“Healing Starts Here, Growth Begins Within“
Welcome to Novelia Psychotherapy and Counselling Services. I’m Ghazaleh Salahi, founder and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I currently offer trauma-informed online psychotherapy and counselling services across Ontario. As of April 2026, in-person sessions will also be available in Barrie, Ontario, in addition to online psychotherapy sessions.
Creating Novelia has been a deeply personal and intentional journey for me. After months of reflection, I chose the name Novelia because it reflects both my vision for this practice and my understanding of the therapeutic process.
The name Novelia is inspired by the word novel. I believe that each person who comes to therapy carries a unique life story—complex, meaningful, and deserving of recognition, compassion, and care. Just as a novel is meant to be read with curiosity and respect, each client’s experiences deserve to be heard, understood, and valued without judgment.
Novelia also embodies the idea of novelty—the possibility of new awareness, growth, and change. Therapy can offer space for transformation through self-understanding, self-compassion, and the gradual development of new ways of relating to oneself, others, and the world. These shifts often emerge gently, through reflection, safety, and meaningful connection.
Finally, Novelia reflects a commitment to thoughtful, integrative care. My approach draws from a range of evidence-based modalities and holistic perspectives, tailored to each client’s unique needs, goals, and lived experience. Rather than applying a single framework, therapy at Novelia is responsive, collaborative, and grounded in clinical integrity.
At its core, Novelia represents my belief that healing unfolds through safety, curiosity, and compassion—and that every story matters.
A Personal and Professional Commitment
I completed a postgraduate professional program in Psychotherapy and Counselling at the Toronto Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling Education (TCPCE), accredited by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I previously earned an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University. In addition, at the University of Western Ontario, I conducted studies in the field of mental health and social justice.
With over 10 years of experience supporting individuals and couples, I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, emotional distress, trauma, life transitions, grief, and relational challenges. I understand that every person’s story is unique, and therapy must be equally individualized and attuned.
Before becoming a Registered Psychotherapist, I worked as a community mental health worker and case manager, supporting adults affected by emotional distress and trauma, including—but not limited to—experiences of childhood abuse, systemic oppression, and marginalization related to the intersection of gender, race, and other social factors. Through listening to clients share their life experiences and witnessing the profound ways past trauma shaped their wellbeing, I developed a deep understanding of trauma, its effects on mental health, and the importance of recovery from a holistic perspective.
As a Registered psychotherapist, I continue to walk alongside individuals navigating the complex and often overwhelming effects of life’s challenges—including anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, grief, and relational difficulties. I also support those affected by trauma stemming from medical illness, injury, or reproductive experiences, offering a safe, validating, and personalized space to explore, heal, and regain a sense of balance and agency in their lives.
Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor therapy to what feels most relevant and helpful for each client—combining clinical expertise with deep respect for lived experience and a trauma-informed, holistic approach to healing.
The Heart of My Work
At the center of my practice is a commitment to relational depth, emotional safety, and authenticity. I strive to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported—where therapy becomes not just a coping tool, but a process of meaningful transformation.
I see each client as the expert in their own life. My role is to walk alongside you with curiosity, care, and collaboration as you move toward healing and growth.
Inclusive and Affirming Care
Novelia is grounded in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and holistic care. I honor the complexity of each client’s identity, culture, and lived experience. This is a space where you are welcomed, affirmed, and supported—through secure online therapy from the comfort of your home. As of April 2026, in-person sessions will also be available in Barrie, Ontario, in addition to online care.