google-site-verification=QvVLc9-gx-VpsPrS0j4-I19Uu9frF_SQ9jqrfjD3i00 google-site-verification=QvVLc9-gx-VpsPrS0j4-I19Uu9frF_SQ9jqrfjD3i00/>

OUR MISSION
TULA Wellness Centre
dedicated to assisting you in better living.
 mental health, physical well-being and mindfulness.
trained and accredited professionals working with those who have been impacted by trauma and addictions. We do this through connectivity, community and innovative programming.​


Well Mind
Psychotherapy is about working toward seeing our true self clearly.  With a wide breadth of experience, we offer a range of services that can assist individuals, couples and families.  While we have cultivated a specialization in Trauma and Addictions Therapy, our community of therapists and wellness practitioners work with a variety of modalities to support balance in body, mind and spirit.  

What is the Tula difference

TULA provides you with a Wellness Advisor to navigate options and services that will best fit your specific needs.

TULA puts YOU at the centre of all treatment planning.  It is not how you fit our treatment, but we can best support and serve you.  By providing  choices in your treatment, you will find a sense of autonomy and self-determination, placing you in the position to make change. Feel the difference in a sense of control and wholeness.

Our TULA family focuses on a trauma and violence informed, anti-oppressive approaches.  We incorporate the foundations of Human Rights and Equity with the benefits of Mindful practise, Buddhist philosophy and whole body wellness to ensure your experience is one of being heard, seen and supported.

Well Body + Well Being

The body feeds the mind as the mind feeds the body.  We believe to address mental health challenges and find healing, this energy exchange is found through a holistic approach. To do this we consider all our parts; physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.   Supporting the whole person in making change.

Each person will have a different experience of mental health, trauma and addictions.  A path to recovery is influenced by age, culture, heritage, language, faith, sexual and gender identity, relationship status, life experience and beliefs.  A holistic approach focuses on intersections of a person’s story to guide whole wellness, we see beyond the symptom or illness.

​Our TULA Community includes;
  • Mental Health Therapists
  • Nutritionists,
  • Naturopaths,
  • Ayurvedic Practitioners,
  • Personal trainers and
  • Yoga and Meditation Teachers.
Tula = Balance
something we all seek  in pursuit of peace and happiness

Meet Our Counselling Team
(alphabetical)

jessica brown

REGISTERED PSCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING INTERN)
Focus: Adult Individual Counselling; Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Trauma
Therapeutic Approaches: 
Narrative Therapy (NT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based, Person-Centred Therapy
Hi, I'm Jessica, thank you so much for stopping by. Have things been feeling off lately? Do you feel stuck or unsure how to move forward? I would be honoured to hear your story and walk with you to find solutions and develop a plan to help you reach your goals. 

My approach to therapy is that you are the expert on your life and experiences, so my role is to help you to find the best way to move forward and to empower you to take those steps towards wellness. I use an integrative approach, which means that I will collaboratively choose interventions with you that best suit your needs and your preferences.

Training and Registration:
Jessica is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Jessica's education also includes a Bachelor of Psychology, Legal Studies and Criminology minor (University of Waterloo) and a Social Service Worker diploma (Fanshawe College). Jessica is a dog mom who enjoys a great book. She is looking forward to hearing your story, and the role that she can play to support you in changing it for the better.
"Therapy is about understanding the self that you are. But part of getting to know yourself is to unknown yourself - to let go of the limiting stories you've told yourself about who you are so that you aren't trapped by them, so you can live your life and not the story you've been telling yourself about your life." - Lori Gottlieb, Psychotherapist

farah elattar

(QUALIFYING INTERN)
Focus: Collective Grief, Self-Compassion, Shame, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Mindfulness Techniques, and BIPOC mental health.
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and strength-based and client centered techniques.
Welcome to the space of healing and growth. My name is Farah and I’m here to guide you through life’s evitable ups and downs. I like to approach therapy with compassion, understanding, empathy, and collaboration. You and I would work together as a team to empower you and help you increase self-compassion and resilience to create the life you desire in a safe and judgement-free environment.
I am completing a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology and completing my internship at Tula Wellness Centre to become fully registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I consider myself a life-long learner, I’m committed to professional development in this field and to remain informed of best practices to provide the most suitable treatment for you.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy in baking, Pilates, music, and travelling. I recognize the importance of self-care and its positive impact on all areas of our lives.
"Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where you start." — Nido Qubein

megan smart

(QUALIFYING INTERN)
(SHE/HER/HERS)
Focus: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Based Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy
​I am a practicum student currently completing my master's in counselling at Yorkville University. I am mindful that choosing to attend therapy can be challenging and even painful at times. I can provide clients with a safe space to be vulnerable while learning about themselves and their emotions while working towards their therapeutic goals. I work with an integrated, client-centred, trauma-informed lens and use a cognitive behavioural, solution-focused approach. I can help clients with depression, anxiety, stress, Autism, ADHD, birth trauma, fertility struggles and parenting.
"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they're never weakness." — Brené Brown
(Click name to learn more about Kofi)
​​Kofi is available for service in
​BC and Ontario 

Kofi Ansu-gyeabour, RSW, MSW

(he/him/his)
Specialties: Substance Abuse,  Family Conflict, Parenting
You're here because you are ready for change. I sincerely believe that every person has the inner resources for change and growth. You don't have to struggle in isolation and silence. Together we can restore your sense of personal agency, self-determination and hope.
​
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
– Harriet Tubman
​
(Click name to learn more about Larisa)
​​Larisa is available for service in
​BC and Ontario 

Larisa Fry, RP, RCC​​-ACS, CCC,
MA (Counselling, Psychology)

(she/her/hers)
Focus:
clinical Supervision, EMDR Consultation
Individual counselling, workshop development, education planning,

​Specialties:
Trauma, Person-centred violence, intimate partner violence,  Family violence- EMDR Certified Therapist
I know that placing your trust and hope in the hands of another is among the most difficult decision one can make. I understand the importance of this choice, as well the feelings of vulnerability you may feel in taking this first step. Finding someone with whom you can trust to help support change while you improve the balance in your life and success in your future endeavours can be a challenge. I would be honoured to take on this challenge with you.

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." ~ Maria Robinson
​
(Click name to learn more about Tassia)
Tassia is available for service in
​BC and Ontario 

Tassia gabbidon, rp-c
​(qualifying intern​)

(she/her/hers)
Specialties: BIPOC Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Teen / Woman's Issues
Hello and welcome! I step into therapy as a human first, therapist second. Through this I can share that I have been in the same boat as you, trying to figure out life, who I am, and how to handle the rough patches and inevitable challenges that stifle us and makes us feel lost or stuck. My approach is firmly based in compassion and empathy. I'll help you challenge everything you think you're "supposed to" be, do, act, or look like and figure out what you want instead. Therapy with me is a partnership, we are a team, working together to help you create the life that you want to live. I am free of judgment and pretense.

I help individuals with anxiety, depression, women’s issues, boundaries, addiction, and changing unhealthy behaviors. My work is also informed by self-compassion theory, shame resilience theory, social justice, intersectionality, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other well-established interventions.

If you are ready to work through what you are hiding or hiding from, let’s talk. If you want to live your life on your own terms and start to love every facet of yourself, I am here to help you and I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey.

Tassia is trained at the Masters Degree level and has completed her internship with Tula Wellness Centre to become fully registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
​Rates start at $150/hr with some availability for sliding scale.

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you"- Rumi
​
Picture
(Click name to learn more about Kelly)
Kelly is available for service in British Columbia

Kelly Lyons,
RCC, MA, REGISTERED Counsellor

​(SHE/HER/HERS)
SPECIALTIES: SPORTS PERFORMANCE, ANXIETY, LIFE TRANSITIONS
PLEASE NOTE: Kelly is on leave until April 2024.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters degree in Sport Psychology and completing a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology, I am focused on establishing a trauma-informed practice, re-kindling the connection between body and mind, while rooting myself and our work in anti-oppressive principles. I work within an integrative approach, emphasizing the importance of emotions and how understanding our emotions can give us power to heal. 
“It was when I stopped searching for home within others and lifted the foundations of home within myself, I found there were no roots more intimate than those between a mind and body that have decided to be whole” - Rupi Kaur

MEET OUR low barrier TEAM

​A low‑barrier approach is a way to “meet people where they are”. We want to provide options to those who may find financial barriers to obtaining the support they want.
Madalyn is available for service in Ontario 

MADALYN HILLMER​, RP-C
​​(QUALIFYING INTERN​)

(SHE/HER/HERS)
FOCUS: MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID, APPLIED INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING
Certificates:  
CBT Level 1: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Wilfrid Laurier University 
 CBT Level 2: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Trauma Wilfrid Laurier University 

​I am currently a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) student in the Master of Arts Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University, working under the supervision of Larisa Fry. I work from a client-centred approach, emphasizing client experiences to determine best practices. Working from this approach, I listen and understand the individual and their uniqueness in each session. Years of experience working with vulnerable and marginalized populations allowed me to create an approach where I work towards creating a therapeutic alliance that includes genuineness, cooperation, and a sense of security and empowerment using client strengths and resilience.  With the aim of assisting clients in managing the pressures of life, I draw upon cognitive-behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, and solution-focused methods. 
  
"Believe in yourself. Believe in your capacity to do good and great things. Believe that no mountain is so high that you cannot climb it. Believe that no storm is so great that you cannot weather it. Believe in yourself". - Gordon B Hinckley  
​​

Meet Our Wellness Team

(Click name to learn
​more about Marissa)

Marissa Furry,B.A., CHN, RYT200

(she/her/hers)
Focus: Holistic Nutrition,  Diet and Lifestyle change, Weight Loss, Meal Planning, Overall fitness
Specialties: Yoga, Routine and Lifestyle Change,  Women's health


My love for nutrition and wellness stems from my days working at a health food store. I find supplements, herbs, and how food fuels our brains and bodies intensely fascinating. Through a consultation together and personalized nutrition report, I assess which body systems are most affected or out of balance, using a holistic approach to regain homeostasis. Nutrition counselling is an opportunity to find change and support through diet and lifestyle, and a way to check-in with, and stay on track through your wellness journey.

Exercising doesn’t have to have an ‘end goal’: we don’t all want (or need) to look like body builders or professional swimmers. Many of us engage in exercise to feel our best, keep mobile, and stay healthy at the most basic level.
​
“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” – Thomas Edison
We acknowledge the land on which our head office is located is the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples. Today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples and acknowledging reminds me that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous people.