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Our counselling and psychotherapy services focus on providing you with a confidential and non-judgmental therapeutic environment where you can explore the challenges you are facing in your life.

 

At Chanderbhan Counselling Services we believe in providing therapy and counselling that is:

• Client-centred
• Confidential
• Culturally sensitive & culturally aware
• Non-discriminatory & Non-judgemental

 

Our Therapeutic Approach

We believe in using a multi-modal approach to counselling to structure each session based on your therapeutic goals and needs. Often times, solution-focused, cognitive behavioural, emotion-focused therapy as well as psycho-educational approaches are used with our clients. What’s most important to us is building a therapeutic alliance with our clients and creating an environment where clients can gain the most from their experience and create lasting change.

 

Our Associates

Dharshini Chanderbhan, M.A., Clinical Director

Dharshini graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Biology from the University of Toronto. She then completed her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Dharshini enjoys working with people to achieve a sense of overall fulfillment. Using warm and encouraging support, she allows people to rediscover their confidence, find life balance and enjoy every aspect of their lives. Dharshini’s theoretical training is primarily in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but she firmly believes that each person’s story is unique, and that using an integrated approach is often ideal to maintain long term success.

Dharshini is a registered member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychotherapists, and Psychometrists (OACCPP). Dharshini has worked with individuals and couples, and her experience includes working with women and men suffering from abuse and trauma, men and women with anger management issues, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, stress management, post-traumatic stress, marital issues, and relationship issues. Dharshini firmly believes that cultural awareness is important in building a therapeutic relationship with her clients, and has had training in cultural sensitivity and experience working with culturally diverse groups.

 

Allison Reeves, M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D. (c)

Allison graduated with a Bachelors degree in Health Science and Biology from the University of Western Ontario. She then completed her Masters of Arts in Health Promotion, where she worked in the field of women's health. After living and working overseas in both Europe and India, she returned to Toronto to complete a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is currently working toward her doctorate in Counselling Psychology.

Allison is a member of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). Allison has worked with a diverse clientele, and has a deep respect for cultural differences. She has experience working with couples, adolescents, individuals presenting with depression and anxiety, as well as substance abuse, anger management, relationship, and self-esteem concerns. She also has training and experience in psychological assessment. Allison's theoretical approach is person-centred, and uses aspects of solution-focused, cognitive behavioural, and emotion focused therapies.

 

Katie McMahon, M.A.

Katie graduated with an Honours B.A. in English with a Minor in Psychology from York University. After a successful business career, Katie returned to University, and has completed her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree through Yorkville University.

Katie has a passion for promoting the personal and interpersonal functioning of others. She believes in focusing on well being and that this model is of benefit to all individuals whether they are in crisis or not. Katie believes that having the opportunity to work with an objective individual who can help to organize thoughts and experiences can only enhance one’s life experiences. She feels that everyone deserves a chance to overcome hardships and find happiness in life. As a counsellor, she cultivates relationships with clients that enable them to work through life’s difficulties and to find ways of creating joy in their own lives.

Katie’s areas of interest include: grief work, couple therapy, anxiety and depression, family counselling and trauma.

 

Mitch Smolkin, M.A.

Mitch completed his Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He is also a candidate in the analytic psychology training program at the Ontario Association of Jungian Analysts. Mitch also holds an Honours Bachelors of Arts in Theatre from the University of Toronto, and diplomas in language studies from Columbia and Vilnius Universities.
Mitch’s therapeutic philosophy and practice stem from a lifelong interest in mental health issues. He takes a holistic approach with the ultimate goal of encouraging and supporting the full realization of the individual’s potential. Specific areas of interest include depression, relationship issues, couples counselling, intergenerational trauma, career counselling, anger management, and self-esteem. His theoretical orientation also includes the analysis of dreams at the client’s discretion.

 

Carol Henderson, M.A. (c)

Carol has a B.A. in Fine Arts from Brock University, a Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction from Ryerson University and is currently completing her Masters of Counselling Psychology degree at Yorkville University.

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.

 

Erica Berman, M.A. (c), Ph.D.

Erica graduated with a PhD in Exercise Sciences from the University of Toronto.  She has over 10 years of experience doing health-related research with various patient groups and health care practitioners.  She is also a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor with over 18 years of experience in the fitness industry.  Erica is presently finishing her Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and recently completed a certificate in infertility counselling through TAPE Educational Services, a provider of Continuing Education programs affiliated with the Division of Continuing Education at the University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto.

Erica’s main areas of focus are infertility and couple’s counselling and she is also interested in anxiety, eating disorders, health behaviour change, self-esteem and anger management.  Erica believes in taking an eclectic approach to counselling, integrating strategies and techniques from a variety of theoretical approaches to best suit the needs of the client.

 

Andrea Duncan, M.A. (c),

Andrea graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology, Kinesiology and Physical Education from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is currently completing her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Andrea’s caring and empathetic style is integrated with a solution focused approach to help individuals achieve their goals.

Andrea’s interest in mental health issues has influenced her 10+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disability, Down Syndrome, and/or other multiple exceptionalities. Areas of client concern include academic development, social skills training, anger and behavioural management, and independent life skills and transitioning. Working with diverse clientele, Andrea is dedicated to helping all individuals reach their full potential, by creating a supportive environment and encouraging a well balanced lifestyle.

 

Sandy Kiaizadeh, M.A. (c),

 

Sandy is currently completing her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology at Yorkville University. Additionally, she is furthering her professional development with certificates in Solution-Focused Counseling, and Applied Mindfulness Meditation Psychotherapy through the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Aside from her deep interest in Counseling, Sandy holds her certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Windsor Law, is a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University's John Molson School of Business, and is a practicing Life and Career Coach, having attained her Adler Trained Coach (ATC) designation at Adler International Learning, in association with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto. Sandy is an active member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychotherapists, and Psychometrists (OACCPP), the Canadian Professional Counselors Association (CPCA), the International Coach Federation (ICF), as well as the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA).

Sandy's clinical interests include anxiety, depression, eating disorders (including binge eating, disordered eating, chronic dieting, emotional eating, and body image concerns), self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties (personal and/or professional), life transitions, and stress management. Her counseling approach is empathic, client-centered, collaborative, and solution-focused. Sandy is passionate about empowering her clients to reach their fullest potential, find clarity, make meaningful and important choices, and take the necessary steps to achieve long-lasting, positive change.

 

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