Psychotherapy & Counselling
MEET THE TEAM
Elsia La Caria
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
I have over twenty years of therapeutic experience working with individuals, families, adolescents and couples. My style is warm and informal and I provide my clients with realistic tools that inspire growth and change. I believe that all therapy should be rooted in a client-therapist relationship that is characterized by warmth, acceptance and trust.
My approach is informed by the following modalities; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – for the treatment of trauma, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and Individuals, Therapy and perinatal mental health.
I am highly influenced by attachment science and I obtain inspiration from the healing powers of connection and emotional security. I am committed to staying current on research and evidence-based treatments and I engage in ongoing psychotherapy training.
I believe that psychotherapy is an art that involves the “meeting of two minds”. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and I am honoured to witness the shifts that occur in their lives.
Treatment Specialties: adult & childhood trauma, attachment wounds, bereavement and loss; crisis and stress management; life transitions; identity exploration; relationship challenges, couples therapy, pre- and postnatal support; personal growth and value exploration; self-esteem and acceptance; assertiveness and boundary-setting; work-life balance; emotional regulation and distress tolerance; coping skills-building and capacity development.
Jenany Jeyarajan
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
I have over 12 years of experience working with adults (21+) with mental health concerns. I work from a person-centered, strength-based, anti-oppressive, attachment-oriented and trauma-informed lens. I have extensive experience and training in providing trauma-focused treatment from my many years of supporting individuals who have fled abusive relationships and/or have experienced childhood trauma.
My area of interest and speciality is in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic disorders, bipolar disorder, and trauma and attachment wounds.
I am trained in various evidence-based modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My understanding of one’s psychological health is also influenced by psychodynamic and attachment theories.
I have a special interest in and lived experience in prenatal and postpartum support. My professional training combined with my personal experience in areas of fertility treatments, neonatal loss and grief as well as being a proud mommy of a rainbow baby, has led to my more recent interest in supporting women who are seeking perinatal therapy.
I offer virtual sessions for clients across Ontario and in-person sessions in Scarborough.
Treatment Specialties: adult & childhood trauma, attachment wounds, domestic violence & safety planning, chronic suicidality, longstanding anxiety and depression, bereavement and loss, crisis and stress management, fertility, pre-and postnatal support, self-esteem and acceptance, assertiveness and boundary-setting, work-related stressors, emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Simar Gill Lowther
Registered Psychotherapist
I specialize in providing support to individuals and couples dealing with a range of challenges, including anxiety, trauma, addictions, infidelity, struggles with communication or intimacy, traits associated with narcissistic personalities, and significant life transitions like coping with grief.
In individual therapy, we delve into deep and often painful emotions that may hinder your sense of acceptance, understanding, and engagement in life and relationships. This exploration encompasses issues such as low self-esteem, self-criticism, and perfectionism.
Couples therapy focuses on understanding and transforming the negative patterns that disrupt relationships, ultimately fostering improved connection and communication. My practice is informed by an integrative and evidence-based approach, drawing primarily from Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy.
I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychotherapy from Yorkville University and committed to continually advancing my knowledge and skills through continuous learning, particularly in the specialized areas of my practice. My educational background also includes an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from India, as well as diplomas in Addiction and Mental Health from Durham College and Health Care Administration from St. Lawrence College.
My greatest joy as a psychotherapist is witnessing the transformative power of therapy in the lives of my clients. I have seen individuals overcome adversity, break free from self-limiting beliefs, and form healthier, fulfilling paths for themselves. I look forward to the privilege of contributing to the well-being of those I am fortunate enough to serve.
I offer virtual sessions across Ontario.
Treatment Specialties: Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality (BPD), Chronic Illness, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Divorce, Dual Diagnosis, Family Conflict, Grief, Infidelity, LGBTQ+, Narcissistic Personality (NPD), Racial Identity, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Sleep or Insomnia, Stress, Suicidal Ideation, Weight Loss, Women’s Issues.
Antonella Macri
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
I have 17 years of therapeutic experience with youth and adults both in Italy and in Canada. My advanced assessment and treatment skills help me to support families and couples experiencing a wide range of social, emotional, and mental health concerns. My approach is informal, warm and genuine and it is informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused-CBT, Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT) for couples, strength based therapy, solution focused therapy and mindfulness.
I specialize in working with youth and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, life challenges, and those in search of personal growth and parenting support. My passion lies in couples therapy and helping couples to deepen their connection and security with one another.
I also enjoy supporting women in their prenatal and postpartum journey. As a mother of two, I understand first hand the struggles of parenthood, the lack of control one can feel, and the unrealistic pressure society places on women and mothers.
I believe in the value and importance of having a warm and authentic relationship with my clients, to inspire them and help them find their true path in life.
I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and the Canadian Association of Social Worker.
I offer virtual sessions across Ontario.
Treatment Specialties: anxiety and depression; mood disorders; trauma; bereavement and loss; crisis and stress management; life transitions; identity exploration; relationship challenges & couples therapy, pre- and postnatal support; personal growth and value exploration; self-esteem and acceptance; assertiveness and boundary-setting; work-life balance; emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Jacob Thrasher
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
I have over 11 years of experience working as a credentialed social worker in both Canada and the United States. Over the years I have worked with individuals and families from all different ages, diverse backgrounds, and all walks of life. Lately, however, I have been focusing my practice mostly on teens and adults. My style is caring, laid back, encouraging, strength-based and compassionate. I believe the best therapy is client-focused, and regardless of modality, a safe and trusting client-therapist relationship is absolutely fundamental.
I am a committed clinician who cares and respects my clients’ unique and individual life experience. I’m passionate about helping individuals develop a specifically tailored set of unique skills to help support and improve their lives. I thrive when I see my client’s begin to feel better and achieve their goals.
My approach is an eclectic one as I do not believe in a one-size fits all approach. With that said, my primary training was in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) though over the years I have developed skills in and often draw from other areas such as Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems Therapy. I also have extensive experience in crisis assessment and intervention.
My specialities include working with individuals who have experienced depression, anxiety, self harm and suicidal ideation. I also specialize in, and am passionate in supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
I offer virtual sessions across Ontario.
Treatment Specialties: anxiety; depression; mood disorders; trauma; crisis and stress management; 2SLGBTQIA+ issues; life transitions; identity exploration; relationship challenges; personal growth and value exploration; self-esteem and acceptance; emotional regulation and distress tolerance; coping skills-building and capacity development.
Kerrie Trottier
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
I have over 10 years of experience providing mental health services to families, children, adolescents and adults. I have a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers.
My approach is client-centred and strengths-based. I seek to create a safe place for my clients and I work from an anti-oppressive lens that meets the client where they are in their journey. I support youth, adults and families to develop tools to reduce/manage symptoms of anxiety, depression and distress through the use of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT).
My specialties and passions include working with individuals who identify as having experienced a trauma, substance use challenges, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and self-harm. I also extensive experience working with youth and families involved in competitive sport. As a former athlete and mental health advocate for mental toughness in sport, I have first-hand experience about the mental pressures placed on athletes. In addition, I have experience working with neuro-diverse children, youth and families who are experiencing mental health concerns.
I offer virtual sessions across Ontario.
Treatment Specialties: anxiety and depression; mood disorders; trauma; addiction treatment and recovery; bereavement and loss; crisis and stress management; identity exploration; self-esteem and acceptance; assertiveness and boundary-setting; emotional regulation and distress tolerance; coping skills-building and capacity development.
Sara Iyamu
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist
I have 17 years of experience as a Registered Social Worker offering clinical services to children, youth, adults and their families. I have developed my skills working in schools, residential and secure treatment facilities, youth justice, and community counselling programs. I have a particular passion serving families with children who are experiencing social, emotional and behavioural or legal challenges. My services include, individual behavioural and family counselling as well as parent coaching. In private practice, I have worked with a wide range of adults who are experiencing difficulties with their mood, emotional regulation and managing their anger. I have also developed a keen interest in parental and post-partum support. In sessions, in addition to talk therapy, I provide clients practical tools and strategies that can support the process of change.
I practice from a non-judgmental, anti-oppressive based framework, using client centered therapy; meaning one size does not fit all. I am flexible and work collaboratively to meet each clients unique needs, so that they know that they are heard. I offer services drawing on methods of CBT, DBT, Mindfulness and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
I offer virtual sessions across Ontario.
Treatment Specialties: anxiety and depression; mood disorders; trauma; bereavement and loss; crisis and stress management; life transitions; identity exploration; relationship challenges/conflicts, pre- and postnatal support; personal growth and value exploration; self-esteem and acceptance; assertiveness and boundary-setting; work-life balance; emotional regulation and distress tolerance; coping skills-building and capacity development.
Darlene Gray
Client Care Coordinator
As your first point of contact at Elsia La Caria Psychotherapy, I look forward to connecting with you, learning about your therapy goals, and matching you with the right therapist for you). I’m here to answer any questions you may have and to ensure you receive exceptional care and support on your therapy journey. I look forward to chatting with you.