The Couch Counselling and Support Services
EMDR Therapists | NeurOptimal Therapy | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Get to Know Us at The Couch Counselling and Support Services
Welcome to The Couch Counselling and Support Services, where we're dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to help you navigate life's challenges. Our team of experienced therapists is here to guide you toward healing, growth, and positive change.
Holistic Approach
We're firm believers in adopting a holistic approach to therapy. We understand that mental health is interconnected with various aspects of life, including physical health, relationships, and environment. That's why we offer personalized treatment plans that address the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Emphasis on Empowerment
We're committed to empowering our clients to play an active role in their healing journey. Rather than just offering advice or solutions, our therapists work collaboratively with you to identify your strengths, values, and goals. Through this process, you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself and develop the skills and confidence to overcome challenges.
Diverse Expertise
Our team of therapists brings a diverse range of expertise and specialties to the table. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or any other mental health concern, we have a therapist who can help. From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, we offer a variety of evidence-based approaches to meet your unique needs.
Lori McDonell
Registered Psychotherapist
Lori McDonell is a Registered Psychotherapist with a deep commitment to helping individuals and families heal and grow. With over 12 years of experience working with the First Nations community and seven years supervising clinical workers, Lori brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice.
Lori specializes in Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). She is particularly skilled in working with First Nations children, helping them navigate trauma, grief, and bereavement. Lori is certified in trauma-informed care, children's grief and bereavement, and NeurOptimal sessions, and she also offers Sand Tray Therapy. Currently, she is further honing her expertise in SFT around Play Therapy to better serve her clients.
Lori is the proud owner and operator of The Couch Counselling and Support Services, where she and her team provide personalized, client-focused therapy. Lori’s approach is rooted in genuine care and respect for her clients, and she feels blessed to be a part of their healing journey. "I am a client-focused therapist because I care deeply about people and am honored that clients allow me to be a part of their healing path. We are truly here to help," says Lori.
MEET OUR TEAM
At The Couch, our staff are either Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapists, or trained professionals in related fields. They bring expertise in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. Each team member is registered with a regulatory body such as The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) or The Ontario College of Social Workers (OCSW).
We also support qualifying psychotherapists who are completing their supervision hours to become fully registered with their respective colleges. These clinicians work directly under Lori McDonell, an approved CRPO supervisor, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and support. All our staff have access to supervision at all times to maintain the highest standards of care.
Our therapists at The Couch provide mental health counseling under the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. We are dedicated to facilitating positive change and supporting our clients throughout their journey. At The Couch, we are truly here to help!
Teliea Brown
RPQ, Intern working under Lori McDonell
Teliea is a qualifying psychotherapist/Intern. She graduated with a bachelors degree in child Studies and a double minor in psychology and human rights at Carleton University. She is currently enrolled in the masters program of counselling psychology at Yorkville University. Teliea has a passion for working with children and hopes to aid in child development with the implementation of experiential and art therapy. With future plans to specialize in Trauma-informed therapy.
Donna Varao
RSW, RPQ
Donna has been working in mental health for almost 10 years now, supporting clients through depression, anxiety, trauma and the challenges of being diagnosed with BPD. As a person centred therapist with lived experience, Donna employs several types of therapy to suit and support the needs of all clients. Donna offers DBT and Polyvagal Theory based interventions, EMDR therapy, and would be honored to help you along the path to your goals. “You deserve to live a life free from past traumas and low self-esteem. Therapy is a tool you can use to heal, and I am here to show you, support you and cheer for you on your journey.
Andrea Doroszkiewicz
Registered Psychotherapist
Andrea Doroszkiewicz brings over 13 years of experience in the mental health and addiction field. As a Registered Psychotherapist since 2018, her passions include supporting individuals in navigating and managing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, stress, decision making, substance use, procrastination and worry.
She has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and brings knowledge from both a personal and professional perspective. Andrea incorporates aspects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Brief Solution Focused Therapy in her work. She works collaboratively with clients in ushering them towards improving their quality of life by strengthening their tolerance for uncertainty, becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable, and improving their psychological flexibility.
Diagrams, visuals, and metaphors are a constant presence in Andrea’s practise. These tools help us learn and recall important concepts, especially outside of the therapy session! If you feel like you could use some support or are just looking to add a little balance into your life, Andrea is happy to help! After all, even superhero’s have sidekicks!
Jenny Desimone
MSW RSW
Jenny Desimone, MSW RSWJenny is a Registered Social Worker who has been in good standing with the OCSWSSW since 2004. Jenny spent the first part of her career working with the elderly and end of life care assisting clients to find meaning in their lives and applies a Narrative Therapy approach to helping clients find the story to their current life situation. Jenny also received training in Solution Focused Therapy, CBT and DBT which Jenny utilizes with her heart centred, down to earth style and storytelling ability to provide clients with a catalyst to inner growth, healing and success. Jenny now offers EMDR therapy which is a great approach for trauma that is not healing from other approaches. Jenny has overcome many personal traumas and difficult life situations and loves to work one on one with clients to support and do the same. Jenny has training in Trauma Informed Care and in the Resilient Heart -Trauma-Sensitive HeartMath Certification to provide soft, heart-based healing that is client centred and client directed.
Jenny is an animal lover and has three dogs which are her joy, loves to complete crafts, beading, is an avid reader and is currently studying herbal medicine as a pastime.
Lorraine Parke
BSW
Lorraine, BSW, has worked in the social service field for 14 years. She has acquired the training, skills and experience to offer the highest quality counselling to her clients. As a Registered Social Worker, Lorraine trained in clinically proven modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Strength-Based Perspective, and Solution Resolution Therapy. Lorraine is a Certified Nutritional Advisor and has also been trained as a Life Skills Coach. She incorporates these skills into her session(s) in order to offer holistic care.
Lorraine specializes in the following areas: discrimination (including racism against people of colour, ageism, ableism, sanism) grief and bereavement, anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, low self esteem and life cycle changes.
Lorraine’s therapeutic approach is Person-Centered, non-judgment and empathic. She believes in the human capacity to change and helps her clients deconstruct harmful beliefs that stem from social norms and structures. Lorraine is confident in her ability to empower her clients and to walk with them through their process of change.
Nisha Mendonca
RSW
Nisha is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work, complemented by a robust foundation in psychology and gerontology. With several years of experience as a Clinician, she has worked extensively with both young and older adults. Her previous advocacy work experience for inclusion and equity has driven her to support underprivileged communities, deepening her understanding of the pain of feeling unseen. Nisha is committed to empowering individuals to recognize and harness their internal wisdom and resilience to navigate life’s challenges.
She employs a diverse, client-centered approach rooted in evidence-based practices, drawing from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and strengths-based counseling through a trauma-informed lens. Her work spans a broad range of issues, including anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship challenges, stress, low self-esteem, caregiver guilt, life transitions, and cognitive impairments.
Safe and Supportive Environment
If you're struggling with anxiety or panic disorders, consider seeking EMDR therapy at The Couch Counselling and Support Services. Our experienced therapists offer EMDR therapy and are dedicated to helping you overcome anxiety and regain control of your life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a calmer, more peaceful future.
If you're looking for a supportive and compassionate therapy experience, look no further than our experts. Our holistic approach, emphasis on empowerment, diverse expertise, and commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment set us apart. Reach out to us today to book an appointment and start your journey towards healing and growth.
LET'S CONNECT!
At The Couch Counselling and Support Services, we're here to provide you with compassionate and professional support on your journey towards healing and growth. Our team of experienced psychotherapists offer a safe and welcoming space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Whether you're facing challenges in your personal life, relationships, or mental health, we're here to help. Contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow.