therapy designed to help you thrive
In person and virtual counselling services for children, youth and adults in Ontario.
The decision to begin therapy is often the first step towards positive change, improved relationships, and feeling better.
Carina Koletsas
SOCIAL WORKER AND PSYCHOTHERAPIST
BSW, MSW, RSW
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Hi! I’m so happy you are here. I am the founder and Clinical Director of Carina Koletsas Counselling and Associates. As a dedicated social worker, I’m passionate about partnering with children and families, youth, and young adults who are impacted by trauma, anxiety, and stressful life transitions.
I am a registered social worker and psychotherapist in Ontario and have been dedicated to practicing social work for over 17 years.
I hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) and a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from the University of Toronto. My professionally journey has taken me through dedidated, client-centered work with children and adults in various settings and with diverse individuals, predominantly with at risk children and adults (parents) struggling with mental health.
I have extensive experience supporting healthy families using trauma and attachment informed work, conducting risk assessments, community counselling, crisis intervention, and parenting support in various settings such as in- home, community hospital mental health units, shelters, and kinship/foster/adoption homes. Creating a strong support system and seeing positive outcomes has reinforced my desire to practice in the area of mental health and emotional wellness.
My passion to support others was ignited in my childhood years, and when I was old enough, I found myself volunteering in hospitals, and women’s shelters, and offering a lending ear to anyone in need. Outside of my career, I am a mom, wife and dog lover. I love to travel and explore new destinations, take long nature walks, and have an interest in art and design.
Our Therapy Team
OUR GOAL AS A THERAPIST TEAM IS TO HELP YOU GROW FROM YOUR STRUGGLES, HEAL FROM YOUR PAIN, AND FIND HOPE TO FEEL BETTER.
We have carefully selected a team of highly skilled registered social workers and psychotherapists who bring both their specialties and passion to assist you in navigating your life challenges and struggles.
Our team practices with the belief that healing largely comes in the context of the therapeutic relationship and we recognize that authenticity, trust, and safety are essential for successful therapy.
Our approach to trauma therapy is one that allows us to understand our pasts in order to clear a path to our future-opening the door to resilience and healing so that we can transform from surviving to thriving.
Our team of therapists focus on in person and virtual therapy with adults, couples, children and teens, with a specialization in trauma informed practice with families.
Anna Maria Giordano
SOCIAL WORKER AND PSYCHOTHERAPIST
B.Sc, MSW, RSW
The journey to well being and healing is distinctively unique, and consequently whatever the challenges you may be facing, I approach the therapeutic process with compassion, patience and empathy, building off of your strengths and respecting your starting point!
My name is Anna Maria Giordano. I graduated from the University of Toronto with a Honors Bachelor of Science Degree and a Masters of Social Work Degree, specializing in the Collaborative Graduate Program in Alcohol, Tobacco and other Psychoactive Substances. I have twenty three years of dedicated and unwavering commitment in the field of Social Work conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention and both short and long-term counseling for a diverse population including children, adolescents, adults, and couples, experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse, inter/intrapersonal conflict, and other life stressors. My experience includes utilizing techniques of CBT, DBT, EFT, SFBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Signs of Safety Framework.
My commitment remains focused on providing client-centered care for adolescents, adults, and couples, in order to achieve their goals. If you are reading this, please remember that although the process may feel daunting and scary, it can also offer hope, relief, growth, connection, healing, and personal empowerment. My education, coupled with my experience and passion allows me to provide a safe space to invest in yourself and your relationships.
I offer virtual therapy services to children, adolescents, adults, and couples across Ontario.
get matched with a therapist
IN THREE EASY STEPS
1
Please provide as much information as you’re comfortable sharing to ensure the best-matched therapist.
complete a brief inquiry form
2
Receive an email within 24-48 hours matching you with a recommended therapist based on your identified needs.
get paired with your Therapist
3
You’ll be invited to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with the therapist to answer your questions, discuss your goals, and to ensure it’s the best fit.
start your care
Note: In the event that there isn't a therapist available at the moment who best matches your needs, you will be informed and placed on a short waitlist and contacted back as soon as an opening is available.
Our team of therapists have a wide range of experience and specialties. However, if we are unable to meet your particular needs, we would be happy to assist you with a referral to services that do. You're care is our top priority.
is therapy right for you?
Are you moving into new roles and responsibilities and finding it difficult to cope?
Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unhappy at times?
Do you have a child or teen with symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, or OCD and want to arm them with skills to crush these issues?
Have you recently been impacted by something painful and you feel you need a place to process this?
Does it feel like your mind and body are constantly operating on high alert?
Are life’s stressors or unresolved traumas stopping your ability to feel connected to your partner?
Are the demands of being a first responder or front line worker starting to wear you down?
Could you use an expert opinion on what you’re going through, or a non-judgemental ear just to listen?
if you answered yes to any of the above, therapy may be a wonderful fit for you!
Getting in touch with a therapist can feel intimidating, anxious and overwhelming.
We understand, and you should know that these feelings are completely normal.
The fact that you’re here already, looking for information on how to seek help takes a great deal of strength. Be proud of the effort you’ve already made in getting to this step and we hope that you’ll take a moment (and maybe a deep breath) to reach out and see how we can help you.
if you are ready…
therapy services
THIS IS YOUR SAFE SPACE
We all go through events in our life that may leave some scars. We’re here to support you as you go through life changes and are faced with challenges in your life. Psychotherapy, counselling, or talk therapy, is a way to help you with a broad variety of mental and emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms and help you realize you have the power within to overcome and heal so you can thrive.
Our therapy practice is trauma-informed, and we use various evidence and strength-based frameworks grounded in an understanding of the impact trauma can have on your daily life. We are committed to being client-centred, and to provide you with a safe, supportive, and confidential environment for counselling services.
initial assessment
OUR FIRST MEETING
During your first appointment, we’ll review the intake and consent forms. We will provide you with information about therapy, we’ll talk about your goals for therapy, the symptoms and difficulties you are experiencing, and we will set out a client centered therapy treatment plan moving forward. This is a virtual session.
60 minute session $225 couples $240
therapy sessions
IN PERSON/VIRTUAL
Individual/couples counselling is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. Together, we’ll explore and help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. We offer in person services in Markham and virtual counselling services across Ontario.
50 minute session $200 couples $225
nature walk therapy
WALK AND TALK
Walk and talk therapy differs from regular therapy in that our session will take place while walking together outdoors. This alternative approach can be very beneficial, especially for those who don’t feel all that comfortable with more traditional office-based or virtual methods.
50 minute session $200 individual only
THERAPY & COUNSELLING FOR:
Addiction
Adoption
Anger Management
Antisocial Personality
Anxiety
Behavioural Issues
Coping Skills
Couples
Depression
Emotional Disturbance
Family Conflict
Foster/Kinship Care
Infertility
Life Transitions
Parenting Support
Peer Relationships
Pregnancy,Prenatal,Postpartum Obssessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Single Parents
Sleep or Insomnia
Strengthening Families
Stress
Substance Use/Misuse
Suicidal Ideation
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Work Related Stress
Young Parents
still have questions?
Let’s talk. Schedule your free consultation appointment by clicking the button below.
contact us
Please fill out the contact form and we will get back to you within 24-48 hours. We look forward to speaking with you!
email: info@carinakoletsascounselling.com
Phone: (365) 601-4744
Address: 2740 Bur Oak Ave, Unit 2, Markham, ON, L6B 1K5
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Before our initial session, we will ask you to submit an intake questionnaire and a consent form. The first session is an opportunity to gather information. We will discuss some intake questions, go over expectations, explore the reason(s) that brought you to therapy, and begin to formulate your counselling goals. If the services are for a child under 15 years, typically only parents attend the initial assessment session.
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This depends on so much. Together we will work towards emotional healing by discussing, the impacts of painful life experiences, strong emotions and coping skills, and ways to build on existing strengths. Therapy is an individualized service that seeks to meet your needs. Individuals may come in focused on one specific goal to treat, while other are unsure of what they need, and may prefer a longer term-more relational approach to therapy. My practice is client centered, and we are committed to providing you with a safe, supportive, and confidential environment for counselling services.
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Psychotherapy, counselling, or talk therapy, is a way to help you with a broad variety of mental and emotional difficulties. Feeling nervous or anxious about therapy is normal. Try to trust the process because if you put in the time and work to learn new ways to cope, therapy will often provide relief and can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so you can feel better.
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I am a registered social worker and psychotherapist in Ontario practicing for over 17 years. I have been approved to practice psychotherapy by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
I earned my Masters degree in Social Work from University of Toronto. Before I began my practice, I worked predominantly with at risk children and adults (parents) struggling with mental health. I have extensive experience supporting healthy families using trauma and attachment informed work, conducting risk assessments, counselling, crisis intervention, and parenting support in various settings such as in- home, hospital mental health units, shelters, and kinship/foster/adoption homes.
I am trained in suicide intervention, mediation, child development and infant mental health, domestic violence in child welfare, addictions in child welfare, and equity and anti-oppressive practice.
I practice with various forms of therapy such as, Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Solution Based Therapy (SFBT), Strength Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Play Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT).
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Absolutely! There is a saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none”. That is why our services are more specialized so we can offer the best therapy treatment for you. If you are seeking services for something we do not treat, we are happy to refer you to a clinician who may be a better fit for your needs.
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Most health insurance plans cover costs associated with seeing a Registered Social Worker or Psychotherapist, however some do not. Please check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage. If your plan covers social work or psychotherapy services, you will just need to submit your paid receipt to them for reimbursement. Social workers/Psychotherapists do not typically do direct billing in Ontario.
FAQs
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The preferred payment is E-transfer. We ask that you please make payment directly after your session to info@carinakoletsascounselling.com. A valid credit card must be uploaded into our booking system in order to book your first session. If E-transfer is not an option, arrangements can be made to use cash or credit card.
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We recognize the importance of collecting, using, and disclosing personal information responsibly and only to the extent necessary in order to provide you with the services that you have consented to receive. We operate in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA), which is the primary legislation that governs the handling of personal information by all regulated health professionals within the province of Ontario.
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We practice in person, at a wellness clinic located in the Cornell Village in Markham Ontario. The address is 2740 BurOak Ave, Unit 2 , Markham, ON, L6B 1K5 . We provide walk and talk sessions on trails in the Stouffville area. And provide teletherapy (virtual or telephone) services to anyone who resides in Ontario, specifically focusing on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including the City of Toronto, and the Regional municipalities of Durham, Halton, Peel and York Region Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, Newmarket, Uxbridge, Vaughan, King Township, East Gwillimbury, and Georgina.
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Yes! In individual therapy, sometimes there is a need for longer sessions, whether there is a more complex issue to work through or even a time of crisis. Please contact us to book additional time to work through difficult thoughts, emotions or experiences. Extended 80 min session $300.
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In case of an emergency, visit your nearest hospital or call 911. If you are in need of someone to talk to, call a distress line. The agencies listed below are operating 24 hours a day (unless otherwise indicated):
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
York Community Crisis Response Service: 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: 416-408-4357
Durham Crisis and Mental Health Line: 905-666-0483
Community Crisis Line Scarborough and Rouge Hospital: 416-495-2891
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There are many advantages to connecting with a therapist online – both for practical reasons, and emotional comfort. For many, starting therapy can be hard, and you may feel anxious and/or nervous. You may feel more comfortable having a video call with your therapist while curled up in your own space, or where your furry friend is cuddled beside you. You may find that there are not enough hours in the day to get to a therapist's office, because of your busy work schedule, or young children at home. With advantages including accessibility, time, and privacy – many more are using the internet for support. We use a secure platform, that is easily accessible from your data, or wifi.