohol Syndrome and ADHD, and human models of fear and anxiety, cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation. She has published in peer-review journals, and presented in international conferences in the areas of animal/human models of neurodevelopmental disorders, brain imaging, psychopharmacology and genetics, as well as in translational research and psychotherapy. Alexandra has also worked as a lecturer and academic advisor for various tertiary academic institutions around the globe (USA, UK, Germany, Greece).

In her clinical work, Alexandra adopts a bio-psycho-social approach and uses an integrative approach that is informed by theories of human development, systems neuroscience, and empirically-evidenced treatment approaches. Her professional development in psychotherapy includes training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy applications and psychodynamically-informed approaches.  Alexandra is affiliated with various professional associations (Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association; American Psychological Association; British Psychological Society; Canadian Psychological Association; Hellenic Neuropsychological Society).

Alexandra works with individuals, couples and families who may battle with a wide range of mental health issues, face major life challenges, or struggle with interpersonal difficulties and/or communication problems. She speaks English and Greek. Alexandra strives for a therapeutic relationship that becomes a safe context where a client feels safe to be vulnerable, to make self-discoveries and set changes in motion. She has a deep appreciation of the formative impact that culture, social locations or other legacies have in shaping how we view ourselves, others or the world that we live in, and is committed to practicing with cultural humility, honouring the diversity and intersectionality of her clients and their experiences.

Alexandra currently practices under the supervision of registered psychologists, and provides psychotherapy services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC.

thanellou@citcassociates.com

Abhilash Jayachandran completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in psychology from the University of Kerala, India. He also completed a two-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology from a pioneer medical school in Kerala, India. This background and experience provided him clinical opportunities to work in different mental health settings and to gain experience in psychotherapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and CBT informed approaches. In 2009, he immigrated to Canada to gain further career opportunities and subsequently, completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Addiction Treatment and Prevention (ADTP). Abhilash has more than 10 years of experience in providing psychotherapeutic treatments in a variety of mental health setting. In 2015, he became a registered member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and is currently working as a psychometrist and independent psychotherapist. Throughout his career, he has worked with adults experiencing mental health and addiction issues where he used CBT and CBT informed approaches as primary tools along with brief mindfulness practices. He speaks English, Malayalam, and other south Indian languages. Abhilash provides psychotherapeutic services as an independent contractor to CITC.

abhilash@citcassociates.com

Martha is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.  She completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University and received an Honour’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Behaviour from Queen’s University.   Martha has many years of experience in primary care settings offering individual and group therapy to adults using cognitive behavioural, dialectical behaviour, compassion focused and mindfulness-based modalities.   Most recently, she has been working with the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program offering CBT protocol-based treatment for anxiety and depression.  She is trained and experienced to treat depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic, health anxiety and PTSD using CBT protocols.  Martha works in partnership with her clients to support them to get back to living the life they want by assisting them to better understand the barriers they face and ways to address those barriers.  Martha provides psychotherapy services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC. duncan@citcassociates.com

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 adolescents and 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. 

lauren@citcassociates.com

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. 

armita@citcassociates.com

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.

lynn@citcassociates.com

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.

lalovic@citcassociates.com

Dr. Lisi is a Clinical Psychologist in supervised practice.  She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of British Columbia (Okanagan), and completed her pre-doctoral residency at the University of Manitoba's department of Clinical Health Psychology. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in 2022. 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. She completed her pre-doctoral residency in August 2020 at the University of Manitoba’s department of Clinical Health Psychology. Throughout her graduate training and residency, she has worked with adults and older 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. She currently practices under the supervision of registered psychologists. Dr. Lisi provides Psychological services to CITC clients as an independent contractor to CITC. 

lisi@citcassociates.com

Daniel is a Registered Psychotherapist with a Doctoral degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. Over the last 10 years, he has treated individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, major life changes, interpersonal issues, low self-esteem, body image concerns, problematic hair pulling, and systemic oppression/discrimination. He practices from a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and psychodynamic therapy—whatever best suits the person he’s working with. Daniel provides psychological services to clients as an independent contractor to CITC.

pauly@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. 

daya@citcassociates.com

Dana is a Registered Psychotherapist who received her Master of Psychology degree from Adler Graduate Professional School in 2022 and her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto in 1995.  She brings her extensive experience working in mental health occupational therapy to her work as a psychotherapist to provide therapy that is compassion-based, client-centred, and focused on helping individuals reach their optimal functioning.  Dana has trained and worked at Mount Sinai Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and Sunnybrook Hospital.  She treats both 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 significant medical conditions, such as cancer and strokes.  She has provided therapy to caregivers of people with dementia, and has training in providing care for adults with challenging behaviours due to dementia.  Dana draws from multiple treatment approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and trauma-informed therapy.

solnik@citcassociates.com

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. 

rayworth@citcassociates.com

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. 

enns@citcassociates.com

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 Marriage 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 introduced couple and family therapy in Ethiopia as part of the Toronto Addis Ababa Academic Collaboration. My university teaching experience includes a position of Assistant Professor, 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 practise 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 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 a MEd (Master of Education in Counselling) at OISE, followed by a MSc and PhD at the Institute of Medical Science at 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.

edward@citcassociates.com

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, obsessive-compulsive disorder) 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. 

jdere@citcassociates.com

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. maliha@citcassociates.com

Jennifer Bonilla is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who has worked collaboritively with adolescents and adults dealing with stress, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and life transitions for the past 15 years. Jennifer's work has focused on offering support to students navigating school or work-related stressors, in addition to helping adults manage their mental health in the workplace. She believes that a supportive, safe space allows clients to reflect, build confidence, and make informed choices as they navigate life. As a Hispanic-Canadian fluent in English and Spanish, she understands the beauty and complexity of merging cultures. Jennifer is client-centred, mindfulness-focused, and uses therapeutic approaches that allow clients to grow in their goals. Jennifer's educational background includes a Child and Youth Worker Diploma, a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and a Master's in Clinical Counselling. 

bonilla@citcassociates.com

Emily is completing a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. Her approach to psychotherapy is trauma-informed and compassionate and is grounded in the principles of social justice and cultural humility. She also has experience providing psychoeducation and support to individuals with disordered eating and/or body image concerns as a volunteer with the National Eating Disorder Information Centre. Emily has received training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and integrates this approach with other evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Emily provides psychotherapy services to clients as a student therapist under supervision at CITC.

beaton@citcassociates.com

Yiu is a current graduate student in the MA-PhD program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor. She has been training in assessment and psychotherapy at the Psychological Services and Research Centre and Student Counselling Centre at the University of Windsor for the past two years. During her graduate training, she worked with adults with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating concerns, relational conflicts, and chronic pain. Her area of research and dissertation focuses on minority mental health and multicultural issues. Prior to entering graduate school, she worked for the hospital crisis team and community mental health program in Scarborough. Yiu uses an integrative approach to therapy that integrates cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance-commitment therapy, and mindfulness. Yiu speaks English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, and is passionate about working with people of diverse backgrounds. Throughout her work, she is committed to trauma-informed, strength-based, and anti-oppressive practices. She hopes to create a safe and compassionate environment to support clients in reaching their therapeutic goals. Yiu will be providing psychological services under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist at CITC.

chang@citcassociates.com

Shanna Peltier is a third-year Ph.D. student in School and Clinical Child Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) – University of Toronto (UofT). She holds a Masters in School and Clinical Child Psychology from OISE-UofT and completed all requirements for the collaborative specialization in Indigenous health. In 2021, she was awarded the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Vanier Scholarship for her community-based research in Indigenous mental health, suicide prevention, and life promotion. Shanna is currently completing her second psychological intervention practicum placement at the Cognitive and Interpersonal Therapy Centre. 

As an Indigenous woman, Shanna has a vested interest in working with marginalized and underserved communities and clients in her clinical practice. She has completed cross-cultural, psychoeducational assessments with diverse clients and offers a deeply considerate approach to her intervention practice. Shanna’s approach to client intervention work is contextual, culturally sensitive and aims to center the client’s lived and emotional experience. Her clients are active participants in goal setting and are collaborative partners in their therapeutic journey. She embraces an Indigenous philosophy of health that is holistic, acknowledging the interdependent nature of wellbeing which extends across physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, relational, and environmental domains. 

She has experience in providing psychoeducational assessments and psychological interventions within private practice, Toronto District School Board, and community mental health settings. She uses evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and integrates aspects of mindfulness into her practice. She provides individual and family therapy for children and adolescents who are experiencing a wide range of mood, anxiety, behavioural, and family conflict issues. Shanna’s intervention work at CITC is supervised by Dr. Ameeta Dudani who is a registered Clinical and School Psychologist.  

peltier@citcassociates.com

Charlotte recently graduated with an Honours B.A. in Health Studies and the Smith Certificate in Business at Queen’s University. She started at CITC in January 2021 as the Clinical Coordinator and recently took on a new role as the Business Operations Manager. Charlotte is passionate about mental wellness and believes that everyone can benefit from therapy. 

office@citcassociates.com

Ava recently graduated with a B.A. in Psychology at McGill University. She started at CITC in May 2022 in the Clinical Coordinator position. Her academic background and work experiences, including fundraising for CAMH, managing a psychotherapy clinic, and interning at a practice-management software company, have nurtured her passion for mental health advocacy and belief in the power of therapy. clinic@citcassociates.com

Emily is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto, earning a Bachelor of Kinesiology. She joined CITC in January 2022 as a part-time intern. Through her volunteer experiences at Humber River Hospital, and operational leadership working with a UofT non-profit organization that advocates and raises funds for mental health, she developed a passion for helping others with their mental and physical health.

cascone@citcassociates.com