Meet Your Therapist

Linda Kelly, MSW, RSW

CEO, Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist,*Certified Clinical Traumatologist, Compassion Fatigue Specialist 

Linda believes that real change starts with individuals; with sincere conversations, understanding, and deliberate steps to build better lives. She has been providing psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families since 2009, working primarily with First Nation clients from remote communities to resolve longstanding historical and intergenerational trauma. Her primary areas of practice include post-traumatic stress, grief, anxiety, depression, and building healthy relationships.​

Seija Grant, MEd CP, RP

Registered Psychotherapist

Seija enjoys working with individuals from diverse backgrounds (cultural, ethnic, gender and sexual orientation) from emerging adults to mature adults. She strives to create a safe environment for clients to explore their inner experiences, and to start working towards a more empowered self. She got into the field of psychotherapy due to a natural interest in helping others and learning about people. Seija’s areas of interest in clinical practice include mental health, trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and emotion management. She works from a trauma-informed perspective and has additional certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). Seija would be pleased to meet you, and to work collaboratively on your goals for counselling.

Kristen Sohlman, MACP, RP​

Registered Psychotherapist

Kristen's areas of interest in clinical practice include mental health, addictions, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, as well as cultural competency and couples and family therapy.  Kristen was drawn to the field by learning who she is and by making a conscious decision to advocate for others.  In doing so she is doing what she loves and loves what she is doing.  Kristen recognizes that throughout life we all travel on a continuum of health and wellness, and also recognizes that at times it is difficult to admit that we all struggle with mental health-related issues. Through her client-centered, Emotionally Focused Therapeutic approach and ability to be present with those that she works with, Kristen can listen without judgement.

Kelly Halonen, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Kelly earned her Honours Bachelor of Social Work and Masters of Social Work degrees at Lakehead University. Her areas of interest and experience include trauma, co-morbid disorders, couples, helping sexual assault survivors heal. She believes that change comes from working together in an open, genuine, and nonjudgmental space. Kelly is trained in EMDR therapy and often uses it to help people process their past trauma or negative beliefs they may hold about themselves or the world. She believes in helping people find who they are after being affected by trauma and find happiness in life and who they are. Kelly is also trained in Level 1 & 2 in the Gottman Method for couples counselling.

Lara Hollway, MSW, RSW, Birth and Labour Doula (Certifying)

Registered Social Worker

Lara is a social worker who is experienced in supporting individuals and couples in times of transition, and healing from trauma. She acknowledges how hard it is to reach out for help, and at the same time knows what a profound relief it can be to find someone who is offering you the support that you need. Lara will hold a skillful space for you to explore your history, emotional reactions, and current challenges. She is deeply committed to working hard with you to reduce your emotional pain, and to increase your capacity for healing and growth in your life right now. Lara has a diverse background of experience, which includes working with pregnancy loss, birth fears and birth trauma, LGBTQ2 individuals and couples, eating disorders, and people who are struggling with mental health issues such as psychosis, depression, and anxiety.​ 

Margo Ayoub, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Margo is a Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, with years of experience. Her areas of interest include grief and loss, addictions, and mental health. She has worked throughout Northern Ontario to support grieving families of MMIWG, and in clinical settings working with clients in the areas of mental health and addiction. Often, people dealing with issues such as these can feel isolated and alone in their struggle. Using a trauma informed and client centered approach, Margo strives to provide a culturally safe and compassionate environment so my clients feel supported as they explore their issues and challenges.

Carissa Sparrow, MACP, RP (Qualifying)

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Carissa is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), her dedication to the field of mental health comes from personal experience, seeing the challenges of loved ones living with mental illness and personally struggling herself. Carissa uses a person-centered, holistic, and integrative approach in treatment, valuing the connection of mind, heart and spirit. She begins where you are and works collaboratively to tailor therapy to meet your needs, sensitive to cultural identities and lifestyle choices that impact your experience. She is warm and caring, she uses evidence-based techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Emotion Focused and Solution-Focused. Carissa will work with you to set meaningful and realistic goals that will increase your self-worth, confidence and overall wellness. (Remote Sessions Only - Currently on Maternity Leave)

Kristen Arntzen, RSW, MSW

Registered Social Worker

Kristen has gone where the wind has taken her. Born in Washington United States, she watched her older brother have developmental disabilities and her mother working from home, running a daycare so that she could be home with the children. Because of this, Kirsten learnt to look out for others and love the core of a person, not just the first impression. She earned her Bachelors in Psychology, and worked her way through college in Early Childhood Education and in Caregiving for elderly and disabled individuals. No matter the age, she learnt a lot from others, and received as much as she gave. She moved to Portland, Oregon where she went back to school. Through many long days working full time, and going to school after work, she received her Masters in Social Work. Since then, Kristen has worked in Child Welfare, Medical Social Work, and providing Therapy. She has worked with people who are incarcerated, involved in the child welfare system, and people struggling with addiction – in addition to mental health concerns. This work with young and old has strengthened her love of helping and learning from others. New to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Kristen looks forward of the opportunity to work with you. She will be providing Individual, Couples and Family therapy. She loves people from all background, including Indigenous populations, Immigrants, and Gender-fluid and Non-Binary friends and clients. She feels that it is an honor to walk along side another person in their story, and witness in the choices towards a better path. Kristen uses an eclectic blend of theories: Solution-Focused, Person-Centered, and Cognitive Behavioral Theory. She views a situation through a Person-In-Environment lens: Help the person to fit the environment, and help the environment better fit the needs of the person. Most of all: She believes in you.