Practice information:

My name is Marina and I am very passionate about empowering people to become their most authentic selves. I have over a decade of experience working in the mental health and addictions field, and I continue to be in awe at people's capacity for growth, recovery, and healing. I believe that each individual has unique traits and abilities, and through uncovering these, we can each contribute positively to our communities and build meaning into our lives. I also recognize that it is in the context of a secure relationship where people feel free to explore and to change. Whether you are here to improve your relationship with yourself or with your significant other(s), I am here to help you create that secure connection.

When working with couples, I operate under the assumption that, in our common humanity, we all want to be accepted, to feel loved, and to know that we matter. I use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) and Attachment science to help couples to understand their attachment needs, to increase their connection with each other, and to enhance their communication and intimacy.

My approach to individual therapy is person-centred, attachment-based, and highly collaborative. I value your lived experience and combine it with applicable research and adaptable therapeutic techniques in order to make the most out of our time together. I tend to borrow techniques and interventions from several modalities: some target unhelpful thinking patterns (i.e. CBT), some increase emotional awareness (i.e. EFT), some direct behaviours toward what is valued most by you (i.e. ACT), and some help folks to feel more present and regulated (i.e. DBT, mindfulness). In addition, my work is rooted in research as well as intersectional feminism, social justice, and harm-reduction values. This helps me to create an environment where you can feel safe, respected, and accepted. During our time together, you can expect me to be transparent, compassionate, authentic, and curious about your inner world.

Some of my areas of practice and special interests include:

• boundaries & communication

• couples & non-traditional relationships

• immigration & acculturation stress*

• 2SLGBTQ+ 

• life transitions

• empowerment & personal growth

• inner child work 

• attachment trauma

• substance use & mood disorders

• emotion regulation & anxiety

• work stress & burnout

I strive to provide services that are trauma-informed, neurodivergence affirming, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming, kink affirming, culturally-responsive, and socially just. As such, I am committed to advancing my understanding, education, clinical application, and advocacy in the areas of mental health, poverty, colonization, racism, ableism, intersectional feminism, neurodiversity, 2SLGBTQ+, and other areas of marginalization.

I welcome any questions you may have and would be happy to set up a free short consultation to see if we might be a good fit.  

*I may be able to provide one-directional counseling services to those who prefer to speak Ukrainian and Russian.