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.
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.
Juliana DeMeis, BA, MA
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), MA
Registered Psychotherapist
Education & Certification
Brittany is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. 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. Brittany has also completed further training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
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.
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.
Brittany provides virtual Psychotherapy to individuals across Canada.
Yasmin Hollis, B.Soc.Sc, MA
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 5 years of experience counselling individuals, youth and families experiencing a range of concerns
including: anxiety, depression, trauma, and interpersonal problems. Her most recent experience centered on
counseling youth and their families through an array of emotional, behavioral and interpersonal challenges. She also
has experience with crisis intervention, as she has worked as a mobile crisis clinician, responding to acute behavioural crises in the community. Yasmin completed her graduate internship at a community agency serving female survivors of sexual violence. Yasmin’s special interests center on women’s issues. She places a special focus on in her work on perinatal mental health and trauma. Her own lived experience with the perinatal stage has taught her the importance of supporting women through this special time. 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 space, to explore
difficult life situations and potential for growth. I take an inclusive, anti-racist, and trauma-informed approach that
allows for clients of a diverse background to feel safe and welcome. In an effort to be inclusive and client-centered, I
take an integrative approach in sessions, lending from modalities such as CBT, mindfulness, and motivational
interviewing, amongst others. I believe all people have the capacity for change and I feel my role is to empower you
to discover this potential.
Nicole Nicastro, BA, MA
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 St. 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 (hair pulling, skin picking, etc.).
Personal Approach to Counselling
I believe that feeling comfortable to be 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 with me and collaboratively work together towards your goals.
I am committed to ensuring you feel validated in your feelings and experiences, while
we compassionately explore them, working together to develop useful coping skills to
aid in reducing symptoms, and develop more helpful ways of understanding and
processing your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
My approach to therapy is “integrative,” meaning I like to draw from various types of
evidence-based practices to form an understanding of you as an individual and develop
an appropriate treatment plan that is tailored to best suit you and your needs. My
practice is Self-Compassion focused, often integrating Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
(CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) and
Mindfulness-based therapies. I look forward to supporting you in your therapy journey
and empowering you in your ability to make positive changes for yourself.
Heather Talbot, BA, MA
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 different 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.
Sandra LeBlanc, BA, BSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
Education & Certification
Sandra is a registered social worker 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
She has over 25 year’s 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 share 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 clients 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 Commitment Therapy,
• Theraplay and Play Therapy,
In addition to working with adults and teens, Sandra provides child psychotherapy and counselling and also 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 obtain their
goals in therapy. Sandra believes that all behaviour is communication. Sandra’s work
with clients involves helping them listen to what their behaviour is telling them in
themselves and in others. Together Sandra will explore the clients experiences to help
them identify what their responses and reactions tell them 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 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, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive
Disorder.
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’s 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 to you.
She tailors her approach to each person’s unique needs and goals, integrating DBT, CBT, and
Internal Family Systems (IFS) within a space that is warm, non-judgmental, and grounded in
compassion.
Alli Ewacha, BA, MA
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’re going through. She moves alongside her clients in this process, helping them feel less alone in it, while supporting meaningful, lasting change over time.