KRISTEN DROZDA

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Registered Psychotherapist, M.A., C.C.C., PMH-C, CYC

(416) 275-8029

Hi I am Kristen, welcome to PACE Counselling.

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I work with women who are just embarking on their parenting journey through to those experienced and working through different developmental stages with their kids. I have been working with children, teens and parents for 10+ years in a variety of different roles from parenting coaching, child and teen mental health and trauma, family conflict and strengthening relationships.

As a parent myself, I understand the complexities that come with all the different ages and the stressors that come along with trying to understand our kids and their behaviour. I want to help eliminate the guessing and overthinking, help you find your confidence and be the parent you want to be. I want to help you do all this while developing a healthy and long-lasting relationship with your child. As an individual, you often put yourself last and I am here to support you to foster positive mental health and feel your best.

I am here to be in your village!

SABINE KUSSMANN

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Registered Psychotherapist, M.A., PMH-C

Hi, I'm Sabine!

I love my role as a therapist supporting parents who are experiencing life changes, relationship issues and personal challenges.  Over the past four years, I have been working with individuals who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, occupational burnout and postpartum challenges. Before I became a therapist, I worked as a new parent support and mentor.  I get it, that parenting can feel challenging at times and trigger a roller-coaster of emotions. I want to empower you to recognize your strengths and help you overcome your personal challenges. Changes are always possible as you grow in your role as a unique individual and as a parent. I am here for you to support you in improving your relationship with yourself so that you can have a more authentic and fulfilling relationship with others. 

SARAH YOUNG

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Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying, M.A.,  Intuitive Eating Counsellor

Hi, I'm Sarah!

I value and respect the vulnerability and openness that it takes to reach out for help. I am committed to supporting your pursuit of improved mental health by encouraging healing, growth, and empowerment in a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you feel respected, seen, and heard. My areas of focus include: perinatal and postpartum mental health; fertility challenges; intuitive eating, eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image; trauma; stress management; anxiety; depression; self-esteem; identity; and life transitions.  Many women find that the perinatal period can bring up new or historical challenges around food and body image. My experience with the convergence of these areas of focus allows me to offer support that meets and reflects your specific needs. 

I believe that you are the expert in your own life. I offer a client-centered, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach to therapy. We will draw upon techniques from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including interpersonal psychotherapy and internal family systems. I offer individual therapy sessions online or by phone. I invite you to reach out to discuss the possibility of working together and look forward to hearing from you!

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CHARMIN CHARANIA

Pre-licensed Professional, M.A. Candidate

I understand this can be overwhelming, and I want to make this process as simple and seamless as possible. I would love to stand by you as you embark on this journey of healing and personal growth to become your best self. You are the expert of your life, and the fact that you are here speaks to your strength and ability to be resilient and persevere through hard times. 

My passion for mental wellness started early, and I have had the pleasure of engaging with individuals from all walks of life to create meaningful change.  I have over 8 years of experience serving diverse populations at various professional capacities. This includes mental health advocacy in employment and education, behavioural therapies, parent coaching, and group work for those experiencing anxiety, depression, relational issues, loss, and high stress.

I take a client-centred approach and integrate various methods to tailor treatment in accord to individuals’ life experiences, worldviews, and needs.  I strive to create a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental space that is open and transparent. Therapy should be a genuine and authentic experience, where you feel heard, seen, and understood as you are. 

I welcome you to become better acquainted with myself to discuss how we can join forces. 

I look forward to meeting you!

ERICA MCDIARMID

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Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying, M.A.

Hi there, I’m Erica.

I have a lifelong passion for advocating for personal wellbeing and supporting others on their own personal journey through the peaks and valleys of life. After working in the mental health sector for nearly 10 years as a public health professional, I am now completing my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University to become a Psychotherapist and work directly with individuals as they navigate life’s challenges.

I work specifically with youth and young adults who are experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioural issues, and low self-esteem. Being a teen and young adult is hard: navigating internal and external expectations, changing relationships and situations, planning for the future, all under the microscope of social media

I want to help you see your own strengths and resiliency to overcome life’s challenges while providing you with tools and resources to take on anything that comes your way. I will cheer you on through your peaks and support you through the valleys. I will approach our therapeutic relationship, not as your GPS, but as a fellow traveller with a flashlight and a backpack full of equipment for the journey together. Everyone’s path is unique and I am here to support yours

SYEDA FIZZAH RIZVI

Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying, M.A. Candidate

As cliched as it sounds, I love listening to people and being able to help them out!

My goal is to offer comfort and support to enable you to ask questions. To provide
a platform for you to express and be heard. While also working to spread awareness about mental health, because it is not secondary, it’s a necessity.

I acknowledge the efforts an individual has to make in dealing with mental health and going to therapy. If you are currently seeking therapy, deciding to go for it but
are unsure, or are trying to deal with your mental health on your own, I want to take a moment to appreciate your struggle and strength!

I would love to accompany you on this journey where I provide a client-
centred, eclectic problem-solving approach. The basic premise behind having a combined approach is to ensure that the needs of the individual are met in a unique way. It’s like wearing a coat in a session; you change one with each client, to ensure you are acknowledging and accepting their problems, perspective, and needs.

I aim to provide you a safe haven that supports expression, facilitates growth and self- discovery, and to work collaboratively with you through trust and connection to reach your goals. By creating a non-judgmental, empathic environment, we will work as a team to help you identify your strengths and potential, and in
managing distress caused by behavioural, cognitive and/or emotional difficulties.

In crux, I am here for you! Because therapy for me is about being there. No more. No less.

AMANDA D’AVANZO

Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying, M.A. Candidate

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to support others in strengthening their well-being. I have completed an Honours BA in Psychology through York University, achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Humber College, and am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. My education has put me on the path to become a Registered Psychotherapist which would allow me to support clients through their personal journeys.

My education, work, and volunteer experiences have provided me with the skills to work with vulnerable individuals from diverse backgrounds in need of guidance and mental health support. I have worked directly with clients with dementia, autism spectrum disorder, prostate cancer, and depression. I have worked with children, youth, young adults, and older adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, behavioural concerns, and low self-esteem. Daily life requires each of us to balance the expectations we set for ourselves with the expectations of others, plan for our futures, and maneuver through multiple interpersonal relationships and social situations. These experiences can be overwhelming and difficult to process on our own.

It is my job to help you identify negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in response to your daily stressors. While I can provide you with resources and tools to develop adaptive coping strategies, you are the expert of your own life. I have the skills and experience to work collaboratively with you to create a safe and effective therapeutic relationship to ensure the tools I provide are compatible with your specific concerns. I will take a client-centered, solution-focused, approach to help you identify your strengths through a holistic method in order to support and empower you to create a meaningful and valued life, while overcoming your unique challenges. I look forward to engaging in your journey toward growth, healing, and self-discovery.