Our Team
Registered Social Workers
Natasha Rykaszewski MSW, RSW
Hi, I’m Natasha—a registered social worker, and the founder of Rooted in Counselling.
My extensive experience includes supporting youth and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal conflict, emotional regulation and trauma. The path to healing, growing and creating lasting change is one that I know well.
Before starting my private practice, I worked in the field of social work for over six years. I learned a lot about myself and the communities I worked in. Through doing my own inner work, I became inspired to use my lived experience and knowledge to guide others on the journey towards living intentionally and reaching their goals.
My approach to therapy is collaborative and eclectic—meaning I partner with you to create a personalized plan and incorporate various modalities based on your unique needs. I view myself as not only your guide but your support system, too. Someone who hears you distinctly, speaks with compassion and delicately challenges you to see different perspectives. Our work together may bring up tears and laughter—and both are okay.
Kim Ross BSW, RSW
Hello and welcome, my name is Kim and I am a Registered Social Worker at Rooted in Counselling.
I work with adults experiencing changes in their mental health, life transitions, grief, substance use concerns, as well as adults who are looking to get in touch with themselves and find new insights and clarity in their lives.
I have a compassionate and conversational approach to therapy and use the benefits of CBT and DBT to empower my clients with skills and motivation to make meaningful changes in their lives. I provide a safe space to understand and process feelings, notice unhelpful thoughts and patterns, and work alongside my clients to achieve their goals.
Gabriele (Gabi) Reid BSW, RSW
Hello- I am Gabi, a Registered Social Worker in Ontario with over 8 years of experience in the helping field. i hold a Bachelor of Arts (with a focus in Psychology) and an Honours Bachelor Indigenous Social Work and currently completing a Master of Social Work degree.
I have worked extensively with adults, families, youth, and children in crisis/intervention settings. Throughout my career I has supported individuals who have historically lived with or are currently experiencing family conflict, trauma, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, addiction as well as other psychiatric disorders and diagnoses.
I have training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. I am additionally trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which can treats distressing life experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder and associated symptoms. In therapeutic practice I draws from a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach and utilizes Mindfulness-based techniques in combination with a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to support clients in their individualized healing journey.
I do seek to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients of all ages with various needs & goals. I am looking forward to working with you!
Lisa Roelfsema MSW, RSW
Hello- I’m Lisa. I provide a safe environment where you can say what you need to say, without fear of being judged. My strength is listening to understand your story and developing mutual goals to create more helpful ways of dealing with life's stressors. I can help you explore your current thoughts and behaviours to see if they are serving you as well as you would like them to and help you develop tools and strategies to promote change in your life.
I have a Masters Degree in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University with over 24 years of experience, including 18 years supporting those affected by cancer and over 10 years in private practice.
I help couples to understand and change patterns in their relationship to promote improved communication. What would be happening for you to say I'm ready for change?
I am a member of the Ontario Association of Professional Social Workers (OASW) and a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
Elly Mowers MSW, RSW
Hi, I’m Elly. I’m excited to get to know you! Here is some helpful info for you to know about me. I graduated with a Master of Social Work from York University in 2011. Prior to this achievement, I completed an Honors Bachelor of Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology, and a Diploma in General Arts and Science. My academic background has equipped me with the credentials necessary for this profession; however, I believe that my most significant education has come from life experiences.
My personal journey has uniquely prepared me to assist you in discovering your authentic self, recognizing your worth, aligning your actions with your beliefs and aspirations, and embracing life on its terms. Together, we can effect meaningful change and work towards achieving your personal goals. My approach is client-centered; you are in charge of our sessions, and we will collaboratively develop a plan to fulfill your desires. I bring a diverse set of therapeutic tools to our work, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT), Play and Arts-Based Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing.
I am particularly passionate about assisting individuals facing challenges such as: Addiction, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Body image issues, Minor legal issues, Depression, Divorce or break-ups, Emotional dysregulation, Gender and sexuality issues, Grief and loss, Low self-esteem, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Parenting difficulties, Relationship challenges, School avoidance, Self-harm, Suicidal thoughts and Spiritual concerns
I find great fulfillment in working with individuals, particularly teenagers, however, my services extend to all age groups. If you have taken the time to read this, it indicates your serious intent to find the right therapist for your needs. I invite you to click below to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation, allowing us to explore whether you are ready to embark on this journey together.
Registered Psychotherapists
Zoe Fysikoudi , RP
Hi, I am Zoe – a Registered Psychotherapist and passionate working with children, youth and their families.
I have extensive experience working in private practice, schools, and community organizations supporting children and young people presenting with anxiety, relationship difficulties, social skills, behavioral issues, emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem, loss and grief, separation and divorce, trauma. I also work with parents who may need support to understand and walk with their children while they go through changes and want to enhance their child-parent relationship.
My approach is gentle, kind, authentic, attentive and playful allowing the therapeutic process to unfold and tailoring my approach and pace according to the needs of the child/ youth I am working with. I use elements of play therapy, art and creativity, sand tray, puppets, bibliotherapy alongside talk therapy in order to help children and youth share their story and perspective, connect with their inner resources and develop their resilience, learn strategies to manage difficult feelings, be creative and playful, manage transitions effectively and build a secure relationship with themselves and others.
Allison Jones , RP
Hi, I’m Allison. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience working in the field of child and youth mental health.
I have extensive training in providing assessment and treatment to individuals, children and families who are struggling with anxiety, relational concerns, emotion regulation, attachment and parenting, behavioural issues and the impact of trauma.
Therapy is a uniquely personal experience and there is no one “right” approach. I create a safe space to explore your challenges and help you feel understood. Using a family systems lens, I believe that a child/youth’s struggles should be viewed in the context of their environment and that family members have a significant role in the healing journey.
It takes courage to ask for help and I provide a safe, non-judgemental space to support you. If you are ready for some help, you are worried about your child’s mental health, or you are experiencing your own stress or mental health challenges, you’ve come to the right place.