Dr. John Pokea is the director and founder of our center. Originally from Nakuru, Kenya, Dr. Pokea distinguished himself by becoming the first Kenyan-Canadian to earn a PhD degree from the University of Toronto.
Dr. Pokea’s therapeutic approach centers on leveraging the inherent strengths of his clients, shifting the focus from weaknesses to potential growth. His wide-ranging experience includes over 10 years in private practice, work in substance abuse and eating disorder residential treatment centers, and service in outpatient clinics.
Well-versed in a variety of therapeutic modalities, Dr. Pokea utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and client-centered therapy to cater to his clients’ unique needs.
Dr. Pokea is deeply committed to supporting his clients, striving to build therapeutic relationships founded on authenticity, understanding, and trust. He offers a safe and non-judgmental space for his clients, fostering their growth and enabling their progress throughout their therapeutic journey.
Paola Buckley is a psychotherapist and certified Social Worker registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Ms. Buckley received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto in 2018, and in the past 5 years she has been working with children, youth, and families.
Paola excels in individual and family therapy sessions providing support across a broad spectrum of needs. She is praised for her collaborative approach and objective perspective, always prioritizing the specific needs and objectives of her clients.
Her therapy style, custom-made to suit each client’s requirements, involves a varied mix of modalities. Paola’s primary objective is to build a comforting relationship with her clients, aiding them in their journey toward achieving their desired outcomes.
Audrey Pokea-Wilson is a Canadian Certified Counsellor, holding an MA in Creative Arts Therapy from Concordia University. She worked at the Hospital for Sick Kids, CAMH, and Sunny Hill Health Centre. Her areas of expertise cover dealing with anxiety, neurodiversity, supporting 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth and families, and utilizing a combination of nondirective and directive techniques. These techniques encompass Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, puppetry, yoga, mindfulness, and expressive arts.
As a therapist, Audrey embodies creativity and playfulness. She is ardently dedicated to assisting children and families in expressing their narratives, acknowledging and validating their experiences, and guiding them through their journey of healing, growth, and transformation.
Erik Quinn is Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor and a Member of the CACCF. Erik holds a Masters Degree in Education from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) and Professional Addiction Studies Diploma from the McMaster University. Erik’s mission is to support individuals and families in their journey towards continual growth and satisfaction, while empowering them to break free from the clutches of addiction through a deep understanding of change and self-realization.
Helen Walker obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University in Toronto. She is currently an intern from Yorkville University, working towards earning her Masters of Counselling Psychology degree. Helen previously worked at CAMH and has over 5 years of experience in mental health provided support for individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, body image concerns, trauma, attention problems, and life transitions.
Her counselling approach is grounded in the person-centered philosophy and largely integrates humanistic, narrative, cognitive-behavioral, and trauma-informed methods. Helen is dedicated to facilitating clients’ exploration of their inner world and empowering them to embark on a journey of self-driven, impactful change. She firmly believes in the uniqueness of each individual’s experiences and perspectives, considering the cultural and contextual influences that shape their understanding and processing of events.