“The wound is the place where light enters you.” I believe that at any moment, you hold the power to change the story of your life. My role is to support you in this journey towards self-awareness, acceptance, and control, helping you to rewrite a more positive and balanced narrative that leads to a fulfilling life.

My passion for supporting individuals in their healing journey is deeply rooted in my own experiences with the stigma surrounding mental health while growing up in Pakistan. This has driven me to work tirelessly in raising awareness about mental health issues, familial and intergenerational trauma, domestic violence,and abuse, intimate partner violence, maternal and child health issues, pregnancy stress, postpartum depression etc.

As a trauma-informed and compassionate therapist, I provide person-centered care to help individuals cope with anxiety, depression, childhood, complex and relational trauma, PTSD, personality disorders, stress, relationship issues, anger management, ADHD, grief, and more. I take a culturally sensitive, strengths-based approach, deeply understanding the complexities of relationships and family dynamics, especially within collectivistic cultures.

As a first-generation immigrant, I am intimately familiar with the challenges of acculturation and the nuances of navigating multiple cultural identities. I work with individuals, couples, and families using a range of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, Humanistic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Short-Term Solution-Focused Therapy.

I am a Certified Trauma Therapist and an ADHD-trained therapist, with additional training by The Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA). My approach is warm, safe, and empathic, and I strive to create a collaborative therapeutic alliance with my clients. I offer services in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi.

“The wound is the place where light enters you.” I believe that at any moment, you hold the power... Read More

My name is Jennifer Cerson. I am the mother of two highly sensitive children who taught me about their different needs in their day-to-day activities as well as their relationship with sleep. It did not look how I thought it would.

In working with families, I take an attachment-based and responsive parenting approach. I am a Child and Youth Worker and value the importance of this dynamic when supporting children in the school-based community. I am also a Certified Sleep and Wellbeing Specialist that looks at sleep holistically and all areas that can be impacting sleep when helping families reach their sleep goals.

My goal is to help families feel empowered to trust their instincts while parenting their unique child and to feel supported when wanting to make changes that no longer work for them. I look forward to helping families discover an alternative way to sleep while following their intuition and nurturing the attachment process while honouring responsive and respectful parenting.

My name is Jennifer Cerson. I am the mother of two highly sensitive children who taught me about ... Read More

Jillian is a Registered Psychotherapist and is thrilled to be joining Thriving Family Co. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Lakehead University, a Social Service Worker Diploma and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

Jillian is passionate about supporting children 8+, adolescents, young adults, and parents, while they navigate through life’s challenges. She believes in creating a safe space for individuals where they feel seen and validated. Jillian believes in working with families and children to build supports and tools that are tailored to the needs of each unique person and to foster each individual strength.

Jillian offers approaches such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy. Areas of focus include: grief and bereavement, trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and self-regulation.

Jillian is a mother to two toddlers and lends a compassionate ear working with individuals who are navigating the peaks and valleys of parenthood. She lives in a small town in north-western Ontario, and over the past eight years has travelled all over her district providing support to children in schools and in communities. In her personal time, Jillian loves to read, and spend time out on the lake with her husband, two children and rescue dog.

She would be honoured to support you on your mental health journey!

Jillian is a Registered Psychotherapist and is thrilled to be joining Thriving Family Co. She ea... Read More

Bhakti Shah, MSW, RSW, B.Sc. (Child Dev.), AHCPE Individual and Family Therapist, Certified Parenting Educator, Child Development Specialist

Parenting is a special journey that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and asking ourselves, “are we/am I doing this right?”. As a mother of two myself, I get it! Parenting our children touches all aspects of our lives as individuals and as couples, presenting challenges we never anticipated. Whether you are a new parent adapting to the demands of a baby, a seasoned parent feeling exhausted and burnt out, or possibly sensing disconnection from your child or your own sense of well-being, I am here to support you on this journey.

I am passionate about working with new parents, couples facing co-parenting conflicts, mothers facing burnout, parents looking to strengthen connections with their child, immigrant parents and parents dealing with childhood trauma or intergenerational trauma.

My approach to therapy is eclectic and integrative while always being inclusive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I draw from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and attachment theories. I offer a customized approach to each client; and deeply value creating a space of non-judgment where you can talk comfortably about your parenting challenges and explore your goals.

Besides the social work degree, I have a background in child development, an additional certification in attachment parenting education; and more than 15 years’ experience working with parents and children, including in child welfare. I am deeply honoured that so many families have opened their lives and challenges to me looking for support and found some. Supporting parents in transforming their relationship with their children is at the heart of my practice. I believe that children thrive when parents are supported and that together, we have the power to heal generations.

When I am not working, you would find me hanging out with my kids singing and dancing or playing board games. I enjoy binge watching shows, acting, and listening to music. In summers, our family loves spending time outdoors at the park, on day trips or some easy hikes.

Bhakti Shah, MSW, RSW, B.Sc. (Child Dev.), AHCPE Individual and Family Therapist, Certified Paren... Read More

My work with individuals and families over the past 14 years has focused on supporting clients with anxiety, depression, impacts of childhood trauma, developmental trauma, domestic violence, chronic pain, strained relationships with parents, and supporting couples with transitions to parenthood, navigating extended family relationships and more.

Since becoming a parent myself over 7 years ago and being surprised with my struggles with the transition to motherhood and the responsibilities of having a little being wholly dependent on me - I now focus on supporting clients with perinatal mental health especially the postpartum period, infant and child sleep consultations (0-8), couples therapy for parents of young children, parenting coaching as well as supporting adults with neurodivergence (ADHD) both diagnosed or self-diagnosed.

Clients often share with me how helpful it is to work with a therapist that is a parent themselves and whose child also struggled with sleep despite trying “all the things!”

My greatest joy is being able to support people in gaining a better understanding of themselves, their relationships, their struggles, their desires, their deep innate wisdom and walk alongside them towards their goals. One way we do this is to identify the values that individuals and couples have and to ensure decisions are aligned to those values. When working with me during the postpartum period sessions include information and guidance on baby sleep, how to be the parent you want to be, how to manage shifts in your various relationships including that with your partner, starting to befriend yourself and your emotions so you can do the same for your little ones.

For couples, the work focuses on helping you both feel re-connected to one another, get on the same parenting team, have time for yourselves and your relationship and more. Not only am I supporting you as a couple, but as a family systems therapist - I am looking at your entire family’s functioning. I help you to share the deeper more vulnerable parts of yourself to your partner, the things that you feel but struggle to express. I help you both learn how to read between the lines in your communication so that you feel truly seen, heard, supported and cared for.

I look forward to supporting you on your path to a life with more ease and joy.

My work with individuals and families over the past 14 years has focused on supporting clients wi... Read More

Laine Halpern Zisman, PhD is a fertility support practitioner, family building educator, and full spectrum doula. She provides fertility service navigation, counselling, and support to individuals and families at all stages of their family building journey.

Laine brings both evidence-based research and practical experience to her client sessions. She takes a holistic approach to care and helps clients to build a plan and supports that fit their unique needs, timelines, and family structures. She works with you to understand your body’s natural cycle, navigate fertility options, and work through emotional or communication barriers in your family.

She is a postdoctoral fellow at the School of Public Health and Social Policy at the University of Victoria, researching reproductive access and equity. She has published two collected volumes, Women and Popular Culture in Canada (2020) and the second edition of Queerly Canadian, co-edited with Professor Scott Rayter (2023). Her third book Conceivable: A Guide to Making 2SLGBTQ+ Family will be published by Fernwood Publishing in fall 2024. ​

If you are thinking about building your family, experiencing infertility, or have questions about navigating clinics, procedures, or donor conception - set up an appointment today.

Laine Halpern Zisman, PhD is a fertility support practitioner, family building educator, and full... Read More

She has a passion for normalizing and bringing clarity around baby sleep, development, reflux, and more. Wife and mom of two, Kaili understands the importance of trusting your mama instincts. She is on a mission to help mamas tune into their intuition and feel like the confident super moms they are. Her wit and humor make her an approachable authority on all things baby-related, as she provides down-to-earth advice that makes everyone feel like they can do this parenting thing!

She has a passion for normalizing and bringing clarity around baby sleep, development, reflux, an... Read More

Hello, I’m Dory, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) here with Thriving Family Co. I am passionate about the connection between the mind and the body. I have a deep interest in working with clients towards personal development. As a counselor, I bring a distinctive viewpoint to our sessions as an Iranian-Canadian woman who has personal experience navigating the challenges of being in biracial and bicultural marriage. I get the dynamics that come with being a parent and a spouse, which can add another layer of complexity to one’s identity. I have a special interest in perinatal mental health and find great fulfillment in assisting parents during this important time. I’m here to provide a helpful and nonjudgmental environment for you, whether you’re considering family planning goals or going through postpartum mood challenges such as increased anxiety, moodiness, rage or depression. I am aware that pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood may be difficult experiences, and I am committed to support you as you recover and develop during this time while fostering safety and trust.

Your unique story is at the heart of our counseling journey, and I firmly believe that you are the expert of your own life. Our sessions will provide you a place to be seen, heard, and validated with a compassionate and grounded approach.

Together, we’ll develop a narrative for your future journey, increase your confidence in assisting your child’s development, process feelings related to specific situations, delve into sociocultural identity, and navigate shifts in identity and relationships postpartum. We’ll also explore work on bolstering your self-awareness, strengths, and resilience. My main priorities during our journey together will be your growth, progress, and well-being.

Formal Education: Academic: My educational background is rooted in Anthropology and Psychology (BAH), providing me with a solid foundation in understanding human behaviors, cultures, and traditions as well as the complexities of the human psyche. Continuing my educational journey, I earned a Masters degree in leadership and organizational behavior (MBA), equipping me with valuable skills in communication, and interpersonal dynamics. Recently I finished the courses of a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I am a registered member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as a qualifying psychotherapist.

Movement Therapy: In the field of yoga, I have completed over 3000 Hours in Yoga Teacher Training Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation. In addition, I have led over 10 000 hours in Yoga /Mindfulness private/public classes, trainings, workshops retreats and other events.

Professional Registration & Memberships: I am a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP), a Continuing Education Provider with International Yoga Alliance (YA), and a graduate of Ontario College of Reflexology.

Hello, I’m Dory, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) here with Thriving Family Co. I am pas... Read More