ABOUT ORNELLA
STYLE & APPROACH
I work from a collaborative and inclusive approach that respects the uniqueness of each person. I provide an inviting and nonjudgemental space regardless of your gender, race, physical ability or sexual orientation. I embrace diversity, difference and the various aspects that make you who you are. I treat you with the compassion and encouragement you deserve and gently offer alternative perspectives for you to consider. As a multicultural therapist, I address the importance of culture. I attend to the challenges that can accompany intercultural relationships, immigration, and other cultural and social factors.
Many of us have been affected in various ways by difficult moments in life, whether past or present which mark our lives in impactful ways. I use a trauma-informed approach to bring insight into how significant events shape your relationships, identity, and outlook. I also work from a relational perspective which means that I view people as being connected within a circle of relationships and social environments. Learning about the relationships, communities, and places that are meaningful to you allows me to support you in a holistic way.
The therapy models that I mainly practice from are Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Dialogic/Collaborative Therapy. I am a creative at heart, often found dabbling in songwriting which I consider to be my personal therapy. I bring this innovative spirit to my practice through Expressive Arts Therapy. I encourage painting, drawing, music, poetry and other writing forms, dance and acting/role play as a transformative part of your experience of therapy.
EDUCATION
I received a Master of Science (MSc) in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph. I also completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Gender & Women’s Studies at York University.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I completed advanced training in sex therapy through the Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program at the University of Guelph. I provide therapy to individuals and couples experiencing sexual issues while addressing co-existing relationship concerns.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
I have direct clinical experience in counselling individuals, couples, and families with various presenting concerns. I have experience as a Couples Therapist at Rosen Couples Counselling where I supported couples with strengthening their communication, emotional connection and improving their overall relationship satisfaction. I have counselled individuals, couples, and families who experienced relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and struggled with anger management and self-esteem while working in community agency settings such as Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin in Brampton, the Couple & Family Therapy Centre in Guelph, and Victim Services Toronto.
I am passionate about social advocacy and community outreach. I put this passion into practice when I mentored young women and youth at-risk at one of YouthLink's co-op housing residences in Toronto. I also had the opportunity to work with the Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN), the Ontario Trillium Fund and Legalswipe, a legal rights mobile app. Collaboratively, we developed community workshops which were administered in neighbourhood improvement areas across the Greater Toronto Area to educate youth and the public on their legal rights during interactions with police.
I currently serve as a member of the Black Health Alliance which advocates for the optimal health and well-being of diverse Black communities in Canada. Additionally, I provide workshops and consultations for groups and organizations, such as the Toronto Black Youth Conference: https://torontoblackyouthconference.ca.