My Approach

Clients often feel alone, stuck and as if it’s all in their heads… Well, your head isn’t detached from your body and your body isn’t detached from your head. I encourage clients to understand the emotional, physiological and cognitive symptoms that they are experiencing as a result of their difficulties. With this understanding, they are able to focus on the underlying issues and use an integrated approach to change their situation. I used a number of approaches including CBT, DBT, Systems approach, mindfulness and also tend to use psycho-education.

My Story

I attended York University initially for Kinesiology and Health Science. After 2 years in the program, I realized that I was enjoying my psychology courses, which were electives, more than I was enjoying my “Kin” courses. I switched my major and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I worked with Sunnybrook on a study of Quality of Life with individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and then went to Baycrest Centre where I worked in the world class Rotman Research Institute. There, my interest in the brain, behaviour and cognition was incredibly fed! I began my Masters in Counselling Psychology at the Adler School, in Chicago.

I then went to work with Toronto Rehabilitation Institute where I worked for several years (while completing my Masters) on a study examining the quality of life of both patients with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. I finished my Masters and opened my private practice. I then decided to return to school to do a PhD in Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Sciences at York University.

Currently, I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) and a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP). I also work as an Associate under the supervision of Licensed Psychologist - Dr. Jon Mills.

My Approach Clients often feel alone, stuck and as if it’s all in their heads… Well, your head i... Read More

Read More

With over 15 years of experience in adult and children’s mental health, and another 10 beyond that in child development/care, I realize that life happens in many forms, with everyone experiencing and perceiving it differently. I see everyone as an individual, whose shoes I can never walk in, but hopefully I can support and walk beside for a time. All people are challenged in their lifetime, but for individuals and their families who have special needs, this is an on-going quest. I bring much experience working with youth and their families, and so through play, hands-on experience, and talking , I believe I can support you or a loved one in moving beyond a difficult time in life.

My background includes an English diploma in BTEC Nursery Nursing, a Canadian equivalency in Early Childhood Education (RECE #02565), a degree in Child and Youth Care, and a Master’s degree in Public Health Studies. I have subsequent certificates in Infant Mental Health and Parenting Capacity, education in child psychoanalysis, as well as being a Registered Psychotherapist (RP #006578).

My particular experience now centres on youth, and their families with mental health needs and/or dual diagnoses (special needs). I use a cognitive behavioural and solution focused approach for much of my work, but being eclectic in approach is also an asset when working with the population I do. My Master’s thesis stated that ‘children are not machines that can be fixed in a certain timeframe or manner,’ and I stand by this over 10 years later.

With over 15 years of experience in adult and children’s mental health, and another 10 beyond tha... Read More

About Me

I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. My clinical training was completed at the OISE Psychology Clinic on-campus at the University of Toronto serving the community and student body. I have specialized training for First Responders, trauma/PTSD, crisis management, suicide, and self harm.

My Approach

My approach is client-centered and empathic, allowing clients to lead the session and the overall direction of therapy because clients are always the experts on themselves and should be in charge of their therapeutic goals.

My Areas of Focus

My areas of experience include First Responders, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, assertiveness, academic concerns, trauma, personality disorders, gender and identity (LGBTQ), dishonesty behaviours, suicidal ideation, self-harm, addictions, and marital problems. I am a sex-positive therapist who believes in helping clients become their own agents of change in order to improve their quality of living.

My Professional Association

I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I am also a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP). Additional certifications include being a Certified First Responder Counsellor, and Gottman Method certified marital therapist.

About Me I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Edu... Read More

Read More

Hello! My name is Dana Stoiku. I am happy to support individuals struggling with their mental health or want a safe space to openly express themselves. This may include struggling with anxiety, depression, managing anger, or difficulties with personal relationships (e.g., friends, family, intimate partner). If you need assistance in managing any of these, we can work together in finding coping strategies and skills that are best suited to your needs. My main goal is to assist clients to achieve their goals using therapeutic approaches that are best suited for their needs. The most used approaches based on clientele are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). My aim is to utilize the approach that will provide you with the support you need.

Hello! My name is Dana Stoiku. I am happy to support individuals struggling with their mental hea... Read More

Is the cost of counselling a barrier to seeking help? Hello, I’m Brittney the student therapist here at Comrie Counselling. If you are dealing with a separation or divorce, relationship issues, life transitions, abuse, stress or anxiety, I may be the right fit for you. Making the decision to work with a therapist on the issues you’re facing can be a difficult step. My goal is to create a trusting relationship with clients, to reduce client barriers, and to help build client self-sufficiency.

I believe that people are the experts in their own lives, and my role is to listen, be client-focused, culturally aware, and non-judgmental. When the fear of not being able to make it through a challenge arises, I would like to walk alongside you so that you’re not alone. Wellness in the body, mind, and soul are important to me, and the core values of empathy, dedication, and creativity are foundational to my work. I use techniques from solution focused, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, trauma informed, strengths-based, and expressive-arts approaches.

My journey began when I realized that as a drawing and painting major at OCAD University, much of my work spoke to social justice. I quickly realized that I wanted to combine art with social services. After graduating with a BFA from OCAD, I completed the Social Service Worker program at Seneca College. My placement at Catholic Family Services of Durham Region solidified my desire to work with children, families, individuals, and survivors of intimate partner violence. I am now working towards completing a Master’s of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Currently, I am a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers in good standing. I work under the supervision of Registered Psychotherapist, Janna Comrie.

I am passionate about art, crafting, kayaking, discovering holistic medicines, learning new languages, and woodworking. I really enjoy musicals and anything that looks cute. I also have a passion for volunteering with initiatives that empower youth, and supporting organizations that rescue animals.

Is the cost of counselling a barrier to seeking help? Hello, I’m Brittney the student therapist h... Read More

About Me

I graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Toronto. I then took on a Research Assistantship position at St. Michael’s Hospital where I had the opportunity to conduct clinical interviews and administer neuropsychometric assessments to vulnerable populations. I soon realized I really enjoy interacting with others and listening to each person’s story and so I decided to pursue my Masters in Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate School.

I then completed my practicum placements at Maplehurst Correctional Complex & Vanier Centre for Woman – Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services where I had the opportunity to facilitate group therapies (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Anti-Criminal), provide individual counselling to adult males and females and conduct psychometric testing. Around the same time, I also had the opportunity to complete additional placement hours with The Roy McMurtry Youth Centre located in Brampton – Ministry of Children and Youth Services where I offered individual counselling to adolescent males and crisis management.

Currently, I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Registered with The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) and I am also in the process of working towards the requirements in becoming a Psychological Associate in the Province of Ontario.

In my spare time, I enjoy doing research in the field of Psychology, spending time with my family and friends and volunteering.

My Approach

My approaches to psychotherapy include CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused to list a few. My framework can be described as one that is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive and anti-oppressive when it comes to working with clients. In psychotherapy, my highest priority is in establishing and maintaining a positive and trusting therapeutic relationship with all of my clients and approach the concerns in an empathic and compassionate manner.

About Me I graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Tor... Read More