Darijan Northstar (he/him) provides a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their experiences, process difficult emotions, and develop tools for emotional resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ2IA+ community, Darijan offers inclusive, affirming care and brings a culturally sensitive perspective to his practice. He is deeply committed to honouring each client’s individuality and unique life experiences while fostering a therapeutic environment that encourages growth and self-discovery.

His eclectic approach, utilizing CBT, DBT, ACT, Attachment-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused, Existential, and Hypnosis, can facilitate deep relaxation, trauma healing, and transformation. Whether clients are managing depression, anxiety, PTSD, or relationship challenges, Darijan works collaboratively to tailor therapy to their unique needs, empowering them to build healthier relationships with themselves and others.

In his spare time, Darijan is passionate about living a mindful, balanced life. He enjoys weight-lifting, practicing yoga, traveling to explore new cultures, interacting with and raising animals, engaging in holistic practices, and finding inspiration through music. These interests enrich his therapeutic approach and reflect his commitment to a holistic and integrative perspective on mental health and well-being.

With convenient virtual sessions, Darijan makes therapy accessible for clients wherever they are. His goal is to guide clients on a transformative journey toward healing, personal growth, and lasting change. Feel free to book a consultation today!

Darijan Northstar (he/him) provides a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their e... Read More

Cher Canonizado (she/her) is a trusted partner on her clients’ journey to healing and self-discovery. With over 14+ years of experience in the field, Cher brings a wealth of wisdom and compassion to her practice.

Whether grappling with relationship issues, processing difficult emotions, or embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Cher is here to support her clients every step of the way. Drawing from a diverse toolkit of interventions and theories, Cher tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.

Cher is well-versed in supporting individuals struggling with addiction, self-harm, depression, anxiety, stress, and a myriad of other challenges, including various forms of trauma and abuse. She also specializes in supporting individuals through the tumultuous transitions of adolescence and young adulthood. Cher has helped countless clients navigate the complexities of this pivotal stage of life.

She believes that trust and empathy are the cornerstones of effective therapy, and she takes a flexible, client-centered approach to her practice, ensuring that each individual feels heard, understood, and valued. Every session with Cher is trauma-informed and rooted in a strengths-based perspective, empowering her clients to tap into your inner resilience and wisdom.

When she’s not in the virtual office, Cher spends her time with her loved ones (including her fur-babies), keeps active outside and on the ice, cooks Instagram worthy meals, and plays music. ​ Cher is currently accepting new clients with daytime and evening availability. Feel free to reach out and book a consultation or session today!

Cher Canonizado (she/her) is a trusted partner on her clients’ journey to healing and self-disco... Read More

Ken McIntosh (he/him) is a kind, gentle and compassionate therapist who is passionate about supporting folks of all ages to live a more calm, connected and authentic life. Ken loves helping his clients identify their individual goals, rather than imposing a predetermined agenda on them.

Utilizing an eclectic approach, Ken creates a comfortable and safe space for his clients, offering education, insights, compassion, and an analysis of past and present experiences that impact them. By engaging in this therapeutic journey, Ken’s clients reclaim their autonomy and freedom from past traumas, working to accept themselves without shame.

Ken specializes in supporting individuals dealing with issues of low self-esteem, shame, sexuality, anxiety and depression, among other concerns. As a queer identified therapist, Ken has both professional and lived experience navigating religious trauma, and the “coming out” experience, as well.

Furthermore, with specialized training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Ken can provide therapy and skills training that helps clients learn to manage difficult emotions, self-harm and suicidal ideation. He also has familiarity with gamer mental health and online communities, and enjoys working with folks with these lived experiences, as well.

When Ken isn’t in the virtual office, you can find him engaging in his self-proclaimed “nerdy hobbies”. He enjoys playing board games, video games, watching fantasy shows and is forever in the pursuit of learning (he is currently enrolled in a second masters program!).

Ken McIntosh (he/him) is a kind, gentle and compassionate therapist who is passionate about suppo... Read More

Max McKenzie (they/them) is a genuine and compassionate therapist who melds their science and counselling psychology background in the work that they do. Max loves helping their clients understand and accept both themselves and others more deeply, which can contribute to healthier relationships, and an improved sense of overall wellbeing.

As a gender-diverse and queer identified therapist, Max has both professional and lived experience navigating a system that often “others” folks that don’t fit into the societal norms. Max can be your ally as you learn to thrive in a system that often oppresses.

Max is passionate about working with folks who are struggling with their self-esteem and confidence, ADHD diagnosis and symptoms, anxiety and issues with anger, life transitions, and their relationships, among other concerns. As well, Max guides people to reconnect with their younger selves and heal the emotional wounds they hold, helps people understand their painful relationship patterns and begin to shift them, and supports folks by demystifying taboo topics like sex and pornography use which helps to heal the associated shame.

Max endeavours to create a place where the client gets to lead, and supports folks however they choose to show up in the world. They offer insight and help clients learn skills through a flexible, collaborative approach.

When Max isn’t in the virtual office, they’re organizing events for their local Pride organization, working on their wellness business, and engaging in personal growth. Max also makes their family and community a priority, and loves spending quality time nurturing these relationships.

Max McKenzie (they/them) is a genuine and compassionate therapist who melds their science and cou... Read More

Yael Shoham (she/her) is a Master of Social Work Intern Therapist providing services for our Affordable Therapy Program. Yael completed a bachelor degree in 2015 and has worked in people-oriented and creative industries since then.

She loves supporting folks who are wanting to learn, grow and discover more about themselves. She brings a lovely foundation of education and lived experience, as well as bilingual abilities (english & hebrew), to her placement with Kaleidoscope Counselling Collective.

As a self-identified neurodivergent and queer person, with a previously debilitating disability, Yael is deeply passionate about destigmatization and self-acceptance. She believes that our society is filled with preconceived ideas, and that it’s crucial to unpack the disparity between societal expectations and our personal desires in order to find the right balance to navigate the world effectively. She advocates for using empathy and personalized approaches for each client, and believes that holistic methods that consider the individual, their past, and environment are essential for identifying and working towards therapeutic goals.

Yael has a special interest in working with 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, sex & intimacy, and relationships. She also wants to support folks who are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD and neuro-divergence, identity issues, non-monogamy, and disabilities.

Yael is always learning and growing, personally and professionally. She has pursued extra training in trauma, interpersonal violence, cultural diversity, psychosocial pathology, social work ethics, etc.

Outside of her education and clinical work, Yael enjoys spending time with her loved ones and her senior pup. Whether it be playing games and having movie nights in, or spending time laughing with friends, a mix of cozy and outgoing keeps her recharged.

Yael will be mentored by her supervisor, Kristie Brassard MSW, and is happy to offer therapy sessions at a more affordable rate. Yael is not currently accepting new clients.

Yael will be billing under her supervisor’s credentials (Kristie Brassard MSW, RSW). If you have benefits coverage for a registered social worker, it’s likely that your sessions will be covered by your provider. Please connect with your insurance provider to confirm.

Yael Shoham (she/her) is a Master of Social Work Intern Therapist providing services for our Affo... Read More

Anna Riddell (she/her) is a compassionate and kind therapist, guiding her clients on their journey of healing and growth. Anna combines her professional expertise with a down-to-earth approach that makes therapy feel comfortable and safe.

She’s passionate about supporting couples struggling with communication, infidelity, intimacy, blended families and/or parenting. She works with folks in relationships to help them heal, grow and repair their connection. Anna works with monogamous and poly-amorous folks, of all sexualities and genders. She also supports individual pre-teens, teens & adults with many different concerns, including issues with anxiety, depression, overwhelm, life transitions, etc.

Anna has a special interest in working with folks who identify as neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism, ADD, Learning Disabilities, etc.), 2S-LGBTQIA+ and allies. She also loves working with educators and parents, as she is both a mom and a certified school teacher!

Fueled by her passion for social justice and equality, Anna approaches her work from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based perspective. In her sessions, Anna’s goal is simple: to help you feel seen, heard, and understood.

When she’s not in the virtual office, Anna is spending time with her kiddo and loved ones, salsa dancing, getting outdoors and reading graphic novels.

Anna is currently accepting new clients, and has daytime, evening and weekend appointments available. Book today!

Anna Riddell (she/her) is a compassionate and kind therapist, guiding her clients on their journe... Read More

Sarah Vjestica (she/they) is a compassionate, queer-identified Master of Social Work Intern Therapist dedicated to supporting clients on their journeys of healing and empowerment. With a background working in theatre, customer service, management, social work, and motherhood, Sarah brings a mix of skills rooted in professional expertise and the wisdom of lived experience to her role here at KCC.

Sarah specializes in helping clients navigate relationship issues, neurodivergence, emotional challenges, self-discovery, and complex systemic difficulties. She has special interest in supporting folks struggling with body image, restrictive eating issues, anxiety, depression, complex relational trauma, life transitions, bereavement, self-worth, emotional regulation, sexuality and gender, new motherhood, and stress management.

Sarah takes a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, drawing from a diverse toolkit of interventions to tailor their work to each individual’s needs. Grounded in anti-oppressive frameworks, safety, and consent, Sarah collaborates with clients to create an authentic space for growth and healing.

Outside of therapy, Sarah enjoys spending time with loved ones, creating pottery, hiking, and watching as many movies as they can.

Sarah is currently accepting new clients, with availability for daytime and early evening sessions. She will be mentored by her supervisor, Kristie Brassard MSW, and is happy to offer therapy sessions at a more affordable rate. Reach out to schedule a consultation or session today!

Sarah will be billing under her supervisor’s credentials (Kristie Brassard MSW, RSW). If you have benefits coverage for a registered social worker, it’s likely that your sessions will be covered by your provider. Please connect with your insurance provider to confirm.

Sarah Vjestica (she/they) is a compassionate, queer-identified Master of Social Work Intern Thera... Read More

Kristie Brassard (she/her) is the heart and spirit behind Kaleidoscope Counselling Collective. With over 15+ years of experience as a Registered Social Worker, Kristie brings a blend of compassion, wisdom, and lightheartedness to her practice.

In her role as Founder & Clinical Director of this organization, Kristie wears many hats, but her focus always remains on fostering authentic connections and guiding clients towards deep understanding, growth and healing.

She has ample experience working with a variety of concerns like self-esteem, anxiety, career development, burnout, identity exploration, relationships, neurodivergence (ADHD/ Autism), personal growth, depression, queer fertility, transgender advocacy, numbing behaviours, shame, etc.

Her approach is eclectic, centering on compassionate inquiry, psychodynamic and insight-oriented therapy and parts work, among other approaches. She also draws on lived experience, and intuition to tailor how she supports each client’s unique journey.

Beyond her clinical work, she also extends her expertise to provide clinical supervision and mentorship for fellow professionals in the field.

While Kristie acknowledges her own privilege as a white and cis-gendered woman, she is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, one that honours the diverse experiences, intersectionality and strengths of every individual she encounters.

When Kristie’s not in the virtual office, she loves spending time with her loved ones (including her growing gaggle of pets), reading, being in nature, playing piano and learning. She also has a love-hate relationship with her guilty pleasure- reality television.

Kristie is currently accepting new clients with day-time and limited evening availability. Feel free to book a consultation or session today!

Kristie Brassard (she/her) is the heart and spirit behind Kaleidoscope Counselling Collective. Wi... Read More