Practice information:

I am a Registered Psychologist providing therapy to children, youth, young adults and their families at Nova Mental Health. Our focus is on creating a warm, collaborative, and engaging atmosphere while incorporating the latest research evidence and best-practice guidelines to help clients and families move through challenges. Drawing on principles of Cognitive Behavioural therapy, we work with families to achieve the goals important to them. We focus sessions on helping our clients learn new strategies and skills to overcome the issues they face. Although we support clients manage a number of issues, our main areas of practice are in Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tics, Depression, Self-Harm, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

When working with children, we use playful approaches and age appropriate language to engage children of all ages. Our friendly, non-judgemental perspective helps clients feel at ease in the work that we do together. 

Treatment Areas:

• Anxiety
  • Panic and Agoraphobia
  • Generalized Anxiety
  • Test and School Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Health Anxiety
  • Social Anxiety
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Treated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention - CBT and ERP)
• Tics (Treated with Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics - CBIT)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Behavioural Concerns
• Sleep Difficulties
• Depression​​

Approach

We integrate a number of treatment modalities to provide children and youth with an individualized approach that will meet their unique needs. We apply techniques and approaches from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy.

Education (Gabriela Ionita)

• Ph.D. Counselling Psychology; McGill University
• M.A. Counselling Psychology; Simon Fraser University
• B.A. (Psychology): First Class Honours; Simon Fraser University

Due to the pandemic, all sessions are currently provided through secure online video or phone sessions. Financial assistance can be accessed through grants for mental health services. You can learn more at:https://www.novamentalhealth.ca/financial-assistance.html