Hannah Esmaili

Social Worker M.S.W., R.S.W., RP.

 ” Trust my decade of experience and evidence-based philosophy to guide you to betterment ” 

MY STORY

Hannah Esmaili is the founder of Counselling2Wellness and a psychotherapist/social worker with over 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups. Hannah has worked with clients in various health care settings. She graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from York University in 2008 and a Master of Counselling Psychology from University of Toronto in 2015. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II (CCTP, CCTP-II), in good standing with the Ontario College of Registered Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Hannah has assisted her clients in addressing a number of concerns and life challenges, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship challenges, and family transitions and conflict. She has worked extensively in the areas of depression, anxiety, family conflict and complex trauma.

Hannah’s training and professional development are in the areas of: Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,  Gottman Method for marital therapy, Sensorimotor psychotherapy, Complex Trauma Certification Training , Emotion-focused and Psychodynamic therapy.

My Values & Beliefs

Belief in strenghts- based

Hannah believes that we all have the ability to grow and change. This leads her to pay attention to client strengths, in addition to their challenges. It is her belief that therapy cannot only help clients address concerns and symptoms, but also assist them in developing greater connection and meaning in their lives.

Non-judgemental

Hannah holds central the need for clients to be partners in their therapeutic work. She strives to work collaboratively in the therapy process and work closely with clients, to ensure that the goals addressed are those of the client. Hannah believes that honest exchange between client and therapist helps lead to achieving these goals.

respectful and caring

Hannah brings a genuine curiosity to her work, and a deep need to understand her client’s experiences. As such, she listens carefully to her clients, such that they feel understood and validated. It is a priority for her to create a supportive, compassionate and non-judgmental environment

Aidan McNaughton

Psychotherapist R.P

 ” Are you ready to do the work? Let’s explore whatever you wish and appreciate the beauty as it unfolds. I will offer you a caring mirror so you can become more conscious in your life”.

Aidan works with clients faced with challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief/loss, chronic pain, and major life transitions. His therapeutic approach is client-centred and combines emotion-focused and solution-focused methodologies. Aidan customizes his therapy sessions for each individual client based on their unique background, values, and presenting concerns. As a result, his approach draws on a range of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Humanistic therapy, and Psychodynamics.

Aidan is a Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). His training includes a soon-to-be completed Master’s degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy. He previously completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree focused on psychology and counselling at the University of Western Ontario.

My Values & Beliefs

Safe Environment

Aidan’s experience in various roles has given him the opportunity to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds. As such, it is important to recognize and respect the full range of our differences. In doing so and in Aidan’s therapeutic practice, he remains committed to fostering a safe environment which promotes equity, inclusion and diversity. As a therapist, it is Aidan’s aim to foster an environment where you feel safe to unpack your vulnerabilities and emotional burdens.

PARTNERSHIP APPROACH

Aidan’s work focuses on meeting his clients where they are and fostering a relationship that allows for the creation of a deep connection and a collaborative space where possibilities can be explored and change can happen.

HONESTY AND TRUST

In Aidan’s therapeutic approach, he believes that emotional honesty is a key in owing our stories and in being able to verbalize the impact of some of our lived experiences. Learning to accept how we feel can start to empower us. As your therapist, Aidan will hold space, empowering you to make courageous decisions towards hope, healing and change!

Christine Patterson

Social Worker M.S.W., R.S.W

 “ I look forward to partnering with you on your journey to wellness”. 

MY STORY

Christine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years’ experience working in multiple settings, including Inpatient Facilities, Psychiatric Emergency Rooms, Mobile Crisis, Psychotherapy in a Private Practice, Clinical Director for a Community-Based Agency and a Director at the New York State Office of Mental Health.

Christine received her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University, NYC in 2002, a certificate in CBT training from the Beck Institute, Philadelphia PA, in 2008 and a Post Masters Certificate in Integrated Primary Care and Behavioral Health from New York University, NYC in 2014. She is a registered Social Worker (RSW) in good standing with the Ontario College of Registered Social Workers and Social Service Workers and with the Ontario Association of Social Workers. She is also licensed in the State of New York as a Clinical Social Worker with Psychotherapy privileges.

Christine’s area of clinical expertise includes working with individuals, couples, and groups, on issues related to anxiety, anger, depression, relationships, bereavement and neurodiversity. She draws from a variety of approaches, including CBT, Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

My Values & Beliefs

RESILIENT

Christine strongly believes that each person holds within them the strength and capability to overcome all challenges that come their way. She believes that by empowering clients to identify and make meaningful shifts in their lives, through vulnerability, self-compassion and manageable daily skills, their strengths will surface.

PERSON-CENTRED STRENGTH BASED

Christine believes working to eliminate distress and helping the client reach their individual goals facilitates personal growth and self-confidence.

By focusing on the client’s goals (person centered), not the therapists, Christine is able to be wholly present, to listen and engage fully with the client and their story and to recognize and individually address their expectations while in therapy.

ACCEPTING, GENUINE & INCLUSIVE

Christine approaches therapy in a warm, non-judgmental and accepting way, while also being honest and direct as she believes trust and integrity are essential elements for a therapeutic alliance to be successful.

 

 

Amallie de Fonseka

Social Worker M.S.W., R.S.W

By fostering a supportive therapeutic alliance, clients feel comfortable to discuss their struggles and successes in a supportive environment.

My Story

Amallie is a Licensed Masters Social Worker with over 17 years of experience working in a variety of roles. She is a Toronto native and has graduated with a Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, a Bachelors of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor and a Bachelors of Arts with Honours degree from Queens University. She is licensed with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers as well as the State of Michigan and remains in good standing with both licensing bodies.

Amallie has a passion to work with the community and experience treating families, couples and individuals. She has worked in the ICU and Emergency units during Covid, as well as has a history of working in outpatient, substance treatment facilities, refugee and domestic violence shelters, inpatient hospital settings while supporting clients to rebuild their lives; with court mandated clients with substance abuse, victims of crime and through complex trauma.

Amallie also has experience working with clients with family systems issues, divorce, academic difficulties, intergenerational conflicts and PTSD. Amallie’s training and professional development is in the areas of: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Marital Approach, Family Systems Therapy, Harm Reduction, Solutions Focused Therapy, Empowerment Model, Psychodynamic Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

My Values & Beliefs

Non-judgemental

Amallie has extensive experience working with a variety of different populations and believes it is important to understand the world from each client’s point of view including the complexities that life often brings. By fostering a supportive therapeutic alliance, clients feel comfortable to discuss their struggles and successes in a supportive environment.

Collaborative Partnership Approach

Amallie believes in helping clients by walking with them on their paths to finding resolutions. Amallie works collaboratively with a client and their support system to achieve goals. Amallie often will help clients to advocate, express their needs and find ways to balance their needs while building strength and insight into themselves. It is when a client is empowered in a supportive therapeutic relationship that they can take steps towards achieving their goals.

Commitment to Client Centered Focus

Amallie is committed to providing client’s therapy that fits their needs and uses a variety of different therapeutic modalities to assist clients in interventions. By using practical and solution focused modalities, Amallie is able demonstrate her passion for working with the client and their partners centered on fostering growth and building support.

Patricia Sebbag

Social Worker M.S.W., R.S.W

“Emotional freedom is a process. Let me help you work through the clutter and achieve emotional wellness.”

My Story

Patricia Sebbag is a social worker with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups. Patricia has worked with clients in the community, acute health care settings, and long-term care as well. Patricia graduated with both a Bachelor and Master of Social work Degree from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. She is a social worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Registered Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and with The Ontario Association of Social Workers.

Patricia has assisted clients, who have experienced challenges in the areas of depression, anxiety, work changes, immigration, palliative care, loss and grief, chronic pain management, family relationship conflicts, stress management, and trauma. She has worked extensively in the areas of health challenges, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain management.

Patricia’s training and professional development is in the areas of: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based Practice, and Motivational Interviewing Techniques.

Patricia has extensive experience working in acute care hospitals (inpatient and outpatient services) and long-term care assisting patients and families recover from major life changes and due to sudden illness or chronic health challenges.

My Values & Beliefs

CLIENT FOCUSED

Patricia is committed to providing client centered counselling focused on helping individuals achieve stated goals. The benefit of Goal Setting is to highlight and promote motivation and self-esteem. Patricia is dedicated to helping clients recognize their strengths and fostering confidence and self-awareness to achieve positive results and success.

CARING AND EMPATHETIC APPROACH

Patricia believes in creating a caring and safe environment that encourages clients to share personal thoughts. She demonstrates kindness, empathy, support, and collaboration. She is respectful of clients’ choices and believes that clients are responsible for their own lives. Patricia helps empower and strengthen people to make choices for themselves, while pointing out the impact these choices can have on others around them. Ultimately, Patricia’s goal is to help clients feel empowered and able to improve their emotional well-being.

PROFESSIONAL, HIGHLY SKILLED, AND ATTENTIVE

Patricia is a highly skilled professional who is passionate about her work. She demonstrates warmth, energy, and genuine interest in the well-being of her clients. Patricia draws from hr own life experiences as well as her clinical training to help validate clients’ concerns and challenges. She is down to earth, practical, and focused on helping achieve results. Her goal is to create a non-judgemental safe environment for clients to feel comfortable to explore the issues that arise.

Kelly Stephenson

Social Worker M.S.W., R.S.W.

“It would be an honour to be part of your journey toward better health, well-being, and resilience.”

My Story

Kelly has been a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers since 2009, is a Registered Social Worker, and has remained in good standing throughout this time. She has a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto, as well as an Honors Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University formerly known as Ryerson. Kelly has professional experience working with individuals and couples through her roles in both post-secondary and community mental health organizations.

Kelly’s training and professional development is in the areas of: Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Counselling, Trans Care in Mental Health, and Emotion-Focused Counselling. Kelly has assisted clients who were struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, loss and grief, low self-esteem, chronic health issues, stress management, and trauma. She additionally has experience working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and strives to create a safe space for all clients.

My Values & Beliefs

Client Centered

Kelly is committed to client centered counselling and considers client concerns within the greater context of their lives. Kelly and her clients work together to set goals for therapy and find solutions that are mutually agreed upon. She believes clients have many strengths, which can be used to assist them in achieving their therapeutic goals.

INCLUSIVITY

Kelly strives to be inclusive of individuals from diverse backgrounds and is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all of her clients. She is non-judgmental, respectful, empathetic, warm, and recognizes that individual clients have had their own unique life experiences.

Life Long Learning

Kelly is passionate about her education in Mental Health and will continue to study evidence-based therapies, as they are relevant to her interests and client concerns. She is also committed to advocating for equality inside and outside of the therapy office and is continually learning new ways to do so.

Nilecho (niles) Patel

Social Worker M.S.W., R.S.W.

 “I draw on my active listening and humanistic approach to support you.”.

My Story

Niles has been practicing as a therapist since 2014, working with adults, youth and families. He has worked in community agencies, university settings, and private clinics, and has supervised graduate-level interns in brief, walk-in and ongoing counselling.

Specialty: Supporting individuals to deepen their coping and emotional expression around issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, communication issues, life transitions, grief and loss, and self-esteem. Working with people who would like to improve their communication skills and emotional expression, and develop new ways to strengthen their relationships.

Approach: Niles uses an integrated approach adapted to each individual’s unique circumstances, meeting people where they find themselves in the moment. His approach draws from emotion-focused, psychodynamic, relational-attachment based therapies, through a client centred, strength-based and solution-focused lens. Niles is grounded in anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and trauma-informed practices, offering an open-minded outlook towards well-being.

Perspective: Niles believes we share many commonalities in the ways we search for meaning, identity, contentment, personal satisfaction, and authentic living. He views therapy as an opportunity to develop tools and skills, and practice new ways of behaving and relating in a safe environmen

My Values & Beliefs

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Niles believes that every person has a right to explore and discover their needs and wishes.  His role as a therapist is to help clients determine what they want to achieve and to support them as they move forward with their goals.

CARING APPROACH

Niles believes in the importance of providing a caring environemnt that respects the life experiences of each of his clients. He strives to integrate different treatment modalities to fit the needs of the client. Niles respects that clients are responsible for their lives and will work to empower and strengthen people to make choices for themselves while recognising that these choices can impact others.

EVIDENCE-BASED

Niles believes in the importance of helping people to understand and integrate their own life experiences. He draws from his own life coupled with his clinical training to support clients to challenge and change their lives. His goal is to create a safe and caring environment for clients to explore the issues they are facing.

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Counselling 2 Wellness

2360 Bloor Street West,  Toronto

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