Hi, I’m Carissa (she/her), a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with over 15 years of experience supporting children, youth, adults, and families across school, home, and community settings. I offer a warm, compassionate space where individuals can feel safe, understood, and supported as they navigate life’s challenges.

My work is grounded in an attachment-based, trauma-informed, and client-centred approach, with a strong focus on understanding the role of the nervous system in our emotional and relational experiences. I support individuals experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, trauma, grief and loss, and the impacts of sexual violence, as well as those navigating life transitions and relationship concerns. I also have a strong focus on supporting and strengthening caregiver-child relationships.

I integrate a range of approaches to meet each individual’s unique needs. With children and families, I often incorporate play-based and relational interventions, including Synergetic Play Therapy and Theraplay-informed practices, to support connection, co-regulation, and felt safety. I work collaboratively with caregivers to help them better understand their child’s nervous system and develop practical ways to support regulation and connection at home.

With adults, I draw from Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), alongside client-centred and strengths-based approaches, to support deeper self-understanding, emotional processing, and more secure relationships with self and others. I also help individuals build awareness of their nervous system—supporting them in recognizing patterns of stress and regulation, and developing greater capacity to respond to their experiences with clarity, flexibility, and self-compassion.

I hold a Bachelor of Applied Child Studies from Mount Royal University and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. My background includes extensive work in child and family-serving organizations, as well as supporting individuals impacted by trauma and complex life experiences.

I view therapy as a collaborative process—one that honours your story, builds on your strengths, and supports meaningful, lasting change.

Outside of counselling, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our 8-year-old daughter, and our two cats. I love cozy movie nights, travel, meaningful conversations, and the quiet moments that remind me of the beauty in slowing down. I also have a growing love for reading and exploring stories that reflect the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

What you can expect:

A warm, caring environment

Collaborative, strengths-based support

Gentle guidance

Practical tools

A space where healing and growth feels possible

Hi, I’m Carissa (she/her), a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with over 15 years of experience... Read More

I am a registered psychologist specializing in child psychology. I provide support and children ages 0-12.

I provide support with a variety of concerns, including parenting concerns, divorce/separation, anxiety, social problems, school-related concerns, grief and loss, ADHD, high-functioning autism, and emotional regulation. I also have completed training in EMDR and the ARC trauma framework to work with children who have experienced trauma.

I use an integrated approach, focusing on attachment and emotional processing while incorporating various techniques to suit each individual. I value each client’s unique qualities and work with them to develop their strengths to help them meet their goals. Children engage best through play, so I incorporate games and activities in my sessions to help children have a good experience with the counselling process.

Take the first step toward your child’s well-being. Click on the link to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. This consultation will give you a glimpse of my services and how I can help your child.

I am a registered psychologist specializing in child psychology. I provide support and children a... Read More