Discover the professional who can best support your goals.


Avery Maxwell, RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist

Hi, I’m Avery! I support clients of all ages as they navigate difficult 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 create space for clients and their loved ones to feel supported at every stage of their diagnosis and long after treatment ends. Over the years, I have collaborated closely with oncology treatment centres, survivorship programs, and community-based cancer support networks, offering comprehensive support to individuals living with cancer and their families as they navigate identity shifts, changes in appetite and body image, manage treatment side effects, and process the emotional weight of uncertainty, fear, and loss of control.

Much of my professional work also focuses on supporting individuals living with complex health conditions, including digestive diseases and other chronic illnesses. In addition to my professional experience, I have a deeply personal understanding as a partner and caregiver to someone with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). I understand the intersection of a chronic illness diagnosis and everyday life challenges, including relationship and work stress, body image, life transitions, grief, 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.

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, chronic illness and treatment impact who you are, especially after treatment ends. You deserve support from someone who truly understands; so take a moment to settle in, breathe deeply, and book a complimentary call.

  • Support in Ontario & Alberta

    • Cancer, Chronic Illness, Pain Management, Autoimmune Disorders

    • Mind-Body / Gut-Brain Disorders & Digestive Disease

    • Grief, Bereavement, and End of Life Support

    • Support for Caregivers

    • Psychoeducation and Restoration of Gut-Brain Connection

    • Advocacy Skill Building

    • Breathing Assessments and Breathwork Techniques

    • Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Nervous System Regulation

    • 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

    • Integrative Healing Methods (Holistic Mind-Body Approaches)

    • Physiological and Neurobiological Focused Practices

    • 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


Shannon Bryant, RP, CCC
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Hi, I’m Shannon! Probably like you, I was not expecting to be navigating IBD and other health conditions for the rest of my life. It can be scary, isolating, and make us feel that no one quite understands how complicated life has suddenly become. This is why I feel so strongly about supporting those with chronic illness: to provide a safe space grounded in clinical knowledge and lived experience, where you can feel deeply understood in the complexities of living with chronic illness. I believe mental health support is a fundamental part of care for those living with chronic illness and autoimmune conditions.

Alongside my education and clinical training, my previous training in holistic nutrition has shaped my belief in taking a whole-person approach to mental health. I understand that our physical health, mental health, relationships, sense of identity, and the lives we want for ourselves are often deeply interconnected. In addition to supporting those with chronic illness, I have experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and trauma. Living with chronic illness often overlaps with other life circumstances, and I believe these pieces deserve to be understood within the context of who you are as a whole person.

Whether you are adjusting to a new diagnosis, grieving the life you thought you would have, struggling with uncertainty, or simply trying to find your footing again, you do not have to navigate those experiences alone. When you are already dealing with the physical impact of chronic illness, I hope to support you with the mental and emotional pieces, too. Together, we can explore ways to cope with the challenges that come with illness while also reconnecting with the parts of life that bring you meaning, connection, and a sense of self. My hope is that therapy can help you feel supported, understood, and more confident in building a life that feels like your own alongside your health challenges.

  • Support in Ontario, Alberta, & BC

    • Chronic Illness and Autoimmune Disorders

    • Mind-Body / Gut-Brain Disorders & Digestive Disease

    • Trauma and Childhood Trauma

    • Psychoeducation and Restoration of Gut-Brain Connection

    • Advocacy Skill Building

    • Breathing Assessments and Breathwork Techniques

    • Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Nervous System Regulation

    • Difficult Life Transitions

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

    • Anxiety and Depression

    • Stress Management

    • Family relationships

    • Identity issues

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

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    • Mindfulness-Based

    • Trauma-Informed Interventions

    • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

    • Integrative Healing Methods (Holistic Mind-Body Approaches)

    • Biopsychosocial lens

    • Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (coming soon)

    • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

      Yorkville University

    • Bachelor of Music Therapy

      Wilfrid Laurier University

    • Natural Nutrition Diploma

      Canadian School of Natural Nutrition

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

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

    • Registered Holistic Nutritionist


Emily Lafeber, RP, CCC
Founder and Clinical Director, Registered Psychotherapist

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 disease that I began directing my career towards helping others navigate similar struggles. Through my personal, lived 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 the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) including advocacy campaigns such as Voices for Change and World Cancer Day. I also serve as an Advocacy Constituency Team Lead Ambassador with CCS, working to improve cancer care through government-level advocacy.

As someone who lives with several autoimmune disorders, chronic illnesses, and a congenital malformation, I know firsthand how important it is to have proper mental health support and interventions. For this reason, I work collaboratively with individuals to regain control of their lives through various evidence-based practices and integrative methods that encourage self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-development to enhance quality of life.

My goal is to create a warm, supportive atmosphere where you feel understood and 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

    • 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 (CCC)
      Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

    • Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider