Our Crew

Jake Sombrutzki, MACP, RCC

Counsellor

Jake is a seasoned professional boasting a robust educational background. He earned his Bachelor of Health Sciences with a focus on Addiction and Mental Health from the University of Lethbridge in 2013, followed by a Master's in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2022. With a wealth of experience in addiction and codependency, Jake is dedicated to helping individuals navigate challenges related to codependency, anxiety, depression, and self-worth.

Jake's approach to counselling is marked by his innate ability to articulate insights into thought patterns in a pragmatic and nonjudgmental manner. Grounded in presence, acceptance, and compassion, his methodology underscores the importance of self-worth and self-compassion in achieving holistic well-being. He perceives counselling as a transformative journey, where the therapeutic relationship serves as a catalyst for inner realization and empowerment.

In his practice, Jake prioritizes inclusivity, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities. He recognizes the resilience and strengths inherent in each client, fostering effective collaboration through therapeutic modalities such as Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Somatic Therapy Techniques, and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy (BSFT).

Proficient in addressing issues like fear, low self-worth, and anger management, Jake guides his clients in establishing healthy boundaries and tapping into their innate healing capacities. Inspired by his travels across Asia, he integrates elements of Eastern philosophy and spirituality into both his personal life and professional practice.

Rosa Toste, CCAC

Counsellor

Rosa writes from the traditional territory of Halalt First Nation, where they have the privilege of providing therapeutic services across this beautiful, culturally rich Nation. As a settler, they express their gratitude to all Nations surrounding them for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of reconciliation and reside on this beautiful Nation with their family.

2SLGBTQI+

Rosa (They/Them) is a passionate queer humorous being who has a knack for intuitively supporting many different folx. Issues such as self-esteem, identity, gender, sex and sexuality, body image and eating disorder issues throughout their journey. Rosa continues to deepen their knowledge, experience and empathy through working with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, survivors of trauma (sexualized violence, domestic or physical abuse, emotional abuse, experiences of racism and discrimination, religious trauma, childhood trauma and intergenerational trauma), various relationship issues, including communication and conflict resolution, ethical non-monogamy and other non-traditional relationship and family structures, navigating life transitions, chronic illness, disability, and neurodivergence.

Rosa has both personal and professional experience in the mental health and addictions field for almost 20 years and, specifically, with eating disorders for the past 10 years. Rosa’s person centred approach can assist clients to increase their knowledge, and alter their attitudes, and behaviours associated with disordered eating, body image issues, and any relatable dependency issues. Some areas of interest include sexual orientation and gender identity investigations, and coping strategies for dealing with mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, and coming out processes.

Rosa’s personal experiences allow them to connect with others from a place of empathy and profound respect for their strengths. Rosa’s experiences are also the base for an approach that recognizes the many layers that we all have, our privileges and oppressions, our traumas and experiences of healing, our attachments, and the behaviours that we foster. Rosa is committed to walking alongside their clients through their process in the timeline that is necessary for optimal healing.

Janet Nielsen, MEd, CCC, CHyp

Counsellor

Janet has a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology (Addictions and Mental Health) from the University of Lethbridge and is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She is also a certified clinical hypnotherapist (C.Hyp). She graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2016 with a BA double major in Psychology and Religion, and an M.Ed. in 2019. 

At Strength Counselling Janet has worked with clients experiencing loss and grief, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Bipolar Disorder (BD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and other disorders such as anxiety and depression. Janet believes in creating trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship in order to help support the client’s healing journey.

Janet supports that we are a combination of body, mind, and spirit and that these elements need to be considered when trying to heal the whole person. She practices an integrative approach to counselling, which combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Existential Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Hypnosis, Trauma-informed and Transpersonal Therapy amongst others. Within this integrative framework, her central aim is to promote wholeness for her clients in all aspects of their lives. She counsels from a client-centred focus and believes in individual services and interventions that meet the unique needs and personalities of each client. She believes in facilitating the integration of body, mind, and soul by promoting growth and compassion for her clients that can lead to long-lasting, transformational change. Janet is passionate about exceptional human experiences (near-death experiences and mystical/transcendent experiences) and has researched these extensively. She has worked with many clients in relation to grief and loss, death and dying, and she completed her death doula certification in October 2019. She considers this work to be sacred and it allows her to support people and their families as their life comes to a close. 

Laura Bates, MC, RCC

Counsellor

Kayla Koster, MA, Mpsy, RP(Qualifying), PsyD (Cand.)

Counsellor

Kayla (she/her) completed her Masters of Arts in Communication and Culture Joint Program at York and Ryerson University, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University, focusing on mass media and crowd psychology. She also completed a Masters of Psychology in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School. Kayla is currently enrolled in the Doctorate Program at Adler Graduate Professional School in Clinical Psychology. Kayla is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Toronto, Ontario. She also has experience in psychological assessment.

At Strength Counselling Kayla has worked with clients experiencing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), Bipolar Disorder (BD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Adjustment Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD),  Epilepsy, Seizure Disorder, Grief, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and other anxiety disorders such as Social Anxiety.

Kayla values building a therapeutic alliance first before implementing any therapeutic modality. She works with each client’s unique situation and disposition to help provide individual tools and exercises to initiate self-reflection and self-development. Kayla values each client as a unique individual and would always consider each unique person as such.
Kayla is passionate about providing client-centred services to support clients on their journey toward understanding themselves and their interpersonal relationships. She draws on multiple frameworks that inform her practice, including Adlerian Therapy, Client-centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Couples Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Grief Counselling, and Talk Therapy.

Kayla offers couples therapy and provides assistance with navigating tough conversations around general concerns and miscommunications in a relationship,  as well as concerns around infidelity. Kayla offers family counselling with the intent to provide ways and questioning to emotionally process pent-up emotions, thoughts and emotional pain while suggesting effective communication methods to assist with navigating tough relationships that are worth working through and trying for.

Kayla is interested in growing her skill set in Sex Therapy and Exposure Based Therapy.

Dr. Danelle Kabush, PhD, RCC, CMPC

Counsellor

Danelle graduated in 2007 from the University of Ottawa, from where she holds a Doctorate in Psychology focused on motivation and communication, and a Masters in Sport Psychology focused on attention training. She is Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and has Level 1 & 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

At Strength Counselling, Danelle has worked with clients experiencing grief and loss, generalized and social anxiety, depression, burnout, friendship and romantic relationship concerns, eating disorders, career transitions, and those working through finding deeper meaning through existential, spiritual or faith based journeys.  Danelle is committed to providing her clients with a safe, warm and nonjudgmental space to express, explore, deepen their existing strengths, develop tools, and work towards their counselling goals. Danelle is also a former professional endurance athlete and has over a decade of experience working with athletes, coaches, performers, national and Olympic teams. At Strength Counselling she has also worked with client's seeking to reach one’s performance potential in sport, work or the arts. Tools that she draws from in working with performers include regulating arousal, stress and/or emotions, improving confidence, motivation, and focus, mental preparation for training and competitions, coach/team communication, performance enhancement techniques (e.g. goal setting, imagery, mindfulness), mental recovery and regeneration, psychological rehabilitation from injuries and making a positive career transitions.

For all clients, Danelle believes in viewing presenting concerns or desired goals from a biopsychosocial spiritual approach, which means considering the various areas in her clients lives that influence the issue. Danelle draws from various counselling modalities including person centered, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural therapy), ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), Attachment Based Therapy and Gottman Couples Therapy. Danelle uses an integration of various counselling modalities to collaborate with clients in providing hope, and tangible objectives for individuals to achieve their desired goals. In addition to individual therapy, Danelle also offers family and couples therapy. She provides guidance to constructively work through conflict, increase intimacy, and rebuild trust.

Jessica Card, MC, RCC

Counsellor

Jessica holds a diverse academic background, having earned a Philosophy Degree and a Psychological Educational Leadership degree from the University of Victoria, followed by a Master's of Clinical Counselling from City University in 2023. Her educational journey reflects her commitment to understanding the intricacies of human thought and behaviour. Driven by a profound empathy for others, Jessica is deeply invested in facilitating wellness and enhancing the quality of life for every individual she encounters. She firmly believes that establishing genuine connections with clients is pivotal in navigating life's challenges, offering solace amidst the tumult of overwhelm, pain, confusion, and chaos.

In her therapeutic practice, Jessica champions the transformative power of introspection, cultivating a safe space within the therapeutic relationship for profound reflection and growth. She brings to the table a wealth of experience and fervor in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health hurdles, advocating for a holistic approach that delves into clients' personal narratives and historical backgrounds to illuminate their present struggles. With a focus on adult and youth counselling, Jessica continually expands her expertise through specialized courses and trainings, including strategies for treating narcissism and navigating feelings of inadequacy. She has honed her skills in various therapeutic modalities such as Mindful Self-Compassion, DBT, CBT, and Internal Family Systems, demonstrating a keen interest in guiding clients through dynamic relationship developments across all facets of life.

Jessica's counselling ethos revolves around empowering clients to articulate their goals and devising actionable strategies to achieve them. She remains steadfast in her commitment to helping clients reclaim agency over their experiences, redirecting their narratives towards fulfillment and happiness. Through a strengths-based approach, Jessica seeks to unearth resilience in individuals who may feel depleted, fostering an environment where hope and possibility flourish. Grounded in culturally infused and trauma-informed response-based therapy, Jessica approaches her counselling practice with an open heart and an unwavering optimism. She meets clients with compassion and understanding, embarking on a collaborative journey towards healing and transformation, wherever they may be on their path to well-being.

Robyn Bryson, MC, RCC

Counsellor

Robyn graduated from the University of Victoria with a bachelor's degree in child and youth care, and has completed her master's degree in clinical counselling through City University. Robyn also has experience working in addictions and mental health.  It is here, that Robyn discovered her that her natural ability to hold space, create safety, and to quickly built rapport in helping relationships could be used in helping others on their path.

Robyn has a natural interest in listening and holding space for others while walking alongside her clients chosen journey of change and transformation. With a person-centered focus, Robyn believes individuals are experts in their lives. Using this guiding principle, Robyn professionally, and intuitively helps guide clients to move towards their goals in a way that respects the values and autonomy of each individual. Robyn brings a focus to the strengths that people inherently hold, and with a self-compassionate approach, brings a curiosity to help clients move forward in their chosen direction. 

Here at Strength Counselling Services Robyn works with a wide variety of different client concerns, a diversity of client populations, and holds a certification in treating trauma through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Jasmine Rosentreter, MSW, RSW

Counsellor

Renée Michaud, BSc, DKATI, PCAT, RP (Qualifying)

Counsellor

Renée (she/her) is a Métis woman with mixed ancestry: French and Algonquin from her mother and French and Migmac from her father. She is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Professional Canadian Art Therapist, and Multidisciplinary Artist who lives, works, and plays on the unceded ancestral territories of the Algonquin and Nipissing First Nations also known as North Bay, Ontario. Et oui, elle parle français!

Renée studied Biology and Communication at the University of Ottawa (2009) before supporting youth, their families, and educators with students’ transition from high school to postsecondary for ten years. She became an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation in 2020 and helped youth and adults with personal and professional development. She is a graduate of the masters-level diploma program in Art Therapy from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute located in Nelson, BC.

Her professional experience includes individual and group art therapy, both online and in-person with children, youth, and older adults. She has worked in community health including at retirement residences, centres for adults with disabilities, and safe spaces for queer children/youth. Renée takes an eclectic approach to helping while centering expressive arts and Indigenous healing approaches.  She is also able to support clients with all manner of challenges such as addiction, codependency, personality disorders, and those experiencing grief.

Shari Block, MSW, RSW

Counsellor

Shari is a Registered Social Worker who lives and practices on First Nations Treaty 1 territory, the ancestral territory of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, Dené, and Ojibway-Cree, and the traditional homeland of the Métis Nation. Shari obtained a Master in Social Work with a specialization in Clinical Intervention from the University of Manitoba in 2011. Over her career she has cultivated diverse practice experience in a variety of settings ranging from K-12 schools to post-secondary education to a psychiatric hospital to government and community.

Shari works from her heart and believes that healing happens in relationship. She begins the counselling relationship by creating a safe space where one can allow themselves to be fully seen and heard. One of Shari’s greatest strengths as a Counsellor is the ability to move through the surface and go to the deeper root of any issue. She is able to balance tender with fierce compassion to hold clients accountable to their own goals and commitments. Her practice is grounded in understanding and integration of ethical standards and practices; respect for diversity; culturally safe, trauma-sensitive and competent care.

Shari integrates a knowledge of behavioural science and neuropsychology with an integrative theoretical approach to support holistic well-being for the mind, body and soul. While her approach is flexible, it is always grounded in a strengths-based, person-centered approach. Shari believes in the body’s natural intelligence to heal, process, grow, transform and thrive, and she is trained in somatic approaches that help clients create deeper, more sustainable and long-lasting transformation, at the level of the nervous system.

Shari is honoured to be considered to support you in your healing journey.

Julianna Servello, MSW, RSW

Counsellor

Julianna Servello is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers bringing a robust and diverse clinical background. Holding a Master's in Social Work from York University, and having earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Carleton University, Julianna has cultivated a deep understanding of social and psychological dynamics crucial to therapeutic practice. Her tenure as a full-time Hospital Social Worker has provided her with comprehensive experience in navigating the complexities of mental health care across various units including geriatric rehabilitation, emergency medicine, and psychiatric settings.

Throughout her career, Julianna has demonstrated proficiency in conducting thorough psychosocial assessments and formulating tailored intervention plans. She integrates evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and narrative therapy into her practice, adapting these approaches to meet the specific needs of her clients. Her role in crisis intervention has been pivotal, supporting families through bereavement and helping homeless individual’s access necessary resources.

Julianna’s expertise extends to discharge planning, where she skillfully navigates barriers to ensure seamless transitions for patients, whether reintegrating into the community or facilitating transitions to supportive living environments. Her collaborative approach, evidenced through multidisciplinary team meetings and family consultations, underscores her commitment to holistic patient care.

Moreover, Julianna is dedicated to ongoing professional development, evidenced by her participation in workshops and training sessions focused on trauma-informed care, social determinants of health, and therapeutic modalities. Her experience doing psychotherapy has further enriched her skills in group facilitation and individual therapy, particularly in addressing anxiety, depression, and social interaction challenges among children and adolescents.

Julianna’s passion for advocating for marginalized populations and her proficiency in documenting patient interactions using comprehensive case notes further exemplify her commitment to ethical practice and patient-centred care. Julianna provides individual therapy, as well as well as group therapy sessions for both youth and adults. Her application of therapeutic techniques in real-world scenarios, combined with her empathetic approach will contribute to enhancing client outcomes and fostering a supportive therapeutic environment.