The Perinatal Mental Health Collective
KATE BORSATO + ASSOCIATE THERAPISTS
Welcome to our online therapy clinic. We’re so glad you landed here! If you’re a mom or parent or expecting a new baby, and you have a feeling you need some support, you’re in the right place. Society tells us that motherhood will come naturally; other moms’ highlight reels depict it as blissful, seamless, and totally enamoring. But in the spaces between the baby showers, birthdays, and adorable Instagrammable moments, reality hits. Motherhood can be turbulent and not anything like you expected. And we get it, we’ve been there too.
We’re an online mental health counselling organization for moms, pregnant people, and families across Canada.
Our team is trained to help you manage the peaks and valleys of the entire journey of becoming a mom. From deciding to have children, to navigating your journey through fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, relationship changes, parenting, career demands and beyond, parenthood can be rife with challenges. Our team is here to support you through it all.
We believe that you deserve to be supported by professionals who truly see and understand your unique situation. Our therapists are trained to identify and treat specific, motherhood-related challenges. The mission of this collective is to bring deep compassion, solid expertise, and lived experiences of motherhood to our counseling sessions so that you feel heard, understood, and truly supported.
Nice to meet you!
Our Team
We’re a group of therapists who are passionate about perinatal mental health. Because we value informed, evidence-based practice, we ensure that every therapist on our team has specific training and experience supporting moms with the challenges unique to this stage of life. We focused entirely on motherhood because we want you to rest assured knowing that we really truly get it and know how to help.
Message
from Kate >
Kate Borsato, RCC, PMH-C, Founder, Therapist
Brief Bio
Kate (she/her) is a mom of two, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, founder of The Perinatal Mental Health Collective, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. She’s based out of south Vancouver Island and is honoured to support other women as they balance all that motherhood brings. In Kate’s sessions, expect a therapist who is warm and gentle and ready to guide you through perinatal struggles related to postpartum anxiety, depression, identity loss, and intrusive thoughts. Kate is big on self-compassion, making space for YOU, creative expression, and giving yourself permission to feel the way you do. When not working, she’s dreaming of her next chapter abroad, learning Spanish or painting with her kids.
Qualifications
- Perinatal Mental Health Certified: PMH-C
- Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with BCACC (British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors)
- Master of Arts In Counselling Psychology (University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C.)
- Maternal Mental Health Certificate (Postpartum Support International)
- Online Counselling Certificate (Therapy Online + University of Toronto)
- Mindful Self-Compassion Core Skills Training (Center for Mindful Self-Compassion)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Whitman College, Walla Walla Washington)
Kate is not accepting new clients or a waitlist at this time. Please visit the associate therapist’s links below to find earlier availability.
Message
from Alisha >
Alisha Stetchman, CCC*, Couples Counselling, Therapist
Brief Bio
Alisha is a sex and relationships therapist who supports couples and individuals as they move through the prenatal and postpartum phases. Whether couples are aware of it or not, having a baby can have an enormous impact on relationships, communication and sexuality. Alisha is here to normalize that struggle and help clients navigate that in sessions that feel non-judgemental, open-minded, supportive and warm. Those who seek Alisha’s help may be experiencing sexual dysfunction, relationship issues, or they may wish to strengthen their relationship before their baby arrives. Whatever the obstacle may be, Alisha wants prospective clients to know that it’s definitely more normal than you think and that effective treatment is available. You can feel at peace knowing that you’ll be met wherever you’re at in this journey. Alisha primarily offers couples counselling sessions, as well as individual sessions with mothers.
Alisha has a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, has completed the Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program with the University of Guelph, and has undergone the Gottman Institue’s Method Couples Therapy Training. She’s also a mom of two young toddlers.
Qualifications
Alisha is accepting new individual clients, as well as couples, in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Message
from Gabriela >
Gabriela Gutierrez, RCC, Therapist
Brief Bio
Gabriela (she/her) is mother to a young daughter and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC with more than 10 years of experience supporting mothers, young families, caregivers, and children. In her decade of experience, she has shown mothers how to find themselves within their role as a parent and live balanced, holistic lives. Gabriela can help you bring balance, peace, knowledge, and fun to your life as a mother. In her sessions, Gabriela supports mothers as they navigate the most painful hurdles in motherhood (such as anxiety, healing scary and shocking mental images, and adjusting to motherhood, for example.) When you come to therapy, you’re investing time and emotional energy in yourself. This is a space for you where Gabriela offers open, two-way communication where you feel comfortable to set the pace and ask for the type of support you most need. Gabriela makes sure your therapy is non-judgemental, informative, and acknowledges personal strengths and the growth that happens along the way.
When she’s not working, Gabriela enjoys walking her dog, eating good food, playing with her little girl, planning family outings, and getting creative with macramé and paint. Gabriela can see clients in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Qualifications
- Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with BCACC (British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors)
- Master of Arts In Counselling Psychology (Adler University, Vancouver B.C.)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Universidad Anáhuac Mayab, Mexico)
- Diploma in Child Neuropsychology (Instituto de Neuropsicología e Intervención Psicológica del Sureste (INIPS), Mexico)
- Certificate in Trauma Focused CBT (Medical University of South Carolina)
- Certificate in Expressive Play Therapy (Justice Institute of British Columbia)
- Certificate in EMDR (EMDR Consulting)
Certificate in Maternal Mental Health: Bringing Light to Motherhood (Maternal Mental Health Now)
*Currently accepting new clients in British Columbia.
Message
from Jana >
Jana Jesson, RCC, Therapist
Brief Bio
Jana (she/her) is a mom to three kids and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC. With 10 years of experience as a therapist, Jana has supported mothers struggling with everything from birth trauma, to relationship stress, to postpartum anxiety, and adjusting to the shift in identity that happens after becoming a mom. Because Jana has a decade of experience as a trauma therapist, many of her clients come to rely on that background and specific training in her sessions. If you’re looking to receive support that feels gentle and reassuring yet collaborative as you weigh in on your own struggles, then working with Jana will feel like a fit. Feeling in touch with yourself is completely possible.
Jana is based in B.C. and when she isn’t working or taking care of her three young children, she loves doing anything outside, reading a good book, being creative and travelling.
Qualifications
- Certificate in Maternal Mental Health Intensive Online: Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, Seleni Institute
- Graduate Certificate in Complex Trauma and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention, Justice Institute of British Columbia
- Master of Counselling Psychology, City University of Seattle
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of British Columbia
- Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BCACC (British Columbia Association for Clinical Counsellors) #10143
Jana is available to see clients across Canada, excluding ON, QC, NB, NS.
Message
from Melissa >
Melissa Medjuck, RSW, Therapist
Brief Bio
Melissa (she/her) is a mom to four-year-old twins, a registered social worker, and a therapist specializing in maternal mental health. She is also a certified birth doula, postpartum doula, and a yoga teacher with more than 15 years of experience supporting diverse groups of women. Melissa is a warm presence who can help women unpack their birth experience, process birth trauma, move through rage and grief, and get to the root of perinatal mood disorders. Melissa welcomes and embraces clients of all backgrounds and holds space appropriate for your needs. Her approach comes from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred lens. You are the expert of your own experience and as such, she will meet you wherever you are at and consider your voice every step of the way. Elements she integrates into her practice include practical tools to manage things like depression, anxiety and loss; mindfulness and self compassion; cognitive behavioural therapy; and family systems.
When Melissa is not working, you can find her daydreaming about travel, planning her next meal with her partner, reading, enjoying deep-belly laughs with girlfriends, and trying to practice yoga with two monkeys—aka toddlers—climbing all over her.
Qualifications
- Registered Social Worker (RSW) with British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW)
- Master of Social Work (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC)
- Maternal Mental Health Certificate (Postpartum Support International)
- Labour and Birth Doula Training (DONA International), Certified Doula with DONA International (CD(DONA))
- Postpartum Doula Training (DONA International)
- Yoga Teacher Training, 200 hour (Lila School of Vinyasa Yoga)
- Bachelor of Social Work (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC)
Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies and English Literature (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC)
As a Registered Social Worker in British Columbia, Melissa offers counselling to clients in B.C. only.
**Melissa is currently full, but taking a waitlist. Please see other therapists availability or add your name to her waitlist.
Message
from Sali >
Sali El Sadig, MA,
Registered Psychotherapist
Brief Bio
Sali (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is based in Toronto and is passionate about supporting women through the ups and downs of motherhood and all that it brings. Whether you’re experiencing postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or scary intrusive thoughts, Sali can be your rock as you navigate this phase of your perinatal experience. She is here to show you that this is just one chapter of a very nuanced journey in motherhood. Sessions with Sali feel collaborative, empowering, gentle, and calming. You can rest assured knowing that this is a professional space with a therapist who is here to support both you and your baby. In her work as a therapist, Sali has personally watched women step into a life where they are able to identify their core values and live in alignment with them; cultivate self trust and a belief in oneself; and recognize that they are worthy of having their own needs met.
Sali is also passionate about mindfulness ,self-compassion, painting abstract art, practicing yoga, connecting with loved ones, and trying new things. This therapy is your space to also get creative, test new things and re-write your motherhood experience until you find what works for you.
Qualifications
- Registered Psychotherapist with CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario)
- Master of Arts In Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University)
- Maternal Mental Health Certificate (Postpartum Support International)
- Yoga Teacher Training (200 hour Yoga Renew Teacher Training)
- Bachelor of Science In Psychology (University of Toronto)
**Sali is accepting new clients
Message
from Heather >
Heather Norrie,
Registered Social Worker
Brief Bio
Heather (she/her) is a mom of two children and a long-time therapist. She has been raising her children in Southwestern Ontario and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers. She understands how difficult it can be with being a parent and meeting your own needs while doing the best you can to support the needs of a child and family. Heather is really into what the research suggests is useful to improve how life feels, but also exploring the combination of strategies that best fits your specific brand of living.
Heather enjoys being outside with her kids and family or going for a walk with her giant Berne doodle, Winston. When inspiration hits, you can find her writing a new children’s book or creating another new jazzy song.
Qualifications
- Perinatal Mental Health Training (Seleini Institute)
- EMDR Training (Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic, Niagra, Ontario)
- Circle of Security Training (CPRI, London, Ontario)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certificate (Udemy America)
- Play Therapy Training (CAPT, Toronto, Ontario)
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
- Masters of Social Work Degree (Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario)
- Bachelors of Social Work Degree (University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario)
- Bachelors of Arts Degree (Brock University, St. Catharies, Ontario)
As a Registered Social Worker in Ontario, Heather offers counselling to clients in Ontario only.
**Heather is accepting new clients.
Who We Support
You are in the right place
At least one in five moms experience postpartum depression or anxiety, and most moms have a harder time adjusting to motherhood than they expected. So let’s face it: becoming a mom can be incredibly challenging and create so many new layers of stress, anxiety, and interpersonal challenges that you never could have seen coming.
Moms and moms-to-be come to us for support as they adjust to this phase of life and the hurdles that come with it.
Common Challenges We Address In Our Sessions:
- Postpartum and pregnancy anxiety, depression and mood challenges
- Intrusive or scary thoughts
- Relationship changes or difficulties
- Rebuilding intimacy and sex
- Identity transitions, or not feeling like yourself anymore
- Birth trauma or disappointing birth experiences
- Feeling blue, low, or uninspired
- Fertility challenges
- Pregnancy loss and stillbirth
- Making decisions regarding family planning
- Not feeling prepared for how your life would change
- Managing life stress, changing roles, family dynamics
- Returning to work
- Grief and loss
Our Beliefs and Values
What we stand for
These statements define our values and work as mental health therapists:
- A mother’s mental wellbeing has a direct impact on her family life, relationship, and child’s happiness.
- You are worthy of your own love, compassion, self-care, and acceptance.
- You have permission to write your own rulebook and define your values in motherhood.
- You are more than “just a mom” and deserve to be fulfilled intellectually, socially, creatively, physically, and spiritually.
- Your experience from your fertility journey to birth to the postpartum years has a huge impact on your mental health and identity.
- There’s no wrong way to feel in motherhood and you have permission to feel the way you do without judgment from yourself or others.
- Postpartum depression and anxiety are some of the most prevalent mental health illnesses but yet they’re one of the most misunderstood and undertreated. One in five moms suffers. All of those moms are worthy of treatment and adequate support.
- Historical oppression, racism, and family trauma can contribute to mood disorders for moms. This includes moms who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour.
- Moms from marginalized communities are at risk for childbirth trauma, postpartum depression and anxiety, and they’re more likely to have a harder time accessing mental health support.
- Not all clients identify as cisgender women. We work to be inclusive and accommodating for trans clients and all birthing people seeking support.
- Those who have a history with depression, anxiety or any other mental health illnesses are more likely to suffer in motherhood.
- We consciously work towards inclusivity with language, graphics, examples in coursework, business partners, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DOES ONLINE COUNSELING WORK?
You don’t need to download anything. All you need is an up-to-date browser (Chrome works well) and a good internet connection.
CAN I USE MY IPAD OR OTHER DEVICES?
HOW DOES BILLING, PAYMENT AND INSURANCE WORK?
After each session, you’ll have a balance in your “billing area” in your client account. We ask that this is paid immediately. All payment information is kept for you in your online account (which you can access from my website). You can make payments with a credit card.
Many extended health benefit plans cover counseling from either Registered Counsellors and/or Registered Social Workers, however, this varies from province to province in Canada. Make sure you check with your provider directly and understand your coverage before booking. We do not offer direct billing.
WHAT PROVINCES YOU SEE IN CLIENTS?
WHERE IS YOUR OFFICE LOCATED?
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO BE IN COUNSELING FOR?
Contact me for more Questions
