THE TEAM

Meet the team that will “walk the walk” with you!

Our team serves those in the Niagara region suffering from eating disorders/disordered eating, negative body image, and resulting mental health struggles. We are patient and kind, and dedicated to creating the life you deserve. We are here to listen, guide, and hold you through your vulnerability.

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST / CANADIAN CERTIFIED COUNSELLOR / OWNER

Martina Nazartchyk

I’m a mix of empath and professional, continuing on my own personal growth journey!

Have you ever felt like you’re holding your breath, waiting for someone to come along that understands you? Have you tried quick fixes or self-help tactics, but you leave feeling worse than when you started? Have you felt alone, desperate, and defeated? I have. As someone who has struggled with many of the things we treat, I know, all too well, how people suffering need to be supported. It’s not uncommon to be interrupted by obstacles that hold you back. As an empathetic and understanding practitioner, we will focus on understanding your emotional behaviour so that you can learn to respond differently to life’s challenges.

While our experiences are different, I understand the emotions that accompany those experiences. I understand the deep-rooted fear and shame. And, I understand the complexities of each unique experience.

I have a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counselling. I am also a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor. I have achieved EFT Level II. I believe that you are more than just your symptoms. With a focus on personal and emotional growth, we allow an opening for a deeper sense of self appreciation.

“Therapy is about the practical stuff and the emotional stuff - this is what makes for sustainable change.”

REGISTRERED SOCIAL WORKER

Deanna Khes-Grabiec

Deanna is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, and a Master’s degree in Social Work.

Her approach to care involves an integrative/humanistic approach while using a variety of evidence-based practices including Family Based Treatment for Anorexia/Bulimia (FBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Deanna focuses on those struggling with eating disorders/disordered eating, body image, anxiety, and perfectionism. Deanna promotes wellness beyond weight and addresses related social justice issues by approaching care from a Health at Every Size® theoretical lens. Intrusive thoughts related to food, weight, and self-image can be overwhelming. Using a collaborative approach to discover self-compassion, food freedom, body acceptance, and self-confidence, patients can feel empowered. Deanna is mindful of how difficult beginning a mental health journey can be; she prioritizes a therapeutic space of mindfulness, compassion, and non-judgement.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Victoria Hanson

Victoria is a Registered Dietitian, with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Human Nutrition and a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition.

She is dedicated to supporting individuals and families within the disordered eating/eating disorders field by walking alongside them and honouring their unique life experiences, bodies, needs, and preferences.

Victoria aims to support clients’ motivation and confidence for recovery from a food and nutrition lens. She provides evidenced-based nutrition information, strategies, and skills to support overall nutrition and recovery goals. She provides weight-inclusive services through a Health at Every Size® approach.

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)

Autumn Conn

Autumn is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

She has a Bachelor’s degree in Child Health and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counselling, complimented by an internship with Pathstone Mental Health that taught her the importance of advocating for and empowering young people.

With a passion for helping those who suffer from disordered eating, low self-esteem, negative body image, and anxiety, she regularly commits to continued education so that she can best serve in this space.

Autumn understands the importance of finding a therapist that feels aligned and comfortable. She acknowledges that each person is the expert in their own life and works in collaboration with each client to achieve their goals, while supporting their needs as they see them. She provides a patient and empathetic environment for vulnerability.

Autumn supports each healing journey by using a variety of evidence-based modalities which include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Person Centered Therapy. Of equal importance, she provides trauma-informed care to all clients by recognizing the need for both physical and emotional safety.

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)

Cassandra Mason

Cassandra is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Cassandra is passionate about providing a truly collaborative approach to therapy. She believes that you are the expert of your own life and strives to empower you on your therapeutic journey. Her goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, non-judgmental space to foster self-discovery.

Cassandra has recently completed her M.A. in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. She has always enjoyed working with people and after volunteering with Big Brother Big Sisters she discovered a passion of working with mental health and the community. Through this volunteer position, she saw the profound effect healthy relationships can have on an individual’s overall well-being and strives to emphasize the therapeutic relationship in her work with clients.

Cassandra has a passion for helping individuals suffering from relational issues with themselves and others, low self-worth, body image issues, anxiety and depression. She utilizes a holistic lens in order to look at the whole person and the issues arising. She has completed training in breathwork and places emphasis on a mind-body connection within her sessions.

As a new mental health professional, Cassandra is excited to support a diverse population including children, teens, adults and couples. Cassandra acknowledges the strength it takes to reach out for help when you need it. She feels privileged to be alongside you through this journey and witness your growth.

REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

Alexis Burger-Heist

Alexis is a Registered Social Worker, with both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work. Her approach is eclectic and integrates a number of modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS level one trained), Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), as well as integrating the arts into the therapeutic work.

Alexis is passionate about working at the intersection of eating disorders and trauma, as well as working with folks with marginalized identities. Her work is informed by the understanding that we all have many different parts inside of us that each want to be seen and heard. By creating space for all the parts of ourselves to be seen and known with love and compassion, we experience healing and wholeness in a new way.

Alexis will work with you towards creating the life that you want to live – exploring values, hopes, and goals, while at the same time working towards creating a cohesive inner experience that allows you to live with self-compassion, courage, and clarity.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Starting your healing doesn’t have to be hard! We’ve broken it down into three simple steps:

Phone Consultation

Start by booking your initial consultation. We’ll establish if we’re a good fit based on mutual comfort levels and our confidence in our ability to support your holistic therapy journey.

Therapy Sessions

During the initial sessions we will establish a deeper understanding of the fears, worries, and concerns you would like to move away from and the wants, needs, and desires you would like to move toward. Based on that, we will create a comprehensive approach for your treatment.

The Journey Continues

Beginning with weekly or bi-weekly appointments, we focus on your emotional, behavioural, and body-felt sensations. We work toward feelings of validation and visibility, as you move through your personal growth journey.