Improving well-being through therapy, assessment, and advocacy
Welcome to Silm Centre for Mental Health.
Silm means peace. We believe that as individuals, we are each searching for well-being and acceptance. For peace. We work with a philosophy that so much of what causes pain and distress in this world is connected to what goes on outside of the individual person. By taking this approach, finding peace and achieving well-being is not only about working on the self, but recognizing that society needs to change as well. We aim to work on both.
Silm Centre for Mental
Health is a place where you will be heard, acknowledged, and understood. Our
expertise lies in working with individuals who are having difficulties with
their mental health and/or well-being. We create and hold space for people to
share and reflect. We also leverage evidence-based approaches to ensure that we
are providing the best care and support for each client we see. We know that
each person we meet is unique—each person comes with their own gifts,
strengths, challenges, values and experiences. We seek to get to know you for
who you are, and we accept you just the way you are.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Services
Silm Centre for Mental Health offers a variety of services with the goal of promoting mental health and well-being. These include:
Individual Psychotherapy: this is what we typically know as therapy or counselling. Psychotherapy can take many forms, and can look very different for each client and for each clinician. If looking for something specific (e.g., CBT), let us know so that we can make sure we find the best clinician for you.
We offer a sliding scale, and our rates range from $90 to $240.
Group Psychotherapy: group psychotherapy involves participating in therapy with other individuals who are experiencing similar difficulties. This approach to therapy is effective because it allows for opportunities to learn from others, to feel validated in one’s experiences, and to engage in problem solving with others.
Assessment: psychological assessment helps to answer questions about what is going on with a person’s mental health. Generally the goal of a psychological assessment is to clarify the presence of mental illness and to make recommendations for how a person’s well-being can be increased.
We see clients through WSIB, the Interim Federal Health Program for Refugees, Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces, and the RCMP, and Indigenous Peoples through the Non-Insured Health Benefits government program (NIHB). Victims of crime are also eligible for funding for therapy through Victim Services. Post-secondary students who are struggling with their academics may be eligible for funding for a psychoeducational assessment to determine the presence of a Learning Disorder. All of our services are Psychological Services provided by a Psychologist, and these services are often covered by extended health benefits plans, and this is another way to access funding for psychological services.For more information about these programs and your eligibility, please contact us.
Teaching, Public Speaking, and Facilitating: we believe that one of the most effective ways of promoting mental health and well-being is through the sharing of knowledge. This is why we seek to teach at every opportunity we can get. This means teaching in classrooms, libraries, community centres, and much more. We specialize in talking about self-care and burnout, mental health stigma, cultural competence, anti-oppression, and understanding mental illness and ways to care for oneself.
Consultation, Program and Policy Development and Evaluation: we engage in consultation to support companies and organizations make mental health services more accessible. This includes developing programs and policy to support mental health, engaging in training, and offering mental health services. All of our services are specific to the companies and organizations with whom we work
Our Philosophy
At Silm Centre for Mental Health, our business
model and our practice approach are both based on our ethical framework.
Best Practice
Each of the clinicians at Silm Centre for Mental Health is trained and
professionally licensed. We ensure that not only do our clinicians come in with
the expertise needed to serve our clients, but we also value professional
development, and ensure that we are constantly increasing our knowledge and
proficiencies. We define best practice as taking what research and evidence
demonstrates, and integrating this with what we know about the people with whom
we work to ensure that all of their needs are met. We know that all people are
unique, and we strive to ensure that we are always working towards person-centred
recovery.
Humility
No matter how much knowledge, training and experience our clinicians
have, we know that we are not the experts on our clients—each person is the
expert on themselves. This means that we know we will not always understand
something, and we are willing to acknowledge and correct our mistakes and our
misunderstandings.
Equity
All peoples are equally worthy and entitled to accessible care and
respect. This includes those that society does not deem worthy, those who have
survived traumas that have convinced them that they are not worthy, and those
who have engaged in behaviour that has caused them to believe that they no
longer deserve respect. We work to ensure that not only each of our clients is
treated with the respect that they deserve, but that we work to increase equity
within the communities in which we live and work.
Sustainability
We want the change that we make to continue to exist and to transform
once, even if we are no longer a part of this. This means that when we work
with clients, we work to make sure they no longer need us for support. When we
work with communities or organizations, we work to make sure that they have the
tools they need to continue to do the work. We will try to always be there for
those with whom we work, but our intention is to ensure change that can survive
in whatever way it needs to past our involvement.
Social Enterprise
The work we do is not just about helping those who can access our
services—it is about making mental health services accessible and building
capacity within our communities while we do so. As such, we ensure that we
engage in pro bono services that are community-oriented and that a portion of
the money we earn is re-invested in the communities in which we live and work.
Partnership
We know that to make a positive impact on our communities we must work
with our communities in order to really understand need as well as how those
needs can be met. We seek to engage in participatory and collaborative approaches
to community development, and to ensure that the approach is bottom-up. When we
build partnerships, we seek reciprocity and mutual respect.
Meet Our Team
DR. TASLIM ALANI-VERJEE
Dr. Taslim Alani-Verjee is a Clinical Psychologist, and the Director and Founder of Silm Centre for Mental Health. She practices from a Cognitive-Behavioural orientation (e.g., CBT, DBT, and ACT). She works with adolescents and adults who are having difficulties with adjustment and/or with their mental health.
Dr. Taslim graduated with her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Lakehead University, and has a Masters in International Development Studies from Dalhousie University. She currently teaches at Adler Graduate Professional School, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, and Lakehead University. She is an Adjunct Faculty Member at Lakehead University and at Adler Graduate Professional School.
Dr. Taslim consults, teaches and does research related to mental health, well-being, intimate partner violence, stigma, social justice, and cultural competence.
DR. SAHAR BHALOO
Dr. Sahar Bhaloo, M.A, Psy. D, has her Bachelor’s in Science from Queen’s University, and her Master’s in Counseling and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University. She completed her post-doctoral residency at University of California San Francisco in their Survivors International and Victims of Violent Crime and Domestic Violence trauma program.
Dr. Bhaloo provides consultation and supervision for students and peers, and direct client care. She sees adult and young adult clients experiencing difficult transitions, stress, relationship issues, work and school performance concerns, anxiety, anger issues, work place harassment, substance abuse, trauma and different forms of depression (post partum etc). Dr. Bhaloo also works with clients under the NIHB program.
ALESSIA CAPUTO
Alessia Caputo is a Registered Psychotherapist who has worked in the mental health field for the last 8 years. She previously worked in case management before pursuing a graduate degree in psychology, and believes this has deepened her understanding of systemic issues in navigating the mental health system. Alessia works with adolescents and adults affected by mental health disorders, with particular interest in supporting those dealing with anxiety, addiction, trauma, and ADHD. She practices from a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach. Alessia engages in ACT, IFS, and DBT modalities of therapy and her work aligns with the tenets of the Recovery Model. She is also a Non-Insured Health Benefits Provider.
NABIHA RATTANSI (On leave)
Nabiha Rattansi is a Registered Social Worker with over ten years of experience working with children and adolescents within a strengths-based framework. Nabiha believes preventative strategies are essential when navigating through difficult situations and the stresses in life. She has a particular interest in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem and stress.
YASENE MAWJI
Yasene Mawji holds a Master of Social Work from Carleton University. Since 2014 she has provided counselling, advocacy and case management services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, chronic illnesses, anxiety, depression, and substance use issues. Yasene firmly believes in maintaining the dignity of each one of her clients. She treats each individual, regardless of their background or situation, with care and compassion. She draws from multiple therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness and Trauma-Informed Therapy, to help clients tap into their inner resources and strengths. Ultimately, Yasene would like to see her clients lead heathy and happy lives spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally.
Danielle Chang Gardner is a Registered Social Worker and has acquired over 10 years of experience within the non-profit, education, and government sectors. During that time she has gained experience in case management, mental health, research, counselling, child welfare, mediation, and consultation. Danielle currently provides individual and couples therapy. By practicing from an anti-oppressive framework committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and implementing a solutions focused approach, her aim is to enable her clients to realize their strengths and empower them to take the necessary steps towards health, happiness and successful relationships.
DR. RAHIMA ALANI
Dr. Rahima Alani is a family physician with special interests in mental health and counseling, specifically as it relates to sexual and reproductive health and trans-gender care. At Silm Centre for Mental Health, she offers OHIP-covered one-time or short term sessions to our clients who are looking for support with decision making as it relates to their sexual and reproductive health and to our trans-clients with their assessments for gender-affirming surgery. Dr. Rahima uses a patient-centred, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach and is pro-choice.
MONA ATRZADEH
Mona Atrzadeh is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who holds a Master’s degree from Adler Graduate Professional School and is concurrently completing a certificate in assessment. She has experience providing individual therapy and administering psychoeducational assessments to both adolescents and adults. Mona has a keen interest in the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) modality and uses it in her therapeutic approach.
NATALIE BLAKE
Natalie Blake is a Registered Social Worker who completed a Master of Social Work with a focus in mental health. She has extensive experience supporting people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life who have encountered significant personal and professional challenges. Also, as a professor of human services she has in-depth knowledge and expertise of the varying dynamics of the student experience. Natalie provides a welcoming and safe space for clients and truly believes that healing and hope start with one conversation. She practices from a strengths-based, client-centered and anti-oppressive framework where she acknowledges and values the potential and uniqueness of every client.
KAREN SMITH
Karen Smith is a Registered Social Worker and has a background in mental health, addictions and delivering social service supports to improve the quality of life for communities. She has held leadership roles in government and not-for-profit organizations and has a passion for helping people in their journey of grief and loss, anxiety and stress related to work and life. She has an interest in working with people experiencing work-place trauma and overcoming the impacts of bullying and harassment in the workplace. She uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, trauma informed, strength-based and anti-oppression approaches in her practice. She is engaging, collaborative and creates a safe, inclusive space to build therapeutic partnerships with clients. Karen is committed to helping people achieve wellbeing by exploring their strengths, building resilience and recognizing their ability to make positive change.
ANDREA HALL
Andrea Hall is a Registered Social Worker who has been in practice for 14 years. She addresses a variety of issues including complex trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, pregnancy and parenting, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and isolation. She also offers therapy for couples and diverse intimate relationships. Andrea draws from a variety of modalities to meet clients’ goals, and is committed to providing trauma-informed care. Her clinical approach is inherently relational, as she aims to foster connection, and ensure clients feel heard and acknowledged. Andrea is committed to living and practicing from anti-racist, anti-colonial and anti-oppressive approaches, and she makes advocacy a part of her work wherever possible.
YALDA OMARI
Yalda Omari is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who holds a Master’s degree from Adler Graduate Professional School. She provides therapy, taking an integrative approach to address a wide range of mental health challenges. She uses evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), using a trauma-informed approach. She also supports psycho-diagnostic and psycho-educational assessments. She enjoys working with both adolescents and adults. Yalda is fluent in Dari and also speaks conversational Turkish and Dutch.
KARIMA HASSAM
Karima Hassam, M.Sc. OT. (Reg.) Ont, is a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. Karima has worked as an OT for over 13 years providing rehabilitation to clients who have sustained severe burns and other traumatic injuries. She has worked in collaboration with the WSIB and other third-party payers. It is through this work in physical rehabilitation that she gained an appreciation for the profound impact mental health has on physical and functional recovery after an injury. Karima is in the final year of completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Karima uses various therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She believes in client-centred, goal-directed practice and views the client from a holistic lens. She has an interest trauma informed care as well an understanding of the impact of generational trauma on one’s mental health.
KARTHIGA MAHENDRAN
Karthiga Mahendran is a graduate of York University, where she completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree and earned her York-Seneca Rehabilitation certificate. She is completing her Master of Psychology degree at Adler Graduate Professional School. She provides both individual therapy and psycho-educational assessments. Karthiga believes that seeking therapy is a journey that is unique to each individual, whether they are experiencing difficulties with adjustments and/or their mental health, to be heard and understood in a way that is non-judgemental and compassionate. Karthiga is learning to provide evidence-based treatments including CBT, DBT, and ACT using a trauma-informed and Adlerian approach. She enjoys working with adolescents and adults. Karthiga is fluent in Tamil and English.
JAWHAR IMAN
Jawhar Iman is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who is currently completing his Master’s degree from Adler Graduate Professional School. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology from York University with minor in Cinema Studies. He also holds a Multimodality certificate. Jawhar’s therapeutic method is to provide a safe and collaborative environment; working on strategies that allow the client to address the root causes of their difficulties, to enhance their self-awareness, and help them build meaningful social connections. He likes to incorporate a Trauma-informed approach, in addition to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Emotion-Focused, and Person-Centered Therapy. He is also experienced in providing psycho-educational assessments. Jawhar enjoys working with both adolescents and adults and speaks English, Farsi and Dari..
TANISHA SODHA
Tanisha Sodha holds a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Counseling Psychology and has worked with children, adolescents, and families for three years. She takes an integrative approach to therapy, drawing on evidence-based modalities like CBT and ACT as well as experiential therapies like art therapy, Gestalt, psychodrama, and IFS. She focuses on integrating mind-body awareness and employs a trauma-informed approach when working with clients. She is especially passionate about working with adolescents and young adults who are dealing with disordered eating, body image issues, anxiety, depression, and intergenerational trauma. She is currently working on her Masters degree (M.Psy) in Psychology with a clinical emphasis at Adler Graduate Professional School, as well as a certificate in psychological assessments.
MONICA AGUILAR
Monica Aguilar is a graduate of York University, and completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree. She is a current student at Adler Graduate Professional School pursuing a Master of Psychology degree.
Monica is passionate about creating a safe space that is non-judgmental, accepting, compassionate, and respectful where clients can feel genuinely comfortable discussing whatever is on their mind. She is dedicated to collaboratively working with her clients, and primarily uses a trauma-informed and person-centred perspective in therapy. She also believes in an integrative approach to therapy, and includes CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. For Monica, being able to help in any impactful capacity is the most rewarding gift.
KELSEY FRANKLIN
Kelsey Franklin graduated from McMaster University with a Master of Science in Global Health Management. She is the Research and Advocacy Consultant at Silm Centre for Mental Health. Having worked in various roles in the health sector, she has gained experience working with diverse populations in high-pressure environments. This experience, coupled with her educational background and training, has given her the tools to become a proficient facilitator for workshops and training focused on anti-oppression and anti-racism. She has an interest in using her acquired knowledge to help foster more inclusive workplaces, to increase public awareness about racial and social inequities and to promote solutions in education.
