Registered Therapists
Serena Manoochehri
BA (Hons) Psych, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist, EMDR Trained Clinician
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.
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.
Aundrea Caputo Larocque
MSW, RSW
Areas of focus: Anxiety, Depression, Low Self-Esteem, Identity Crises, Emotional Dysregulation, Relationship Challenges, Grief and Loss, Caregiver Stress and Burnout, Trauma and Attachment-Related Wounds.
My Style & Approach
Aundrea Caputo Larocque is a Registered Social Worker in Ontario with a Bachelor of Social Work from Laurentian University and a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has nearly 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through change, loss, and grief.
Michael Fox
BSW, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist
Areas of focus: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, (DBT), Emotional Distress & Dysregulation, Mindfulness, Evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Applied Suicide Intervention, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, and Single Session Counselling, Neurodiversity, Gender & Sexuality, Intimate partner violence, Gender based violence, Substance Misuse and Abuse, Compounding Stress, and General Mental Wellness and Well-Being Related Concerns.
My Style & Approach
Michael brings warmth, curiosity, and a deep sense of compassion to his work, fostering therapeutic relationships that are grounded in trust and mutual respect. He integrates creativity and humor into his sessions when appropriate, recognizing the healing power of playfulness and authenticity in navigating complex emotions. With a trauma-informed lens, Michael supports individuals in building emotional resilience and self-awareness, helping them reclaim their narratives and move toward meaningful change. Whether he’s guiding someone through crisis or celebrating small victories, Michael’s approach is always collaborative, intentional, and deeply affirming of each person’s unique journey.
Tamara Rutkauskas
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Areas of focus: Anxiety and Worry, Workplace Stress and Burnout, Self-Esteem and Self-Worth, Depression and Low Mood, Self-Care and Emotional Well-Being, Family and Relationship Challenges, Communication and Healthy Boundaries, Life Transitions and Critical Events, Emotion Regulation and Coping Skills.
My Style & Approach
Tamara is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) joining the Balanced Life team in September 2026, providing affordable therapy. She creates a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions with respect, curiosity, and a dash of humour — drawing from CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy through a psychodynamic, person-centred lens.
Stephanie Chambers
Social Worker, MSW Candidate
Areas of focus: Mental Health and Wellness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Crisis Intervention, Brief Solution-Focused Counselling, Trauma-Informed Practice, Gender-Based Violence, Suicide Prevention, Harm Reduction and Addictions, Community Reintegration and Rehabilitation, Youth and Family Support, Advocacy and System Navigation, Anti-Oppressive and Culturally Responsive Practice.
My Style & Approach
Stephanie is a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker with diverse experience supporting individuals and communities across mental health, corrections, community healthcare, housing and homelessness, addictions, youth services, crisis intervention, and rehabilitation. Her practice is grounded in trauma-informed, client-centred, anti-oppressive, harm-reduction, and culturally responsive approaches.
Cindy McAfee
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
Cindy is a Registered Social Worker with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through relationship challenges, stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She uses a warm, client-centred approach, with a touch of humour, to create a supportive and non-judgmental space tailored to each client’s needs.
A graduate of Georgian College, Cindy is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and has experience facilitating support groups, including women’s self-esteem and recovery programs. Outside of her practice, she is a proud “Glama” to two grandsons and enjoys the joy and laughter they bring to her life.
Square Community Partners
At Balanced Life Therapy, we believe healing and wellbeing extend beyond the therapy room. Our community partners are trusted professionals, organizations, and wellness providers who share our commitment to supporting mental, emotional, and holistic health. Through collaboration, we aim to create a stronger, more connected community where individuals and families can access the care and resources they need to thrive.