Kesla Forsythe (she/her), Registered Psychotherapist
*Kesla is currently accepting new clients for in-person and online sessions.
Many people struggle with harmful beliefs that were never theirs to begin with, shaped by systems of oppression, stigma, and shame. Kesla helps you name and change those beliefs so you can reconnect with your true identity.
Kesla has a deep foundation in sex therapy and helping trauma survivors reclaim pleasure, sexual pain concerns like genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) and vulvodynia, exploring kinks and sexual identity, and mild to moderate sexually compulsive behaviours.
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Her practice is always sex-positive, trauma-informed, and grounded in consent and she uses a supportive approach that respects each person’s autonomy, dignity, and self-defined healing.
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Kesla also has a special passion for working with post-secondary students who are feeling overwhelmed or in need of support as they move through their studies, during a time where they are also discovering who they are, personally, professionally and sexually.
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Kesla holds a Master of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Certificate in Addiction and Mental Health from Humber College. She has also completed the Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program at the University of Guelph.
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Additionally, she has advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Her work is further informed by Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Inner Child Work.
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She’s here to walk alongside you. Not to give you answers, but to help you uncover the ones that are already within.
Evgenia Bogdanova (she/her), Registered Psychotherapist
*Evgenia is currently accepting new clients for remote sessions only.
Evgenia holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Yorkville University, has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University, and a diploma in Child and Youth work from George Brown College. Additionally, she holds certifications as a Clinical Trauma Professional from the International Trauma Training Institute and has completed an Advanced Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma. As part of her specializing in sex and relationship therapy, Evgenia has completed the Sex Therapy Intensive Training program at the University of Guelph. Evgenia strives for continuous professional development in order to stay updated with the latest research and therapeutic approaches.
With nearly a decade of counseling experience supporting a diverse range of individuals with mental health challenges, Evgenia approaches therapy with a holistic lens. She considers clients’ emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being to understand how their experiences and worldviews have been shaped and continue to influence them. Evgenia is dedicated to empowering her clients by utilizing a trauma-informed and strength-based lens. She provides compassionate and client-centered care, guiding clients towards gaining clarity, identifying their next steps, and achieving fulfillment.
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In your therapy sessions with Evgenia, she will meet you exactly where you are in your journey, offering safety, compassion, and practical tools to guide you towards the path you desire. Together, you will explore your experiences, bringing awareness to the factors that influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. As you work together, you will craft a unique and effective plan, tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. Evgenia offers virtual sessions in English and Russian.
Laila Crawford (she/her), Registered Psychotherapist
*Laila is currently accepting new clients for in-person and online sessions.
Laila has completed the Master of Education program in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy program at the University of Toronto. Laila has trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Additionally, Laila has completed the Sex Therapy Intensive Training program at the University of Guelph. She also regularly practices using Existential therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, and Sensorimotor Therapy. Laila has counselled people with a diverse range of mental health, emotional and intra/interpersonal issues including, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, suicide, familial and work conflict, anger, and cross-cultural issues. She also has extensive volunteer experience at the Distress Centres of Greater Toronto, as a crisis counsellor, since 2018.
Laila comes from a multi-ethnic and multi-religious background, which provides her with a unique understanding of various beliefs and perspectives. As such, she is skilled in holding space and engaging with folks belonging to various faith groups, religious orientations and belief systems, and folks from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Laila believes that every person who enters therapy is capable of achieving what they are seeking. By evaluating one’s lifestyle, habits, and relationships you can achieve the self-awareness needed to understand how to make changes and truly recognize your inner potential. Laila works within a trauma informed and multicultural approach and directs therapy using an existential lens. She believes each client’s lived experiences coupled with the therapist’s openness and warmth help lead clients towards a path of self-discovery, self-healing, and most importantly self-growth. Laila is available for virtual sessions only.
Ainur Alipkaliyeva (she/her), Registered Psychotherapist
*Ainur is currently accepting new clients for in-person and online sessions.
In addition to having 20+ years of experience working with couples and individuals as a psychotherapist trained in the Gestalt approach, Ainur has also completed the Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program at the University of Guelph.
Ainur’s approach is based on a bio-psycho-social model. Ainur analyzes how individuals’ psychological boundaries, emotional responses, awareness, satisfaction of needs, the nature of their interpersonal relationships, and the influence of childhood trauma and life experiences have shaped their response patterns and belief systems. She helps clients fulfill individual potential through person-centred and experiential psychotherapy, including emotion-focused therapy.
She has experience working with clients suffering from relationship and interpersonal difficulties, abuse, trauma, severe and persistent mental disorders, and psychosomatic diseases. In addition to her individual and couple work, she has also conducted family and group psychotherapy. Ainur also provides clients with Dreamwork, in the Gestalt tradition.
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Her interdisciplinary experience including her medical background (obtained a medical degree outside of Canada), professional training and years of experience with psychotherapy provides clients with comprehensive and highly skilled therapeutic care. Ainur provides services in both English and Russian.
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Renata Jovcevska (she/her), Registered Psychotherapist
*Renata is currently accepting 2 new clients for in-person and online sessions.
Renata holds a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Environmental and Health Science from Glendon College, York University. With years of academic training, clinical experience, and a deep commitment to professional growth, she blends evidence-based knowledge with warmth and humour to create a therapeutic environment that is both safe and welcoming. Renata understands that embarking on the journey of psychotherapy can feel intimidating, and she strives to meet each client with compassion and respect.
Renata supports individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including interpersonal relationships, sexuality, anxiety, depression, complex trauma, and other emerging psychological concerns. Her therapeutic approach is deeply relational and holistic, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client or relationship. She works to foster a non-judgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. Renata integrates a socially just and culturally responsive perspective, honouring the diverse identities, experiences, and narratives her clients bring to therapy.
Renata's practice is inherently multimodal, recognizing that no single approach works for everyone. She draws from various evidence-based modalities, including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method (Level 1), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Her work also extends to sex therapy, enriched by advanced training in solution-focused and narrative frameworks. Renata has completed the Foundations of Sex Therapy Training at Wilfrid Laurier University, equipping her to address a broad spectrum of sexual concerns, including desire discrepancies, non-monogamy, sociocultural influences on sexuality, sexual challenges, exploration of kink, and navigating sexual identity.
Beyond her psychotherapy work, Renata is a certified Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Instructor specializing in Hatha and Vinyasa practices. This unique qualification allows her to incorporate mindfulness and somatic practices into therapy, fostering a deeper mind-body connection. She emphasizes the importance of understanding physiological responses to trauma and promoting overall well-being. Renata brings a deep curiosity, empathetic presence, and a sense of humour to her work, helping clients build the insight, skills, and confidence they need to thrive.
Renata provides services in both English and Macedonian.
Meghan Bird (she/her), Registered Social Worker
*Meghan is currently accepting new clients.
Meghan earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Arts and Science (B.A.Sc.) from McMaster University.​ With experience across diverse clinical settings, Meghan has served as a crisis counselor for survivors of sexual violence, low-income and marginalized individuals, and has experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. One of her many passions lies in working with teenagers and young adults, particularly those struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours. As a person with lived experience, Meghan is deeply committed to supporting members of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. She also specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal ideation, relationship difficulties, and trauma.
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Meghan’s therapeutic approach is eclectic, drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). She holds certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E). She also integrates arts- and play-based therapies into her practice.
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In addition to her clinical work, Meghan has a rich research background, spanning topics such as religion and sexual behavior, pornography viewership, sex education, sexual violence, LGBTQIA+ oppression by law enforcement, depression among older adults, and intergenerational trauma within Indigenous communities. With her extensive science background, you can expect Meghan to deliver evidence-based practices and offer highly valuable research insights to complement the clinical work you do together.
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Finally, understanding that systemic factors influence mental health, Meghan collaborates with her clients to create a non-judgemental therapeutic space that encourages exploration, curiosity, and self-awareness. She values building a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust, empathy, and collaboration. Meghan is dedicated to promoting mental wellness and advocating for social justice both within and beyond the therapy room. Her supportive and empowering approach fosters a safe space for clients to explore their experiences and work towards healing and growth.
Margaret Lam (she/her), BHSc, BScN, Psychotherapist-Intern
Supervised practice (Supervisors: Kat Kova, RP, and Ainur Alipkaliyeva, RP)
*Margaret is currently accepting new clients.
Margaret is in her final year of the Master of Psychotherapy program at the University of Guelph, with an impressive 85 hours of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families already. She is trained in Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.
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With a background in both science and nursing—holding a BScN from the University of Toronto and B.H.Sc from McMaster University—she provides trauma-informed care to individuals coping with infant loss and complex pregnancy and reproductive decisions.
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Margaret also supports individuals and couples exploring kink and sexual identity in a sex-positive, affirming space. She has worked with those navigating intergenerational and immigration trauma, shifting cultural identities and diaspora, and complex family dynamics—including blended families. She also deeply understands the pressures faced by high-performing professionals, students, and caregivers who may feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected.
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In every session, Margaret provides a culturally sensitive, respectful space to explore sexuality, trauma, loss, identity and relationship challenges. Her warm, non-judgmental presence fosters trust and safety, while her practical, goal-oriented approach helps clients gain insight and achieve real, sustainable growth—moving them toward the life they want with clarity and confidence.
Da In Lee (she/her), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Supervised practice (Supervisors: Kat Kova, RP, and Ainur Alipkaliyeva, RP)
*Da In is currently not accepting new clients.
Da In holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences from Simon Fraser University. She is trained in sex and relationship individual and couple therapy, family therapy, with deep understanding of critical multicultural and diversity issues in counseling and psychotherapy. Having worked in victim services, at accessibility and women experiencing intimate partner violence centers, as well as with neurodivergent youth, she is profoundly aware of the barriers to access for often the most marginalized, and possesses the empathy to hold space for and support these experiences. Her various roles have fostered an unwavering commitment to social justice and built a profound appreciation for the resilience and strength that reside within each individual.
Da In is particularly passionate about treating individuals and couples who are navigating challenges related to sexual concerns, intimacy, communication, limiting beliefs, and anxiety. Her therapeutic approach is both humanistic and integrative, drawing from a wide range of modalities including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and emotion-focused therapy (EFT). She also incorporates mindfulness techniques, which are proven to enhance sexual well-being outcomes for those experiencing sexual challenges. She is a collaborative and warm therapist who tailors each session to meet her clients' unique needs, fostering a supportive environment where they feel heard and understood while keeping them on track to achieve their goals.
Ivana Kolakovic (she/her), Registered Psychotherapist
*Ivana is currently not accepting new clients.
Ivana is a seasoned relational, trauma-informed Gestalt psychotherapist and crisis worker. She has completed 5-years of Psychotherapy training at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto, 3-years of Somatic Experiencing training for trauma resolution (Montreal), and has a Master of Arts Degree in Women's and Gender Studies (Carleton University, Ottawa). Ivana has also completed the Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program at the University of Guelph.
She has worked deeply with people struggling with a range of emotions/experiences including grief, self-harm, suicidal ideation, anger, childhood abuse and psychosocial trauma (including war), post-immigration experiences, relationship difficulties, self-actualization, and self-esteem issues. She works from a humanistic, embodied and evidence-based framework and has additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and peer-based crisis response/suicide care strategies. As a supervisor, facilitator and mental health worker, she has a rich experience providing front line crisis support with the Toronto Distress Centre line, as well as National Canada Suicide Prevention line.
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In her therapy sessions, she works in a gentle, honest, intuitive, and creative way, and is passionate about seeing you step into your own power and resilience and beauty. She will support you to become curious about yourself and explore - with a lot of compassion - parts of your journey/psyche that have felt shamed, scared, abused, confused, and silenced, so you can feel clarity, relief, and congruence. Her practice is trans, queer, fat and sex worker affirming, and she welcomes those who want to explore sexuality, gender identity, and alternative relationships. She provides services in English and Serbo-Croatian.
Kat Kova (she/her), MSc, Registered Psychotherapist
*Kat is currently not accepting new clients.
Kat is a 4th year PhD student in Social and Personality Psychology at York University and recipient of the 2025 Sandra R. Leiblum Student Research Award from The Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR). She holds a Masters of Science Degree in Couple & Family Therapy from the University of Guelph, an Honours BA Degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Sexuality Studies from York University, and is an Associate Member of The Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario (ASTO). Her research is focused on sexual satisfaction in romantic relationships, and her research and clinical insights have been published in the Journal of Sex Research and Current Opinion in Psychology, featured on Cityline, Global News, Forbes, and has been recognized in 2025 by the Society for Sex Therapy and Research (Sandra R. Leiblum Student Research Award), the International Academy of Sex Research (Best Student Manuscript Award), the Society for Social and Personality Psychology (Best Data Blitz Award in Sexuality), and the Canadian Sex Research Forum (Best Student Data Blitz Award in 2022).
She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, and embodied experiential dreamwork, an effective treatment for alleviating suffering from trauma-related nightmares and PTSD symptoms.
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Recognizing the need for quality supervision and training in sex and relationship therapy, she has moved into the role of Clinical Director and Education Coordinator at Kat Kova Therapy, ensuring that all therapists on the team receive ongoing, cutting-edge training and education in sex and relationship therapy in order to go above and beyond for our clients.
Rachel Donaldson (she/her), Senior Care Coordinator & Social Media Manager
With over 8 years of administrative experience, Rachel takes care of many different administrative tasks that allow our therapists the ability to focus on what matters most: your therapeutic treatment and progress. What drives Rachel is a passion for helping clients have the best experience possible when they reach out to us for support, and she will almost always be your first point of contact when you reach out.
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Rachel will support you throughout your entire experience with us, from answering your first client contact form, email, voicemail, or phone call, to the intake process and booking your first appointment, providing you with account/online session login instructions, billing information and answering any questions you may have along the way.
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​Rachel also has an impressive diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion but realized that her true calling was offering administrative and social media assistance to business owners and creatives who need some extra help. We are so lucky to have her as part of the team!
Michelle Rabelo (she/her), Client Care Coordinator & Social Media Manager
Michelle brings a rich background in both administrative support and mental health services to our team. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Family & Community Social Services and an Associate Degree in Social Service Work from the University of Guelph-Humber.
At Kat Kova Therapy, Michelle leads with warmth, efficiency, and a client-first mindset in every interaction. She is driven by a passion for creating seamless experiences for clients and supporting mental health professionals behind the scenes.
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Often the first friendly voice you’ll encounter—whether through email or phone—Michelle guides clients through the intake process, manages scheduling, and assists with everything from billing inquiries to online session access. Her goal is to make the therapy journey smooth, accessible, and empowering from day one.