Meet Anna.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I did not take a straight path to therapy. I took a real one.
My Journey
Before I became a psychotherapist, I worked in hospitality management, human resources, the legal system, and career development. I have hired people, laid people off, managed workplace conflict, navigated toxic leadership, and sat across from people at some of the hardest moments of their professional lives.
My career started in hospitality, where I spent years managing kitchen operations, catering, staff hiring, and vendor coordination. I learned how to stay calm under pressure and lead people through chaos. From there, I moved into human resources, managing four Tim Hortons locations across Mississauga and Oakville.
That experience shapes everything about how I do therapy today. I know what it feels like when work takes more than it gives.
The Career Chose Me
A pivotal moment happened much earlier, during my late teens. A close friend attempted to harm themselves. I recognized something was wrong during a phone call and was able to intervene with help. That experience planted a seed.
Over five years volunteering with the Distress Centre as a crisis line responder, I discovered I could sit with people in deep emotional pain without being overwhelmed by it. I could hold space, listen carefully, and help someone feel less alone in a moment of crisis.
Training & Approaches
Currently pursuing advanced certification in DBT, CBT, and ACT.
How I Work
I am a tool-oriented therapist. That means sessions are not just about talking through what happened last week. We identify the obstacle, break your goals into smaller tasks, and focus on practical strategies you can use between sessions.
I adapt tools to fit your actual capacity. If you are a parent with a full schedule and limited energy, I am not going to hand you a 20-step homework plan. If you are a professional managing burnout, I will not suggest things that add more to your plate.
I also believe in honest, direct feedback. Several of my clients have told me they were looking for someone who would not just listen and nod. They wanted a therapist who would challenge them respectfully and help them move toward their goals with structure and accountability. That is exactly what I do.
Outside the Therapy Room
I am a mother first. My mornings are spent with my daughter, and my evenings are dedicated to clients. That structure is intentional.
I am also someone who believes in facing fears. When my family surprised me with the CN Tower EdgeWalk, I showed up despite being terrified of heights. I used self-soothing techniques and focused breathing to manage my fear in real time. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have done.
For 3.5 years, I trained and worked with my dog, Milo, as part of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. Milo is retired now, but he still makes the occasional appearance in sessions, offering a quiet, calming presence.
I love cooking, experimenting with cultural dishes, and exploring new restaurants with my husband on our monthly date nights. I also learned to dance salsa, bachata, and Argentine tango for years, where I overcame a fear of dancing in public and eventually was blindfolded.