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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.
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Master of Counselling Psychology (Honours)
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Bachelor of Human Services Administration (Distinction)
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Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
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Licensed Practical Nurse, College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta
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Adults
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Seniors
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Couples
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Group therapy participants
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Addictions and substance use
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Eating disorders and body image concerns
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Grief and loss
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Relationship challenges, including building healthy relationships and boundaries
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Cultural identity and intergenerational experiences
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Frontline worker stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue
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Self-worth, self-esteem, and inner healing
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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.
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Master of Counselling Psychology
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Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology (Hons)
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), College of Registered
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Psychotherapists of Ontario
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Children (6+)
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Adolescents and teens
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Young adults
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Adults
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Anxiety and stress
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Depression and low mood
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Grief and loss
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Life transitions and major changes
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Relationship challenges
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Self-esteem and identity concerns
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Emotional overwhelm
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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
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Master of Counselling Psychology
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Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology
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Registered Psychotherapist, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
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Canadian Clinical Supervisor, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
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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
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Masters of Counselling Psychology
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Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geology
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Canadian Certified Counsellor, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
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Registered Provisional Psychologist, College of Registered Psychologists of Alberta
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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.
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Bachelor of Science — Major in Biology, Minor in Psychology
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Bachelor of Education — Major in Biology, Minor in Physical Sciences
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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.
Una Sebastian
Masters level Student Intern Therapist
May 2026 - December 2026
Pronunciation: mah-tay-oh
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Masters of Counselling Psychology in Progress 2026
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Bachelor of Arts General (Psychology) honours
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) -pending registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
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Teens (13+)
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Young Adults
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Adults
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Individuals in Addiction Recovery
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Justice-Involved Individuals
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Grief and Loss (including death, breakups, and identity transitions)
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ADHD and neurodiversity
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Anxiety and stress management
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Life transitions and personal growth
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Substance Use
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Distorted Eating
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Trauma-Informed Counselling
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Strength-Based & Narrative Approaches
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Existential Therapy (meaning-making, identity exploration)
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Una brings over three years of experience in addictions recovery and trauma-informed care. She offers a warm, non-judgemental, and collaborative space where individuals can feel heard, supported, and empowered to move forward at their own pace.
Una’s clinical background includes extensive work with substance abuse, relapse prevention, harm reduction and supporting justice-involved clients. She recognizes how stigma, systematic barriers and marginalization can affect mental health and access to care. She understands that healing is not a linear process and approaches every client with compassion, accountability and a deep respect for their autonomy.
Her approach integrates strengths-based strategies with practical, skill-building tools to help clients develop emotional regulation, resilience and confidence.
Outside of the therapy room, Una enjoys music, video games, long walks, and time with her family and engaging with her community.
Emma Laughlan
Masters level Student Intern Therapist
May 2026- December 2026
Pronunciation: mah-tay-oh
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Master's of Counselling Psychology (In Progress)
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Bachelor of Arts Major in Psychology, Minors in French and English
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) -pending registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
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Memberships with the Canadian Sports Psychology Association (CSPA), the Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP), and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
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Youth (10+)
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Adolescents and teens
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Young Adults
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Adults
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Athletes & Performers
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Caregivers & Family Members of Special Needs Individuals
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Performance pressure and performance culture
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Identity development and self-concept
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Body image concerns and disordered eating, particularly in athletes and performers
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Perfectionism and burnout
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Substance use and addictive behaviours
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Life transitions in youth and young adults
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Caregiver stress, family dynamics, and advocacy within neurodivergent and support system
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Somatic
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Narrative Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Emma has always been fascinated by how people think and make sense of their experiences. Guided by deep curiosity, she aims to create spaces where individuals feel understood and empowered.
Emma has an educational background that informs her practice. As an Educational Assistant, she is skilled at creating a supportive, flexible learning environment. She is particularly effective at fostering inclusivity by patiently adapting strategies to individual needs and forming meaningful connections.
Her interest in working with athletes and performers comes from her own performance experiences. After unexpectedly leaving sport, Emma found a passion for performing arts, including singing, musical theatre, choirs, and festivals. This deepened her appreciation for the complex emotions and transitions athletes and performers face.
She is particularly interested in working with youth (10+), adolescents, and young adults, as well as athletes, performers, and families navigating neurodivergence. Her areas of interest include identity development, performance pressure, body image, burnout, and emotional well-being.
Outside of her professional work, Emma enjoys discovering small live music venues, staying connected to the arts, planning trips, exploring local coffee shops and spending time with her dog Drew.
Lindsey Stewart
Masters level Student Intern Therapist
May 2026- December 2026
Pronunciation: mah-tay-oh
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Master of Counselling Psychology in Progress 2026
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Bachelor of Social Science
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Law Clerk Diploma
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) -pending registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
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Membership with Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
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Teens (16+)
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Young Adults
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Adults
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Anxiety
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Self Esteem Challenges
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Time Management Difficulties
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Stress & Burn out
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Major Life Transitions such as graduate studies, career changes, breakups, separations, divorces, those who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about what comes next.
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Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which she integrates in a practical, flexible, and individualized way to support meaningful, values-driven change.
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Lindsey is especially attuned to the impact of relational stress and trauma, and she approaches her work with a thoughtful, trauma-informed lens.
Lindsey’s approach to therapy is person-centred, grounded in empathy, collaboration, and genuine curiosity. She strives to create a warm, down-to-earth, and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable showing up as they are. She views clients as the experts in their own lives and works alongside them to deepen insight, strengthen emotional regulation, and build lasting self-trust.
Outside of the therapy room, Lindsey can usually be found spending time with her fiancé, doting on her dog, and connecting with her extended family (often over good food and lots of laughs). She carries that same warmth, relatability, and lightness into her work with clients.
Madeleine Chu
Pronunciation: ma-duh-lyn
Masters level Student Intern Therapist
May 2026- December 2026
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Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology in Progress 2026
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours)
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) -pending registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
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Adults (18+)
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International / Domestic Adoptees (16+)
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Family/relational conflict
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Anxiety
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Identity exploration (adoptees, racial/cultural)
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Depression
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Gender based violence/Intimate partner violence
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Self esteem
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Perfectionism
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Academic stress
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Life transitions
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Narrative Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Madeleine was always drawn to a helping profession largely due to lived experience. As a transracial adoptee, Madeleine understands the implications and complexities associated with the adoptee experience. She believes that everyone deserves to feel comfort and belonging. As such, Madeleine aims to create a warm, safe, and inviting space for clients to share their stories.
Madeleine’s therapeutic approach is integrative, blending practical skills with a compassionate, client-centred focus. She approaches her work with empathy and a trauma-informed lens, recognizing how past experiences can continue to shape present-day thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Madeleine prioritizes the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for safety, trust, and collaboration, moving at a pace that feels comfortable for each client.
Outside of the therapy space, Madeleine enjoys spending time with friends, staying active, cozy nights in with her cat Cashew, and craft nights.
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.
