Senta Counselling Services is an established clinic providing individual psychotherapy and couples & family counselling to adults, children and teens in Barrhaven.
In addition to a wide-range of counselling services offered, special focuses involve women’s wellness, teen mental health, anxiety management, child psychotherapy and counselling, perinatal mental health and new parenthood.
Reduced rate counselling and sliding scale rates may be available for low income families or individuals who are unable to afford regular rate treatment.
In Person, Video & Telephone psychotherapy are available. Virtual psychotherapy available across Canada. We also have Ontario based virtual Psychotherapists and a Newfoundland based virtual Psychotherapist.
You can now book your appointments online quickly and conveniently through our secure booking system. Simply choose a therapist, select a time that works best for you, and confirm your appointment in just a few clicks.
Flexible, easy, and available anytime — booking your next session has never been more convenient!
Cassandra Petrella, Hons. BA, MA, C.C.C
Doctoral Candidate, Doctorate of Counselling & Psychotherapy, Yorkville University.
Clinical Director & Registered Psychotherapist (Independent Practice)
Education & Certification
Cassandra Petrella is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is also registered as Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She holds a master’s degree in Counselling & Spirituality from a joint program at Saint Paul University & Ottawa University. She completed her degree with a both individual and couples counselling training. Her undergraduate degree was completed at Carleton University in the Bachelor of Arts, Honours Program, in Psychology. Cassandra is currently completing her Doctoral Degree in the Doctorate of Counselling & Psychotherapy at Yorkville University.
Counselling Experience
Cassandra founded Senta Counselling Services in 2013. She has many years of counselling experience in treatment, research, supervision and education. Special focuses of her work include women related issues, anxiety treatment and counselling for adolescent girls. She also focuses on helping individuals improve interpersonal relationships through both individual and couple counselling approaches. She provides counselling within our Perinatal & New Parenthood Program.
Cassandra is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and organizations. She is often invited to speak on the topics of teen girls mental health and women’s mental health. Since becoming a mother herself maternal mental health and parent mental health has becoming important to her. She has completed extensive training in Perinatal Mental Health, with part of her training being completed at the highly acclaimed Beck Institute. She has founded a new psychotherapy program on Perinatal Mental health & New Parenthood at Senta Counselling Services. This specialized program provides both individual and couples psychotherapy to expectant and new mothers as well as partners/parents.
Cassandra created the not-for-profit organization the I Love Me Campaign, a self-love campaign providing mental health curriculum in Canadian High Schools to teen girls through a 6-Session Self-Love & Mental Health Education Program. Cassandra and her facilitator team volunteer their time to deliver the program in high schools. Cassandra is an advocate for teen mental health and the importance of bringing mental health curriculum to Canadian high schools.
Cassandra is the Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor at Senta Counselling Services. She also provides external clinical supervisor to psychotherapists, practicum students and therapists in training. She takes an interest in mentoring novice Psychotherapists.
She is a published author in both academic scientific journals and clinical book publications. Much of her publications focus on her research related to the role of touch in developing healthy interpersonal connection
Personal Approach to Counselling
I understand that life can be unpredictable and challenging at times, whether it’s day-to-day frustrations, ongoing issues or overwhelming circumstances. The first step is to understand that you have it within you to change. In therapy together, we will work towards overcoming the difficulties and obstacles you may be facing personally, at home, in the workplace or school, or with your significant other. You will be free to express and consult with me in an open and safe environment.
As a cognitive behavioural therapist, I take a hands on approach to help clients develop coping skills which will allow them to reduce the symptoms they are experiencing. These coping skills are often life-long techniques which help improve the individual’s resiliency in life challenges and help them to improve interpersonal relationships and personal self-esteem. As a trauma-informed psychotherapist, I often integrate mindfulness practices and an exploration of family histories into our psychotherapy. Therapy will be both emotionally explorative and solution focused in each and every session. I am supportive, compassionate and non-judgemental with my clients. I am devoted to helping you achieve your psychotherapy goals.
Registered Psychotherapist
Education & Certification
Juliana is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University, along with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Ottawa.
Counselling Experience
Juliana has counselling experience in providing individual therapy to adolescents and adults experiencing a diverse array of mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression, to difficulties relating to stress, relationships, school, and self-esteem.
Personal Approach to Counselling
Juliana places a strong emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship built on trust, honesty, and compassion. She strives to understand her client’s lived experiences from an empathic and non-judgmental manner. Juliana believes in working collaboratively with her clients to understand the roots of their challenges and work towards developing effective coping strategies, self-awareness, self-compassion, and personal growth.
She strives to foster a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where meaningful and positive change can occur. While Juliana practices primarily from a Cognitive-Behavioural perspective, she integrates elements from other modalities into her approach to best support her client’s unique needs and goals.
Brittany Miller, B.Sc (Hons), M.A
Registered Psychotherapist
Certified Grief Educator
Education & Certification
Brittany holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. This follows the completion of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree with a major in Psychology. In addition, Brittany has also completed further training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and is a Certified Grief Educator.
Counselling Experience
Brittany has experience in providing individual therapy to adolescents, adults, and seniors. She understands and is open to the different life perspectives that each age group brings into the counselling room. She has worked with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and grief.
Brittany takes a special interest in supporting individuals through their grief. This includes death loss, relationships changes, job changes, diagnoses, etc.
Personal Approach to Counselling
Brittany works from a client-centered lens and believes that a safe and supportive space is essential in therapy. The therapeutic relationship is fostered with warmth, empathy, and a non-judgemental space so you can work as a team to clarify and achieve your goals. Brittany draws from evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and EMDR to support client progress. Together you will embark on the journey of enhancing your well-being.
Registered Psychotherapist
(Independent Practice)
Education & Certification
Yasmin is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Yasmin completed her Masters in Counselling and Spirituality with a specialization in Couples and Family Therapy at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. She also holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences with a major in Criminology and a minor in Psychology from the University of Ottawa.
Counselling Experience
Yasmin has over five years of experience counselling individuals, youth, and families experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, and interpersonal challenges. Her most recent experience centered on counselling youth and their families through an array of emotional, behavioural, and interpersonal difficulties.
She also has experience with crisis intervention, having worked as a mobile crisis clinician responding to acute behavioural crises within the community. Yasmin completed her graduate internship at a community agency serving female survivors of sexual violence.
Yasmin’s special interests focus on women’s issues, with particular emphasis on perinatal mental health and trauma. Her own lived experience with the perinatal stage has reinforced her passion for supporting women through this important period of life. She provides counselling within our Perinatal & New Parenthood Program.
Personal Approach to Counselling
I believe in working collaboratively with my clients in a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment to explore difficult life situations and opportunities for growth. I take an inclusive, anti-racist, and trauma-informed approach that allows clients from diverse backgrounds to feel safe, respected, and welcomed.
To ensure therapy remains client-centered and responsive to individual needs, I use an integrative approach that draws from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, among others. I believe that all people have the capacity for change, and I see my role as empowering you to discover and develop that potential.
Registered Psychotherapist
(Independent Practice)
Education & Certification
Nicole is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds a Master’s in Counselling and Spirituality from a joint program at Saint Paul University and the University of Ottawa, with training in individual, couples, and family therapy. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology and Well-Being from Carleton University.
Counselling Experience
Nicole has experience supporting a diverse population of individuals and couples experiencing a variety of mental health and relational concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress and burnout, grief, emotion dysregulation, spiritual and existential concerns, addiction, sex and intimacy concerns, and ADHD.
Nicole is especially passionate about supporting women experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, disordered eating or body image concerns, identity and self-esteem related issues, and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders including body-focused repetitive behaviours such as hair pulling and skin picking.
Personal Approach to Counselling
I believe that feeling comfortable being yourself and developing a trusting therapeutic relationship is key to facilitating change and having a positive therapy experience. I am devoted to providing a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space for you to share your story and collaboratively work towards your goals.
I am committed to ensuring you feel validated in your feelings and experiences while we compassionately explore them together, develop useful coping skills to reduce symptoms, and create more helpful ways of understanding and processing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
My approach to therapy is integrative, meaning I draw from various evidence-based practices to understand you as an individual and develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. My practice is self-compassion focused, often integrating Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches. I look forward to supporting you in your therapy journey and empowering you to make positive changes in your life.
Registered Psychotherapist
Education & Certification
Heather is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Heather holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Studies from York University.
Counselling Experience
Prior to becoming a Psychotherapist, Heather worked as an educator with children, youth, and adults for almost two decades. She brings her skills in communication, listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard into the counselling space to create a safe, non-judgemental space for clients. Emphasizing a client-centered approach, she collaborates with clients to create a unique approach tailored to their individual needs, drawing from a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
She has experience working with adolescents and adults in the areas of anxiety and depression, interpersonal relationships, and life transitions.
Heather takes a special interest in supporting adolescents and adults who are struggling to understand and regulate their emotions. She also recognizes the stress interpersonal conflict and transitional phases can bring to life, helping clients explore the roots of these struggles and learn effective skills to work with them.
Personal Approach to Counselling
I provide a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental space in which to explore areas impacting your life, while sharing skills and tools to help you navigate these challenges. I genuinely believe change is possible and that together we can work towards the goals you want to meet.
Practicing from a strengths-based, client-centered approach, I apply an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to best meet your needs. These approaches include solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy, and mindfulness practices.
Together we can work towards your goals, helping you live an authentic, purpose-filled life.
Psychotherapist and
Registered Social Worker
Education & Certification
Sandra is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is also a certified Brainspotting therapist. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. She received Trauma Certificate Training and most recently became a certified Brainspotting therapist.
Counselling Experience
Sandra has over 25 years of experience providing therapy with individuals, including children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Sandra is very passionate about her work and feels blessed to have walked alongside her clients over the years and shared in their journey of growth and healing. Her life experiences and role as a parent have also helped her become the clinician she is today.
Sandra has extensive training in areas such as anxiety, depression, attachment issues, life transitions, foster care, adoption, trauma, including treatment of child sexual abuse, sexualized behaviours, bullying issues, grief and loss, separation, divorce issues, and LGBTQ2S+.
Sandra uses a client-centered, strength-based, evidence-based approach and focuses on each client’s individual strengths and resources. She works from a trauma-informed, attachment perspective.
She draws upon the following modalities and trainings:
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Trauma-Focused CBT
• Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
• Emotionally Focused Family Therapy
• Brainspotting with children, adolescents, and adults
• Adoption Competency Training
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Theraplay and Play Therapy
In addition to working with adults and teens, Sandra provides child psychotherapy and counselling, as well as parent psychotherapy and counselling. She provides psychotherapy in both English and French.
Personal Approach to Counselling
Sandra works collaboratively and respectfully with clients to help them achieve their goals in therapy. Sandra believes that all behaviour is communication. Her work with clients involves helping them listen to what their behaviour is telling them about themselves and others. Together, Sandra and her clients explore their experiences to help identify what their responses and reactions reveal about their values, beliefs, and preferences.
Chiara McCulloch, BA (Hons), MA
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Education & Certification
Chiara is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Chiara holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, where she completed her clinical practicum at Family Services Ottawa.
She holds additional certification in Intimate Partner Sexual Violence, the Intersection of Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence, and Risk Assessment & Safety Planning with Infants, Children, and Youth. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College.
Committed to ongoing professional development, Chiara continuously seeks out education that deepens her ability to support her clients.
During her undergraduate studies, Chiara conducted research with the Sexually Harmful Behaviour Lab, which was later published in the Journal of Law and Human Behaviour and presented at the 41st Annual ATSA Conference in 2022.
Counselling Experience
Chiara completed her clinical practicum at Family Services Ottawa, where she provided individual therapy to clients presenting with a range of mental health concerns. She has experience supporting individuals navigating complex trauma and PTSD, an area she is particularly passionate about, as well as those diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Chiara has experience supporting clients with self-injurious behaviours and suicidal ideation, approaching this work with care, sensitivity, and a strong commitment to safety.
She is passionate about supporting women who are currently experiencing or have experienced intimate partner violence and coercive control, both through individual therapy and group therapy. She has facilitated workshops and group therapy for mothers navigating post-separation abuse, with a focus on healing and supporting children through transitions.
Personal Approach to Counselling
Chiara works from a trauma-informed, evidence-based perspective and believes that therapy is most effective when it is truly collaborative. She sees each client as the expert in their own lived experience and works to meet you where you are, moving at a pace that feels safe while supporting the changes that matter most to you.
She tailors her approach to each person’s unique needs and goals, integrating Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) within a space that is warm, non-judgmental, and grounded in compassion.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Education & Certification
Alli holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, along with a Bachelor of Arts with a double minor in Psychology and Counselling and Human Development from Simon Fraser University.
She has also completed a Trauma Certificate through Wilfrid Laurier University. Alli is committed to ongoing professional development and continues to pursue additional training, including a growing focus on perinatal mental health.
Counselling Experience
Alli works with individuals and couples navigating trauma, relationship challenges, and emotional distress. She has experience supporting clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and difficulties with self-worth.
She also has a particular interest in supporting individuals in the perinatal period and the emotional and identity shifts that can come with this stage of life.
Her background includes frontline social work and crisis response, in addition to lived experience in parenting and small business ownership. These experiences inform her understanding of the complexities clients bring into the therapy space and shape the way she connects with those she works with.
Personal Approach to Counselling
Alli works from a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, with influence from attachment theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy. She places a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, creating a space where clients can feel comfortable enough to show up as they are.
Through exploring emotional and behavioural patterns, relationship dynamics, and past experiences, Alli supports clients in deepening self-awareness and making sense of what they are going through. She moves alongside her clients in this process, helping them feel less alone while supporting meaningful, lasting change over time.
Registered Psychotherapist
(Independent Practice)
Education & Certification
Veronica is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Developmental Psychology from Carleton University.
Counselling Experience
Veronica has a wealth of experience working with children, teens, and adults. She helps clients build their capacity to manage mental health concerns such as anxiety, intense stress and burnout, low mood and depression, grief and loss, relationship and family issues, and challenges related to self-esteem and self-confidence.
In addition, Veronica has extensive experience working with neurodivergent children and teens to help them reach their full potential. As a mother to three neuro-spicy children, she brings a unique perspective to supporting individuals with different brains. She helps people with ADHD and Autism develop skills in emotional regulation, social interaction, executive functioning, organization, prioritization, and productivity, while helping them understand how to use their neurodivergent strengths to their advantage.
Veronica has also done extensive work in parental coaching, helping parents and caregivers build practical skills to support their children at home and manage challenging behaviours and stress responses.
Personal Approach to Counselling
I am continually inspired by the resilience of the human spirit to persevere through difficult experiences. I believe that all people possess the strengths and abilities they need to be successful, and I feel privileged to be part of the process of guiding and encouraging individuals on their journey toward growth and healing.
I am trained in a variety of psychotherapy approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). Additionally, I am experienced in using social-emotional learning programs such as Superflex and Zones of Regulation and have extensive experience coaching parents using the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model.
I once heard the phrase that “finding the right counsellor is like using Match.com,” and I wholeheartedly agree. Individuals need to find a counsellor they feel comfortable with, someone they truly connect with, and who uses counselling approaches that align with their needs. I am always happy to connect and explore whether we would be a good fit.