Addiction Therapists in Kanata, ON
Joey Mercer
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I support adults and young adults healing from addiction, social anxiety, and depression, and guide trauma recovery through an EMDR-informed lens. As a non-Indigenous person working with Indigenous clients, I strive to honour a Two-Eyed Seeing perspective and practice with cultural humility. Recovery doesn't happen to you, it happens because of you. I'll be there beside you.
Mohamad Shabib
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Mohamad Shabib is a trauma-informed counsellor specializing in PTSD, addiction, and complex trauma. He integrates CBT, EMDR, and evidence-based approaches with a culturally responsive lens shaped by refugee and public health experience. He supports vulnerable populations, including refugees and first responders, in healing, resilience, and recovery.
Michelle Strazzeri
Master of Social Work (M.S.W, R.S.W) -Social Worker/ Psychotherapist
For 9 years I have worked with individuals, couples and families on a wide variety of issues including communication breakdown, trauma, abuse, accident, injury, addictions, depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns. I understand that change is difficult, and it is hard to take the first step in seeking out therapy support. I know it takes courage to start this process.
Anna Marson
Registered Psychotherapist
Anna Marson is a registered psychotherapist specializing in ADHD, trauma, neurodiversity, attachment, stress, and emotion regulation. She integrates evidence-based therapies, mindfulness, and ADHD coaching to help clients build resilience, regulate emotions, and develop practical skills for lasting, positive change. Her approach is compassionate, brain/body-informed, and strength-based.
Shannon Jervis
Registered Social Worker
Throughout my career, I have provided unwavering support to clients affected by neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, and various mental health challenges. I specialize in creating a collaborative and meaningful treatment plan tailored to individual needs, fostering a therapeutic environment. As a therapist, I use a strength-based, client-focused approach.
Acsana Fernando
Master of Social Work (M.S.W, R.S.W) -Social Worker/ Psychotherapist
I am passionate about supporting clients in their efforts to change and grow by uncovering their abilities and strengths to overcome challenges. I have worked with diverse populations, including youth, adults, students, parents, families, and caregivers, as they cope with anxiety, depression, autism spectrum, interpersonal conflict, grief, life transitions, stress and cultural identities.
Lylla Goheen
Registered Psychotherapist RP (Qualifying), Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC)
Do you and your partner speak different languages? Whether it’s the silence of a "roommate phase," sexual dysfunction, or the weight of chronic illness, you don't have to navigate it alone. I provide inclusive Sex Therapy, Gottman Couples Counselling, and Chronic Pain support in Etobicoke & Toronto. My practice is judgment-free and not "one-size-fits-all." Let's start your new era.
Janalyn Dodds MSW, BSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist
I am a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist with The Support Station, a Canadian-based, woman-owned organization that believes cost shouldn't be a barrier to accessing quality mental health and wellness support. Each client's session fees are adjusted according to not only their monthly income, but also any bills and debts paid out regularly get considered as well.
Kathryn Jones
Registered Social Worker
I provide evidence-based therapy for Anxiety, OCD, Depression, ADHD, Behavioural Addictions (ie., shopping, gambling, pornography, gaming), Stress, Unhealthy Relationships, Body Image, and Trauma. Together, we'll clarify your goals and identify the thoughts, beliefs, or behaviours getting in your way. We'll create a roadmap with realistic, meaningful steps toward living your best possible life.
Michelle Mailhiot
Registered Psychotherapist
The approach I use is trauma-focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Compassion Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for complex trauma. EMDR is an effective form of trauma therapy that has been extensively researched to help people who have experienced trauma resume the brain’s natural healing process.
Fema Jacob
Registered Social Worker
I want to understand the intricate details of your life that make you uniquely you, and I would be honoured to facilitate the process of your self-discovery and healing. I love working with individuals in all walks of life, including but not limited to individuals experiencing anxiety, panic and/or anxiety attacks, phobias, issues controlling anger, improving self-esteem and many more.
Lisa O’Donovan
Registered Psychotherapist
I offer Psychodynamic, trauma-informed therapy for adults and couples in-person in Burlington and virtually. I support clients navigating complex trauma, relationship difficulties, addiction and recovery, family dysfunction, and life transitions helping to uncover and understand emotional and relational patterns, process experiences, build greater self-awareness in a safe, compassionate space.
Brittany Lepera
Master of Social Work (M.S.W, R.S.W) -Social Worker/ Psychotherapist
Do you often feel weighed down by stress, anxiety, depression, or substance abuse? If you find it challenging to manage your day-to-day life, we will work together on strategies to help you address the root causes of your struggles. I have over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings. People describe me as a personable and non-judgmental individual
Courtney Hayman
Registered Psychotherapist
I provide services for young people, adults, couples and families who are looking for someone to work through their struggles with. My approach is non-judgmental, kind and empathetic. I focus on strengths to support your goals for counselling. Looking for a brief, solution-focused therapy, strategies to improve your coping skills, or a more intensive therapeutic venture, I am here to help you.
Daniel Young
Registered Social Worker
I specialize in counselling for individual men, women, couples and families. I am dedicated to providing high-quality therapeutic care to my clients, utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities, including talk therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and other evidence-based approaches
Tharshiga Elankeeran
Registered Psychotherapist MA RP, IMD (candidate)
I embrace the profound truth that we are all interconnected when we mindfully inhabit the present moment. As therapists, we acknowledge the intricate web of human experiences, emotions, and relationships. This awareness creates a nurturing space where clients can explore their inner landscapes with compassion. Together, we embark on a journey of empathy, resilience, and shared transformation.
Brittany Peddle
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I work with individuals who are looking to overcome their trauma by learning healthier coping skills and more helpful resources, and who want to do deeper processing work to resolve and release trauma in order to let go of the past and move forward in life. I offer both support and solutions, using a client-centered approach utilizing DBT, ACT, EMDR, Somatic Therapy and other modalities.
Athena Zambelis
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Registered Nurse, MSc.
There’s a tenet in life that if you run towards your fears, you'll unlock your full potential and the future you always dreamed of. Let’s run towards those fears together.
Casper Watras
Registered Psychotherapist
I work with motivated individuals who are looking to work towards better understanding, dealing with, and changing their lives. Clients of mine often have behaviours, thoughts, feelings, or emotions that are dysfunctional or cause them discomfort, such as feeling anxious, depressed, frustrated, reactive, or scattered. Many of my clients have difficulty with behaviours they feel they have no contr…
Erin Gilmour
Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Canadian Addiction Counsellor
I offer depth-oriented therapy to help you understand the why behind your struggles—not just manage symptoms. Together, we explore patterns, emotions, and protective parts to support lasting change, self-trust, and meaningful relief. This is a space for curiosity, compassion, and true transformation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction
What is addiction and how does therapy help?
Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive substance use or behaviour despite negative consequences. It involves changes in brain circuitry affecting reward, motivation, memory, and impulse control. Therapy helps by addressing the underlying psychological drivers of addiction — trauma, mental health conditions, emotional dysregulation, social isolation — as well as the thought patterns and triggers that sustain addictive cycles. Therapy is most effective when combined with other supports such as medical care and peer support.
What types of addiction can therapy address?
Therapy addresses a wide range of substance and behavioural addictions, including alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, cannabis dependence, cocaine and stimulant misuse, prescription medication misuse, gambling disorder, sexual addiction, internet and gaming addiction, and food addiction. Many addiction counsellors are also trained to address co-occurring mental health conditions, which are extremely common among people with addiction — often called dual diagnosis.
What therapy approaches are used for addiction?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is widely used to help people explore their ambivalence about change in a non-judgmental way. CBT for addiction addresses the thoughts and patterns that trigger substance use and builds skills for managing cravings and high-risk situations. Twelve-step facilitation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed approaches, and community reinforcement are also evidence-based. Many therapists integrate multiple approaches based on where you are in your recovery journey.
Does therapy require me to commit to abstinence?
Not necessarily. Many therapists and programs work with a harm reduction model, which supports safer use and reducing negative consequences without requiring abstinence as the only goal. Others work within an abstinence-based framework. Some people want abstinence; others want to reduce use or improve their relationship with a substance. Discuss your goals openly with a potential therapist — a good therapist will work with your goals rather than imposing a single approach.
Is addiction counselling covered by insurance in Canada?
Coverage varies by province and plan. Many extended health benefits cover psychotherapy for addiction when provided by a registered psychologist, social worker, or counsellor. Some provinces offer publicly funded addiction services through health authorities — waitlists vary by region. It is worth contacting your province's addiction services line for information on publicly funded options, and checking your extended benefits for privately covered therapy.