Niagara Wellness Centre
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  • Home
    • About Us
  • Counselling
  • Contact Us
  • Our Team
  • Other Services
  • Community

Meet Our Team

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Larisa Fry MA, RP(Counselling, Psychology),
Registered Psychotherapist

Therapist/Trainer
Focus:  Individual & Couples Counselling; Trauma, Anxiety/Depression, Abuse, ADHD, Individual career & Educational Planning & Coaching

Specialty: Trauma, including EMDR therapy

​Certifications
EMDR Therapist
CBT 
DBT
​Trauma Therapist
​Solution Focused 
Therapist

As a Therapist, I have 15 years of experience working with children, adolescences, and adults, in not-for-profit environments .
I know that placing your trust and hope in the hands of another is among the most difficult decision one can make. I understand the importance of this choice, as well the feelings of vulnerability you may feel in taking this first step. Finding someone with whom you can trust to help support change while you improve the balance in your life and success in your future endeavours can be a challenge. 

I believe that by focusing on individual strengths and abilities can help to empower change, learning and acceptance.  I believe every person is entitled and deserving of respect, privacy and safe, confidential services.  As a resident of the Niagara Region I bring 15 years experience working with children, adolescents and adults.  Holding an MA in Counselling, Psychology, I bring my hands on work experience and education to provide you quality, confidential counselling, with you in the drivers’ seat. 

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." ~ Maria Robinson


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Lauren Kussen M.S.W., RSW
Registered Social Worker

Therapist
Focus: Individual counselling, Mental Health, Trauma
 
Utilizing an evidence-informed and strength-based approach, I believe that developing strong, therapeutic relationships through trust and understanding promotes an opportunity for individuals to challenge their current circumstances and empowers them to create meaningful change in their lives.
 
Areas of experience include supporting individuals with a variety of mental health concerns, stress, trauma, addiction, situational difficulties, and life transitions. Through providing a range of therapeutic interventions including cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, and brief solution focused therapy, I aim to individualize the support I provide to ensure that each individual’s strengths and abilities are empowered, acceptance is developed, and change and growth are achieved.
 
I believe all people are entitled to support provided through respect in a safe, private, and confidential environment. With a bachelor degree in psychology from Brock University, a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, and experience working with children, adults, and families in a variety of capacities, I will bring educational and practical hands on experience to the confidential and quality counselling you deserve in order to support you in becoming the change agent in your own life.
 
“You’re imperfect and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” ~ Brene Brown.



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Amanda Venzon, M.S.W., RSW
Registered Social Worker
Therapist
Focus: Individual & Family counselling, Mental Health, Trauma
 
I approach all relationships as person-focused in an effort to understand strengths and experiences to meet individuals where they are. I believe that developing a genuine and mutually respectful working relationship is the cornerstone of holistically supporting people to be their best selves and reach their full potential. Working with evidence based practices and tailoring approaches to be most beneficial to each individual, allows growth and goal setting which promotes acceptance, change and empowerment.


My experience has afforded me work with a variety of people who are looking to move forward in their lives and strengthen their relationships with themselves and others. Specific areas of work include supporting life changes, mental health concerns, areas of stress and setbacks and trauma and healing. Using techniques such as narrative therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy and brief solution focused therapy I can help to support individuals through processing their experiences in a productive and person-centred way.
 
I believe all people are entitled to wholistic support that is provided with respect in a safe, private, and confidential environment. With a Bachelor degree in Social Work from Lakehead University, and a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Waterloo, I have enhanced my experiences by working with a variety of people who are looking for a supportive, safe and confidential professional service. I offer individualized, evidenced based and client focused counselling which respects your autonomy and strengthens your skills and strategies to live the life you want.

 
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt 
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Dr. Bita, Psychologist
Dr. Bita is the supervising Psychologist for the Niagara Wellness Centre

Education Background / Professional Training
  • Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology – Concordia University
  • Master’s degree Clinical Psychology – Cologne University
  • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology – Cologne University
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Schema Focused CBT
  • Health Psychology
  • Mindfulness / Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Self-hypnosis / Relaxation Techniques
  • Treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders
  • Treatment of Sexual Problems
  • Specialized training in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and developmental trauma
  • Treatment of alcohol and Substance Abuse
  • Treatment of Eating Disorders
  • Specialized training in the management of chronic pain
Approach / What to expectDr. Bita emphasizes the importance of balance between the 4 elements of mind, body, emotions and spirituality in each person’s well-being. She utilizes scientifically approved methods to help you gain increased awareness of your thoughts patterns, feelings, and coping skills, while ensuring a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic relationship.

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Ryan Wills, R.S.S.W.
Trainer
I bring over 15 years of experience in the Social Services field, with a large emphasis on Addiction specific work.  Since completing my Education I have expanded my knowledge base in counseling individuals, couples and families. I use a client centered systems approach to counselling clients. In my practice, I implement brief-solution cognitive and behavior therapies, as well as many others, to help clients reach their goals and potential.
I offer extensive experience in group facilitation along with material development and seminar based education.

Finding balance for today and tomorrow.


Telephone

905-932-4656

Email

​contact@niagarawellnesscentre.ca
St Catharines
128 Lake St