Meet The Team

Don't hesitate to reach out via email at info@rainbowcounselling.ca if you have any questions.

Sandy Boparai

Jessica Hartig

(she/her)
Associate Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Hello! My name is Jessica (she/her), and I am a queer & neurodivergent therapist and artist. My background is in art therapy and I believe in the powerful healing that can come from expressing yourself through creation. I take a trauma-informed and person-centred approach, drawing from multiple modalities to meet each client's unique needs. My practice is informed in polyamorous relationships, kink/BDSM, sex work, sexual abuse/surviving, complex family dynamics and 2SLGBTQIA+ identities. Whether you want to make art or not, come to our sessions as you are and let's work together to get you where you want to be.

Fees: Individual: $150 + HST / Couples: $220 + HST

Hunter Johnson

Ayesha Masud

(she/they)

Associate Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Ayesha Masud (she/they) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a Master of Arts in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy and a Bachelor of Honours Health Science in Health and Health Systems. Ayesha has over seven years of experience as a peer support worker, shelter worker, and community counsellor working with a diverse range of communities and presenting issues.

Fees: Individual: $150 + HST / Couples: $220 + HST

  • Ayesha is familiar with and can work from a range of modalities including narrative therapy, CBT/DBT, trauma therapy, feminist informed, art-informed therapy, emotion-focused therapy, family and couples therapy. Ayesha specializes in clients who are accessing therapy to address intersectionalities of issues including racializational, intergenerational trauma, gender minoritization, 2SLGBTQ+ identity, mood disorders, ASD, ADHD, diasporic identity, sexual assault and family violence, relationship issues (including polyamory and ethical non-monogamy) inclusive of children, youth, couples, and families.

    Ayesha aims to work towards improving resiliency, potential, and adaptability for her clients within the family system. She utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, tailored to the unique needs of each client and their family system. She can support the children and the parents in strengthening relationships, understanding complex mental health issues, improving self-esteem/mood/self-acceptance, and navigating development at each age and stage.

    Ayesha believes in the individual and collective community and capacity of each client. She strives to offer a safe and accountable space for her clients that honours the privilege of the therapy journey.

    Ayesha is able to offer therapy in English, Urdu, and Hindi. 

Sandy Boparai

Tasia Murray

(she/her)

Clinical Intern Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

My name is Tasia (she/her), and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) currently completing my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I identify as queer and neurodivergent, with lived experience of mental health challenges. It’s important to me that my clients feel their needs and experiences are being listened to attentively and respectfully, and never discounted. As such, I use neurodivergent-affirming and 2SLGBTQ+ affirming language and practice in addition to a combination of narrative, person-centred, and emotion-focused therapies. This integrative-approach allows me to modify my practice so that it suits each individual client’s needs and goals.

Fees: Individual: $85+ HST / Couples: $130 + HST

Sliding Scale Available

  • Everyone brings their own knowledge and experience into the therapeutic space, and I believe that my role as your therapist is to act as your partner and guide; you are the expert in your own life, not me! I will endeavour to prioritize your knowledge and goals while providing you with a safe space to explore the various stories that make up your identity. Some examples of the topics we can explore are: anxiety, depression, sexuality/gender expression, neurodivergent experiences, relationships, communication, self-esteem, and self-compassion. If you decide to work with me, I look forward to helping you discover your unique strengths and explore what makes you “you”.

Sandy Boparai

Samantha Ledamun

(she/they)
Clinic Coordinator

My name is Samantha (she/they) and I am queer, neurodivergent & have lived experience with mental health and substance use. I am the clinic coordinator here at rainbowcounselling & I will be your first point of contact at the clinic. I am a skilled social service worker specializing in young adult mental health, substance use and crisis support. I have been supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ folks for the past 3+ years in community mental health spaces working from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, harm reduction & gender-affirming approach. Some of my past experience includes peer support, case management, community crisis worker and facilitating group therapy! I am currently completing my Bachelor of Social Science which focuses specifically on Mental Health and Addiction. 

I am excited and honoured to support you with any inquiries you may have & creating safe spaces along your journey! 

Sandy Boparai

XT Belcastro

(they/them)
Clinic Director
Registered Psychotherapist

My name is XT (they/them) I'm queer & neurodivergent with lived experience with mental health challenges. I hold space for all folks; communities I often work with are: 2SLGBTQ+ folks & family/ those in close relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ & neurodivergent folks. I aim to support you in better connecting & understanding self and I value your lived experience over anything. I value anti-oppressive, person-centered approaches to therapy & believe the relationship is at the core of your process. I'd describe my approach as: relational, trauma-informed, I centre the topics YOU bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'.

Fees: Individual: $180 + HST / Couples: $250 + HST / Families: $280 + HST

  • I aim to provide space to be wholeheartedly yourself. I take a strengths-based, collaborative approach. I recognize the gaps in mental health care that 2SLGBTQ+ folks face (regardless of folks whom are out to some, not out at all, don’t want to come out, questioning etc.). I work with individuals, couples, polycules/constellations/families.

    Topics I can support include but are not limited to: exploration of sexuality/gender, relationships, impacts of trauma, self worth, self-harm, sexual abuse, attachment wounds etc. I believe we are all multifaceted and offer a space without judgement, and my approach includes bringing my authentic self to the space in hopes you are able to do the same!

FAQs

  • Consultations can be booked with any member of our team to determine better suitability or fit for counselling. Clinical Intern Therapists offer free 50 minute intake sessions to better support suitability of therapist. Our associate therapists offer free 15-minute consultations to ask any questions that may help you make a decision in moving forward with an intake.

  • Intakes are opportunities for you and your therapist to better get to know one another, at whatever pace you are comfortable with. There is no requirement to have to move forward or continue booking with a therapist who you have an intake with.

    If you have specific questions about a specific therapists’ style/ approach with intakes, feel free to reach out to info@rainbowcounselling.ca

  • Gender identity is a complex and personal aspect of our lives, and it can take time to fully understand and come to terms with. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming, seeking support from a gender therapist can be an important step in their journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.

    In Toronto and throughout Ontario, there are a number of experienced and compassionate gender therapists who specialize in working with individuals who are exploring and affirming their gender identity. These professionals can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to gender.

    As a gender therapist Toronto locals can trust, these therapists are often trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, with a focus on helping clients navigate the challenges and complexities of gender identity. Some common therapeutic approaches used by gender therapists include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and narrative therapy.

    In addition to providing therapeutic support, gender therapists in Ontario are often able to connect clients with resources and support groups in the local community. This can help individuals build a network of support and find acceptance within their chosen communities.

    If you are looking for a gender therapist in Toronto or throughout Ontario, any member on the rainbowcounselling team can support you on your journey towards greater self-understanding and acceptance. If you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to info@rainbowcounselling.ca or book an intake session directly.