Trauma & body-based care
Release the trauma and tension your body has been holding, so the past stops running your present.
Now accepting new clients
Somatic Therapy, EMDR & IFS in Ancaster & St. Catharines, Ontario
You’ve been holding the weight of life for a long time. It’s okay to unpack it here.
Professional, evidence-based therapy for adults navigating relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, and stress. Providing compassionate support in person in Ancaster and St. Catharines, as well as virtually across Ontario.
- Verified by Psychology Today
- Registered Psychotherapist · CRPO
Maria is a grounded and caring therapist with deep empathy for her clients. Her non-judgmental approach creates ease and she is skilled in many therapeutic approaches which allows her to help with many life challenges her clients face. Highly recommend!
The core approach
Therapy that builds momentum — not just a place to vent.
If you’re used to getting things done, passive talk therapy can feel slow and frustrating. We work differently: we get to the root of what’s keeping you stuck, then pair it with practical tools you can use that same week.
Together we calm an overworked nervous system and rebuild steady, functional momentum — combining deep, root-cause healing with concrete skills for real life.
Collaborative, focused, and paced by you. You set the goals; we make real progress toward them.
What I help with
Specialized support, focused where it matters most.
Therapy for adults across Ontario — in person in Ancaster and St. Catharines, or online wherever you are.
Trauma & PTSD
Process what happened so it loses its grip — and feel safe in your body again.
Burnout & stress
Break out of chronic survival mode and build everyday resilience.
Life transitions & relationships
Move through change, rebuild boundaries, and reconnect with what matters.
How we heal
Your treatment plan, tailored specifically to your pace.
You get both tangible everyday coping skills and deep, root-cause trauma resolution.
Actionable coping skills
Practical, week-to-week tools to quiet anxiety, regulate emotion, and feel steady again.
Relational healing
Build a secure relationship with yourself and others, and connect without losing yourself.
Walk & talk therapy
Outdoor somatic sessions designed intentionally for clients who find organic movement and nature more grounding than a traditional office setting.
Meet Maria
Offering a culturally sensitive, down-to-earth approach.
Hi, I’m Maria Ostapenko (she/her). I’m a Registered Psychotherapist holding a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Master of Education from Griffith University.
With over 10 years of professional experience dedicated to supporting marginalized groups—specifically refugees, women of color, and individuals navigating disabilities—my practice prioritizes an intersectional, culturally sensitive framework.
I approach therapy with a balance of direct, transparent communication and deep, non-judgmental warmth. I focus entirely on what is actually working to help you feel better, feel regulated, and gain functional momentum in your day-to-day life.
Clear financial logistics
Transparent fees, no surprises.
$150
Individual one-on-one session
$175
Couples counseling session
Sliding scale
Reserved spaces for those facing acute financial barriers to care.
Refugee program care (IFHP)
I am fully registered to provide direct billing via the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for refugees seeking mental health support.
Insurance & payment
Most extended workplace health benefit plans cover Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario. I accept e-Transfer, ACH bank transfer, cash, Visa, and Mastercard, and provide documentation for your provider.
- Canada Life / Great-West Life
- SunLife
- Manulife
- Blue Cross / Blue Shield
- Desjardins
- Meridian
- Homewood Health
- Medavie Blue Cross
- TELUS Health
Locations & flexibility
Healing spaces designed to meet your schedule.
Working most weekdays, select evenings, and occasional weekend times to accommodate busy schedules.
In-person
Ancaster — primary office
Nova Phoenix Co.
1038 Garner Rd. West, Suite 203
Ancaster, ON L9G
In-person
St. Catharines
Nova Phoenix Counselling Service
148 Welland Avenue
Saint Catharines, ON L2R
Virtual
Anywhere in Ontario
Secure, encrypted online video therapy for any Ontario resident—including Burlington, Paris, and the surrounding Niagara/Hamilton regions.
The next step
Let’s find out if we’re the right fit.
Ready to ease the burden? Because of phone spam, reaching out via email or the contact form is the most secure and prompt way to establish contact. Let’s schedule a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation call to discuss your goals.
Prefer to reach out directly?
Ontario, Canada