Carla is a Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor and Founder of CaRib Counselling & Psychotherapy.

For me this work is sacred and deeply satisfying. I am honoured and humbled to work with every person who chooses me to accompany them for a portion of their journey through life.

Education and credentials

• Registered member in good standing, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
• Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, OISE/University of Toronto (2010)
• Doctoral level training in Counselling Psychology, OISE/University of Toronto (2014-2018)
• Master’s degree in Women and Gender Studies, York University (1998)
• Bachelor’s (Hons.) degree in Psychology, York University (1995)
• Member in good standing and Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC), Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
• Member in good standing, Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP)
• EMDR trained clinician (2108-2019)
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Level 1 (2020-2021)

Experience

I have been fortunate to work with a broad range of issues and clients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, community clinics and private practice.  I have worked with children and families in schools and community settings; men and women dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, relationship issues; women and children who have experienced violence and assault; couples dealing with relationship, infidelity and fertility issues. I am also experienced in helping people to cope with emotional issues related to immigration and resettlement, parenting challenges, racism and discrimination, and I work from an LGBTQ positive framework.

Approach

My approach is relational and integrative. This means that I first focus on building a warm, trusting, collaborative relationship with you and then I use a variety of techniques depending on what issues you want to work on and what works best for you. My influences include multicultural counselling theory, feminist therapy, person centred and experiential approaches such as existential and emotion focused therapies, as well as psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and mindfulness based practices.

Based on what I know in my heart and what the psychological literature demonstrates, it is the quality of the relationship between client and therapist that is the best predictor of a successful outcome. This is why I work hard to build a relationship that is warm and trusting, and in which you feel valued. This is the foundation of our work together. It is also the basis on which you must decide whether or not I am a good fit for you.

My approach also takes into account that we are all individuals within larger systems such as families, societies, cultures and nations and that these can have powerful influences on our psychological development, worldview and well-being. When I work with you I embark on a journey of discovery. I make no assumptions. I am open to all of the complex, layered and amazing ways that you have come to be who you are.