OUR TEAM OF THERAPISTS
Our team consists of expertly trained Social Service Workers, Social Workers, and Psychotherapists, each with diverse experience in various modalities, trainings, and specializations. If you have any questions about our services or therapists please call or email us.
Serena Manoochehri
BA (Hons) Psych, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor
Areas of focus: Anxiety (including social anxiety), Self-Esteem, Panic Attacks, Depression, Stress Management & Self-Care, Relationship Challenges, Phobias, Trauma, Communication and Boundaries, Grief/Anticipatory Grief, Borderline Personality Disorder, Life Transitions, Emotion Dysregulation.
My Style & Approach
With an approach rooted in empathy and collaboration, Serena blends evidence-based techniques with a warm, nonjudgmental atmosphere where clients can feel safe, seen, and heard. She believes that therapy should be a space for self-discovery and empowerment, tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals. Serena often uses lighthearted humor to ease tension and create a comfortable environment, making it easier for clients to open up and explore their thoughts and feelings.
Serena is deeply committed to supporting individuals in their journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. With over 5 years of experience working with Seniors, Adults & Teens (13+), and following an integrative and client-centred approach, Serena has been able to help individuals uncover their strengths and develop the tools needed to create lasting change, unique to each person. Whether you’re facing life’s transitions, navigating challenges, or seeking greater self-awareness, Serena is here to walk with you every step of the way, helping you live a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Serena has an Honours Bachelor Degree in Psychology and has her Master’s of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, and currently acts as a clinical supervisor for Master’s students training to become psychotherapists themselves. She is also a Group Therapy facilitator for Worthy, our Women’s Self Esteem Group here at Balanced Life Therapy. Serena offers in-person, virtual and phone appointments.
Serena implements treatment from therapeutic modalities, such as: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Gottman Couples Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Exposure Therapy, Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She also incorporates techniques from Polyvagal Theory, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Morita Therapy, Compassionate Inquiry and Motivational Interviewing in her sessions.
Serena is currently accepting new clients, no referrals necessary. To book a free 15- minute phone consultation, please contact us.
Personal Interests
Being a musician for over 15 years, one of my greatest passions has been music. I find music extremely therapeutic, and one of my favourite things on the planet is attending a concert where everyone can come together to support something they love. I also have had a love for animals since a young age and was fortunate to have grown up around many different types of animals. I believe they have the power to help us regulate, and I hope to one day incorporate animal therapy into my work—combining two of my passions.
Melissa Masci
BA(Hons)Psych, BSW, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
Areas of focus: Stress Management, Emotional Dysregulation, Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Communication and Boundary Work, Symptoms of Childhood/Adult Trauma, Relationships (including Abuse)
My Style & Approach
Navigating life’s challenges can be overwhelming and requires vulnerability and courage, especially when we don’t know where to begin. With this in mind, I take a collaborative approach to support clients by helping them identify their challenges, set attainable goals, while honouring their values as they chart a way forward. I employ Trauma-Informed practices to foster a safe, judgement-free environment so that clients can progress and heal as comfortably as possible at their own pace.
Melissa has Bachelor’s Degrees in both Psychology and Social Work and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. She is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and performs the controlled act of psychotherapy. Melissa has over 7 years of experience in the field, and offers in-person, virtual and phone appointments for Adults (18+), Teens (13-17yrs), and recently, Youth (10-12 yrs). Melissa now offers Couples Therapy in-person and virtually. Melissa will also be a Group Therapy facilitator for Worthy, Women’s Self Esteem Group at Balanced Life Therapy.
Melissa has extensive experience supporting clients with stress management, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, abuse in relationships, interpersonal issues, grief, and working with symptoms of trauma. Melissa utilizes therapeutic modalities, such as: Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), incorporates tools in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy through the Gottman Institute, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and Trauma-Informed approaches.
Melissa is currently accepting new clients, no referrals necessary. To book a free 15 minute phone consultation, please contact us.
Favourite Quote
“Always remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know.” – A.A. Milne
Jennifer Shea
THERAPIST, RSSW
Areas of focus: Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem, Emotional Dysregulation, Grief, Trauma, Life Transitions, Self-Harming Behaviours, and Family Dynamics and Work Environment.
My Style & Approach
Starting therapy can be difficult. I welcome each client with respect and understanding, offering a space to work collaboratively with them to work towards their therapeutic goals. If you are new to therapy, I know this can be a challenging transition as I have been there myself. In session, you can expect to have the space and freedom to speak your concerns freely without judgement and be offered solution-focused interventions using evidence based practices.
Jennifer graduated with honours from the Georgian College Social Service Worker program and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service workers (OCSWSSW) and the Ontario Social Service Workers Association (OSSWA). Jennifer uses solution-focused interventions and evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT). Jennifer is working toward the completion of Schema Therapy training and Trauma Informed Therapy training in 2024.
Jennifer has over 3 years of experience and works with Adults & Teens (13+) and offers in-person, virtual and phone appointments. Jennifer focuses on helping clients experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem, emotional regulation, grief, trauma, life transitions, self-harming behaviours, and familial challenges.
Personal Interests
Being a mom of a young child has been the most rewarding, humbling and challenging experience in my life. Parenting has driven me to consistently be outside my comfort zone, both physically and mentally. I have become brave, vulnerable and accepting that there are uncertainties in life. Becoming a mother has helped me become the person who I am today.
Jennifer is currently accepting new clients, no referrals necessary. To book a free 15 minute phone consultation, please contact us.
Paige MacRae
RP (Qualifying)
My Style & Approach
I am a student currently working in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University. Everyone deserves to be supported through their self-discovery and self-empowerment journey. And that includes you too. I love to work with men and women of all ages and life stages, helping them move through various challenges such as anxiety, self-esteem issues, depression, boundary challenges, life transitions, and interpersonal relationship issues. It is my goal to create a safe, non-judgemental, compassionate, and empathetic environment for both you and I to discuss your unique challenges. Using an integrative and holistic therapeutic approach, you and I can work as a team to rewrite your own narrative and help you reach your therapeutic goals.
meet the founder
Cindy McAfee
FOUNDER | RSSW
Areas of focus: Partner Betrayal, Infidelity, Relationship Challenges, Intimacy Reunification, Life Transitions, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol and Drug Addiction, Relapse, Symptoms of Childhood/Adult Trauma, Self-Esteem, and Emotional Dysregulation.
My Style & Approach
Signs of a stressful marriage or relationship can manifest in various ways. Have you and your partner lost intimacy or sexual satisfaction? Do you feel resentment or bitterness towards your partner? Have you or your partner been emotionally distancing from one another or feel a sense of disconnect? As an individual, do you have increased levels of stress, anxiety or depression? Persistent feelings of unhappiness or dissatisfaction in your life and relationships? Are you concerned about substance abuse? Ongoing problems in our lives can lead to feeling overwhelmed and alone. I use a client-centred approach sprinkled with a little humour from time to time throughout the therapeutic process to accommodate each client’s unique experience, needs, and goals for therapy.
Education, Training & Personal Development
Cindy is a graduate of the Georgian College Social Service Worker program and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and The Ontario Social Service Worker Association. She has over 15 years of experience working with Adults and supporting Individuals, Couples, and Families. She is a Group Therapy facilitator for Worthy, Women’s Self Esteem Group, and has facilitated groups at Barrie Withdrawal Management Services.
Cindy is certified in Gottman Couples Therapy and is a Gottman 7PP Educator. She is trained in screening for Domestic Violence, Family Mediation, New Ways for Families Mediation, and has worked with Gabor Mate through his Compassion Inquiry for childhood developmental trauma.
Cindy uses evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), Applied Suicide Intervention, and Addictions Counseling.
Cindy works with clients who may be experiencing alcohol and drug addiction, relapse, grief, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship challenges, childhood trauma, partner betrayal & infidelity, and emotional regulation.
Personal Interests
Aside from running my practice and my work as a Counsellor, I am a proud “Glama” of two boys that bring immense joy and fulfilment to my life. It is a blessing witnessing their growth and development, from infancy to childhood and beyond, and being part of their milestones and achievements. I too get to be childlike by having playful moments, and share laughter by engaging in fun activities and shared experiences together.
I pray I am sharing wisdom, values, and family traditions with them, and being a source of guidance and support as they navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. Overall, being a grandmother of two boys is a precious role filled with unconditional love, joy, and the opportunity to make lasting memories together.
I also enjoy spending time on my motorcycle; riding offers a sense of freedom, adventure and connection to the outdoors. I enjoy the thrill of speed and the immersive experience of freedom and liberation that comes with being on the open road. The fragrance of a clover field or a freshly cut field of hay while I am riding often brings back childhood memories of being raised on a farm.