The Branches is home to a number of qualified and skillful therapists. Click their names to jump to a summary of their offerings and contact info.
Just starting Therapy with us? See this video for a tour and instructions for your first appointment.
Chris Hagen
Chris Hagen has worked with people experiencing trauma, anxiety and depression for 10 years. As you work with Chris, you will shift from feeling trapped by overwhelming fears and sadness... to knowing why you feel this way and what to do about it. You will recognize your emotions and have the ability to stop them from taking over. Chris can be found at the Branches on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Chris uses the modalities that you require according to your style of learning and growing, from thinking-based CBT to body-based EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Chris works with anyone experiencing challenges in their life, individuals ages 16 and up. Chris is an LGTBQA+ ally and is a proponent of Healthy at Every Size (HAES).
$150 per 60-minute session
To book a session visit chagen.ca
Christi-an Slomka
Christi-an Slomka (she/her), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is dedicated to holding compassionate space to explore the tenderness of being human. It’s from this place that we can gain insight into the true needs of the body, mind and heart. Together we can turn towards those needs with curiosity and empathy to build more care, meaning and possibility into our lives.
Christi-an is a Gestalt Therapist with over 15 years of experience teaching mindfulness and somatic embodiment practices (including yoga, breath work and meditation). Both personally and professionally, she’s seen the transformative power of tapping into the wisdom of the body and unpacking what comes up through the therapeutic process. Christi-an can be found at the Branches Monday-Friday, in the afternoon.
Christi-an provides individual therapy for people who are experiencing:
→ anxiety
→ overwhelm/stress
→ depression
→ body image issues
→ grief
→ numbness
→ feeling stuck
→ the impacts of trauma
→ sexual/gender identity questions
→ burnout
→ low self-esteem
→ relationship struggles
→ feeling regret
→ fertility issues
→ a harsh inner critic
→ life transitions
→ prenatal and postpartum struggles
To book a free 15-minute introductory call, please visit Christi-an’s website.
15-minute Introductory Call: Free
50-minute session: $140 +hst
To book a session or for more information, please visit Christi-an’s website.
Jen Faragitakis
Jen Faragitakis BA, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) specializes in working with women (18+) with concerns related to anxiety, self-criticism, trauma, self-confidence, self-worth, and imposter syndrome. She also works with clients to enhance their meditation practices with expansion techniques.
She practices holistically emphasizing nervous system-based modalities to help regulate the nervous system while also releasing unwanted emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and trauma. Jen is warm, collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. She always strives to create a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive space.
Learn more at www.getbliss.ca and feel free to reach out with any questions to jen@getbliss.ca
Jen can be found at The Branches on Mondays.
Individual psychotherapy:
Jen uses a combination of somatic and talk psychotherapy modalities, including Brainspotting, Natural Flow EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Parts Work, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, CBT, DBT skills, and Psychoeducation with clients.
Group Meditation & Somatic practices:
Virtual meditation and somatic group sessions will focus on different practices to help increase feelings of calm, energy, or joy. These sessions are suitable for new and experienced meditators.
15-minute consultation: free
50-minute individual psychotherapy session: $160+hst
Group meditation & somatic practices: fees vary by group
Women's wellness groups: fees vary by group
To book a service, visit www.getbliss.ca
Joshua Wade
Joshua Wade MSW, RSW
I have over ten years of experience working with a varied population facing a variety of difficulties. Life transitions, relationships, anger, trauma, anxiety, despair, and loss are among the issues addressed. I work with individuals, adults and children, families, and couples who need help through life’s problems. I will make it a point as a therapist to establish a loving, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment in which my clients can communicate and get a deeper understanding of their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.
info@mindfulpathcounselling.ca
226-208-2722
https://mindfulpathcounselling.ca
Psychotherapy focusing on: CBT, DBT, Relational, and Solution focused. I work with adult individuals and couples/relationships, as well as families.
Areas of Focus: PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationships issues, addiction.
Kristina Schwalm
Kristina Schwalm is a clinical therapist, supervisor and instructor with over 15 years experience. She is extensively trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness practices and somatic healing. Kristina specializes in working with women and femme-identifying individuals and particularly all versions of low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions and trauma.
Her therapeutic approach centres on healing and mental wellness, focusing on soothing the nervous system, and releasing from painful and unhelpful patterns of emotions and thoughts. Kristina draws on her clients’ lived experiences and wisdom and her own clinical expertise to foster meaningful and lasting change. She is passionate about her clients and her therapeutic work and provides a compassionate and supportive environment to pursue mental harmony and wellness.
Megan Svarich-Knights
Megan Svarich-Knights MSW, RSW, RDT is a Master’s Level Registered Social Worker, Registered Drama Therapist and trauma therapist. She specializes in integrating creative movement with traditional forms of therapy, and works with teens, adults, couples and families, with the knowlege that we are embodied humans and that our bodies are an important part of our individual and community healing journeys. Megan can be found at the Branches on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings.
Megan specializes in integrating creative movement with traditional forms of therapy, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems and Relational Therapy. She is also a Developmental Transformations (DvT) therapist, which is a particular type of embodied therapy relying on spontaneity and free play to support our ability to deal with the instability of Being. DvT is proven to be an effective way to heal trauma. Read more about Developmental Transformations.
Megan provides embodied group services for:
1) Adults wanting to connect to their childhood sense of wonder and play
2) Children seeking to develop emotional regulation skills and self esteem through imaginative play
3) Teens looking to make sense of the world and their place in it through embodied learning, and community reflection.
Finally, Megan also provides Theatre of the Oppressed and Rainbow of Desire workshops for social justice oriented folks seeking community reflection and embodied learning. Theatre of the Oppressed was developed by Augusto Boal. Read more about Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed.
Please connect with Megan through her website: www.theheartofthework.com
15 minute consultation: FREE
Individual Therapy:
- 50 min. $130
Couples Therapy:
- 50 min. $130
DvT Therapy:
- 50 min. $130
Group Therapy:
- $80 a session OR pricing as specified
- Email heartofthework@gmail.com if interested in getting on the waitlist for a group
Dr. Narine Dat Sookram
Dr. Narine Dat Sookram (he/him), DSW(c), RSW, MSW, BSW, BPA-HS, B.Ed., RTWDM
I have over ten years of experience working with a varied population facing a variety of difficulties. Life transitions, relationships, anger, trauma, anxiety, despair, and loss are among the issues addressed. I work with individuals, adults and children, families, and couples who need help through life’s problems. I will make it a point as a therapist to establish a loving, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment in which my clients can communicate and get a deeper understanding of their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.
Nicole Brown-Faulknor
Nicole Brown Faulknor is a Registered Psychotherapist, a yoga teacher, and a Child and Youth Counsellor. She is a member of both the Colleges of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario and the Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy. She can be found at The Branches on Fridays.
Nicole has over 18 years of professional experience working with marginalized, vulnerable, and oppressed communities, individuals, families, and children. Nicole’s yoga teaching draws on the methodology of Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY). Her approaches as a yoga teacher and a psychotherapist recognize the intimate relationship between the physical body and the psychological well-being of a person. This approach holds the view that the body is a resource for self-discovery and psychological healing. Learn more at www.wounds2wings.com, and reach out with questions to wounds2wings@gmail.com
Nicole offers a trauma informed therapy with both marginalized and non-marginalized population supporting clients with short or long term challenges such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger management
- Struggles with addiction
- Relationship issues
- Gender identity issues
- Trauma
- Complex trauma, developmental trauma, PTSD and any other survivors of trauma; traumatic event(s) including trauma(s) of war and intergenerational trauma
- Chronic pain, Symptomatic body
- Grief and loss
Individual therapy - 30 mins: (Free consultation)
Individual therapy - 50 mins: sliding scale $70 - $120 per hour
Group therapy - 90 mins: $80 per session
Somatic-based therapy - 50 mins: sliding scale $70 per hour - $120 per hour
Therapy approach that seeks to reveals the the relationship between the physical body and the psychological well-being of a person which may manifest in vary of body symptoms which may be a resource for self-discovery and psychological healing.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy - 50 mins: sliding scale $70 - $120 per hour
This model of psychodynamic psychotherapy seeks to reveal the unconscious, dynamic content of the mind, in an effort to alleviate mental tension which can manifest in a variety of symptoms that distort and disrupt our sense of self and wellbeing. By uncovering the hidden roots of our unwanted thoughts, emotions and behaviours we can consciously change how we experience the world and ourselves.
Psychiatrist Appointments & Trauma Consultations & Integrative Services - 30 mins: free consultations
In-House Psychiatrist Referrals/Consultation, Virtual Appointments with Client, Psychotherapist and Psychiatrist. No need to seek a referral from your doctor and or attend the psychiatrist appointment outside of the therapy room. This is all done through your therapist on behalf of the client.
School and Outreach Services (Varied)
Trauma-Informed Yoga Practitioner with Marginalized and Vulnerable Person(s) and Community support and specialized workshops supports within the community. As requested; please ask as services are brought to your location or to Wounds 2 Wings base location; consultation may be needed.
PTSD & OSI 60mins - $60 per session (1:1 available and small groups available)
Trauma Yoga for First Responders & Other
Adjunctive treatment for treatment resistant PTSD symptoms and Occupational Stress Injuries, embodied movements and trauma brain work, for symptoms of anxiety, depression, self-harming thoughts, emotional flashbacks, addictions (porn, substance abuse, sex, gambling etc.,) rage, shame, etc., (if you are interested please ask, outreach, private and group options available)
MAY 2020 UPDATE: The practice is currently at full capacity. Unfortunately, no new clients are being taken at this time.
Embodiment for Trauma Recovery, Nicole's Signature Course
This yoga course, Embodiment for Trauma Recovery, is exclusive to The Branches and the entire tri-city area. Sessions consist of very gentle movements, simple postures, and breath awareness. These elements of traditional hatha yoga are modified to build a trauma survivor’s sense of empowerment and cultivate a more positive relationship to one's body.
In this video, Nicole explains the methodology of Embodiment for Trauma Recovery, and shares a sample practice. Check our courses page for upcoming dates.
Embodiment for Trauma Recovery focuses on internal sensing and reclaiming choice in your body, and is less about form or technique. Absolutely everything in the class is optional, and the practice is beginner-friendly.
Nicole is an activist in ending mental health stigmas that continue to oppress and re-traumatized marginalized and vulnerable communities. Her hearts’ passion is to lovingly educate and advocate, towards ending trauma that may be mirrored back into society through systems, society, individuals, friends and families both intentionally and unintentionally, building awareness.
It means for Nicole, that she can start in the cracks and spaces of our society where we tend to not go, it is where people may have fallen, going invisible and unnoticed, Her efforts is to deal with one person at a time, as she works' towards change. Drop in, let's chat!
Rachel Brnjas
Rachel Brjnas is a registered Social Worker based in Waterloo Region and is passionate about helping individuals, families and organizations to be more whole, healthy and connected. She is the owner and founder of Tapestry Counselling and Consulting. All inquiries can be made through the Tapestry website. Rachel can be found at The Branches all day on Tuesdays.
Tapestry offers individual and group counselling services to women of all stages and seasons of life with a particular focus on perinatal mental health (for those who are pregnant or who have young children). Tapestry offers services that are person-centered, collaborative, wholistic, trauma and attachment-informed and uses tools like EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or tapping, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), art and mindfulness-based tools.
Tapestry also provides facilitation services and custom workshops for groups and organizations.
To book a session or for more information about Tapestry's services, please visit Tapestry's website.
Rochelle Kaikai
- currently on mat leave -
Rochelle Kaikai, MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker and founder of Rooted Thistle Counselling, and can be found at the Branches all day on Wednesdays.
Rochelle is passionate about supporting moms and dads as they navigate the ups and downs of family life. Whether you are trying to conceive, pregnant, new to parenting or a seasoned parent, there is a place for you here. Together we can develop a plan to support you in learning new coping skills and reconnecting with yourself. Contact Rochelle to learn more about services for parents in pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Rooted Thistle Counselling offers individual and group therapy sessions, both virtually and in-person, for moms and dads in all stages of parenthood. Rochelle uses a variety of approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness tools, and a strength-based trauma-informed perspective in her work. Rochelle’s goal is to get to know you and provide a comfortable place for you to be yourself.
To book a session or for more information about Rooted Thistle Counselling’s services, please visit www.rootedthistlecounselling.com
Ruth vanLoon
Ruth vanLoon, MSW, RSW
Bio Ruth vanLoon is a Master’s Level Registered Social Worker. She specializes in anxiety and depression, school refusal, parenting support, grief and trauma work with youth and adults, in individual or couple therapy. She has 20+ years of experience as a therapist in a medical team, and now as a social worker/critical events response therapist working in schools. She loves to support people to process their struggles, rediscover their strengths, find meaning and a sense of direction and remove the barriers that stop them from being the person that they want to be.
Ruth is flexible in her approach, utilizing methodology and practices that suit your goals and growth. She has done extensive training in a number of different modalities that she uses based on your needs: EMDR, CBT, Narrative therapy, solution focussed and DBT. She loves working with people of all ages, but has a particular focus and expertise with youth and adults who are struggling with mental health, grief or trauma.
Therapy is offered in individual, couple or family formats based on the need.
Free 15 minute Consultation to discuss issues and goals, and determine fit.
$140 for Individual, Couple or Family sessions- 60 mins.
Appointments can be booked by contacting Ruth directly by phone or text at 226-807-0061, or through Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1288779
Veronica Giannini
Veronica Giannini, MSW, RSW
Veronica Giannini (she/her) is a Master’s level Registered Social Worker with over 10 years of clinical experience and is the founder of Vibe Counselling, a youth-centred practice that supports the mental health of young folks between the ages of 12-24. Veronica can be found at The Branches on Thursdays.
Veronica believes that empowering youth toward a greater sense of wellness helps create vibrant communities. Veronica is passionate about helping others find their voice and shape their story to better understand their emotions, discover their strengths, learn new skills, build resilience and improve their relationships as driving forces for change in their lives.
Veronica has a down-to-earth and compassionate approach. She holds space for others so that they may feel empowered and know their worth. She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities in practice such as, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and Expressive Art techniques which allow for an eclectic pathway of support.
Vibe Counselling offers individual and small group therapy sessions, both virtually and in-person for youth who may be seeking support with:
Anxiety
Self-esteem
Life transitions
School-related stress
Mood concerns
Substance use
Grief and loss
Relationship issues
Gender and sexuality
Woman’s issues
Histories of trauma
To book a free consultation with Veronica or for more information about Vibe Counselling’s services and its team of youth therapists, please visit www.vibecounselling.ca.
