About

CLINICAL SUPERVISOR, psychotherapist

Zell Dharsee, MA, RP

Locations Served: Video/Phone only

Zell utilizes a collaborative and integrative approach which blends cognitive behavioural therapy, psychoanalytic theory, neuroscience, and philosophy. His approach to counselling is to be transparent, active, empowering, and supportive as you work together. He  works with adults who are affected by a variety of personal challenges including depression, anxiety, work stress, trauma, self esteem, anger management, life transitions, relationship issues, chronic pain, and religious disaffiliation. He also conducts a variety of assessments for children and adults including intelligence and achievement testing, MVA & WSIB assessments, and assessments for immigration/refugee claims.

He completed his Masters in Counselling Psychology, and is currently training in Psychoanalysis through the Toronto Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis. Zell also holds a certificate in Concurrent Disorders through CAMH. He is a member of the OACCPP, and a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario with the CRPO.

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Carol Henderson, MA, RP

Locations Served: Yonge & Sheppard/Video/Phone

Carol believes that in our increasingly complex and multicultural society, individuals, couples and families occasionally need assistance navigating through difficult situations.  Carol works collaboratively with clients to identify modes of thinking and behaviours that may be contributing to their distress.  With a warm and empathic style, Carol encourages clients to explore their underlying issues, develop and implement solutions.  Carol's areas of interest include addictions, anxiety, couples and family therapy.

Carol graduated with her Masters in Counselling Psychology and is a member of the OACCPP.

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Adelaine Thomas, M.Ed., RP (FULL)

Locations Served: Mississauga/Video/Phone

Adelaine brings both academic and clinical experience to her work here at CCS. Clients and co-workers alike remark on the warmth, calmness, and acceptance that Adelaine exudes. She has a special interest in issues related to chronic conditions and disabilities but her areas of expertise include anger management, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, assertiveness, grief and loss. Adelaine enjoys working with clients on a collaborative and personalized approach to meet one's unique life challenges, navigate difficult situations, become 'unstuck' and recognize their unique strengths. Adelaine's therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioural yet  she will draw on an integration of specific therapies and techniques so as to meet the needs of her clients. These approaches include DBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, solution-focused and client-centered modalities of psychotherapy.

In addition to her clinical practice, she has experience providing mental health support services and consulting in both small and large public and private organizations. Adelaine is a member of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada as a Registered Rehabilitation Professional and she is in the process of registering with the CRPO.

Adelaine completed her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia with a specialization in Vocational Rehabilitation. Prior to this, she completed an honours degree in Psychology from York University. She also received a certificate of Rehabilitation Services from Seneca College, and is a certified Life Skills Coach

Psychotherapist

Jessica Armstrong, MA, RP (q)

Locations Served: Phone/Video

Jessica takes a person-centered approach, viewing each client as the expert of their own experiences. Her aim is to create a collaborative space where clients can safely work through anxiety, loss, grief, life transitions, co-dependency, depression, overwhelm, uncertainty and/or a lack of meaning and purpose. Jessica enjoys working with individuals who may be feeling stuck and misaligned from their own personal meaning and values, while exploring their authentic selves, peeling back any layers or patterns that no longer serve them.

You can expect sessions with Jessica to incorporate components of Mindful-Based Cognitive Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Her educational history involves a Bachelor of Science degree from Wilfrid Laurier University majoring in Psychology and Biology, a Behavioural Science program from George Brown College, as well as a Master\'s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.

Psychotherapist

Varshini Skantharajah, MA, RP(q)

Locations Served: Phone/Video

I believe that therapy is a unique, shared and very human experience. Whether you’re looking to address something specific, want to explore a painful experience or emotion, want to gain perspective and personal understanding, or looking for a safe, open space, I hope to be supportive of your path in therapy. Some areas I address in therapy are stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, relationships, relational dynamics, loss, grief, life transitions, experience of culture, sense of self, identity, and personal growth.

As a therapist, I am moved and motivated by our drive to heal, cope, grow and connect to others and meaningful aspects of our lives. As we connect in therapy, I believe in building a therapeutic relationship that is based on empathic understanding, curiosity, compassion and authenticity. I also strive to create a holistic space that acknowledges and explores different aspects of your identity, and your experiences within the contexts that shape your life. You are the expert of yourself and your healing, and I honour this as we collaborate to foster a shared understanding of your experience, and be supportive of your unique journey in therapy.

In practice, I am person-centered and integrative, drawing from different approaches to facilitate your unique journey in therapy. Some approaches I draw from are emotion-focused therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, contemporary psychodynamic and relational therapy; while working within a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework.

I graduated with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology, Counselling & Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto. I am a Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO, and also a member of the OAMHP

Psychotherapist

Sana Huda MA, RP (q)

Locations Served: Phone/Video

At some point, you may have experienced stress, felt anxious, overwhelmed, sad, or depressed. No one is immune to these common, human conditions. Sometimes, we can work such emotions out on our own by changing our lifestyles, reading books, taking classes, or through talking with friends and family members. Other times, we notice patterns that we haven’t been able to change on our own, or issues start to overwhelm us and negatively affect our lives, relationships, and work.

I hope to create a warm and supportive environment where my clients are encouraged to seek positive change and growth. I’m passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health in minority populations and working with youth minorities/POC. I try to learn from my client’s experiences to develop a better understanding of who they are, and how they developed their worldview. My background combined with life experiences equips me to work with an integrated approach using a person-centered, strength-based focus to help clients overcome emotional distress and behavioural issues.

I aim to work collaboratively and understand my clients by using techniques from CBT, emotion-focused, psychodynamic, and mindfulness based therapies. Life has its ebbs and flows, I am here to support and guide you during times of change, along with times of stability. I’m eager to learn more about you and help you achieve balance and empowerment in your life

Psychotherapist

Sinthuja Rajkumar, MA, RP(q),

Locations Served: Phone/Video

When individuals experience life stressors or challenges, it can be very daunting and their lives may seem to unravel. An important first step in the journey of recovery and self-discovery is talking about it with someone. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I provide ethical,
compassionate, and culturally sensitive care to the adult population through a client-led practice, including accommodation of, and respect for differences in opinions, values, and attitudes across various cultures in a cooperative, anti-oppressive practice.

I know that no single approach is the right one for every individual, thus I will utilize a collaborative and eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from multiple theoretical orientations and techniques in accordance with client goals and expectations, such as CBT, DBT, solution-focused, client-centered, and interpersonal. My main theoretical framework is surrounding a client-centered approach.

My educational background includes a MA in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University, a BSc in Psychology and Biology from University of Toronto and a graduate certificate in Mental Health Intervention from Seneca College.

Psychotherapist

Alysha Plaggemeier, MA, RP(q),

Locations Served: Phone/Video/In Person

I believe that counselling is about intentional conversations that allow you to revisit experiences, create new meanings, as well as learn and grow in the way that you feel reflects the values that you want to embody. My experiences at Yorkville University have allowed me to become exposed to many different ideas around counseling and therapy that allow me to be flexible to your needs in session. Whether we are working together on you or working on the dynamic between you and your partner(s) beginning with curiosity encourages a non-judgemental approach to counselling. I believe in an eclectic approach to counselling as no two people are alike so no two sessions are the same either. I have worked with burnout, personality disorders, couples, grief, anxiety and depression.

Psychotherapist

Jeffrey Robinson, MA, MA, PhD, RP (q)

Locations Served: Phone/Video

Jeff’s approach to counselling is to work collaboratively with his clients to address the challenges they are experiencing. Jeff integrates a range of therapeutic theories (including cognitive-behavioural therapy and existential therapy) in order to provide the client with a supportive and empowering environment where they can work toward their goals and increase their overall sense of personal well-being. Jeff works with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and a range of other issues.

Jeff completed his Bachelor's, Masters's, and Ph.D degrees in Social Psychology from the University of Toronto. He is currently completing a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and is in the process of registering with the CRPO

Psychotherapist in Training

Anny Yudina, M.A (c)

Locations Served: Phone/Video
We all experience difficulties in our lives, and we all need help sometimes. Therapy is the chance to bring about the changes we want to see and grow into better versions of ourselves. My role is to create a safe environment and empower the client to facilitate those changes. I work collaboratively with my clients to establish how they envision a better life and, together, we find ways to understand and face life’s challenges in a new way. I prefer to refrain from overthinking the past and instead reframe its perception and move forward by focusing on solutions. My preferred therapeutic approaches include cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am currently in my last year of Master of Counselling with Specialization in Counselling Psychology program. Different aspects of identities play an important role in how we experience life, and I have worked with youth and adults from various cultural backgrounds.