Expert Voices in Mental Health & Therapy

At First Session, we believe that trusted mental health information should come from qualified voices. Our contributors include practicing therapists, registered psychotherapists, mental health researchers, and experienced wellness writers who bring both professional expertise and personal insight to every article. Each piece is carefully crafted to help you navigate your mental health journey with confidence.

Meet Our Contributors

Our diverse team of writers combines clinical expertise with real-world experience to bring you actionable insights on therapy, mental wellness, and personal growth. Whether you're taking your first step toward therapy or deepening your mental health journey, our authors are here to guide you with compassion and evidence-based knowledge.

Alaleh Shakourianfard

Alaleh Shakourianfard

Registered Psychotherapist

Alaleh Shakourianfard is a Registered Psychotherapist located in Burlington, ON.

Arunie Saldhi

Arunie Saldhi

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Arunie Saldhi is a Registered Provisional Psychologist from Calgary who shifted from finance to become a dedicated advocate for mental health in the workplace and beyond.

Brittany Tilstra

Brittany Tilstra

Brittany Tilstra is a freelance marketing and communications consultant and mental health champion. She specializes in branding and engagement for SMB's and startups.

Bryce Warnes

Bryce Warnes

Bryce Warnes is a freelance content writer specializing in actionable advice for small business owners, including those in the mental health space. He writes for Heard.

Cameron Henderson

Cameron Henderson

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

He has been a strong advocate for the continued destigmatization and reduction of barriers to finding quality mental health support.

Cayla Townes

Cayla Townes

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Cayla is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for her clients from the very first session.

Elif Kaya

Elif Kaya

Elif Kaya is a valued contributor to First Session's resources and articles, sharing insights and expertise to help Canadians find the right mental health support.

First Session Editorial Team

First Session Editorial Team

First Session Editorial Team

The First Session Editorial Team, composed of seasoned researchers, writers, editors, and therapists, focuses on providing content that helps Canadians find the right therapist.

Jacob Emanuel

Jacob Emanuel

Registered Psychotherapist

Jacob Emanuel is a therapist you want to work with if you are ready to do the hard work.

Juliann Rasanayagam

Juliann Rasanayagam

Registered Psychotherapist

Juliann Rasanayagam is a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in anger management and domestic violence. Author of "DIY Anger Kit" and practices at Empathic Counselling Centre.

Jupiter Vaughan

Jupiter Vaughan

Registered Psychotherapist

Jupiter Vaughan is a Registered Psychotherapist who has been practicing in Toronto for nearly a decade. Jupiter holds certificates in CBT and IFS from Adler and IFSCA.

Kayla Chorley

Kayla Chorley

Canadian Certified Counsellor

Kayla Chorley is an Edmonton-based counsellor with a focus on treating anxiety, perfectionism, and people-pleasing tendencies.

Kimberly Crossman

Kimberly Crossman

Registered Social Service Worker

Kimberly supports individuals to process emotions with empathy. She believes in everyone's potential for growth, creating safe spaces for exploring challenges and finding authentic paths forward.

Margaret Hux

Margaret Hux

Registered Psychotherapist

Marg Hux is a Registered Psychotherpist specializing in somatic therapy and methods. She works with clients who are high achievers, dealing with stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Margarita Iarovaia

Margarita Iarovaia

Registered Psychotherapist

Margarita Iarovaia is a registered psychotherapist specializing in trauma, relationships, and identity. She approaches therapy with respect, empathy, and compassion.

Natasha Sandy

Natasha Sandy

Registered Psychotherapist

A radical, anti-colonial, relational psychotherapist based in Toronto, Ontario

Nicole Laoutaris

Nicole Laoutaris

Nicole Laoutaris is a freelance writer and adult learning professional specializing in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle content with degrees from Wilfrid Laurier and Seneca.

Paula Fernandez

Paula Fernandez

Registered Social Worker

Paula Fernandez is a dedicated Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist, overseeing her independent practice, Lost and Found Therapy in Toronto Ontario.

Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session

Rob Pintwala, Founder @ First Session

Founder @ First Session

Rob is the founder of First Session. He has interviewed over 1000 therapists, and spent many hours on personal growth himself, in and out of therapy. He enjoys reading about psychology, trauma, healing, and wellness.

Rosa Park

Rosa Park

Rosa Park is a versatile content creator and videographer with expertise in journalism, documentaries, and social media. She studied Journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Sara Jones

Sara Jones

Sara Jones is an Employment Counsellor with a social service agency in Toronto. In this role, she assists people in finding meaningful and sustainable work or education/training programs.

Sasha Lizárraga

Sasha Lizárraga

Sasha is a Registered Social Worker practicing psychotherapy in Ontario. She is of Mexican heritage and a devoted mother.

Shannon Freud

Shannon Freud

Registered Social Worker

Shannon is a natural empath who loves listening to other people's stories.

Shelby Levesque

Shelby Levesque

Shelby Levesque is a valued contributor to First Session's resources and articles, sharing insights and expertise to help Canadians find the right mental health support.

Tanya Beattie

Tanya Beattie

Registered Psychotherapist

Tanya Beattie is a Registered Psychotherapist - She loves working with those who experienced childhood trauma.