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Alexandra Lexi Alter
I am a dedicated social worker with extensive experience in working with children, adolescents and adults in individual, couple and family therapy. I consider a strong therapeutic relationship to be the heart of effective and meaningful work, and aim to connect with clients from a place of empathy and non-judgment. My approach to therapy begins with gaining an understanding of each person as an individual, seeking better insight into their needs, wants and hopes around the process of therapy. In every session, I strive to create a safe, trusting and comfortable space to facilitate and promote openness, self-discovery, lasting healing, and growth. I firmly believe that each individual is an expert of their own experience. As such, I combine clients’ self-knowledge with my professional expertise to support clients in meeting their personal, social and emotional goals, maintaining a client-centered, strengths-based, and solution-focused approach in my practice.
My areas of clinical expertise include navigating anxiety and depression; life transitions and adjustment difficulties; interpersonal, marital and familial relationship issues and conflict; separation and divorce; trauma; communication challenges; child abuse/neglect; grief, loss and bereavement; and prenatal and postpartum transitions. I work collaboratively with clients, drawing on various evidence-based therapeutic techniques and modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed counselling. I work collaboratively with clients, and adapt such change-focused treatment modalities to best suit a client’s needs. Together we will identify, process and modify patterns of thoughts and behaviours that give rise to emotional challenges or impede on clients reaching their vision of a preferred future. I support my clients in leveraging personal strengths and resources, promoting more positive ways of thinking. I strive to empower clients to strengthen existing skills, learn strategies, and acquire new skills to achieve their therapeutic goals and create meaningful change.
Everyone’s experiences are deeply personal and unique. Together, we can find a path forward to help you feel more grounded, supported, and in control of your life.
Areas of Expertise: Abuse, Acceptance and commitment therapy, ADHD, Addiction, Adoption, Anger Management, Anxiety, Attachment-based therapy, Behavioral Issues, Body Image, Bullying, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Communication, Compassion-focused therapy, Culturally sensitive therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Abuse or Violence, Drug Abuse, Eating disorders, Emotion Abuse, Emotion Regulation, Emotionally focused therapy, Family counselling, Family planning, Family systems therapy, Grief, loss, bereavement, Infertility or Adoption, Infidelity, Interpersonal psychotherapy, Loneliness, Marriage and family therapy, Marital counselling, Men’s Issues, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Motivational interviewing, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Parenting, Person-centered therapy, Play therapy, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Relationship counselling, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Sex, sexuality, intimacy, Sexual Abuse, Solution-focused brief therapy, Stress, Strength-based therapy, Teen mental health, Trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy, Women’s Issues, Workplace stress
I am a dedicated social worker with extensive experience in working with children, adolescents a... Read More
Andrina Batris MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
A lot of the people I work with are used to holding a lot together on the outside, but internally it feels like their mind never really slows down. There’s constant thinking, going over things, anticipating what might happen next. Even when there’s time to rest, it doesn’t feel restful. Day to day, it can look like feeling drained, struggling to focus, or noticing you’re more on edge than usual. You might still be showing up to work, school, or for others, but it’s taking more effort than it used to. Over time, it starts to feel like too much to carry on your own, and that’s usually when people reach out—they want to feel more settled, more clear, and not so consumed by everything going on in their head.
I also do a lot of work around trauma, grief, and life changes. This can come from past experiences, recent events, accidents, loss, or moments that felt overwhelming and never fully processed. It doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. Sometimes it’s feeling disconnected, numb, easily triggered, or reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. Other times it’s avoiding certain places, thoughts, or conversations, or feeling like your body is still holding onto something even when you’re trying to move forward. Grief can also be part of this—loss of a person, a relationship, or a version of life you thought you’d have. People often come in wanting to understand why they feel this way and to find a way to move forward without feeling stuck in it.
Relationships are another big part of my work. This can look like repeated arguments, feeling misunderstood, or not knowing how to express what you need without it turning into something bigger. Some people notice they give a lot and feel drained, while others shut down or pull away when things feel overwhelming. These patterns don’t come out of nowhere—they’re often shaped by past experiences and what you’ve had to learn to cope. Over time, they can make relationships feel confusing or heavy. In our work, we slow things down, look at those patterns, and find ways to communicate more clearly, set boundaries, and build relationships that feel more stable and supportive.
In our work together, we slow things down. When everything feels overwhelming or your mind won’t shut off, we start by helping your body and mind feel a bit more settled. We look at what’s been building up, what’s keeping things going, and find ways to help you feel more in control in those moments. That might look like learning how to ground yourself when things feel intense, understanding what sets certain reactions off, or finding simple ways to create more space in your day so everything doesn’t feel so heavy all at once. If you’re feeling stuck or burnt out, we focus on small, realistic shifts—getting you out of that “I can’t do anything” feeling and back into a place where things feel a bit more manageable and clear.
When it comes to trauma, grief, or relationship struggles, the work is paced and intentional. You’re not pushed to open up before you’re ready. We focus on creating a space where you feel safe enough to actually say what’s on your mind without worrying about being judged or misunderstood. Together, we start to make sense of patterns—why certain situations feel so triggering, why you might shut down or overextend, or why the same dynamics keep showing up in your relationships. From there, we work on new ways of responding—communicating more clearly, setting boundaries without guilt, and learning how to stay connected to yourself even in difficult moments. Over time, the goal is for things to feel less overwhelming, for your reactions to make more sense to you, and for you to feel more steady, confident, and in control of how you move through your life and your relationships.
A lot of the people I work with are used to holding a lot together on the outside, but internally... Read More
John Lenzo MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
I am an experienced Social Worker with more than twenty years of dedicated service supporting children, youth, and families through a wide range of complex life challenges. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with families navigating separation and divorce, and I have supported individuals facing concerns related to mental health, developmental disabilities, substance use, alcohol misuse, and family violence.
My work has included leading sensitive investigations into child abuse and neglect, giving me a deep appreciation for the importance of safety, compassion, and careful decision-making. I bring extensive experience working alongside marginalized and underserved communities, and I am committed to practicing from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework that honours the lived experiences of every person I work with.
I approach my practice with a calm, grounded presence and a strong belief in empathy, collaboration, and strength-based support. Having worked with children across all developmental stages—and as both a parent and step-parent myself—I understand the emotional complexities, stressors, and joys that come with raising children and blending families. This personal insight helps me connect with caregivers in a genuine, relatable, and supportive way.
Over the past two decades, I have built my career on the foundation of compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping families thrive. I remain passionate about creating safe, respectful spaces where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered to take meaningful steps forward.
I am dedicated to ongoing professional growth and staying informed about best practices in the field. I regularly participate in training, workshops, and collaborative learning opportunities to ensure the support I offer reflects current research and emerging approaches. My goal is always to provide services that are thoughtful, ethical, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and family I work with.
Areas of Expertise: Abuse, Access & Custody, Addiction, ADHD, Adoption, Aging, Alcohol Abuse, Alcohol Use, Adjustment Difficulties, Anger, Anger Management, Anxiety, Behavioural Issues, Behaviour Management, Bullying, Burnout, Childhood Abuse, Neglect & Trauma, Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, Communication, Coping Skills, Culture, Race, Immigration, Depression, Development Disorders, Divorce, Domestic Abuse or Violence, Drug Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Emotional Abuse, Grief, Loss, Bereavement, Infertility or Adoption, Infidelity, Interpersonal Conflict, Intellectual Disability, Internet Addiction, Learning Disabilities, Life Transitions, Loneliness, LGBTQAI2S+, Men’s Issues, Mental Disorders, Mood Disorders, Parenting, Parent-Child Conflict, Peer Relationships, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Self Esteem, Sex, Sexuality, Intimacy, Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Isolation, Spirituality, Stress, Substance Abuse, Substance Use, Suicidal Thoughts, Video Game Addiction, Workplace Stress
I am an experienced Social Worker with more than twenty years of dedicated service supporting chi... Read More
Monica Macchiusi MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting children, teens, adults, couples, and families as they navigate life’s most tender, challenging, and transformative moments. My work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and deeply understood—especially when life feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming.
In our time together, my priority is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are. A space where your story is honored, your emotions are welcomed, and your experiences are met with empathy, curiosity, and respect. I believe that healing grows through connection, and I strive to help you feel grounded, supported, and empowered to move toward the life you want.
My professional journey has taken me into many homes, schools, and community settings, offering support to people across all stages of life. I’ve worked extensively with children and adolescents navigating emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges; adults facing stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions; and couples and families working to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen their relationships.
A significant part of my background is rooted in child protection and foster care, where I walked alongside children, families, and caregivers during moments of crisis, uncertainty, and profound change. As a Child Protection Worker, I supported families in rebuilding safety and stability, helped children feel heard during vulnerable transitions, and collaborated with parents, caregivers, and community partners to nurture resilience and connection. In my work with foster families, I partnered closely with caregivers to support attachment, address behavioural challenges, and create nurturing environments where children could begin to heal and thrive. I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring social work students, encouraging them to cultivate thoughtful, reflective, and relationship centered practice.
These experiences shape my approach today—one rooted in authenticity, cultural sensitivity, compassion, and a deep respect for the complexity of each person’s story. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, your partnership, or your family, I’m here to walk alongside you with care, curiosity, and unwavering support.
Areas of Expertise: Abuse, Addiction, ADHD, Adoption, Alcohol Abuse, Anger, Anger Management, Anxiety, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Binge Eating Disorder (Eating Disorders), Bipolar Disorder, Body Image, Bullying, Codependency, Communication, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Abuse or Violence, Drug Abuse, Eating Disorders, Emotional Abuse, Emotion Regulation, Family Planning, Fears/Phobias, Gambling Addiction, Grief, Loss, Bereavement, Impulse Control Disorders, Infertility or Adoption, Infidelity, Insomnia, Internet Addiction, Learning Disabilities, Loneliness, Men’s Issues, Mental Disorders, Mood Disorders, Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Oppositional Defiance (ODD), Panic Disorder, Parenting, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Relationship Issues, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Self Esteem, Self-Harming or Suicidal Behaviour, Sex, Sexuality, Intimacy, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Sleep Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Isolation, Stress, Substance Abuse, Substance Use, Suicidal Thoughts, Suicide, Trauma, Video Game Addiction, Weight Loss, Women’s Issues, Workplace Stress
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting children, teens, adults, couples, a... Read More
Angelica Meliton MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed a lot of the time—like your mind just doesn’t turn off—you’re not alone. You might find yourself constantly thinking, worrying, or replaying things in your head, even when you’re trying to rest. It can be hard to fully relax, and even small things can start to feel like too much. Over time, this can leave you feeling drained, on edge, and disconnected from yourself or the things that used to feel enjoyable.
At other times, it might feel like the opposite—low energy, low motivation, and just getting through the day feels like an effort. You might notice it’s harder to get started on things, harder to care, or harder to feel like yourself. There can be a sense of feeling stuck, being hard on yourself, or wondering why things feel so heavy when you’re trying your best.
Therapy can be a vulnerable step, and I honour the courage it takes to reach out. My aim is to offer a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you feel heard and supported. I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors who are navigating these kinds of experiences, helping them make sense of what they’re feeling and find ways to move through it with more clarity and ease.
Therapy is a place where all of this can be explored without judgment. Together, we can make sense of what you’re going through, gently untangle patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and build tools that help you feel calmer, more grounded, and more like yourself again.
In our sessions, we start by making space for whatever you’re carrying—without needing to have it all figured out. I’ll help you slow things down and sort through what’s been feeling overwhelming, whether that’s racing thoughts, heavy emotions, or just a sense that everything feels like too much. Together, we’ll begin to understand what’s underneath it all and find ways to respond that feel more manageable and supportive, rather than critical or reactive.
If you’re feeling stuck or burnt out, we’ll look at the patterns that might be keeping you there and explore what change could realistically look like for you. That might mean finding ways to build more balance into your life, reconnecting with parts of yourself that feel lost, or taking small steps toward things that feel meaningful again. When relationships feel difficult, I can support you in making sense of your reactions, communicating more clearly, and navigating those dynamics in a way that feels more grounded and intentional.
Over time, the goal is for things to feel a little lighter, a little clearer, and more within your control—so you can move through your day with more confidence, steadiness, and a stronger sense of self.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed a lot of the time—like your mind just doesn’t turn off—you’re ... Read More
Melissa Palmerini Registered Social Worker
If everything feels like too much lately, your mind constantly racing, your body unable to fully relax, and your days feeling heavier than they should, you’re not alone. It can be hard to switch off, even when you finally have time to rest. Sleep might feel inconsistent, your energy drained, and even simple tasks can start to feel overwhelming. You may find yourself pushing through the day, trying to keep up, while quietly feeling exhausted underneath it all.
You might also notice yourself feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break. Maybe you overthink decisions, second guess yourself, or feel frustrated that things aren’t changing despite your efforts. Motivation can come and go, and it’s easy to feel disconnected or unsure of what you really need. There can be a sense of pressure to keep going, even when you feel worn down or unsure of your direction.
Relationships can feel more difficult too. Conversations may turn into misunderstandings, your needs might feel hard to express, or you may feel distant from the people you care about. At the same time, life changes like a breakup, career shift, family stress, or personal transition can leave you feeling unsettled and unsure of what comes next.
Therapy offers a space to slow things down and feel supported in a way you may not have experienced before. You don’t have to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. Together, we make sense of what you’re going through, work through what’s been weighing on you, and build tools that help you feel more grounded, more confident, and more in control of your life.
In our sessions, the focus is on creating a space where you can slow down and feel truly supported. You don’t have to filter your thoughts or have everything figured out before you walk in. From the beginning, my priority is helping you feel comfortable, understood, and safe enough to open up at your own pace. There is no pressure or judgment, just a space where you can be honest about what you’re feeling and feel genuinely heard.
When things feel overwhelming, we work together to make them more manageable. This might look like learning how to calm racing thoughts, better understand your emotional responses, and find ways to feel more grounded in moments that usually feel intense or out of control. If you’re feeling stuck or burnt out, we take the time to explore what’s been building up beneath the surface and identify patterns that may be keeping you in the same place. From there, we focus on small, realistic steps that help you move forward in a way that feels achievable and meaningful.
For relationship challenges, we focus on helping you express yourself more clearly, set boundaries with more confidence, and navigate difficult conversations without feeling overwhelmed. We also work on strengthening your connection with yourself, so your decisions and relationships feel more aligned with who you are and what you need.
Over time, this process becomes about more than just getting through hard moments. It’s about building confidence, developing healthier ways of coping, and feeling more in control of your thoughts, emotions, and choices. My goal is for you to leave each session feeling supported, but also with practical tools and a clearer understanding of yourself, so you can move through life with more ease, clarity, and confidence.
If everything feels like too much lately, your mind constantly racing, your body unable to fully ... Read More
Suzanne Palmieri MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
If you are someone who has been feeling like some days your mind just won’t give you a break; your thoughts are jumping from one to the next, you catch yourself replaying moments, or getting stuck on things that haven’t even happened yet, then you’re not the only one who’s been there. You might wake up already feeling tense, carry that weight through the day, and end up drained without really knowing why. Even small decisions can feel bigger than they should, and it’s hard not to question yourself or wonder if you’re doing enough, being enough, or getting it right.
Relationships can bring up a different kind of stress. You might find yourself caught in the same cycles, whether it’s overthinking texts, holding things in until they come out all at once, or feeling unsure about how someone really feels about you. It’s frustrating when you want things to feel easy and secure, but instead there’s confusion, distance, or mixed signals. Having a place to talk things through and make sense of what’s going on can help you feel more steady, more confident, and less stuck in your own head.
When we sit down together, it’s not about being analyzed or told what to do. It’s a space where you can actually say what’s been on your mind, uncensored, messy, or unclear, and have someone really hear you. We take things at your pace, starting with whatever feels most important that day, and gently sort through it so it feels less tangled. Over time, things that once felt overwhelming start to make more sense, and you begin to feel a bit more steady and in control of how you respond.
I also help you get clearer on what you need and how to express it in a way that feels true to you. Whether it’s navigating a difficult relationship, setting boundaries, or understanding why certain situations hit as hard as they do, we work through it together in a way that feels practical and real, not forced or scripted. The goal isn’t to change who you are, but to help you feel more confident in yourself, more secure in your relationships, and less stuck in the same loops that have been weighing you down.
If you are someone who has been feeling like some days your mind just won’t give you a break; you... Read More
Cristian Polsinelli
I work with teens and adults, including athletes and men who may feel unsure about starting therapy. If you’re used to pushing through, staying disciplined, and handling things on your own, opening up might not come naturally and I get that. You don’t have to come in knowing exactly what to say or having it all figured out. My goal is to offer a space that feels real, relaxed, and grounded where you can think more clearly, feel more in control, and start to get back to performing at your best, both mentally and emotionally.
A lot of the people I work with are carrying a constant level of pressure. On the outside, things might look fine but internally, your mind doesn’t really slow down. You might be overthinking, replaying situations, or feeling like you can’t fully switch off, even when you’re supposed to be resting. Over time, that can turn into feeling drained, unfocused, or inconsistent in areas that matter to you. Others come in feeling stuck, low on motivation, disconnected from themselves, or unsure of what direction they’re even moving in anymore. Sometimes this shows up after a setback like an injury, a loss, or a big life change.
Together, we focus on making things feel more manageable again. That might mean learning how to step out of your head when thoughts start to spiral, or figuring out how to handle pressure in a way that doesn’t wear you down. If you’re feeling stuck or burnt out, we take the time to understand what’s been weighing on you and start building small, realistic steps forward so you can regain momentum. For athletes, that often includes working on focus, confidence, and how to reset after mistakes so you’re not carrying them into the next play, game, or performance.
If opening up or communicating has been a challenge, we move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There’s no pressure to force anything, you get to show up as you are. Over time, we work on putting words to what’s going on, making sense of it, and finding better ways to express it so you don’t have to keep it all in. Sessions are meant to be practical and useful, not just a place to talk, but a place to actually figure things out. My role is to support you, be honest with you, and help you build tools that you can rely on outside of our conversations. The goal is that you leave feeling clearer, more steady, and more confident in how you handle whatever comes your way.
I work with teens and adults, including athletes and men who may feel unsure about starting thera... Read More
Adriana Venir
You might find your mind constantly racing, jumping from one worry to the next, making it hard to relax, even in moments that are supposed to feel calm. Small tasks can feel overwhelming, and your body may feel tense or on edge more often than not. You might lie awake at night replaying conversations, thinking about everything you need to do, or imagining worst-case scenarios.
Over time, this constant noise can leave you feeling drained and unable to fully enjoy your day-to-day life. Many reach out at a point where they feel worn down by it all, like no matter how hard they try, they just can’t “switch off.” It can be exhausting to carry that constant mental noise, and you might find yourself longing for even a small sense of calm, or a moment where things feel a little more manageable and in your control.
Others come in feeling stuck, unmotivated, or disconnected from themselves and their lives. You may notice that things that once felt easy now take a lot of effort, or that you’re going through the motions without really feeling present. Getting out of bed, focusing at work, or keeping up with responsibilities can feel exhausting. There may be a sense of frustration or guilt for not being where you think you “should” be, along with a quiet feeling that something just isn’t right.
Therapy can be a meaningful place to begin when you feel caught in these patterns, offering space to reconnect with yourself, strengthen your relationships, and start moving forward with a greater sense of clarity and confidence.
When everything feels overwhelming or your mind won’t slow down, our work together focuses on helping you find moments of calm and steadiness again. I take things at your pace, creating space to sort through what’s been building up without pressure or judgment. We can begin to notice what’s been keeping these patterns going, while also finding ways to soften the intensity so things don’t feel quite as loud. Over time, this might look like discovering what helps you slow down in the moment, gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, and finding small, manageable ways to feel more steady, present, and supported in your day-to-day life.
If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or disconnected, therapy becomes a place where you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. We explore what’s been weighing on you, what’s been holding you back, and what you need to move forward. When relationship challenges are part of the picture, we work on strengthening communication and expressing your needs more openly. Throughout this process, the focus is on creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. Over time, this work can help you reconnect with yourself, feel more confident in your decisions, and build more meaningful, fulfilling relationships.
You might find your mind constantly racing, jumping from one worry to the next, making it hard to... Read More
Amanda Vigna MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
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