Clinical Associates at Schuler Counselling & Consultation are comprised of highly skilled, compassionate and experienced professionals who are inspired by research and treatment excellence. Each Clinical Associate has been carefully selected based on their clinical skill, training and expertise, and compassion as a practitioner. As a clinical centre, Schuler Counselling & Consultation has also fostered a collaborative network with other health professionals (psychiatry, psychology, social work, and psychotherapists) and community agencies/partners (local hospitals, outpatient clinics, child and family support services, and educational programs). Schuler Counselling & Consultation also supports student training and professional development, and as a result can provide some clinical services at a reduced rate. Our Clinical Associates include:
Shelley Kavanagh R.C.A.T., RP
An Art Therapist for more than 20 years, Shelley has presented locally and internationally on the use of Expressive Arts in treating trauma. She is presently on faculty at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and Humber College’s Child and Youth Worker Program and is a Consultant with theToronto District School Board. Since 2003, Shelley has facilitated numerous art exhibits at the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Arts, combining elements of mindfulness practice, art therapy, ceramics and community development. Several years ago, she began integrating DBT into her clinical practice. She pursued DBT training within internships inThe Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH) DBT skills group and now through supervised clinical practice. Shelley uses expressive arts and other mindfulness-based practices to provide assessment and treatment services to children and youth who have experienced trauma.
Andrew McKenzie, MSW, RSW
Andrew McKenzie holds a Masters in Social Work, and has practiced as a therapist since 2009 where he worked within adult Federal Corrections. In 2007, Andrew worked as a Guidance Counsellor for young adults looking to study in Canada/US, and held this position while in Morocco.
Andrew’s professional practice within Corrections led to his clinical interest and practice with young males who have sexually harmed, as well as victims of sexual abuse. Since then, Andrew has developed a broad clinical practice through his practice at several accredited mental health agencies. He has consulted and presented on how Attachment Theory informs practice across the lifespan, and in particular how to develop single-session interventions according to the service user’s age and stage of development. Andrew is an evidence-based clinical therapist, and uses such interventions as Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, with input from Narrative, Attachment-Focused Family Therapy, and Gestalt practices.
Andrew has a particular clinical and research interest in men’s emotional health and well-being. Several years ago, Andrew created a parenting group specific to fathers of children with a mental illness, and since then has continued to learn and respond to the specific mental health needs of males as part of his practice.
Peter Lebuis, CYW, MA CYC-P, RSW
Since 2000, Peter Lebuis’ work has focused on a relational school-based practice where he has supported students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. He has had great success helping children and youth enhance their self-regulation skills by facilitating the development of personal coping strategies. Whether individually or using a ‘boys group’ format, Peter blends the principals of Collaborative Problem Solving, Narrative Therapy, and Zones of Regulation through a trauma-informed lens to create individualized approaches to help young people manage life’s stressors. In 2006, Peter began working with young people exposed to domestic violence through Child Development Institute’s ‘Here to Help’ Program. As part of his graduate studies at Ryerson University in the Child and Youth Care Program, Peter conducted research on using humour as a teachable tool to counter the destructive and harmful effects of homophobia and transphobia on today’s queer youth.
David Cho, DTATI, RP
David is a therapist with more than 9-years of clinical experience supporting children, youth, and families. David incorporates a multi-modal, client-centered approach to his practice with his clients. He is a registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, as well as, a trained art therapist. David’s experience also includes working with individuals who have experienced trauma in regards to both assessment and treatment. Currently, David is a faculty member at Humber College within the School of Community and Social Services.
David’s experience with families impacted by intimate partner violence has led to his clinical interest in fathering, trauma informed care, and working with young men. He utilizes an attachment focused approach within family counselling to foster nurturing, attuned relationships between caregivers and children. As an art therapist, David utilizes expressive arts practices to facilitate self-exploration, understanding, and increase expression.
Will Tanner, CYC-P, MSW
Will is a Masters of Social Work candidate at the University of Toronto specializing in mental health. He holds two degrees from Humber College: an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work and a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with Honours. He is also a full professional certified member of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care. Will has worked and trained in shelters, day programs, addiction treatment, community mental health agencies, assertive community treatment teams, and inpatient psychiatry units.
Will’s clinical practice is highly relational in nature and focuses on the development of a strong therapeutic relationship through warmth, empathy, and compassion. As a clinician, he utilizes a client-centred and eclectic approach to support recovery goals. Will has received training in modalities such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. His work is also informed by the values of anti-oppressive practice, trauma-informed care, and youth empowerment.
Will is particularly interested in the intersection of technology and radical youth work and the potential for transformative practice, having focused his senior-level thesis research on the co-authoring of mental health identities in digital spaces. He has also worked on the development of a mental health app which delivers evidence-based interventions via smart phone. Will is a passionate and dynamic clinician who believes in using creative new solutions to life’s challenges.
Lynn Sommer, MSW, RSW
Lynn obtained her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. The focus of her postgraduate education was on children and families. While working toward her masters degree, Lynn also gained experience working with individuals faced with mental health concerns and substance misuse problems.
A member of both the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Association of Ontario Social Workers (OASW), Lynn’s approach is anchored by values of diversity, trust, equity, and respect. She has experience working within an anti-oppressive framework and has worked with a diverse range of individuals and families from various backgrounds. Lynn uses a variety of modalities and therapeutic approaches including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy to guide her practice with clients.
Before obtaining her Master of Social Work degree, Lynn spent several years teaching children and youth ranging from 3 – 17 years of age. As a teacher, Lynn planned and modified instruction, games and activities and guided students individually and in groups. Beyond providing academic instruction, Lynn fostered positive relationships between parents and the school, and connected students and families to community-based resources based on individual needs. In past summers, Lynn spent several years working as Guidance Director and Parent Liaison at a sleep-away summer camp. In this role, Lynn acted as a confidant and facilitator while she provided mediation, conflict-resolution, counselling, and problem solving for children and staff.
Openness and flexibility are at the core of Lynn’s approach with all her clients. Among other areas of clinical practice, Lynn is interested in developing sound clinical interventions for boys and young men.
Sarah Boyle, MSW, RSW
Sarah Boyle, MSW, RSW has been working with children, adults and families since 2002. She holds a diploma in Developmental Services, a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care, and a Master of Social Work degree (MSW). Sarah is also registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Sarah has extensive training in various forms of clinical, evidenced-based therapy inclusive of Attachment-Focused Family Therapy, EMDR, The Flash Technique, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Her previous experience includes working in elementary schools, group homes, addiction/recovery settings, and behaviour analysis for children with special needs.
Sarah is passionate about working with individuals across the lifespan (childhood to adulthood), and has dedicated much of her education and training to working with people who have experienced trauma, people with developmental disabilities, and various marginalized populations.
Sarah utilizes multiple modalities of treatment in order to create individualized plans to meet the needs of those she works with. An area of particular clinical interest for Sarah is working with children and youth who struggle with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety and depression.
Sara Iyamu, MSW, RSW
Sara brings 14 years experience as a Registered Social Worker offering clinical services to children, youth, adults, and their families. She is down to earth and maintains a compassionate and practical approach to her support of individuals and families. Some of her services include, individual and family counselling as well as parent coaching.
Sara also has extensive experience working with a wide range of adults, individually, and in the context of their family, who are experiencing difficulties with their mood, emotional regulation, and managing their anger. In addition to talk therapy Sara provides clients practical tools and strategies that can support the process of change. Sara has a particular clinical interest in working with young men – addressing male stereotypes and toxic masculinity.
Sara practices from a non-judgmental, anti-oppressive based framework, using client centered therapy; meaning one size does not fit all. Sarah works collaboratively to meet each clients unique needs. Sara’s clinical work draws on methods of CBT, DBT, Mindfulness and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
Deanna Brock, MSW, RSW
Deanna is an Accredited and Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brock University in 2009, and a Master of Social Work from the University at Buffalo in 2013.
Deanna enjoys helping children, youth, and families, particularly young men, and adults, develop the tools to manage and cope with personal, social, and family stress. She specializes in working with families who are being impacted by interpersonal abuse and trauma. In addition to this population, she works with those struggling with anxiety, depression, and relationship, family, and parenting concerns.
Deanna practices from a variety of therapeutic models including Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as utilize techniques from Solution-Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Deanna enjoys meeting people who are excited about making changes in their lives, and are open to learning new ways to manage their challenges.
Jordan Barsky, BKin, MSW, RSW
Jordan Barsky is a Master of Social Work candidate at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and holds a degree in Kinesiology from Wilfrid Laurier University. Jordan previously worked as a health coach where he provided one-on-one counselling to individuals to deliver personalized wellness prevention and chronic disease management solutions by counselling using behavioural change strategies and motivational interviewing techniques.
Jordan worked as a researcher at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in the Psychology and Nephrology departments. In these roles, he worked on a hypertension prevention program and also worked in the Traumatic Brain Injury Department collecting and analyzing data.
Jordan played for Team Canada in the 2015 Maccabi games in Berlin, Germany. He coached Paralympic and Special Olympic basketball teams and provided one-on-one coaching to basketball players in Toronto. He has a strong interest in working with athletes and aims to combine his background in Social Work, Kinesiology and health coaching to create a holistic treatment approach.
Elizabeth Hyland, MSW, RSW
Elizabeth Hyland holds a Master of Social Work Degree (MSW) from the University of Toronto with a specialization in children and families as well as addictions. Elizabeth also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Yale University, and she is a Registered Social Worker through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Elizabeth has more than 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families. As a clinician, Elizabeth incorporates a multi-modal and client centered approach that draws upon evidence-based modalities including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy with input from Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy. Her approach is collaborative and strength based with a focus on building a strong therapeutic connection and providing a safe and compassionate space for growth and change to occur. Elizabeth has an interest in working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families regarding depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, externalizing behaviours, self-esteem/self-worth, anger, coping skills, parent-child relationships and family relationships.
Mario Betancourt, MSW, RSW
Mario has over 12 years experience working with youth, adults, and families in a variety of settings including a community counselling program, urgent care clinic, psychiatry unit, and hospital emergency department. He works primarily with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, anger, thoughts of suicide, grief/loss, and emotion dysregulation. Mario has extensive experience in conducting assessments, treatment planning and providing both brief and longer term therapy. He currently also works as a mental health clinician at Toronto Western Hospital and Crisis Worker at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. He holds a Masters Degree of Social Work from the University of Toronto and is registered with the OCSWSSW. He has additional training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and is a certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist through Wilfred Laurier University. His approach is evidence led, strength based, and solution focused. Mario is also particularly focused on men’s emotional health and well-being.
Mary Rella , B. A., DIP.C.S., RP
Individual, Couple and Family Therapist
Mary Rella is a Registered Psychotherapist who, for over 30 years, has specialized in working with infants, children, youth, adults and families at all life stages and in dealing with the multiple and complex challenges they bring.
Mary is widely recognized for her clinical skills, her expertise in mental health overall, and in infant and early years mental health, in particular. You might wonder what early experiences in relationships have to do with the challenges you are facing today? Early relational patterns set up templates to understand ourselves, and ourselves in relationships. In therapy, we explore these templates and the expectations that have developed as a result.
No matter who walks into the therapeutic space, we come in bringing a history of learned responses and patterns. Understanding these, and the function they serve, can bring new understanding to depression, anxiety, couple conflicts, family challenges, and general overall difficulty coping with stressors. When feelings and behaviours are understood, something difficult turns into something useful and this is when change happens. Mary is here to guide you on the journey to healing and creating new, healthy patterns and relationships.
Mary also gives talks locally, nationally and internationally, as well as training professionals, providing supervision to clinicians, and consulting with agencies about infant development, early mental health, and caregiver mental health. Mary holds professional memberships in the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), The Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP) and The Ontario Association for Mental Health Professional: (OAMHP)
Deborah Meehan, M.Ed., RP
Deborah holds a Masters in Education, focused in Counselling Psychology, from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education, at the University of Toronto, as well as an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western University. Also, she is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Deborah has over 20 years of experience specializing in clinical and psychometric assessments and treatment of children and adolescents. This includes specialization with adolescents who have sexually harmed; children who have engaged in concerning sexualized behaviour; children and adolescents who have experienced all forms of child maltreatment; intrafamilial sexual abuse; and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Deborah has training in a number of modalities and may use therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. Deborah also consults to Thrive, Child & Youth Trauma Services and works as a Clinical Therapist/Psychometrist at Radius Child & Youth Services..
Peter Hoag, B.A., Dip C.S., CYC-P
Peter Hoag’s clinical practice has been heavily informed by his roots in residential practice, developmental theory, and trauma informed care. Peter considers himself privileged and fortunate to have been mentored and supervised by a variety of clinical experts with a wide variety of approaches and skills. Peter received a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of Manitoba, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Child Study (Assessment & Counselling) from the Faculty of Education, University of Toronto. Peter has clinically practiced for more than 30-years with children, adolescents, and adults/families, and he has presented workshops across Canada and in the United States within his area of clinical interest. Peter has a particular clinical interest in working in the area of men’s emotional health (through the lifespan), family violence and trauma, relationship dynamics, couples and marriage counselling, and fathering. Currently, Peter is a full Professor in the Child and Youth Care (CYC) Program at Sheridan College where he has developed and currently teaches courses on group work, working with trauma, and other courses with Child and Youth Care practice and theory.
Michael Davis, MSW, RSW
Michael Davis, MSW, RSW, is a Clinical Therapist at Radius Child and Youth Services and currently works as a consulting clinician at BOOST, Child and Youth Advocacy Centre where he provides consultation and clinical intervention services to children, youth and families who have experienced abuse. Michael has over 25 years experience working with adolescents who have sexually offended, children and youth who have experienced sexual abuse, and children under the age of 12 with sexual behaviour problems and their families in both assessment and treatment capacities.
Further, he teaches part-time in the Social Service Worker program at George Brown College. He has also worked extensively with at-risk youth in community, residential, and day treatment programs including working as a Probation Officer with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. In addition to his clinical work, Michael has experience providing training to Youth Justice and various community agencies throughout Southern Ontario. In his current private practice, Michael works with men and women regarding emotional health, relational issues and parenting. Further he has an interest in working with parents, children, siblings and partners of those with Borderline Personality Disorder or other emotional dysregulation issues.
Thea Dorsey, MSW, RSW
Thea Dorsey is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She also holds a Master’s of Social Work Degree from Wilfred Laurier University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child and Youth Care from Ryerson University. Thea has extensive experience specializing in working with complex at-risk children/youth and their families in a variety of settings such as youth justice, residential, in home, day treatment, and in the community. Thea’s clinical practice has been deeply rooted in Trauma Informed Care, Family Systems Theory and a Strengths-Based Relational-Based Philosophy of Care, all with the belief that the client is the expert in their life. Thea has worked with individuals who have experienced complex trauma and a variety of mental health concerns. She utilizes multiple approaches such as Trauma Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy and Play/Art based techniques. Thea has a particular interest in advocating the impacts of trauma among youth in the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, Thea currently works as a Child and Family Clinician at Peel Children’s Center.
Aarti Dhanda, MSW, RSW
Over the last 10+ years, Aarti has excelled at working with adolescents/young adults and their families with complex mental health issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-harm, emotion dysregulation and parent-teen conflict. She has a Masters in Social Work, is a registered social worker, and has extensive training in dialectical behaviour therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma/attachment informed therapy. She also holds additional certificates in addiction studies, cognitive behaviour therapy and emotion focused therapy. Her approach to therapy is holistic, evidence based and non-judgemental. She meets her clients where they are at and works at helping them heal and experience sustainable change. Aarti has consistently received positive feedback from clients and supervisors about the success of their treatment.
Additionally, Aarti has held positions including clinical lead for a residential care facility, clinical therapist for homeless youth with co-occuring mental health and substance misuse/abuse, trauma therapist for complex PTSD, and anger management counsellor. She has also been a faculty member at Humber College and currently works at George Brown College as a counsellor.
Kate Terry, MSW, RSW
Kate Terry holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology from York University. She is a Registered Social Worker through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Kate has 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families within youth justice, children’s mental health settings, courts, and schools. She has specialized experience in assessment and treatment of adolescents who have sexually harmed, child/youth who have experienced abuse and children with concerning sexual behaviour. Kate currently works as a Clinical Investigator for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer providing court ordered custody/access reports, voice of the child reports and clinical assistance to legal counsel for children. In private practice, Kate has an interest in working with children, youth and their families regarding interpersonal trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, separation and divorce, social skills, self-esteem/self-worth, PTSD, anger, and coping skills.
Amanda Neves, Bsc. MSW, RSW
Amanda Neves is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), as well as the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology from the University of Guelph, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Specializing in children’s mental health, Amanda has worked individuals and families facing many challenges including depression and anxiety, substance use, family struggles, identity issues, suicidal thoughts, grief, and those in crisis. Amanda’s professional framework is deeply rooted in trauma-informed, attachment-focused practice, while considering the client’s individual needs. She utilizes multiple approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, and Mindfulness. Currently, Amanda holds a practice servicing adults in the Vaughan area, and is a faculty member at the University of Guelph-Humber, teaching in areas of mental health, addictions, and crisis intervention in the Family and Community Social Services program.
Coura Niang, B.A., CYC, M.ADS, BCBA
Coura Niang has been working with children, youth, young adults, and their families for more than 15 years. She has a unique combination of skills and deep rooted understanding and compassion for her clients. Coura began in Intensive Intervention settings for children with Autism, then moved into program development and leadership before spending a tenure at an Ontario School Board as a Child and Youth Worker/Counsellor. Coura is passionate about the therapeutic relationship and its function towards instilling change among her clients. Coura’s approach aims to identify the core concern, using systematic, evidence based, behaviour centric methods to evoke and empower change with her clients. She has worked with children, youth and their families living with mood disorders, learning disabilities, and Autism. Coura holds a diploma in Child and Youth work, a degree in Child and Youth Care and a Masters in Applied Disability Studies from Brock University. Coura is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, a professor of Child and Youth Care and the current President of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care.
Natasha Saini, MCP, CCC, RP
Natasha Saini is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds a Masters of Counselling Psychology Degree from Adler University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from York University. She has extensive experience working with youth and young adults who have experienced trauma in their lives and/or are struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Natasha approaches counselling from a client-centered, strengths-based perspective and she focuses on giving her clients the means to gain insight into themselves as well as providing them with practical tools to manage their stress, anxiety and to better navigate their intense emotions. Natasha utilizes multiple approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. In addition to her private practice work, Natasha is a Counsellor at Turning Point Youth Services in the Youth Justice program working with at-risk youth who have involvement in the justice system.
Arlene Sager, MSW, RSW
Arlene is a Registered Social Worker with over 30 years of experience in various children/youth mental health settings in Toronto as a front-line therapist, clinical supervisor and manager. Arlene’s entire career has focused on supporting children/youth/young adults (and their families) facing challenges with anxiety, depression, emotional instability/dysregulation, lived experiences of trauma, perpetrating sexual offences, intellectual and developmental disabilities, difficulties navigating relationships and complex family systems. Arlene has supported many therapists in growing/developing their clinical practise with her ability to create the safety needed in these working relationships to allow for vulnerability and growth in the work. Arlene’s management portfolios have included programs supporting youth with intellectual disabilities who sexually offend; the provision of trauma assessments and treatment; the provision of intensive supports to youth (and their families) on the Autism Spectrum; creating/navigating Intake Services; and the provision of an Intensive Dialectical Behaviour Therapy program for youth and their caregivers. Arlene has worked in and supervised therapists in Day Treatment and Live-in Care settings and mental health walk-in clinics; Arlene approaches her work from an attachment lens, utilizes a multi-modal, ‘as needed’ approach, and practises from an Anti-oppressive, strengths-based perspective, where she strives to help her clients reach their potential.
Amanda Pearse, BSW, MA, RSW
Amanda (she/her) is a registered social work therapist with a Bachelors of Social Work and an MA in Early Childhood Studies. For the last 12 years she has had the privilege of working within the field of Child and Youth Mental Health, including as a front-line therapist, clinical supervisor and manager. She has worked as a private therapist providing support to adults navigating life transitions such as relationships, school and work challenges; specifically this work focused on identity exploration and formation. Amanda identifies as a white, queer, cis-gendered female and works hard to provide an anti racist, queer friendly and sex positive space while working from an intersectional feminist lens.
Amanda works from a Harm Reduction and Trauma informed perspective using Solution Focused Brief, Narrative and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy approaches. She believes it is important to honor and support people’s lived experiences and how those experiences impact their current lives and interpersonal relationships as they strive for change.
Amanda specializes in working with individuals to explore their identity, whether it relates to gender, sexuality or simply their identity in relation to those around them. Interpersonal relationships, whether they be with a loved one, co-worker or peers can be challenging to navigate; having a strong foundation of identity, along with learning targeted interpersonal skills, can help people meet their relationship goals. Significant life changes can shift our identities in important and challenging ways and she believes having someone there to help you explore and guide you through this process can lead to positive outcomes. Everyone has unique skills, strengths and knowledge and are the experts in their own lives and Amanda’s goals in working with you are to help you identify these skills, strengths and knowledge and support you in applying them to your goals and working through your challenges.
Sarah Sterlin-Altman, MSW, RSW
Sarah is a registered social worker who has worked with youth, adults, parents, and families in community mental health and residential settings. She has experience supporting male, female, and non-binary individuals with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, work/school stress, identity exploration, and trauma. Sarah also enjoys working with parents to help them learn evidence-based strategies to support their children/teens and themselves in a way that complements and honours their unique experience and values.
Sarah strives to create a non-judgemental, warm, and collaborative environment to help clients feel safe and empowered to explore their concerns and achieve their goals. She believes that everyone has the strength to achieve their mental health goals and live a happier, healthier life. Her role as a therapist is to provide a secure environment and work with each person to help identify and address any barriers to harnessing that strength.
Sarah holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. She is trained in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy and tailors her services to each client’s unique hopes, abilities, and challenges. Sarah’s practice is also attachment-focused, strength-based, and trauma-informed.
Associate Opportunities
Clinical professionals, those with a Master’s degree in social work, counselling psychology, or related fields interested in associate opportunities at Schuler Counselling & Consultation should contact Dr. Siegi Schuler directly.
Dr. Dana Costin, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Dr. Dana Costin is a registered Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and full-time Professor in the Child and Youth Care degree program at Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, where she primarily teaches courses regarding Counselling, Abuse, Trauma, Professional Practice, and Relational Practice and Intervention with Children and Youth. Since 1999, Dr. Costin has specialized in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents who have experienced trauma; children exhibiting sexualized behaviours; adolescents who have sexually offended; youth in conflict with the law; children and youth dealing with emotional, social, behavioural, and mental health concerns; and their families. Dr. Costin regularly provides consultation, training, workshops, and conference presentations regarding clinical assessment and treatment, and she has co-authored several book chapters and documents related to her work. Dr. Costin maintains a private practice in the Toronto area and regularly conducts court-ordered Section 34 assessments, as well as provides assessments and consultation for various Children’s Aid Societies. Additionally, Dr. Costin consults to various programs in and around the Toronto area: Turning Point Youth Services, Youth Connections Residential Program, and the Hospital for Sick Children’s Tele-Psychiatry Program. Several times per year, Dr. Costin provides training at the Ontario Police College in the Investigating Offences Against Children course. Dr. Costin is also qualified as an expert witness in the area of childhood trauma/abuse and family violence. Dr. Costin believes strongly in strength-based approaches to assessment and counselling with children, youth, and families, as well as collaborative, interdisciplinary, and evidence-informed practice. Dr. Costin lives in Toronto with her husband and three children.
Allison Owen-Anderson, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Allison Owen-Anderson completed her Ph.D. at the University of Toronto in School and Child Clinical Psychology in 2006. She is a licensed Clinical and School Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Dr. Owen-Anderson worked at the CAMH from 2000 to 2015 and was a staff psychologist in the Mood and Anxiety and the Youth Addiction and Concurrent Disorders Services of the Child, Youth, and Family Program from 2010 to 2015. At CAMH, Dr, Owen-Anderson worked with children, adolescents, and young adults with a variety of mood, anxiety, and substance use difficulties as well as co-morbid issues including attention deficits, learning disorders, gender dysphoria, emotion regulation difficulties, complex trauma histories, posttraumatic stress, and emerging personality disorders.
Dr. Owen-Anderson has worked as a psychologist at the Toronto District School Board since 2015, providing comprehensive psychoeducational and mental health assessments, as well as therapy to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She has also worked as a consulting psychologist with Youthdale Treatment Centres since 2016 and Framework Therapy and Assessment Centre since 2018. She has supervised more than 50 graduate students undertaking clinical training. She has authored a number of publications in peer-reviewed journals as well as a book chapter. Dr. Owen-Anderson is experienced in integrating techniques from dialectical behavioural, cognitivebehav1oural, Trauma-Focused CBT, motivational interviewing, supportive, and psychodynamic psychotherapies.
Community Collaborations
Schuler Counselling & Consultation has fostered long standing, close community collaborations and partnerships for its clients and family members. Community networks with psychiatry, educational, developmental, orthopedic and sports medicine, residential and other outpatient mental health services help to support a continuity of service for all clients within our clinic.