Maryem Bengassem is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa. With professional experience supporting individuals across the lifespan, Maryem brings a warm, culturally attuned, and client-centered approach to therapy. Maryem specializes in multicultural, religious, and ethnic identity work and has a strong interest in helping clients navigate the complexities of belonging, family expectations, intergenerational dynamics, and the experience of moving between cultures. She has supported children, youth, and adults through a wide range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, emotional dysregulation, self-esteem, grief, relationship conflict, academic pressure, and life transitions. With extensive experience in child and youth development, Maryem is particularly passionate about supporting young people and families. Maryem draws from evidence-based modalities such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness-based approaches, and psychoeducation and adapts her work to meet each client’s unique emotional, developmental, and cultural needs. Her therapeutic style is grounded in validation, compassion, and collaborative problem-solving, with a particular focus on highlighting her clients’ strengths and building resilience. Central to Maryem’s practice is the fostering of a safe, non-judgmental, and empowering therapeutic space. She believes that feeling truly heard is essential to healing, especially in a world where many voices go unheard. Her goal is to walk alongside clients as they navigate their challenges, deepen their self-awareness, and move toward greater balance, fulfillment, and well-being. Maryem looks forward to connecting with new clients and supporting them in their growth journey.

Maryem Bengassem is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with th... Read More

Marinela holds a Master’s degree in Couple & Family Therapy and she is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She has over 20 years of experience in both private practice and community setting providing psychotherapy. In addition to practicing as an individual and couple’s therapist, Marinela has facilitated numerous mental health groups, “lunch & learns” to several companies on ‘mental health’ topics, as well as previous experience teaching at the university level. Furthermore, Marinela is currently in the process of completing training in Divorce Mediation.

Marinela is passionate about working with individuals and couples who are struggling with relational issues, separation and divorce, anxiety, depression, postpartum struggles, self-esteem, boundaries and work stress. She believes in working together, in collaboration, to help her clients achieve their goals, focusing on clients’ strengths and resiliency. Marinela is trained in many different models of psychotherapy, and draws mainly from: narrative, solution focused, CBT, Gottman and psychoeducation-to name a few. Marinela recognizes that life transitions can be hard and painful at times, and invites you to reach out to her-you do not need to go through it alone.

Marinela holds a Master’s degree in Couple & Family Therapy and she is a member of the Colleg... Read More

Embarking on a journey of positive change can feel challenging, and requires a great deal of courage. I commend you for taking the first step towards prioritizing your well-being, and I’m here to support you through this process. Each individual’s path is unique and can be shaped by various stressors that may feel unfamiliar or make life seem more difficult at times. Therapy is a deeply personal experience, and I approach it with an integrative mindset, drawing on diverse therapeutic modalities to best support your individual needs. This may include evidence-based practices such as solution-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and play-based methods while integrating a trauma-informed lens. Additionally, I take a feedback-informed approach to ensure that our work together is always collaborative, client-centred, and rooted in a strong, trusting relationship. I work with children, adolescents and adults experiencing challenges in a variety of areas such as life transitions, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, executive functioning, building social connections, stress and burnout, relationships and attachments. Additionally, I have experience working with neurodivergent populations, and I am committed to providing a supportive, understanding space for those whose experiences may differ from the neurotypical trajectory. I am committed to fostering a warm, welcoming, and culturally sensitive environment where you can feel safe, valued, and empowered to share your experiences. In our work together, I aim to help you explore your feelings, build on your strengths, and develop lasting resilience. My goal is for you to leave therapy not only with a deeper understanding of yourself but also with practical tools and skills that you can carry forward beyond treatment. Together, we can work toward achieving your goals and fostering positive change in your life.

Embarking on a journey of positive change can feel challenging, and requires a great deal of cour... Read More

With over 35 years of experience in Social Work, Paddy Houston brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University and a Child and Youth Worker Diploma from Centennial College. Paddy is a proud member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and is certified in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). She is also a trained grief support worker through Bereaved Families of Ontario.

Paddy’s extensive background as a community mental health and school-based social worker has equipped her with deep expertise in supporting children, youth, and families. She specializes in helping individuals navigate challenges such as:

Anxiety & Depression Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation Trauma & Grief School Refusal & Relationship Issues Her approach is warm, encouraging, and non-judgmental, creating a safe space for healing and growth. Using evidence-based frameworks, Paddy emphasizes psychoeducation and cognitive behavioural strategies, tailoring treatment plans to meet each client’s unique needs.

In addition to her clinical work, Paddy is a LivingWorks Certified Trainer in:

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) safeTALK She offers these trainings to organizations and community partners, empowering teams to build life-saving skills.

Paddy’s mission: To help you build on your strengths, overcome obstacles, and achieve lasting well-being.

With over 35 years of experience in Social Work, Paddy Houston brings a wealth of knowledge and c... Read More

Lori Jardine (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a proud member of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC). She brings extensive experience supporting children, youth, and families across a wide range of challenges. With more than 28 years of experience working in child and youth care, Lori has supported individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, school-related stress, self-esteem concerns, family conflict, and complex behaviour needs. She has a deep passion for working with military families and first responders, recognizing the unique stressors, transitions, and relational impacts that can arise within these communities. Lori’s approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and emotional safety. She values collaboration and works from a strength-based, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental perspective. Her therapeutic foundation includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, Mindfulness-Based approaches, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She tailors each session to reflect the individual needs, goals, and lived experiences of her clients. Lori is committed to supporting healthy attachment and strengthening caregiver–child relationships. She works closely with parents and caregivers to enhance communication, emotional regulation, and resilience within the family system. Clients working with Lori can expect a warm, validating, and supportive space where they are heard, understood, and empowered. Her focus is on helping individuals build meaningful coping skills, deepen self-awareness, and move toward sustainable, positive change. Lori is very happy to be part of the Better You Counselling Services team and looks forward to connecting with you.

Lori Jardine (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychothera... Read More

Ken works with adults, teens, and pre-teens who are navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, identity concerns, and overwhelming emotions. Many of the people he supports come to therapy feeling stuck—caught in patterns of overthinking, people-pleasing, or self-doubt, unsure of how to move forward. Ken helps clients explore what’s getting in the way and supports them in building the insight and tools needed to feel more grounded, confident, and connected to themselves.

His approach is warm, collaborative, and active. Ken doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. He meets clients where they are, helps them make sense of their experiences, and supports them in taking steps that feel meaningful and doable. Ken sees his role as walking alongside clients—offering guidance, perspective, and practical strategies, while honouring that they are the experts in their own lives.

Ken has training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and he uses these approaches flexibly based on each client’s needs and preferences. He also draws from insight-oriented and self-compassion approaches. Ken has particular experience supporting individuals working through shame, social anxiety, and sexual or gender identity exploration. He also enjoys working with clients who feel deeply, think a lot, or spend time in online or “nerdy” spaces—it’s part of his world, too.

Ken works with adults, teens, and pre-teens who are navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, identity... Read More

With over 15 years of direct professional experience working in health, community, and social services, Sarah is a skilled mental health clinician dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces that foster trust, connection, and healing for adults living with mental health challenges and addiction. Sarah’s approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, client-centered, and rooted in recovery-oriented principles. Sarah supports her clients in balancing acceptance and change; building healthy coping and emotional regulation strategies; strengthening psychological flexibility and resilience; restoring balance to the nervous system; living more in alignment with their personal values; and enhancing wellbeing and a greater sense of vitality and inner peace. Her practice incorporates elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. In particular, Sarah is skilled in and passionate about supporting people through trauma recovery and nervous system attunement, drawing from a variety of therapeutic approaches and her background in somatic movement, yoga therapy, and embodied mindfulness. Sarah is passionate about helping her clients understand the root causes of their current struggles, repair old wounds, and move forward with greater resilience and confidence. Sarah looks forward to meeting you and collaborating with you in your healing and wellness journey.

With over 15 years of direct professional experience working in health, community, and social ser... Read More

Aubrey is a Registered Psychotherapist with Qualifying status. She has completed the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University, and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Child and Youth Studies, at Brock University. Aubrey has additionally been trained in the Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM).

Aubrey has work experience with agencies and private practices providing services for: individuals with trauma, individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, Young Caregivers, individuals with special needs, and youth experiencing homelessness. These opportunities have provided Aubrey meaningful experience working with adolescents, adults, and elderly individuals who are seeking support for a variety of reasons related to their mental, social, and/or physical well-being. These experiences contribute to informing Aubreys’ therapeutic practice.

Aubrey is interested in holistic, trauma-informed, client-centered, strength-based, and cognitive behavioural based, approaches to therapy. She recognizes the importance of each clients’ individual needs when creating a treatment plan, and the importance of working together with clients to understand what positive well-being looks like for them.

Aubrey is a Registered Psychotherapist with Qualifying status. She has completed the Master of Ar... Read More

You’ve been carrying so much on your own - sudden waves of sadness, the steady pull of anxiety, or relationships that make you question your sense of self. Maybe you’ve even tried therapy before and wondered if change was really possible. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful and reflective but feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Therapy with me offers a space where your fears, contradictions, and strengths are all welcome, and where you can feel seen and supported. I find clients that reach out to me often want clarity but feel pulled in different directions. Together, we’ll explore the patterns keeping you stuck and uncover new ways forward. My style is collaborative, direct, and compassionate - with curiosity and humour woven in when they help lighten the weight. We’ll face challenges together, at your pace. I believe growth comes from honesty, empathy, and a willingness to stay present even when it’s hard. My role is to walk alongside you with steadiness and care, helping you connect with your resilience and move toward change. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to listen and help you untangle what feels overwhelming.

You’ve been carrying so much on your own - sudden waves of sadness, the steady pull of anxiety, o... Read More