Discover the professional who can best support your goals.


Emily Lafeber
Founder and Clinical Director, Registered Psychotherapist

At this time, my caseload is full and I am not able to accept new clients, with the exception of pre-existing clients and those seeking support for digestive disease. If you are looking for support with another chronic illness or complex health concern, I encourage you to connect with one of the other skilled therapists at Blume Therapy and Wellness, who can provide the care and space you deserve.

Hi, I’m Emily! It was apparent to me from a very young age that I wanted to pursue a career in counselling. It wasn’t until I got diagnosed with IBS and Crohn’s that I began directing my career towards helping others navigate similar struggles. Through my personal experiences, I am able to provide compassionate and empathetic supports from a unique perspective, which allows me the ability to connect with my clients on a much deeper level. Combined with my extensive education and training, I am also involved with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada (CCC) and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) including advocacy campaigns such as Voices for Change and World Cancer Day. More recently, I have taken on the role of Advocacy Constituency Team Lead with CCS to help make cancer care better at the government level.

As someone who suffers from several autoimmune disorders and chronic illnesses, I know firsthand how important it is to have proper mental health support and interventions. I work collaboratively with individuals to regain control of their lives through various evidence-based practices that encourage self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-development. 

My goal is to create a warm, supportive atmosphere where you feel comfortable to gain new skills, insight, and learn to shift your perspectives to one of growth and healing. So kick back and relax, find a comfy spot in your home, grab a cup of coffee or tea & let’s help you Blume into a better version of yourself today!

  • Support in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia

    • Chronic Illness and Autoimmune Disease (including connective tissue disorders, IBD - Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis, IBS and other DGBIs, Celiac disease, Endometriosis, Congenital Vascular Malformations, Hydrocephalus, and more)

    • Psychoeducation and Restoration of Gut-Brain Connection

    • Advocacy Skill Building

    • Breathing Assessments and Breathwork Techniques

    • Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Nervous System Regulation

    • Anxiety and Quality of Life Concerns

    • Difficult Life Transitions

    • Body Image, Self-Worth, & Self-Esteem

    • Emotional Eating and Healing Relationships with Food/Self/Body

    • Trauma (acute, chronic, and complex/developmental)

    *If your concern is not listed above, please click here to reach out and we can discuss further!

    • Integrative Healing Methods (Holistic Mind-Body Approaches)

    • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

    • Somatic Psychotherapy

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

    • Physiological and Neurobiological Focused Practices

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy

    • Trauma-Informed Interventions

    • Polyvagal Theory

    • Yoga Therapy (Coming Soon)

    • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
      Yorkville University

    • Bachelor of Arts, Honours in Psychology and Family/Social Relations
      University of Windsor

    • Accelerated Diploma in Child and Youth Care
      St. Clair College

    • Registered Psychotherapist
      College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

    • Canadian Certified Counsellor
      Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

    • Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider


Avery Maxwell
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist

Hi, I’m Avery! I’m a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Through a combination of various approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused, and strengths-based approaches, we collaborate to identify the support and resources that best align with your needs. I support clients of all ages as they navigate life transitions, mental health challenges, and complex health changes. A significant part of my work has been with individuals and families impacted by cancer; whether adjusting to a new diagnosis, coping with treatment, managing survivorship, or facing grief and loss. I provide both individual and group counselling, creating space for clients and their loved ones to feel supported at every stage. Over the years, I have also collaborated closely with oncology treatment centres, survivorship programs, and community-based cancer support networks.

Navigating your own diagnosis, or the diagnosis of a loved one, can be incredibly challenging, and it can be hard to find a therapist who understands the way cancer and treatment impact who you are, especially after treatment ends.

 In addition to my professional experience, I have a deeply personal understanding as a partner and caregiver to someone with chronic illness. I understand the intersection of a cancer and/or chronic illness diagnosis and everyday life challenges, including relationship and work stress, body image, life transitions, and overall mental health. Through my practice, I strive to provide an environment where you feel safe, comfortable, and seen. Together, we will explore the challenges you face, develop new coping strategies, and build on the strengths you already have.

  • Support in Ontario

    • Cancer, Chronic Illness/Pain Management, Autoimmune Disorders

    • Support for Caregivers

    • Support for Teens and Young Adults

    • Grief, Bereavement, and End of Life Support

    • Difficult Life Transitions

    • Body Image, Self-Worth, & Self-Esteem

    • Anxiety and Depression

    • Relationship and Parenting Challenges

    • Stress Management

    • Boundary Setting, Expectation Management, and Resilience Building

    *If your concern is not listed above, please click here to reach out and we can discuss further!

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Trauma-Informed Interventions

    • Solution-Focused Therapy

    • Strengths-Based Approaches

    • Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy

    • Bachelor of Social Work
      Wilfrid Laurier University

    • Master of Social Work
      University of Toronto

    • Registered Social Worker
      Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (Credential ID 844367)

    • Psychotherapist
      Recognized through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers


Andréa Desjardins
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist

Hi, I’m Andréa! I am a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I came to this work later in life after navigating my own experiences with perinatal mental health challenges and pregnancy loss. My initial difficulty in finding support within the healthcare system is what drew me to social work, and it still fuels my passion for helping others feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Much of my work has focused on supporting people through perinatal mental health challenges, pregnancy loss, and reproductive health concerns. I also work with individuals and families facing grief and loss, dementia, chronic illness, aging, and palliative or end-of-life care. In addition, I support people living with anxiety, depression, and other significant mental health concerns, as well as caregivers learning to navigate complex systems.

My advocacy has extended into hospital settings, where I contributed to advisory and education initiatives and helped develop a peer navigator program for the emergency department. These experiences strengthened my belief that care should be accessible, inclusive, and collaborative, and that clients are the experts in their own lives.

I take a holistic and person-centred approach to therapy, focusing on your unique needs, identities, values, and strengths. I use a variety of therapeutic methods, customized to what feels most helpful for you. My practice is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, and gender-affirming. Together, we’ll create space to talk openly about the things that can feel too heavy to carry alone, so that you feel supported and understood.

  • Support in Ontario

    • Reproductive, Perinatal, and Postpartum Experiences (including perinatal mental health and fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and post-abortion care)

    • Support for Caregivers

    • Grief and Loss (including anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, and sudden or traumatic loss) 

    • Chronic Illness and Complex Health Challenges 

    • End-of-Life and Palliative Emotional Support 

    • Navigating a Life-Limiting Diagnosis

    • Dementia Care

    • Difficult Life Transitions and Identity Shifts

    • Aging and Changing Roles

    *If your concern is not listed above, please click here to reach out and we can discuss further!

    • Person-Centred Therapy

    • Narrative Therapy 

    • Indigenous Narrative Therapy 

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Nature-Based Approaches and Ecotherapy 

    • Mindfulness Counselling Strategies 

    • Brief-Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT)

    • Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia Care

    • Trauma-Informed Interventions

    • Strengths-Based Approaches

    • Bachelor of Social Work
      Laurentian University

    • Master of Social Work
      Laurentian University

    • Registered Social Worker
      Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (Credential ID 847837)

    • Psychotherapist
      Recognized through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers