Augustine Jatoe started LiveWise Associates in 2005. He was born in Ghana, West Africa and lived in London England for more than 8 years before immigrating to Toronto Canada in 1988.
Augustine’s lived experiences resulted in him becoming a Registered Social Worker MSW and Psychotherapist, specializing in child adolescent mental health.
His clinical work with Black children and youth within various institutional settings revealed critical gaps in available trauma informed services for these underserved populations. This is especially evident due for the lack of Black mental health professionals available to respond to the critical needs.
WHY CHOOSE LIVEWISE?
TRAUMA INFORMED CHILD & YOUTH PSYCHOTHERAPY
BIPOC PSYCHOTHERAPISTS
OUR 5 VALUES FOR TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICE:
SAFETY
TRUST
CHOICE
THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE
CULTURALLY INCLUSIVITY
Augustine Jatoe started LiveWise Associates in 2005. He was born in Ghana, West Africa and lived in London England for more than 8 years before immigrating to Toronto Canada in 1988.
Augustine’s lived experiences resulted in him becoming a Registered Social Worker MSW and Psychotherapist, specializing in child adolescent mental health.
His clinical work with Black children and youth within various institutional settings revealed critical gaps in available trauma informed services for these underserved populations. This is especially evident due for the lack of Black mental health professionals available to respond to the critical needs.
WHY CHOOSE LIVEWISE?
TRAUMA INFORMED CHILD & YOUTH PSYCHOTHERAPY
BIPOC PSYCHOTHERAPISTS
OUR 5 VALUES FOR TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICE:
SAFETY
TRUST
CHOICE
THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE
CULTURALLY INCLUSIVITY
Founder and Senior Clinician and Consultant of HM Consulting Solutions LTD, Heather Meara Thomas is an extremely skilled, well sought-after counsellor, coach and mentor throughout Ontario. She was chosen as the 2022 recipient of the Ontario Association of Social Workers Distinguished Social Worker Award. She has been working as a registered social worker in the field for over 25 years. “I counsel clients working from a mixed-modalities approach depending on each client’s unique needs. Heather operates from an Anti-Black racism, anti-oppressive lens and welcomes B.I.P.O.C and Afro-Caribbean 2SLGBTIAQ+ communities into our safe space. Depending on each client needs, she applies healing approaches with Afro-Caribbean Canadian clients experiencing unconscious bias, oppression and microaggressions stemming from life and career experiences. “I am a multiracial black woman who experienced various forms of racism throughout my life and understand the deep rooted issues surrounding racism, oppression, attachment, loss and being different.” Through narrative therapy and developing action plans with outcomes for each client, Heather coaches and counsels clients to love all parts of themselves while achieving their goals and clients resonate with her approach to the work. “The techniques I have developed over the past two decades created such success in client outcomes that they would tell others naturally expanding my practice.” Heather has had the blessing of coaching and consulting other Black and Multi-racial social workers and equity consultants over the span of her career and has built her dream team.” This site allows clients to receive service from a roster of world class counsellors along with a fabulous psychotherapist; the best I know in the field.”
Heather listens to every client during the intake process and then connects them with the best counsellor on her team considering culture and the social work support each client needs. Each counsellor you see and read about has been mentored by Heather and they truly are the best!
Heather is also asked worked alongside various experts in the fields of education, mental health and child welfare to create curriculum exploring various aspects of power, privilege and oppression and does advocacy and Anti-Black racism work to combat racism and disrupts oppression.
On behalf of Heather Thomas and HM Consulting Solutions LTD we look forward to serving our community from an Afrocentric lens.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please get in touch today by contacting us at info@hmconsultingsolutionsltd.com and Heather will be in touch within 24 hours or as soon as possible.
We look forward to serving you!
Founder and Senior Clinician and Consultant of HM Consulting Solutions LTD, Heather Meara Thomas is an extremely skilled, well sought-after counsellor, coach and mentor throughout Ontario. She was chosen as the 2022 recipient of the Ontario Association of Social Workers Distinguished Social Worker Award. She has been working as a registered social worker in the field for over 25 years. “I counsel clients working from a mixed-modalities approach depending on each client’s unique needs. Heather operates from an Anti-Black racism, anti-oppressive lens and welcomes B.I.P.O.C and Afro-Caribbean 2SLGBTIAQ+ communities into our safe space. Depending on each client needs, she applies healing approaches with Afro-Caribbean Canadian clients experiencing unconscious bias, oppression and microaggressions stemming from life and career experiences. “I am a multiracial black woman who experienced various forms of racism throughout my life and understand the deep rooted issues surrounding racism, oppression, attachment, loss and being different.” Through narrative therapy and developing action plans with outcomes for each client, Heather coaches and counsels clients to love all parts of themselves while achieving their goals and clients resonate with her approach to the work. “The techniques I have developed over the past two decades created such success in client outcomes that they would tell others naturally expanding my practice.” Heather has had the blessing of coaching and consulting other Black and Multi-racial social workers and equity consultants over the span of her career and has built her dream team.” This site allows clients to receive service from a roster of world class counsellors along with a fabulous psychotherapist; the best I know in the field.”
Heather listens to every client during the intake process and then connects them with the best counsellor on her team considering culture and the social work support each client needs. Each counsellor you see and read about has been mentored by Heather and they truly are the best!
Heather is also asked worked alongside various experts in the fields of education, mental health and child welfare to create curriculum exploring various aspects of power, privilege and oppression and does advocacy and Anti-Black racism work to combat racism and disrupts oppression.
On behalf of Heather Thomas and HM Consulting Solutions LTD we look forward to serving our community from an Afrocentric lens.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please get in touch today by contacting us at info@hmconsultingsolutionsltd.com and Heather will be in touch within 24 hours or as soon as possible.
We look forward to serving you!
My name is Freda Bizimana and I am a Rwandan Canadian who was born and raised in Canada. I’ve completed my Masters of Social Work at the University of Toronto with a passion for working with children, youth, their families, and young adults. I have four years of experience working with Black and racialized youth in conflict with the law and supporting them with navigating the criminal justice system, school system, and conflict with peers and family. I’ve worked with youth both one-on-one and in group settings discussing topics such as identity, anger and aggression, strengths and coping skills, and healthy/ unhealthy relationships. I love to motivate and encourage others to express themselves and incorporate art such as music into the space to help clients articulate themselves. I am a big proponent of using non-traditional methods of therapy to help support and motivate clients to share their stories.
The modalities I have experience working with are CBT, attachment work, and Hip-Hop Therapy. I work through an Anti-Oppressive, Anti-Black, Anti-Racist, and Trauma-Informed lens and my approach is both client-centred and strength-based.
I believe my role is to support you in your journey and help you build the tools to work through any obstacle life throws at you by providing a space to express and grow. By using the strengths and skills you already have, we can build healthy coping skills that work for you so you can continue practicing self-care and self-love.
My name is Freda Bizimana and I am a Rwandan Canadian who was born and raised in Canada. I’ve completed my Masters of Social Work at the University of Toronto with a passion for working with children, youth, their families, and young adults. I have four years of experience working with Black and racialized youth in conflict with the law and supporting them with navigating the criminal justice system, school system, and conflict with peers and family. I’ve worked with youth both one-on-one and in group settings discussing topics such as identity, anger and aggression, strengths and coping skills, and healthy/ unhealthy relationships. I love to motivate and encourage others to express themselves and incorporate art such as music into the space to help clients articulate themselves. I am a big proponent of using non-traditional methods of therapy to help support and motivate clients to share their stories.
The modalities I have experience working with are CBT, attachment work, and Hip-Hop Therapy. I work through an Anti-Oppressive, Anti-Black, Anti-Racist, and Trauma-Informed lens and my approach is both client-centred and strength-based.
I believe my role is to support you in your journey and help you build the tools to work through any obstacle life throws at you by providing a space to express and grow. By using the strengths and skills you already have, we can build healthy coping skills that work for you so you can continue practicing self-care and self-love.
Our mission is to develop therapeutic relationships rooted in self-compassion to provide accessible, approachable and affordable therapy. We believe in meeting our clients where they are in their journey. As members and allies of the BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ community we know that not all spaces were created with us in mind. Wellness is not a privilege it is a necessity. So whether you’re new to therapy or want to try a new approach, we are here.
Our therapist use different evidence modalities that are trauma informed and culturally sensitive. We use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy, Attachment Focused, Relational, Somatic, Gender Affirming and more.
We see clients who are experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Low self-esteem, Stress, Anger, Trauma, PTSD, Grief/Loss, Racial Trauma, Gender Identity issues, Substance use and more.
Our mission is to develop therapeutic relationships rooted in self-compassion to provide accessible, approachable and affordable therapy. We believe in meeting our clients where they are in their journey. As members and allies of the BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ community we know that not all spaces were created with us in mind. Wellness is not a privilege it is a necessity. So whether you’re new to therapy or want to try a new approach, we are here.
Our therapist use different evidence modalities that are trauma informed and culturally sensitive. We use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy, Attachment Focused, Relational, Somatic, Gender Affirming and more.
We see clients who are experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Low self-esteem, Stress, Anger, Trauma, PTSD, Grief/Loss, Racial Trauma, Gender Identity issues, Substance use and more.
Dayirai pronounced (Dye-Rye) is a registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) living in Alberta. In addition, she is registered to provide tele-practice in the following provinces: Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories.
Dayirai obtained her Master of Social Work degree from Ryerson University and has provided mental wellness, coaching and consulting services to individuals, families, couples, and communities for over 12 years. Her early beginnings as a grassroots social worker in Ontario exposed her to the dynamics of children and families marginalized in society, whether by language as new immigrants, economics, and generational problems of mental health, addiction, and trauma.
Dayirai’s social work career path has been intentionally varied in keeping with the profession’s presence in multiple spaces where social health and well-being are achieved through client-centeredness, collaboration, and leading change to promote social justice and social development.
“My passion is partnering and working with clients to help them navigate systems and thrive. I provide a compassionate and creative presence in attending to whatever the clients bring to our work. My approach is respectful, authentic, ‘straightforward,’ strengths-based, recovery-oriented, solution-focused, empowering, anti-oppressive, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I’m not afraid to talk about the hard or awkward stuff, and I’m also not afraid to let clients know when they’re standing in their way. My goal is to meet clients where they are and to be helpful in a way that is specific to their circumstances.”
Dayirai pronounced (Dye-Rye) is a registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) living in Alberta. In addition, she is registered to provide tele-practice in the following provinces: Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories.
Dayirai obtained her Master of Social Work degree from Ryerson University and has provided mental wellness, coaching and consulting services to individuals, families, couples, and communities for over 12 years. Her early beginnings as a grassroots social worker in Ontario exposed her to the dynamics of children and families marginalized in society, whether by language as new immigrants, economics, and generational problems of mental health, addiction, and trauma.
Dayirai’s social work career path has been intentionally varied in keeping with the profession’s presence in multiple spaces where social health and well-being are achieved through client-centeredness, collaboration, and leading change to promote social justice and social development.
“My passion is partnering and working with clients to help them navigate systems and thrive. I provide a compassionate and creative presence in attending to whatever the clients bring to our work. My approach is respectful, authentic, ‘straightforward,’ strengths-based, recovery-oriented, solution-focused, empowering, anti-oppressive, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I’m not afraid to talk about the hard or awkward stuff, and I’m also not afraid to let clients know when they’re standing in their way. My goal is to meet clients where they are and to be helpful in a way that is specific to their circumstances.”
Shayla is an interprovincially registered clinical social worker, an Africentric Cultural Safety Consultant and board approved clinical supervisor who offers identity affirming, culturally responsive and decolonial mental health services to Racialized, marginalized and minoritized populations with the ultimate goal of achieving collective liberation, radical healing and equitable co- existence. Shayla is a two times York Univeristy alumna with over 12 years of experience as a regulated social work professional. Her DECOLONIAL lenses have led her to train in EMDR in COLOUR and racial trauma therapy. She is also an Advanced Tree of life practitioner and Somatic Intelligence trained therapist, who believes in de- stigmatizing, de- colonizing and de-pathologizing mental health. All of her work is Sankofa grounded and UBUNTU rooted! Shayla is taking only corporate and community workshops contracts plus clinical supervisees at the moment.
Shayla is an interprovincially registered clinical social worker, an Africentric Cultural Safety Consultant and board approved clinical supervisor who offers identity affirming, culturally responsive and decolonial mental health services to Racialized, marginalized and minoritized populations with the ultimate goal of achieving collective liberation, radical healing and equitable co- existence. Shayla is a two times York Univeristy alumna with over 12 years of experience as a regulated social work professional. Her DECOLONIAL lenses have led her to train in EMDR in COLOUR and racial trauma therapy. She is also an Advanced Tree of life practitioner and Somatic Intelligence trained therapist, who believes in de- stigmatizing, de- colonizing and de-pathologizing mental health. All of her work is Sankofa grounded and UBUNTU rooted! Shayla is taking only corporate and community workshops contracts plus clinical supervisees at the moment.
Kahle Therapy & Consulting Services is a 3-B (Black-Owned, Black-Focused + Black-Serving) group practice that meets the mental wellness needs of those that have historically and disproportionately faced barriers to mental health services.
We offer individual, couple & family therapy; as well as psycho-educational workshops and therapeutic support groups.
Our mission is to address the monumental lack of engagement and trust between the Black community & mental health services.
We are registered therapists that provide safe, culturally responsive, and culturally affirming services through evidence-informed practices. We bring a knowledge of the effects of raced-based trauma on Black bodies, psyches and communities into our work; ensuring that our clients feel seen and understood.
Services are strength-based, collaborative and holistic.
Visit our website to book a FREE 15 minute consultation.
Kahle Therapy & Consulting Services is a 3-B (Black-Owned, Black-Focused + Black-Serving) group practice that meets the mental wellness needs of those that have historically and disproportionately faced barriers to mental health services.
We offer individual, couple & family therapy; as well as psycho-educational workshops and therapeutic support groups.
Our mission is to address the monumental lack of engagement and trust between the Black community & mental health services.
We are registered therapists that provide safe, culturally responsive, and culturally affirming services through evidence-informed practices. We bring a knowledge of the effects of raced-based trauma on Black bodies, psyches and communities into our work; ensuring that our clients feel seen and understood.
Services are strength-based, collaborative and holistic.
Visit our website to book a FREE 15 minute consultation.
Therapy Services
I have always been drawn to the places where people work hard, dream big, and carry stories that are often heavier than they show. That path led me into psychology, and later into the world of high-performance sport and the creative arts. Today I work as a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist with a focus in Sport Psychology, Registered Psychotherapist, and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, where I spend my days helping people find steadiness, clarity, and confidence in the moments that matter most. I serve as the Mental Health and Performance Lead for York United FC in the Canadian Premier League, and I also support athletes through the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Game Plan program. I also support people working in dance, animation, and video game design, and I have worked with Olympic and national-level athletes, varsity and professional athletes, ballet students, and professional dancers.
My work with athletes and performers comes from a belief that people are more than the roles they hold or the results they produce. I have always seen athletes, dancers, and creative professionals as whole people with needs that exist both inside and outside of their sport or art form. This guides the way I support clients as they navigate confidence, competitive anxiety, focus under pressure, recovery after setbacks, and the everyday challenges that shape who they are. I work with athletes who compete in time-based sports, such as those in track and field and swimming, team sports, such as those in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and hockey, and those in combat sports/ martial artists, such as those in taekwon-do and karate, and artistic performers, including ballet dancers and gymnasts. I also partner with coaches and organizations to support communication, leadership, and performance culture so training environments feel stable, trusting, and supportive. If you are looking for support in your mental health or performance journey, I would be glad to meet with you.
Assessment Services
I offer comprehensive psychological assessments for individuals ages 12 to 65. My assessment process is collaborative and supportive, with a focus on understanding each person’s strengths, challenges, and day to day experiences. I draw on evidence based tools and clinical interviewing to clarify concerns related to attention, learning, mood, anxiety, trauma, and overall mental health, and to develop clear and meaningful recommendations that can guide treatment, academic or workplace supports, and performance planning. Whether someone is questioning ADHD symptoms, struggling with concentration or motivation, noticing changes in mood or anxiety, or wanting a better understanding of how they function under pressure, my goal is to offer clarity and a path forward that feels practical and validating.
Therapy Services
I have always been drawn to the places where people work hard, dream big, and carry stories that are often heavier than they show. That path led me into psychology, and later into the world of high-performance sport and the creative arts. Today I work as a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist with a focus in Sport Psychology, Registered Psychotherapist, and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, where I spend my days helping people find steadiness, clarity, and confidence in the moments that matter most. I serve as the Mental Health and Performance Lead for York United FC in the Canadian Premier League, and I also support athletes through the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Game Plan program. I also support people working in dance, animation, and video game design, and I have worked with Olympic and national-level athletes, varsity and professional athletes, ballet students, and professional dancers.
My work with athletes and performers comes from a belief that people are more than the roles they hold or the results they produce. I have always seen athletes, dancers, and creative professionals as whole people with needs that exist both inside and outside of their sport or art form. This guides the way I support clients as they navigate confidence, competitive anxiety, focus under pressure, recovery after setbacks, and the everyday challenges that shape who they are. I work with athletes who compete in time-based sports, such as those in track and field and swimming, team sports, such as those in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and hockey, and those in combat sports/ martial artists, such as those in taekwon-do and karate, and artistic performers, including ballet dancers and gymnasts. I also partner with coaches and organizations to support communication, leadership, and performance culture so training environments feel stable, trusting, and supportive. If you are looking for support in your mental health or performance journey, I would be glad to meet with you.
Assessment Services
I offer comprehensive psychological assessments for individuals ages 12 to 65. My assessment process is collaborative and supportive, with a focus on understanding each person’s strengths, challenges, and day to day experiences. I draw on evidence based tools and clinical interviewing to clarify concerns related to attention, learning, mood, anxiety, trauma, and overall mental health, and to develop clear and meaningful recommendations that can guide treatment, academic or workplace supports, and performance planning. Whether someone is questioning ADHD symptoms, struggling with concentration or motivation, noticing changes in mood or anxiety, or wanting a better understanding of how they function under pressure, my goal is to offer clarity and a path forward that feels practical and validating.
Elpizo Counselling Services is a culturally diverse group practice that bring a broad ethno and anglo cultural perspectives and extensive years of experience. Our highly skilled and experienced husband and wife dynamic founders, have over 23 years in practice, counselling, supervising, teaching and consulting.
Our 25 plus therapists use an integrative and collaborative approach; we use the most effective and up to date modalities therapeutic interventions in order to better serve our client’s diverse needs. We believe that our clients are unique hence ‘different strokes for different folks.’
We serve individuals, couples, and families. We specialize in trauma-focused therapy and couples therapy.
Our aim is to provide techniques, tools, resources and support that will help people shift and transform their lives to a place of wholeness, achieve their personal goals and have the ability to navigate new life challenges as they come along. Your mental health matters to us and we want to ensure that Elpizo (meaning Hope) is what you leave with.
Elpizo Counselling Services is a culturally diverse group practice that bring a broad ethno and anglo cultural perspectives and extensive years of experience. Our highly skilled and experienced husband and wife dynamic founders, have over 23 years in practice, counselling, supervising, teaching and consulting.
Our 25 plus therapists use an integrative and collaborative approach; we use the most effective and up to date modalities therapeutic interventions in order to better serve our client’s diverse needs. We believe that our clients are unique hence ‘different strokes for different folks.’
We serve individuals, couples, and families. We specialize in trauma-focused therapy and couples therapy.
Our aim is to provide techniques, tools, resources and support that will help people shift and transform their lives to a place of wholeness, achieve their personal goals and have the ability to navigate new life challenges as they come along. Your mental health matters to us and we want to ensure that Elpizo (meaning Hope) is what you leave with.
I have been supporting the diverse lives of youth, families, and individuals for the last ten years. My desire to engage in healing work is strongly rooted in my intersectional identities and commitment to community members experiencing barriers to their wellness.
As a counsellor, I firmly believe that people hold enormous strengths and courage that have guided their footsteps into this present moment. Whether it be depression, anxiety, family breakdowns and other life crises, I believe we are equipped with the capacity to conquer challenges placed in front us.
Our therapeutic relationship will actively work to develop a supportive plan of action for your continued growth and path to healing. Within this process I will utilize an eclectic approach that includes therapeutic modalities such as narrative and cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and art-based activities.
Through a trauma-informed and strength-based lens, we will co-discover your thought patterns, emotions, behaviours and environments that may be preventing you from propelling forward. If you are interested in igniting your healing journey with me I welcome you to contact me for a free consultation.
I have been supporting the diverse lives of youth, families, and individuals for the last ten years. My desire to engage in healing work is strongly rooted in my intersectional identities and commitment to community members experiencing barriers to their wellness.
As a counsellor, I firmly believe that people hold enormous strengths and courage that have guided their footsteps into this present moment. Whether it be depression, anxiety, family breakdowns and other life crises, I believe we are equipped with the capacity to conquer challenges placed in front us.
Our therapeutic relationship will actively work to develop a supportive plan of action for your continued growth and path to healing. Within this process I will utilize an eclectic approach that includes therapeutic modalities such as narrative and cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and art-based activities.
Through a trauma-informed and strength-based lens, we will co-discover your thought patterns, emotions, behaviours and environments that may be preventing you from propelling forward. If you are interested in igniting your healing journey with me I welcome you to contact me for a free consultation.
