Meet Sofia
Registered Social Worker | Psychotherapist | PhD Candidate
Welcome. I'm so glad you're here.
I'm Sofia, a local, Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and PhD Candidate dedicated to creating a space where people feel safe, understood, and valued.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationships, parenthood, neurodiversity, or life's many transitions, my hope is that you never feel like you have to face it alone.
About
Why I Chose This Work
People often ask me why I became a therapist, and the truth is, there wasn't one defining moment. My journey has been shaped by both my personal life and my professional experiences, each teaching me what it truly means to care for another person.
Becoming a mother changed the way I saw the world.
As our family navigated the beautiful complexities of neurodiversity, I experienced firsthand both the incredible strengths that come with thinking differently and the challenges of navigating systems that aren't always designed with those differences in mind. Those experiences didn't just shape me as a parent, they shaped the therapist I've become.
At the same time, my doctoral research deepened my understanding of mental health, inclusion, family systems, and the diverse ways people experience the world. One lesson continued to stand out: many people still struggle to ask for help, not because they don't need it, but because therapy can feel unfamiliar, overwhelming, or even stigmatized.
No matter our age, culture, faith, identity, or life experiences, we all share the same desire:
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To feel seen.
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To feel understood.
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To know that healing is possible.
Over time, my experiences as a mother, therapist, and researcher came together to shape a vision that felt deeply personal.
I wanted to create more than a therapy practice.
I wanted to create a place where people feel safe to show up exactly as they are. A place where compassion comes before assumptions, where differences are embraced, and where every person knows they belong.
That vision became The Ohana Branch.
The word Ohana means family, but to me it represents something even greater, a community where everyone is welcomed with warmth, dignity, and respect. Just as every branch grows in its own direction, every person's journey is unique. Healing isn't about forcing ourselves to fit into someone else's idea of who we should be. It's about having the support and space to grow into who we already are.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, relationships, parenthood, grief, life transitions, or exploring neurodiversity for yourself or someone you love, my hope is that you'll find more than professional support here. I hope you'll find a place where you can breathe. A place where you can be honest. A place where you know your story matters. Because it already does.
You don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. Sometimes healing begins simply by finding a place where you belong.
A foundation built on compassion, research, and lifelong learning.
I believe that meaningful therapy is grounded in both clinical expertise and genuine human connection. My education and professional experience have provided me with the knowledge, skills, and perspective to support individuals, couples, and families through a wide range of life's challenges, while always recognizing that every person's story is unique.
Education & Professional Background
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Candidate
York University
Research focused on Motherhood/Parenthood neurodiversity, family systems, inclusion, and culturally responsive care.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
University of Windsor
Advanced clinical training in psychotherapy, mental health, assessment, and evidence-informed practice.
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
University of Windsor
Graduated with Distinction, building a strong foundation in advocacy, community care, social justice, and person-centred practice.
Professional Experience
Over the years, I've had the privilege of supporting children, youth, adults, couples, and families in a variety of clinical and community settings. My experience includes working with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, parenting, life transitions, disability, settlement and newcomer experiences, crisis intervention, and complex family dynamics.
Today, I continue to provide psychotherapy while drawing on years of experience in mental health, trauma-informed care, parenting support, and community-based practice
Education
Approach to Therapy
Healing begins with feeling safe, understood, and accepted.
Every person's story is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are. Together, we'll build a therapeutic relationship rooted in trust, curiosity, and compassion while working toward the goals that matter most to you.
At The Ohana Branch, therapy isn't about changing who you are. It's about helping you better understand yourself, build resilience, and move toward a life that feels more connected, meaningful, and authentically yours.
Compassion First
Every person carries a story that deserves to be heard with kindness, not judgment. I believe healing begins when you feel safe enough to be yourself, share openly, and know that you will be met with empathy, respect, and genuine care.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
I don't believe different minds need to be "fixed." Whether you're autistic, have ADHD, are exploring your neurodivergent identity, or parenting a neurodivergent child, I focus on understanding your strengths while supporting you through the challenges that can come with navigating a world that isn't always designed with different minds in mind.
Therapy should be as unique as the person sitting across from me. Drawing from evidence-based approaches and current research, I tailor each session to your individual needs, strengths, values, and goals because meaningful healing isn't about following a script, it's about finding what truly works for you.
Evidence-Based, Person-Centered
Our experiences are shaped by our families, cultures, identities, beliefs, and communities. I strive to provide a space where every person feels respected and understood, recognizing that healing looks different for everyone. Regardless of your background, you are welcome here.
Culturally Responsive & Inclusive
Is Therapy Right For Me?
Therapy isn't only for moments of crisis. Sometimes it's about finding clarity, learning healthier ways to cope, strengthening relationships, or simply having a space where you can be yourself.
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Therapy might be for you if...
✓ You've been feeling overwhelmed.
✓ You're carrying stress alone.
✓ You want healthier relationships.
✓ You're navigating parenting.
✓ You're exploring neurodiversity.
✓ You're experiencing anxiety or burnout.
✓ You simply want someone to talk to.
What to expect?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if it's your first time. My goal is to make the process feel welcoming, collaborative, and comfortable from the very beginning. Here's what you can expect when working together.
🌱Step One
Complimentary Consultation
A free 10-minute phone or virtual consultation where we'll talk about what brings you here, answer your questions, and see if we're the right fit.
🌿 Step Two
Your First Session
Your first appointment is about getting to know you. We'll explore your story, discuss your goals, and begin building a therapeutic relationship based on trust, respect, and understanding.
🍃 Step ThreeOngoing Therapy
Together, we'll work at your pace using evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs. Therapy isn't about having all the answers, it's about discovering them together.
🌳 Step Four
Growth Beyond Therapy
Healing looks different for everyone. My hope is that our work together helps you build confidence, resilience, self-understanding, and tools that continue to support you long after our sessions.
