Hi, I’m Tanya.

Owner, Clinical Director, and Psychotherapist at Forward First Therapy Services. My aim is to help you navigate some of your most challenging situations while building a deeper connection with yourself.  

So, how do you know if you need therapy?

When clients connect with me for the initial session, its clear they have been struggling for quite sometime before making the decision to seek help. Not knowing the right time to seek support is common and we understand the amount of courage it takes to embrace change. Forward First Therapy Services invites you into a judgement free zone to explore and unpack life’s challenges, changes, loss and emotions having an impact on your life. Gaining clarity when it comes to personal growth and development is another way Forward First can help you along the way. 

I use a person centered, solution focused and strength based approach to understanding your goals. My approach is rooted in the elements of empathy, respect and genuineness. I work from a trauma informed, non-judgmental and multicultural lens and I bring warmth, sensitivity and openness to the therapeutic relationship. Additionally, I am DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) informed and aim to support families in repairing connections by developing an understanding of each others needs.

I began my journey into the mental health field at Seneca College where I studied Early Childhood Education and fell in love with psychology.

I began my journey into the mental health field at Seneca College where I studied Early childhood Education and fell in love with Psychology and Child development. I knew at that point that I needed to pursue further education in psychology and went on to complete my B.A. in psychology with a postgraduate focus in autism and behavioural science. While gaining my education, I have worked in the developmental service sector and within congregate care settings supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. From there I went on to complete my Master’s degree at Yorkville University in Counselling Psychology and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) licensed with the CRPO.

The goal is to understand your personal experiences, perspectives and challenges that brought you into therapy and shape the narrative of your life. My roles as a manager, mother, wife, daughter, sibling and human being has allowed me to combine lived experiences and education with effective therapeutic techniques. We offer a safe space that is diverse and inclusive. Our commitment is to foster an environment that is anti-racist, anti-oppressive and LGBTQ2IAS+ affirming.