SERVICES

Cristina Rapuano is a Registered Psychotherapist, and a member in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Cristina completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at York University. She holds a Master of Psychology Degree and a certificate in Trauma Psychotherapy from Adler Graduate School of Professional Psychology. Cristina is in the process of becoming registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She works under the direct supervision of Dr. Tammy Morrell-Bellai, and works with the adolescent and adult population, providing individual, couples, and family therapy.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Cristina has been providing psychological services to a vast majority of populations. Cristina has worked alongside a neuropsychologist administering, scoring, and assisting with the interpretation of psychological testing. She has facilitated sports psychology workshops for the youth population, educating them on how to be mentally aware and reach their maximum performance potential. Cristina has volunteered at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Cristina currently works as a Psychotherapist at an inpatient addiction centre providing individual psychotherapy and conducting group workshops covering a variety of topics from week to week including but not limited to understanding trauma, effective communication, boundary setting, forgiveness and emotion regulation. Cristina also works in private practice helping clients cope with the day to day difficulties which include trauma healing, addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, stress, low self-esteem and bereavement.

APPROACH

Cristina believes that the foundation of effective treatment, is built on trust in the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client. Cristina’s goal is to create a safe space in which her clients are comfortable to express their inner feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Treatment is effective only when it is free of judgment and built on empathy and mutual respect. Cristina is eclectic in her treatment style, using a variety of treatment approaches including but not limited to, cognitive-behavioral therapy, supportive counseling, psychoeducation, relaxation training, pain management, thought disputation, and de-sensitization techniques. Treatment is ultimately tailored to each individual client, to ensure that their own specific needs are met.

ABOUT

Born and raised in Markham, Ontario, Cristina has a passion for travel and animals. She enjoys keeping active with regular exercise. She also enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.

CONTACT

For more information or to arrange an appointment with Cristina she can be reached at (905) 472–9658 Ext. 215 or by email at cristina.rapuano@gmail.com.

SERVICES Cristina Rapuano is a Registered Psychotherapist, and a member in good standing with th... Read More

Nazanin Akbarian, Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

SERVICES

Nazanin Akbarian is a Registered Psychotherapist. She works under the direct supervision of Dr. Tammy Morrell-Bellai providing individual psychotherapy for adults experiencing issues with anxiety (PTSD, GAD, Panic Disorder, OCD, Phobias) mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar Illness) stress, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Nazanin Akbarian received her B.Sc. in Clinical Psychology in 2002, her Master’s in Psychology in 2006, and her Ph.D. in Psychology in 2013. Her thesis was on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She has more than ten years of experience working with a wide variety of mental health issues. Nazanin worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, Psychiatry & Psychology Clinics, and University Clinics. She has also facilitated groups for life skills and parenting.

APPROACH

Nazanin has training and experience with a variety of treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Mindfulness. She works based on the needs and preferences of her clients, utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches.

ABOUT

Nazanin enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She works out on regular basis and believes it has impact on our happiness.

Contact

Nazanin is in the office Sundays. For more information or to arrange an appointment with Nazanin please contact her by phone at (905) 472-9658 Ext. 221. Or by email at akbarian.Psy@gmail.com.

Nazanin Akbarian, Psychotherapist (Qualifying) SERVICES Nazanin Akbarian is a Registered Psycho... Read More

SERVICES

Dr. Morrell-Bellai obtained her Ph. D. in Community Psychology from the University of Toronto in 1997. Upon completion of her Ph.D. she undertook a three year retraining program in Clinical and Counselling Psychology and in 2000 became registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario in the area of Clinical and Counselling Psychology. She currently has a full time private practice at Markham Psychologists offering her services to adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She also offers services by video conference to Ontario residents.

APPROACH

Dr. Morrell-Bellai is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Family Systems, Couples Therapy and Feminist Therapy. She is particularly interested in the treatment of Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder). Her thesis work examined the factors that contribute to recovery in Bulimia and part of her post-doctoral training was with the Eating Disorder Program at Toronto General Hospital.

In addition to providing treatment for individuals with eating disorders, Dr. Morrell-Bellai treats a wide range of emotional and mental health issues including: mood disorders: depression and bipolar illness; anxiety disorders: panic, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety, posttraumatic stress, phobias; addictions; bereavement; low self esteem; self harm; and stress. Additionally, she offers couples therapy, separation/divorce counselling, and parenting and step parenting strategies.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

For ten years, Dr. Morrell-Bellai worked in the field of mental health research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Following this she undertook a retraining program that included Post-Doctoral work at the Women’s Therapy Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; the Outpatient Mental Health Department of Markham Stouffville Hospital; and Family Services York Region. After completing her registration as a Psychologist in 2000, she held the position of Clinical Director at Family Services York Region for three years prior to moving to full time private practice at Markham Psychologists.

ABOUT

Born and raised in Southwestern Ontario, Dr. Morrell-Bellai is married with two young adult children and has been a resident of Markham since 1995. She is active in environmental advocacy and enjoys yoga, athletics and spending time in nature.

CONTACT

If you have further questions about Dr. Morrell-Bellai’s qualifications or services offered, please do not hesitate to call (905) 472-9658 extension 202 for a free telephone consultation (5-10 min consult to determine if I am the best person for you to see, this is not a therapy session)

SERVICES Dr. Morrell-Bellai obtained her Ph. D. in Community Psychology from the University of T... Read More

Services

Peggy Sam completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a certificate in Trauma Psychotherapy at Adler Graduate Professional School. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University. Peggy is in the process of registering with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Her clinical work with adolescents and adults at Markham Psychologists is supervised by Dr. Tammy Morrell-Bellai, C.Psych.

Approach

Peggy employs an integrative, reflective and client-centered approach that best fits the clients’ needs, values and strengths. She believes that a non-judgemental, genuine and compassionate therapeutic relationship is the foundation of therapy and works to provide a safe and empathic space. She has training and experience in a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Peggy strives to facilitate self-awareness and change with individuals through empathy, trust, respect and compassion.

Professional Experience

Peggy has training and experience in providing behavioural therapy to children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities. Following this, Peggy has been administering MVA and psychoeducational assessments and providing therapy treatment to children, adolescents, and adults under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist. She has experience working with a variety of concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, emotional issues, self-criticism, negative communication patterns, and life transitions.

About

Peggy enjoys being in nature, yoga, reading and trying new activities.

Services Peggy Sam completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a certificate in Tra... Read More