Psychotherapy is an interactive process that includes many methods and techniques to help people deal with issues that are preventing them from living full, rich lives. We have specialized knowledge in how people think, feel and behave, how problems can develop in different areas of functioning, and how to facilitate change to reduce distress and improve overall psychological health and well-being. Unlike psychologists, psychotherapists are not able to provide diagnoses for mental health concerns. Psychiatrists differ from psychotherapists in that they can diagnose disorders and prescribe medications, which psychotherapists cannot do. My training to become a psychotherapist involved completing a masters degree in Couples & Family Therapy, which included learning the various theories and modalities of therapy, completing more than 500 hours working with individuals, couples, and families, and attaining more than 150 hours of supervision. Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) are certified by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, which ensures that we work in an ethical manner that always keeps your best interests in mind.

Registered Holistic Nutritionists take a natural approach to health and focus on multiple aspects of a person rather than taking a "one-size-fits-all" approach. We consider your health history, emotions, and lifestyle habits to assess what the root cause of your concerns may be. I became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist by completing a year-long intensive program with the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, where I received training in the fundamentals of nutrition, nutritional pathology, anatomy, chemistry, and more.

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Psychotherapy: 1. Intake During a (free and optional) 10-minute phone call, I'll ask for a bit of background information (your name, contact information, what your concerns are, and what you're hoping to get from therapy). 2. Initial Session This will involve going over some paperwork and getting to know you: who's in your life, what your health history looks like, and other relevant information. 3. Weekly Sessions We will meet each week to discuss how you can get closer to your goals. Sessions are 50 or 80 minutes long depending if you're coming for individual therapy or couples/family therapy, respectively. 4. Ending Therapy If you feel confident in the changes you've made and feel as though therapy is no longer needed, we can reduce the frequency of our sessions or end our time together. Our final session will involve discussing how you can maintain the wonderful changes you've implemented in your life. Nutritional Counselling: ​ 1. Health History After you've expressed an interest in working with me, I will send you a detailed questionnaire to fill out about your health history, goals, food preferences, etc. This questionnaire will take about 30 - 60 minutes to complete. I will also ask that you keep a food journal for one week's time and will provide you with a template via email. 2. Consultation We will meet one-on-one for a 60-minute session to discuss what nutritional changes you can make to help meet your goals. I will also provide you with some recipes and an individualized 5-day meal plan to suit your needs. 3. Follow-Up Sessions We will meet as often as you'd like for 45-minute sessions to discuss what's working and/or where you need more support. These sessions are designed to track progress, maintain motivation, and encourage accountability. Nutrition & Psychotherapy Pacakages: This is a commitment to 5 psychotherapy sessions, 1 nutritional assessment, and 2 nutrition-specific follow-up sessions. While the structure of these packages can vary based on personal preferences and goals, typically we will devote the first three sessions to psychotherapy with the fourth session focusing on nutrition. Then, we will return to our psychotherapy sessions afterwards as a way of helping to integrate the recommended nutritional changes.

I work out of two facilities in Markham and Vaughan. My flagship office in Markham is located in Markham Stouffville Hospital's Health Services Building at 379 Church Street, Suite 402. Note that I share an office with Cells for Life on the fourth floor, so when you see their glass doors you're in the right place! My Vaughan office is located at 1160 Clarence Street in the Life & Family Counselling building.

To book an appointment for individual, couples, or family psychotherapy, you may use my online booking system. This allows you to see the different dates and times during which I'm available so you can find something that works best for your schedule. To book a session for nutritional counselling, please email me at kristina@fresh-insight.ca.

While Fresh Insight is not open on weekends at this time, I am open until 9pm during the week. However, please note that Friday evening appointments only occur at my Markham location, as my Vaughan office closes at 4pm on Fridays.

Of course. I recognize that I'm a total stranger and that sharing your innermost thoughts can be scary and overwhelming. I will be sure to follow whatever pace you'd like, whether this involves spending five sessions just getting to know one another or discussing your concerns right off the bat. I take being non-judgmental, compassionate, and genuine very seriously, and will be sure to be transparent with you about the therapy process so you know what to expect. Note that you are also welcome to bring a significant other, friend, or family with you at first if you feel this would be helpful for you.

Yes. I offer free 10-minute consultations via telephone. If you're interested in this, please call me at (647) 300 - 9465.

I do provide a sliding scale fee to a select number of individuals, which is $100 + HST for daytime appointments. The sliding scale rate is only available for individuals who do not have any insurance coverage. Currently, I have taken on the maximum number of sliding scale patients that my practice can accommodate at this time, meaning there are no open slots. Should you require the sliding scale fee, you will be put on a waitlist.

Yes. Please let me know if you cannot make an appointment 24 hours in advance to avoid a first-time cancellation charge of $50. After your first-time charge, you'll be charged the full session fee for future sessions that are not cancelled within the 24-hour window.