About Me
As a Psychotherapist, I’m Here to Help You Find Your Path to Wellness
My Story
Born and raised in Italy, I began my career working for large, prestigious multinational corporations. Like many others, I experienced the challenges and burnout that can come from such fast-paced environments. In 2007, I decided to prioritize my well-being by making a big change and living according to my values. This decision led me on a journey to the UK, Australia, and eventually Canada, where I immersed myself in different cultures and perspectives. These experiences deepened my understanding of the complexities of life transitions, cultural adjustment, and the emotional toll they can take.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with various organizations, always staying rooted in my passion for supporting others and addressing systemic oppression. My drive to make a meaningful impact naturally led me to pursue a career as a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I now focus on supporting individuals facing trauma, life transitions, anxiety, and stress. I have proudly served as the Local Engagement Ambassador for the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) in the Halton Region for four years—an experience that has strengthened my commitment to advocacy, community building, and social justice.
As a psychotherapist, I use evidence-based approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to help clients heal from past traumas, build resilience, and develop tools for navigating life’s challenges. I believe in meeting each person where they are, ensuring that therapy is tailored to their unique needs and goals.
On a personal note, I value curiosity, learning, and connection. I love taking walks by the waterfront, spending time with my twin daughters and partner, playing with my cat Smoothie, and exploring new ways to stay active. Living with Type 1 diabetes has taught me a great deal about resilience, and I draw on these lessons in my work as a psychotherapist to support others navigating their own health challenges.
I strive to create a compassionate, inclusive space where clients feel truly seen and understood. Whether you’re dealing with life transitions, mental health challenges, or simply looking for someone to talk to, I’m here to support you as your psychotherapist and ally in growth.
My practice is grounded in my personal experiences, academic research, and extensive training in mental health and social work.
Credentials & Professional Recognition
Professional Registration​
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Registered Social Worker (RSW) – Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (Reg # 844028)
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Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) member and Ambassador
Education
• Master of Social Work (MSW) – McMaster University, Canada, 2023
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) – McMaster University, Canada, 2022
• Master’s in Coaching, Leadership, and Development of Human Resources – European University of Rome, Italy, 2007
• Master’s in Sociology – La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, 2005
Awards & Recognition
• Governor General’s Gold Medal Nominee, 2023
Nominated for exceptional academic performance and research contributions at McMaster University.
• Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M), 2022
Awarded for outstanding academic achievement and research excellence in social work.
Research & Publications
I am passionate about contributing to the field of social work and mental health through research and knowledge-sharing.
Featured Research
• Through Her Eyes: Photovoice as a Research Method for Women with Mental Health Challenges Living in Supportive Housing
Esposito, A. (2023)
• LIS and Social Work: Intersecting Pasts, a Shared Future
Lenstra, N., Senteio, C., Dali, K., Wynia Baluk, K., & Esposito, A. (2022).
Published in the Proceedings of the Annual Conference of CAIS / Actes Du congrès Annuel De l’ACSI.
Professional Training
I am committed to ongoing professional development to provide compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy. I regularly participate in advanced training to deepen my knowledge and refine my clinical skills, allowing me to integrate effective, research-informed approaches tailored to each client's unique needs.
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Trauma, EMDR & Integrative Psychotherapy
My primary areas of advanced training focus on trauma, attachment, anxiety, and emotional healing through integrative, evidence-based therapies.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Training – EMDR Consulting, LLC (EMDRIA Approved)
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Advanced EMDR Training – Beyond Healing Institute (EMDRIA Approved)
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The Distancing Technique: Treating OCD and Anxiety Disorders with EMDR – EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
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IFS-Informed EMDR – Syzygy Institute
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​DeTUR: Urge Reduction Protocol for Addictions and Dysfunctional Behaviours – Arnold J. Popky, Ph.D. (EMDRIA Approved)
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EMDR for Complicated Grief – Dr. Roger Solomon (EMDRIA)
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 Training – IFS Institute
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Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Dr. Frank Anderson, IFS Institute
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Transforming Trauma with Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) – PESI
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Association for Psychological Therapies (APT)
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ACT for Depression and Anxiety Disorders – Dr. Russ Harris, Psychwire
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Narrative Therapy Tools for Exploring Stories – Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI)
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Narrative-Informed Relational Interviewing: Couple Therapy for High-Conflict Relationships – Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy
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Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy: Moral Injury, Ethics and Self-Care – Centre for Psychodrama and Sociometry of Ontario
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Applied Polyvagal Theory in Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery (Levels 1–3) – Dr. Arielle Schwartz
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Grief & Loss
I have pursued specialized training to support individuals and families navigating grief, bereavement, traumatic loss, and life transitions with empathy and evidence-based care.
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Art Therapy for Grief Healing – Virtued Academy International
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Walking with Grief: Helping Others Deal with Loss – Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
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Pregnancy and Infant Loss: Effective Strategies to Support Grief and Treat Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression in Bereaved Parents – PESI
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EMDR for Complicated Grief – Dr. Roger Solomon (EMDRIA)
Health & Wellness Specializations
Bringing my personal experience and professional expertise to clients managing chronic illnesses.
• Beyond the First Look: Type 1 Diabetes and Disordered Eating – JDRF/FRDJ Canada
• Mental Health First Aid – Opening Minds
• Existential Well-being Counselling: A Person-Centered Experiential Approach – edX
Social Justice & Research-Based Training
My work is grounded in anti-oppressive, feminist frameworks and evidence-based research.
• Decolonizing Research – Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
• Gender-Based Analysis PLUS – Government of Canada
• Feminism and Social Justice – University of California, Santa Cruz