.png)
Our Team
Florina Psychotherapy is led by a multidisciplinary team committed to culturally informed, trauma-aware, and relationship-centred care. Our clinicians and leadership bring together lived experience, clinical training, and deep respect for the diverse communities we serve.
MALIGNE BRUNI
Pronunciation: ma-leen
Founder & Clinical Director
MACP, RP (Qualifying), BAHSA, LPN
Currently Not Accepting Clients
-
Master of Counselling Psychology (Honours)
-
Bachelor of Human Services Administration (Distinction)
-
Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma
-
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
-
Licensed Practical Nurse, College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta
-
-
Adults
-
Seniors
-
Couples
-
Group therapy participants
-
-
Addictions and substance use
-
Eating disorders and body image concerns
-
Grief and loss
-
Relationship challenges, including building healthy relationships and boundaries
-
Cultural identity and intergenerational experiences
-
Frontline worker stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue
-
Self-worth, self-esteem, and inner healing
-
Maligne has always felt a strong calling toward helping others. With over a decade of experience in nursing, she has supported individuals across hospitals, clinics, and community settings, working within specialty medicine, surgery, addictions, and eating disorders.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Maligne grew up in a multigenerational Filipino household. As a second-generation Filipino Canadian, she deeply values family and community while also understanding the quiet tension of navigating life between cultures.
Over ten years ago, during her own search for a therapist, Maligne noticed a lack of representation among mental health professionals. This experience became a driving force behind her work — inspiring Filipinos, BIPOC, and other marginalized individuals to pursue leadership and careers in mental health, while helping create therapeutic spaces where everyone feels seen, respected, and supported.
Her personal journey with self-image and an eating disorder further shaped her approach to therapy. Through her own healing, Maligne came to understand that true worth lies not in appearance, but in character, connection, and compassion. She lives by the belief: “Our greatest legacy is the way we touch the hearts of others, not the way we look.”
Today, Maligne blends clinical knowledge, lived experience, and empathy to walk alongside clients with care and intention.
Outside of work, she enjoys creating cozy spaces, exploring coffee, tea, and bubble tea spots, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She previously played soccer as a defensive player and has recently discovered a love for pickleball. She also enjoys quiet evenings at home with her dog, Romeo.
.jpg)
-
Master of Counselling Psychology
-
Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology (Hons)
-
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), College of Registered
-
Psychotherapists of Ontario
-
-
Children (6+)
-
Adolescents and teens
-
Young adults
-
Adults
-
-
Anxiety and stress
-
Depression and low mood
-
Grief and loss
-
Life transitions and major changes
-
Relationship challenges
-
Self-esteem and identity concerns
-
Emotional overwhelm
-
Serena has always felt drawn to helping others and to hold space, listening deeply, and walking alongside people through life’s harder moments. Her work comes from a genuine desire to support others in feeling seen, understood, and less alone. She believes healing begins when people feel safe enough to share their stories, and she considers it a privilege to be trusted with that vulnerability.
Serena’s journey into this work has been shaped by both personal and professional experiences, as well as witnessing how powerful it can be when someone finally feels heard. She is passionate about creating spaces where individuals can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and explore what they are carrying with care and compassion.
In her work, Serena strives to offer a warm, grounded, and supportive environment where clients do not need to have everything figured out. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative and gentle — a space where vulnerability and strength can coexist, and where growth unfolds at a pace that feels safe and meaningful for each person.
Outside of therapy, Serena values spending time with loved ones, staying active, and finding moments of calm that help her remain grounded. She gently encourages clients to cultivate these same grounding practices in their own lives.
PAULA GONZALEZ
Pronunciation: Paw-luh
Clinical Supervisor & Registered Psychotherapist
MCP, CCS, RP
-
Master of Counselling Psychology
-
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology
-
Registered Psychotherapist, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
-
Canadian Clinical Supervisor, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
-
Paula has practiced as a Registered Psychotherapist for over ten years and as a Clinical Supervisor for more than five years. She is deeply passionate about supporting both clients and supervisees in living and working in ways that feel aligned, meaningful, and sustainable.
Her interest in clinical supervision is grounded in the belief that effective therapy begins with supported, reflective clinicians who feel confident in their professional identities. Paula values supervision as a space for growth, curiosity, and collaboration — where therapists can bring their full selves, questions, and uncertainties without judgment.
Her approach is guided by authenticity, openness, and mutual learning, creating an environment where both clinicians and clients can thrive.
Outside of work, Paula enjoys spending time in nature, discovering new restaurants, and exploring creative outlets such as photography, which help her stay grounded and inspired.
Florina Psychotherapy collaborates externally with Infinite Horizons Psychotherapy.
Eskay Ilori
Pronunciation: S-K
Educational Consultant
MACP, CCC, Registered Provisional Psychologist
-
Masters of Counselling Psychology
-
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geology
-
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
-
Registered Provisional Psychologist, College of Registered Psychologists of Alberta
-
Eskay believes that therapy is not primarily about technique, but about encounter. Technique provides structure; relationship provides healing. His approach is deeply relational, influenced by his mentor Irvin Yalom, who emphasized that the most important instrument brought into the room is not theoretical orientation, but the therapist’s authentic self.
He conceptualizes his work through an existential framework. Rather than searching for meaning on behalf of his clients, he engages with them in a collaborative meaning-making process. Therapy becomes a shared exploration of what it means to be human—to suffer, to love, to lose, and to choose. For Eskay, the questions often matter more than the answers. Uncertainty is not something to eliminate, but something to hold and bear together.
To support this process, he integrates a range of modalities. He draws on Narrative Therapy to help clients author new stories, Internal Family Systems (IFS) to understand and befriend their internal parts, EMDR to access and reprocess what the body holds, attachment-based work to explore relational patterns, and somatic approaches to honor the wisdom of the body. He views these modalities not as competing frameworks, but as different doors into the same room of a client’s lived experience.
In his work with therapists-in-training, Eskay creates a space where emerging clinicians can examine not only what they do in the room, but who they are in the room. Together, they explore edges, gifts, fears, and growing capacities—not as problems to fix, but as the raw material of professional and personal development.
His goal is to help therapists become more fully themselves, trusting that the authentic self, when brought consciously into the therapeutic space, is the most powerful tool they will ever have.
If one is ready to engage in this depth of work, Eskay would be honored to walk alongside them as a fellow traveler.
MATTEO BRUNI
Pronunciation: mah-tay-oh
Operations & Clinic Manager
High School Science Teacher | B.Ed., B.Sc.
-
Bachelor of Science — Major in Biology, Minor in Psychology
-
Bachelor of Education — Major in Biology, Minor in Physical Sciences
-
Matteo brings over eight years of experience in education, with a strong foundation in psychology that informs his approach to leadership, operations, and relationship-building. He believes that safe, supportive environments are built through trust, communication, and strong interpersonal connections.
Throughout his teaching career, Matteo has worked across the K–12 public education system, supporting students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. His work has involved close collaboration with counsellors, therapists, psychologists, and learning support teams to address students’ academic and emotional needs.
For the past five years, he has taught high school and currently facilitates General Psychology courses for Grades 10 and 11, further strengthening his understanding of mental health, development, and systems of care.
Outside of work, Matteo stays active through sports, particularly soccer, which he continues to enjoy despite past injuries. He coaches his school’s Senior Boys Soccer team, trains for marathons, and enjoys hiking, golfing, and cycling with his dog, Romeo.
-
Masters of Counselling Psychology in Progress 2026
-
Bachelor of Arts General (Psychology) honours
-
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
-
-
Youth
-
Young Adults
-
Adults
-
-
Grief and Loss (including death, breakups, and identity transitions)
-
ADHD and neurodiversity
-
Anxiety and stress management
-
Life transitions and personal growth
-
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
-
Trauma-Informed Counselling
-
Strength-Based & Narrative Approaches
-
Existential Therapy (meaning-making, identity exploration)
-
I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up exactly as you are—without judgment, pressure, or the expectation that you need to have everything figured out.
With over three years of experience in addictions recovery and trauma-informed care, I’ve had the privilege of supporting people through some of life’s most difficult and uncertain moments. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. I want you to feel heard, respected, and empowered to move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
I also recognize that our mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Stigma, systemic barriers, marginalization, and our life experiences can all shape how we experience ourselves and how easily we can access support. I strive to understand the bigger picture of what you’re carrying rather than viewing your challenges in isolation.
I believe healing is not a straight line. There may be setbacks, unexpected turns, and days when simply getting through feels like enough. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. I approach each person with compassion, accountability, and deep respect for their autonomy, because you deserve to have a voice in your own healing.
I have experience supporting individuals navigating grief and loss—including the loss of a loved one, relationship breakups, and identity transitions—ADHD, anxiety, self-discovery, emotional regulation, and major life transitions.
Together, we can explore what’s happening beneath the surface while building practical tools that you can actually use in your everyday life. My approach combines strengths-based strategies with practical, skill-building tools to help you develop greater emotional regulation, resilience, confidence, and trust in yourself.
You don’t have to know exactly what you need before starting therapy. We can figure that out together.
Outside of the therapy room, I’m usually listening to music, playing video games, going for long walks, spending time with my family, or finding ways to stay connected with my community.
I bring that same curiosity, authenticity, and sense of connection into my work. I believe therapy can be a place for hard conversations, but also a place where you can discover your strengths, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with the person you are becoming.
Wherever you are in your journey, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
.png)
-
Master's of Counselling Psychology (In Progress)
-
Bachelor of Arts Major in Psychology, Minors in French and English
-
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
-
Memberships with the Canadian Sports Psychology Association (CSPA), the Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP), and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
-
-
Youth (10+)
-
Adolescents and teens
-
Young Adults
-
Adults
-
Athletes & Performers
-
Caregivers & Family Members of Special Needs Individuals
-
-
Performance pressure and performance culture
-
Identity development and self-concept
-
Perfectionism and burnout
-
Life transitions in youth and young adults
-
Caregiver stress, family dynamics, and advocacy within neurodivergent and support system
-
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
-
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
-
Somatic
-
Narrative Therapy
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Internal Family Systems (IFS)
-
I’ve always been curious about people—how we think, how we make sense of our experiences, and what shapes the person we become. I believe that feeling truly understood can be powerful, and I strive to create a space where you can show up as you are, feel heard, and explore what matters most to you.
My background as an Educational Assistant has shaped the way I work with others. I’ve learned that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting someone. I value patience, flexibility, and meeting people where they are, adapting my approach to honour each person’s unique strengths, needs, and experiences. Building genuine connections is at the heart of what I do.
My connection to athletes and performers is also personal. After unexpectedly leaving sport, I found a new sense of joy and identity through the performing arts—singing, musical theatre, choirs, and festivals. These experiences taught me how deeply our identities can be connected to the things we do, the communities we belong to, and the dreams we pursue. They also gave me a deeper appreciation for the emotions that can come with pressure, change, comparison, uncertainty, and starting over.
I’m particularly passionate about working with youth (10+), adolescents, and young adults, as well as athletes, performers, and families navigating neurodivergence. I’m especially interested in supporting individuals as they explore identity, body image, performance pressure, burnout, transitions, and emotional well-being.
I believe growth doesn’t always look like having everything figured out. Sometimes, it looks like slowing down, asking different questions, understanding yourself a little more deeply, or simply having someone beside you while you navigate what comes next.
Outside of my professional life, you’ll usually find me discovering small live music venues, staying connected to the arts, planning my next trip, exploring local coffee shops, or spending time with my dog, Drew.
You don’t have to have it all figured out before you reach out. Sometimes, the first step is simply having a place where you can begin.
-
Master of Counselling Psychology in Progress 2026
-
Bachelor of Social Science
-
Law Clerk Diploma
-
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
-
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
-
Membership with Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
-
-
Teens (16+)
-
Young Adults
-
Adults
-
-
Anxiety
-
Self Esteem Challenges
-
Time Management Difficulties
-
Stress & Burn out
-
Major Life Transitions such as graduate studies, career changes, breakups, separations, divorces, those who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about what comes next.
-
-
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which she integrates in a practical, flexible, and individualized way to support meaningful, values-driven change.
-
I believe that our relationships and experiences can shape the way we see ourselves, connect with others, and move through the world. I’m especially attuned to the impact that relational stress and trauma can have on our emotional well-being, relationships, and sense of self. I approach my work through a trauma-informed lens, with compassion, curiosity, and an understanding that there is often more beneath the surface than what we see.
My approach to therapy is person-centred, collaborative, and grounded in empathy. I want therapy to feel like a space where you can take a breath, let your guard down, and show up as your authentic self—without judgment or the pressure to have everything figured out.
I believe you are the expert in your own life. My role isn’t to tell you who you should be or what you should do. Instead, I’m here to walk alongside you, helping you better understand yourself, explore patterns that may no longer be serving you, and develop tools that feel meaningful and realistic for your life.
Together, we can work toward greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, healthier relationships, and a stronger sense of self-trust. I believe meaningful change doesn’t have to happen all at once. Sometimes, it starts with feeling safe enough to be honest, curious enough to explore, and supported enough to take the next step.
Above all, I want my clients to feel that therapy is a place where they don’t have to perform, pretend, or have all the answers. You can simply come as you are.
Outside of the therapy room, you’ll usually find me spending time with my fiancé, doting on my dog, or connecting with my extended family—often over good food, plenty of laughter, and the occasional loud family gathering.
Those relationships mean a lot to me, and I bring that same warmth, relatability, and lightness into my work with clients. I believe therapy can hold space for the difficult things while still making room for hope, humour, connection, and the parts of life that bring us joy.
.png)
-
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology in Progress 2026
-
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours)
-
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
-
-
Adults (18+)
-
International / Domestic Adoptees (16+)
-
-
Family/relational conflict
-
Anxiety
-
Identity exploration (adoptees, racial/cultural)
-
Depression
-
Gender based violence/Intimate partner violence
-
Self esteem
-
Perfectionism
-
Academic stress
-
Life transitions
-
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
-
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
-
Narrative Therapy
-
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
-
Feeling exhausted from overthinking, constantly putting others first, or wondering why you still don't feel like yourself?
Maybe anxiety keeps you stuck in your head. Perhaps you're struggling in relationships, questioning your self-worth, or feeling overwhelmed by a life transition. You might appear calm and capable on the outside while quietly carrying stress, self-doubt, or a sense that something is missing. Whatever brought you here, you don't have to navigate it alone.
I support individuals ages 16 and older navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, identity exploration, and adoption-related experiences. Therapy is a space where you can slow down, better understand yourself, and begin making meaningful changes that align with who you are—not who you feel you should be.
My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens through both insight and action. Together, we'll explore the experiences that have shaped you, recognize patterns that may no longer be serving you, and build practical tools to help you feel more confident, connected, and resilient.
My work is informed by both professional training and lived experience. This allows me to bring warmth, authenticity, and genuine curiosity into each session. I understand that our relationships, environments, and life experiences influence how we see ourselves and move through the world, and I strive to create a space where every part of your story is welcome.
I also have a special interest in supporting adoptees and those exploring questions of identity, belonging, connection, and loss. These experiences often carry unique complexities, and you deserve support from someone who understands their depth.
Whether you're feeling anxious, navigating a difficult relationship, adjusting to a major life change, exploring your identity, or seeking a deeper connection with yourself, therapy can help you move from simply getting through life to feeling more grounded, empowered, and fulfilled.
If you're ready to take that next step, I'd be honoured to walk alongside you.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to learn more about our team or explore working together, feel free to reach out directly or use the contact form below.
