At York Region CBT we have a team of experienced psychotherapists who are trained in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT). Our clinicians offer help for a range of issues including (but not limited to):
- Relationship Difficulties
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Life Transitions
- Grief
- Workplace Stress
- Childhood Trauma
- Anger
- Self-Esteem
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Ms. Sehgal is a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario and completed a Ph. D.in Psychology in India. She has more than two decades of experience in psychotherapy with diverse populations.
Ms. Sehgal is a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario and completed a Ph. D.in Psychology in India. She has more than two decades of experience in psychotherapy with diverse populations. Her Ph.D. research investigated CBT interventions for adolescents. She completed a bridging program for Internationally Trained Mental Health professionals at Seneca College, in Toronto, Ontario. A recipient of the Fulbright Award for Counselling, she has international exposure to best practices in the field of counseling and psychotherapy.
She has worked with children, youth, adults, and families for individual and group therapy and has been providing services for distress, depression, anxiety, family conflicts, career struggles, workplace stress, and similar psychosocial issues. Her treatment approaches include the integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed and humanistic with a collaborative and client-centered focus.
A member of the American Psychological Association, The Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals, and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Clinical Practice Network; she provides services in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.
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Remneek Kisana is a dedicated therapist who holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, specializing in Children and Families. With a background in various therapy settings, including Community Mental Health, School Social Work, and College Counseling Programs, Remneek brings a wealth of experience to her practice.
Remneek Kisana is a dedicated therapist who holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, specializing in Children and Families. With a background in various therapy settings, including Community Mental Health, School Social Work, and College Counseling Programs, Remneek brings a wealth of experience to her practice.
Her therapeutic approach is multifaceted, drawing from exploratory methods such as Internal Family Systems and Narrative Therapy, as well as skills-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Remneek's framework includes exploring the influence of cultural values, family history, and rigid expectations on the stories we construct about ourselves. Specializing in addressing issues such as anxiety, imposter syndrome, self-worth, relationships, and grief, Remneek collaborates with individuals to understand their relationship with themselves and the impact of their environment on their well-being. She also guides clients in establishing healthy boundaries within their cultural context.
Fluent in Hindi and Punjabi, Remneek firmly believes that individuals possess inherent tools for healing. Her therapeutic environment encourages clients to turn their attention inward, unveiling patterns in how they relate to others or respond to their own needs. Working collaboratively, Remneek supports clients in shifting patterns that no longer serve them, while holding compassion for the protective roles these patterns played over the years. Remneek’s goal is to work with her clients and support them to connect to their inherent strength and wisdom. Through a collaborative process, she assists clients in defining steps towards their goals and embodying the life they aspire to live. Remneek offers individual therapy sessions for adults.
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Juliana Santos has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a postgraduate degree in Neuropsychology, both completed in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she was born and raised. She has recently completed the Bridge to Registration and Employment in Mental Health (BREM) program.
Juliana Santos has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a postgraduate degree in Neuropsychology, both completed in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she was born and raised. She has recently completed the Bridge to Registration and Employment in Mental Health (BREM) program. She is now a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, CRPO (Qualifying status). Having recently moved to Canada, Juliana is a new member of this community and very excited to serve the mental health field. Over the years, Juliana has developed a diversified skill set covering: psychological assessment, psychoeducation, group facilitation, and delivering multiple psychotherapy modalities. She has worked with adults, families, youth, and children experiencing varied mental health concerns.
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Yana Yagudin is a registered social worker with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Yana received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in Children and Families.
Yana Yagudin is a registered social worker, with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Yana received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in Children and Families. She received her post-graduate Social Work degree through Lakehead University. Yana completed her undergraduate degree at York University, where she majored in Psychology with a specific focus on clinical and counselling psychology. Yana’s experience encompasses providing assessments and treatment for youth and adults with a variety of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem and grief. Her practice includes counselling in adolescent day treatment programs, mental health agencies as well as single session treatments. Yana is also fluent in Russian.
As a therapist trained in evidence-based treatments, Yana’s approach is client centered and flexible. Yana’s practice encompasses supporting the healthy development of individuals experiencing interpersonal and emotional struggles. By incorporating cognitive behavioural, humanistic and solution focused therapies, her goal is to work alongside her client’s in exploring their concerns and aid in the development of coping skills to help improve their overall well-being. Yana supports clients in exploring core beliefs and uncovering their resiliencies by working collaboratively to help them achieve their desired outcomes. She is committed to providing a safe, supportive and trusting therapeutic environment.
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Cris is a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. He holds a master’s in social work and is certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) through Wilfrid Laurier University.
Cris is a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. He holds a master’s in social work and is certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) through Wilfrid Laurier University. His passion lies in empowering individuals with the tools to achieve their goals and discover the inner strength necessary for lasting personal growth.
With over two decades of experience in practice and training, Cris has worked extensively with children, youth, families, and adults from diverse backgrounds. He has held roles as both a clinical practitioner and a manager in the field of Child Welfare. Cris primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) as his therapeutic approach. Additionally, he integrates “Inference-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy” (I-CBT), “Exposure and Response Prevention” (ExRP), “Emotionally Focused Therapy” (EFT) and other psychotherapy modalities into his practice. His services encompass the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Addictions.
Cris approaches his work with kindness, curiosity, and a strong intention to understand each client's unique experience. He provides services in both English and Romanian.
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Alesia is a Registered Occupational Therapist at York Region CBT. She completed her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Western University and her Specialized Honours Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences from York University.
Alesia is a Registered Occupational Therapist at York Region CBT. She completed her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Western University and her Specialized Honours Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences from York University. Alesia aims to work collaboratively with individuals using a strengths-based approach to develop, improve, sustain, or restore the highest possible level of functioning in all meaningful activities of daily living (including self-care, work/ school, leisure and social). Alesia strives to ensure individual’s goals are being met with flexibility, and prioritization and with a primary focus on improving independence and creating long-lasting growth and resilience leading to a happy, balanced and engaged life.
Alesia’s experience encompasses providing assessment and treatment to adolescents/youth (14-19yrs), young adults (20-24yrs) and adults (25yrs+) with various mental and physical health difficulties including psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain as well as OCD, OCPD, ADD and ADHD, cognitive impairment, or psychosocial dysfunction. Alesia will work collaboratively with you to determine an effective, safe and appropriate treatment plan, through the use of therapeutic strategies adapted from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) as well as Mindfulness-Based Therapy.
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Phoebe Clement-Schlimm is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, a Master of Theological Studies with a biblical counselling certificate
from Heritage College and Seminary, and a Bachelor of Social Work (with honours) from
Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson).
Phoebe Clement-Schlimm is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, a Master of Theological Studies with a biblical counselling certificate from Heritage College and Seminary, and a Bachelor of Social Work (with honours) from Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson). Phoebe’s work in social work and counselling psychology have exposed her to the complexities of human issues, particularly in anxiety, trauma, relational and familial conflicts, and immigration. She has applied evidence-based methods and have witnessed empowerment and strength in the lives of youth and adults. Working with populations with clinically diagnosed and undiagnosed anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorders have deepened her practical understandings of integrating theory and the practical spheres of human living. Phoebe’s counselling work is undergirded by the person-centered approach and encompasses an integration of CBT, mindfulness, trauma-informed, and narrative therapies.
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Cheryl is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), a Certified Human Resources Leader with the Canadian Humam Resources Professional Association, and in the final stages of completing her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Cheryl is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), a Certified Human Resources Leader with the Canadian Humam Resources Professional Association, and in the final stages of completing her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology as she completes her internship with us here at York Region CBT.
Cheryl is passionate about helping people be the best version of themselves. Her approachable style creates a relaxed, warm, and trusting environment, focusing on building a partnership with her clients. Cheryl leads with empathy to inspire collaborative conversations that are both hopeful and supportive to help her clients leverage their strengths and meet their goals.
She has 25 years of experience working with people experiencing career, relationship, and work-related challenges, with strength in supporting senior executives. Cheryl also has a particular interest in working with people experiencing grief, self-esteem issues, and unhealthy levels of stress. She works with adults using an integration of humanistic, strengths-based, cognitive behavioural, and solution-focused therapeutic techniques.
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Charissa has her Masters of Divinity and holds the title of Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Driven by a deep-seated passion cultivated over sixteen years in the field of spiritual care, Charissa dedicates herself to guiding individuals, couples, and families toward healing from past wounds and conquering future fears.
Charissa has her Masters of Divinity and holds the title of Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Driven by a deep-seated passion cultivated over sixteen years in the field of spiritual care, Charissa dedicates herself to guiding individuals, couples, and families toward healing from past wounds and conquering future fears.
Charissa understands that through life, we often encounter roadblocks that can leave us feeling stuck, unbalanced, and even helpless. For Charissa, life took an unexpected turn in 2019 when she received a life-altering diagnosis of cancer. She understands the feeling of losing hope, feeling lonely, and grief through the struggles and challenges that life presents to us.
Charissa's professional journey extends beyond her psychotherapy qualifications. She is also a Certified Communication and Mindset Coach, and provides leadership development services through her business, CCG Breakthrough Services, to professionals and corporations.
Charissa's empathetic and collaborative approach is the cornerstone of her practice. Together with her clients, she offers invaluable strategies and tools, not just for survival but for thriving in every facet of life—be it in relationships, mindset, physical well-being, professional endeavours, personal growth, or spiritual enrichment.
Her extensive experience encompasses various areas of mental health, including Anxiety Disorders, Depression, OCD, Eating Disorders, Trauma, ADHD, and Relational and Couples Therapy.
Charissa warmly anticipates the opportunity to be of service, guiding you toward a brighter and more fulfilled future.
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Suweetha is a Registered Psychotherapist and completed her Master of Psychology degree at Adler Graduate Professional School. Suweetha developed an early interest in working in the mental health field and she hopes that her professional and lived experience can assist others in their self-growth.
Suweetha is a Registered Psychotherapist and completed her Master of Psychology degree at Adler Graduate Professional School. Suweetha developed an early interest in working in the mental health field and she hopes that her professional and lived experience can assist others in their self-growth. She practices from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centred framework and believes that all individuals can reach mental wellness when they are met with compassion and acceptance along the way. She currently works with adolescents and adults using an integration of cognitive behavioural, dialectical behavioural, solution-focused, and acceptance and commitment based therapeutic techniques.
People often choose to start psychotherapy because they are struggling with negative feelings, unsettling moods, worrisome thoughts, unhealthy behaviours, and/or are having difficulties in their relationships. Psychotherapy has been shown to be an effective form of treatment to several issues related to mental health and functioning. Although there may be obstacles to psychotherapy – such as talking about upsetting issues, getting in touch with painful feelings, or changing certain relationship dynamics that were fueled by old patterns – psychotherapy has a number of important benefits including:
- Increased self-awareness
- Improved relationships
- Improved communication skills
- Clearer personal goals
- Increased confidence
- Increased ability to set boundaries
- Decreased levels of depression and anxiety
- Coming to terms with past painful experiences
Several research studies indicate that psychotherapy helps people make positive changes in their lives. The American Psychological Association cites research that, on average, individuals who complete psychotherapy are better off than 80 % of those who do not receive treatment. Although there are no guarantees that treatment will be successful in every case, there is substantial evidence that many people receive significant benefits from psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy relies, primarily, on talk-therapy interventions, rather than medication or direct physical interventions. That being said, psychotherapy is more than just “talking.” It involves the use of techniques and/or therapeutic exercises that require active participation and practice from clients. Psychotherapy also involves the development of a trusting, caring, and collaborative relationship with a professional trained in the techniques of mental health treatment.
Psychotherapy is a regulated act that can only be performed by certain regulated health care professionals. Some of these professionals include:
- Psychologists
- Psychotherapists
- Social workers
- Occupational Therapists
- Psychiatric Nurses
- Psychiatrists
Below is a chart developed by the Ontario Psychological Association highlighting the education, training, and scope of practice of some of these professionals:
It can be confusing to know which professional to contact for psychotherapy, as all the professionals listed above may offer psychotherapy services. Some of our clients choose their professional based on their insurance coverage. Even though most insurance companies cover psychotherapy services, some insurance companies may specify the type of professional you need to choose. For example, some insurance companies only cover psychotherapy services delivered by a social worker or psychologist. However, if you know you have coverage for different professionals or you are not using an insurance company, then you have a range of professionals to choose from based on your personal preferences (e.g., availability, therapy modality, cultural background, etc.). All our professionals at York Region CBT have extensive training in psychotherapy and are experienced in the treatment of several mental health disorders as well as relationship difficulties, life transitions, and stress management. Be sure to call your insurance provider if you are not clear on your psychotherapy coverage.
Some of our clients also have specific needs regarding their treatment that direct them to a particular professional. Here are some examples of what these needs may be:
If you’re interested in participating in psychotherapy treatment, click on the link below to book your phone consultation with us and learn about our services!
Also, check the Our Team page to read about our clinicians.