On maternity leave. I am not booking sessions until I return in January 2027. You are welcome to send me a message in the meantime.

Online sessions across Ontario

How I Work

Our work together…

Welcome! I am glad you are considering starting or continuing your therapeutic journey.

Aya El Balaa smiling on a couch, holding a notebook

Trauma-informed · Holistic · Collaborative

My Approach

As your therapist, I offer a warm, compassionate and open presence. My aim is to provide a safe space for you to listen to and deepen your connection with yourself. This will enable you to have a better understanding of your needs and how to meet them.

Our work together involves allowing space for you to embrace and own your story, and live a more integrated life. Rather than following a single method, I draw on the approaches below and adapt them to you.

Narrative Therapy

Explores the stories we tell about ourselves and our lives, separating people from their problems and making room for new, preferred stories.

EFT

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Works with emotions and attachment needs to build a deeper understanding of yourself and more secure connections with others.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early relationships with parents or caregivers shape the way we connect, trust and cope today, and helps build a more secure relationship with yourself and others.

CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and builds practical skills for shifting unhelpful patterns.

MI

Motivational Interviewing

A collaborative, non-judgmental conversation that strengthens your own reasons and readiness for change.

Couples therapy

How couples work begins

Couples sessions are 60 minutes and held by video. With couples, I draw on my training in the Gottman Method (Levels 1 and 2) and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

  1. Free 15-minute consultation

    A short call with both partners about what brings you in, to see if we are a good fit.

  2. A first session together

    We talk about your relationship: what is working, and what you would like to change.

  3. One individual session each

    Each partner meets with me once on their own, to share their own history and perspective.

  4. Couples sessions

    From there, we continue together at a pace that feels right for both of you.

A calm, bright room with a soft blue sofa, plants and a pendant lamp

Online sessions

Therapy from wherever you feel comfortable

  • Video or phone. Individual sessions can be by video or telephone. Couples sessions are by video.

  • A private space. Choose somewhere you can talk freely without being overheard, like a closed room or a parked car. Headphones can help.

  • Booking. Online booking through Jane App reopens in January 2027, when I return from maternity leave. In the meantime, contact me directly.

Contact Me

Free 15-minute consultation

Let's see if we are a good fit.

Please feel free to send me a message, and we can set up a free 15-minute consultation for when I return in January 2027.

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