Sarah Durant, BA, RP, Founder and Clinical Director
– Not accepting new clients at this time
Sarah is a Registered Psychotherapist (RPO) and the Founder and Clinical Director of NSTN. She has been providing treatment and support to individuals with mental health and substance use concerns in both inpatient and outpatient settings since 2007.
Sarah is extremely passionate about providing an environment that is welcoming and accommodating for individuals that struggle with mental health concerns. It is her goal to provide a safe place where people can receive quality care while being treated respectfully and with dignity – in an effort to reduce stigma and increase the effectiveness of mental health and wellness treatments.
In addition to providing consumers of mental health services of North Simcoe with a positive experience, Sarah wishes to extend this to treatment providers in the area as well. She strives to provide a work environment that is respectful, supportive, and accommodating. She believes that healthy treatment providers result in healthier clientele, and a healthier community.
Dr. Plabon Ismail, BSc, MD, FRCP
– Not accepting new clients at this time
Dr. Ismail brings psychiatric expertise to NSTN. He sees patients on an individual basis and since 2016, and Dr. Ismail has been offering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in a 12-week group format, funded by OHIP and co-facilitated by Sarah Durant.
Nisha Chowdhury, HBA, RP
Originally from the GTA, Nisha settled in the Simcoe County region 6 years ago with her husband and two boys. She completed her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University. Nisha recently completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University, and is a member of Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP) and College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Nisha is available to support clients in developing strategies to deal with emotional challenges such as sadness, anxiety, stress, low self esteem, relationships struggles, loss and grieving. She offers to help clients here and now, to hold onto their hope and their light, while they take the leap of faith into this journey of healing and growth. Nisha’s mission is to end client’s suffering in the present moment, with the best of her knowledge and skills and promises a safe and confidential environment.
Nisha’s areas of interest include treating anxiety, depression, stress, chronic illness/pain, trauma and grief. She has obtained specialized skills training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and draws from collaborative strengths-based, mindfulness, culturally sensitive and positive psychotherapy approaches.
Nisha has worked with various international NGOs in the past supporting overall healthy living with a focus on mental health. Her diverse living experience in Asia, Africa and North America brings a unique lens to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
Lori Summers, RP
Lori recognizes that most people don’t anticipate that they may one day lose sight of their strengths, or become stuck, or feel lost and out of control—in spite of the fact that all this is common and very human. Having shifted into psychotherapy mid-career, Lori’s life experiences and their inherent struggles bring insight and compassion to her therapy.
Lori’s integrative approach includes common factors such as empathy, non-judgment, and positive regard for each person no matter the circumstances. She focuses on inspiring hope, assisting with alternate views of the self and the world, and improving how emotion is experienced. Lori welcomes the client’s active voice in the therapy’s focus, goals, and treatment. She draws from one or many evidence-based therapies, depending on the need.
Abigail Gallagher, RP
Local to the Simcoe County area, outdoor enthusiast Abigail has recently completed her Masters of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. She has decided to pursue a career in the mental health field because of her caring nature and passion towards helping others. Abigail has a strong person-centered approach to counselling. She tends to integrate CBT, DBT, solution focused and mindfulness practices into her therapeutic relationships. She takes pride in helping clients foster a greater sense of self-awareness and growth throughout their counselling journey. Abigail has a strong interest in working with children and adolescents. When not in the office, you can find Abigail enjoying the great outdoors. with her four-legged sidekick Charlie.
Aaron Sinclair, RP
Aaron Sinclair is a Registered Psychotherapist who has been working in the mental health and addiction field for over 16 years. Aaron works to provide a safe, encouraging, and supportive space for each client regardless of their struggles; a support that is inclusive, 2S-LGBTQ+ affirming and anti oppressive. Aaron has experience working with adults and young adults who struggle with substance use, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, stress, relationships, and trauma.
Angela White, BA, RP
Angela completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a post grad in Addictions: Treatment and Prevention. Angela is a Registered Psychotherapist and has been providing treatment to individuals in both inpatient and outpatient settings for over 12 years. Angela is passionate about working with individuals impacted by mental health and substance use concerns and she strives to provide a nonjudgmental and accepting environment. Angela works with individuals to identify goals and work towards those goals using an integrated and holistic approach. Angela believes in implementing evidence-based practices and her focus is in DBT skills, as well as CBT and mindfulness.
Seneka King, RP
Seneka is a dedicated therapist specializing in CBT, DBT, and various other therapeutic modalities. She is committed to helping individuals achieve their wellness goals. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, she works collaboratively with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs. Her approach emphasizes the importance of building a trusting therapeutic relationship, fostering resilience, and equipping clients with the skills necessary to navigate life’s challenges. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, ultimately leading to lasting positive change.
Mike Barrington – Addiction Counsellor/Personal and Relationship Coach
Mike has been working and learning in men’s circles for over twenty years. He is a trauma informed and highly experienced facilitator with an in-depth knowledge of 12 step programs, harm reduction, and behavioral change. Mike works with a client centered approach to creating a safe environment both individually and in groups. Retired as a Captain with the Toronto Fire Service after 32 yrs, and a former Merchant Marine Captain, Mike is very familiar with the stresses of shift work, isolated work lifestyles, and the particular difficulties facing emergency responders. He is a graduate of Georgian College’s Addictions Treatment and Prevention Certificate Program with over twenty years of twelve step program experience.
Jasmine ADHD Life & Business Coaching Maven
Shaheda Ali PhD, R.N.C.P, Registered Nutritionist
Born and raised in Toronto, Shaheda studied Massage and Sports Therapy, and continued her education in the field of Nutrition. She served Simcoe-Muskoka and the surrounding area for the past 25 years where she feels blessed to have been part of thousands of clients’ journey to health.
She works on the belief system of Biochemical Individuality where “the right plan, for the right person, in the right quantity, at the right time” is suggested. She has extensive experience working with a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, herbals and natural topicals. Shaheda loves collaborating with practitioners of all modalities and knows that every health care practitioner plays a crucial role in optimum health.
Shaheda is a consultant for the nutraceutical industry where she acts as a project manager, oversees clinical trials, a product educator and a supplement formulator. She is also a key member of the only Mental Health Supplement company in Canada.
She looks forward to helping you reach your goals of elevated physical, mental and emotional health through nutrition and supplementation.
NSTN Low Cost Clinic
The clinic attracts students who are completing the practicum portion of their academic studies. They are supervised by a Registered Practitioner while they accrue hours of experience and contribute to NSTN and the community by seeing clients at a reduced rate. See our Services tab for information on our current students.
PEER SUPPORT WORKER
Angela Jeanveau is offering peer support for widow’s under the age of 40. Her life experience and warm and friendly nature make her a wonderful peer support for woman who have experience the loss of a loved one.
Our Supportive Staff
New clients are often introduced to NSTN through Marie who answers their initial inquiries. Her friendly and professional interactions provide a warm introduction, support and much of the behind-the-scenes work at NSTN.
Our Extended Network
We also have a robust referral system that extends into a community of caregivers that we have built strong connections with over the years.