When I graduated high school, I thought that my life had a different trajectory. I pursued education and work in the beauty industry. It did not take long for me to realize that my favourite part of that job was connecting with people and learning about their stories and journeys. Not long after, I knew that I wanted a career change and that I wanted to help people from a deeper level. This combined with my own inadequate understanding of mental health, helped to push me down this path. In my youth, I struggled with anxiety and its physical manifestation in my body but didn’t have the education to understand what it was or how I could deal with it. This lead to unhealthy coping strategies that took lots of work to unlearn. It is from this place that I show up in session – from one flawed human to another, trying to help assist you to get to the place where you would like to be.

It can be challenging to reach out and start therapy, which is why I strive to meet you where you are at. The therapeutic relationship can be one of the most powerful tools and agents of change. I look forward to building an authentic connection and help you become the best version of yourself. I strive to always approach sessions from a non-judgemental, safe and validating space. My experience includes supporting children, youth and adults who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship changes, interpersonal conflict, emotional regulation and trauma. Before starting private practice, I worked primarily with children, youth and families. During this time, I learned a lot about myself. The journey of growth, healing and creating lasting change is one that I know well. Through ongoing inner work, I was inspired to use my knowledge along with my lived experience to help others improve their quality of life and reach their goals. I use a collaborative approach to therapy using evidence-based practices to help get to the root of your struggles and meet your unique needs. I use a holistic approach where your mind, body and spirit are honoured and taken care of. I am compassionate and focus on creating a space where you feel seen and heard. My goal is to help support you in achieving your goals and building the confidence to handle any of life’s challenges that are thrown your way. I view myself as your helper and supporter – your success is my success. 

Outside the therapy room I love spending time with my family and friends. I live for summer and being on the lake. I am obsessed with my dog and not so secretly love going to bed early. I find thrifting to be an absolute thrill – please share your recommendations with me if this is also your jam! I love exploring new places. 

Ever since I was young, when people asked me what I wanted to be, I would say, “Something where I help others.” Before I knew what therapy was, I knew I wanted to be someone who was there in dark times, to see people through and someone who always shows up without judgment. It is okay not to be okay all the time; most people aren’t. What makes a difference is acknowledging when you need help. During my life, I have struggled with depression and anxiety, feared what others may think of me if they knew what was going on inside my head, and exhausted trying to mask this all. What made a difference was being able to voice my feelings to others and knowing that I have developed my safety net by connecting to others, working through my thoughts, and using my lived experience as stepping stones.

The hardest step but the most impactful is reaching out for support. Take a moment to be proud of yourself for prioritizing your health and wellness. As a social worker with over ten years working within the field of mental health and addictions, it is hard to ignore the one commonality- Trauma. Whether this is uncovered yet or not, everyone has a story, and sometimes, those unprocessed memories or emotions have a way of getting stuck, which can shape the way we currently cope. My areas of expertise are mental health and addiction, self-worth, grief and loss, compassion fatigue/ care for caregivers and overall trauma. 

Regardless of the modality, I will always work from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and harm-reduction framework. I am dedicated to working collaboratively to support individual health and wellness by uncovering and reprocessing negative memories to build healthy and happy new ones.

Outside sessions, I enjoy spending time outdoors and up North (it is where I feel the most grounded).  I love spending time with my friends and family. I am a mom of two little people and two new fur babies. I have a passion for home décor and design. 

Hello there! My name is Javier. I am a social worker and fellow human being passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others. Over the years, my personal life and my journey in social work have been deeply influenced by my desire to help others cope with life’s challenges. 

In my work and life journey, I’ve found that authenticity is key. Growing up as an immigrant taught me the value of staying true to oneself. In my work, I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, valued, and understood. We’re all human beings, each with our own stories, and I approach my role with a commitment to finding common ground and shared humanity. 

One of my guiding principles is a strength-based approach. I’ve witnessed individuals’ resilience, and my goal is to help them recognize and build on those strengths. Together, we navigate challenges, reframing them as opportunities for growth and learning. I believe in the power of storytelling, and that’s where narrative therapy comes into play. By collaboratively crafting alternative narratives, we challenge negative self-perceptions and work towards a more empowering and positive life story. It’s about reclaiming authorship over one’s narrative and finding a sense of agency. 

Cognitive behavioural therapy is another tool in my toolkit. I love exploring the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions with my clients. Together, we develop practical strategies to manage emotions and cultivate healthier thought patterns. But beyond the techniques and theories, what truly drives me is the human connection. I see my clients as individuals with unique experiences, strengths, and dreams. Our journey together is about rediscovering those strengths, creating new narratives, and fostering positive change. 

In a nutshell, my approach is all about being real, building trust, and walking alongside my clients on their path to healing and growth. I’m here to support, empower, and celebrate the unique journey of each individual I have the privilege to work with.

Outside the therapy room, you’ll find me morphing into a dad of two children under two, which is both exciting and challenging! I am learning how not to take myself so seriously while seeing the world through my children’s eyes. I enjoy staying active, and you can find me training or signing up for the next marathon! 

Becoming a therapist was a natural extension of my deep desire to help others and witness their growth. I know that seeking therapy can be a daunting and intimidating experience, and I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to take this first step. It’s a true privilege to be part of your healing journey, and I am here to support you as you work toward a place of greater well-being and fulfillment.

My approach to therapy is holistic, person-centered, non-judgmental, and grounded in compassion and empathy. I believe in creating a safe space where you feel seen, heard, and supported without any pressure or judgment. As your therapist, my goal is to walk alongside you as you heal and grow, offering kindness and understanding at every step. I believe in empowering you to explore your strengths and work through challenges at your own pace, guided by kindness and empathy.

I utilize a range of therapeutic techniques, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and mindfulness-based approaches, tailored to meet your unique needs and circumstances. These tools are designed to help you build resilience, gain insight, and develop coping strategies for life’s challenges.

With a Master of Social Work from the University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor of Social Work from Trent University, I bring both educational knowledge and real-world experience to my work as a therapist. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, and supporting individuals such as first responders and athletes who may face unique stressors in their personal and professional lives. I also work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.

Outside of the therapy room, I assist in coaching a U18 AA girls’ hockey team, play hockey with friends in a recreational league, and explore my creative side through the use of texture art and bookbinding.