Supporting Youth, Adults, and Couples in Healing, Growth, and Connection
DURHAM REGION - Virtual and In-Person
Supporting Youth, Adults, and Couples in Healing, Growth, and Connection
DURHAM REGION - Virtual and In-Person
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Jola Mecani (she/her)
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my psychotherapy practice.
I’m Jola (Yola) Mecani, a first-generation Albanian-Canadian, mother of two, and psychotherapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals through life’s emotional and relational challenges. My work is shaped by my own journey navigating cultural identity, intergenerational expectations, and belonging—both within myself and in my interracial, intercultural family.
I specialize in offering psychotherapy for trauma, emotions, and relationships. With a Master’s in both Social Work and Public Policy, I understand the broader picture of mental health. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling with past wounds, or seeking clarity, I’ll help you rediscover your strengths and build a life that feels authentic.
Curious about starting psychotherapy and wondering if we’d be a good fit? Book your free consultation below for us to connect and explore what you’re looking for in therapy. During our chat, you’re welcome to ask any questions about me, my approach, or what working together might look like.
This is a no-pressure, open conversation designed to help you feel comfortable and confident about taking the next step.
Therapeutic Services
Children/Adolescents (Ages 9-17) Fee $145
Children and teens may struggle with anxiety, emotional outbursts, low self-esteem, friendship issues, school stress, phobias, identity questions, or unresolved trauma. With specialized training in Childhood Brain Development, Emotional Regulation, DBT Skills for Youth, and TF-CBT, I offer developmentally appropriate, evidence-based support to help them understand their emotions and build resilience.
Individual Therapy (Ages 18+) Fee $165
Adult psychotherapy focuses on addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal challenges, and more. Using a blend of approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, and Narrative Therapy, we will help you uncover strengths, build self-awareness, and foster growth and healing at your own pace.
Couples Therapy
Couples psychotherapy will focus on deepening emotional connection, improving communication, and rebuilding trust. My training in Emotionally Focused Therapy will guide us in strengthening your relationship and navigating challenges together. I also offer extended 90-minute sessions for couples navigating conflict, life transitions, or looking to engage in deeper relational work without the pressure of time.
Fees: $200 for 50-minute sessions and $290 for extended 90-minute sessions.
About A to Z Psychotherapy
My Qualifications
My Qualifications
My Qualifications
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT) Level 1 with Dr. Sue Johnson
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for Traumatized Individuals with Dr. Sue Johnson
- EFT for Couples and Healing from Affairs with Herman Chow at TCEFT
- The Neurobiology of Trauma at NICABM
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with Dr. Lane Peterson
- Dialectical Behavior Th
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT) Level 1 with Dr. Sue Johnson
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for Traumatized Individuals with Dr. Sue Johnson
- EFT for Couples and Healing from Affairs with Herman Chow at TCEFT
- The Neurobiology of Trauma at NICABM
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with Dr. Lane Peterson
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Dr. Jean Eich
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) from the Medical University of South Carolina
- Childhood Brain Development by The Institute of Child Psychology
- Emotional Identification & Regulation in Play Therapy by The Institute of Child Psychology
- The Felt Sense Polyvagal Model: New Directions in Trauma and Addiction Treatment Certificate by OASW Learning Centre
- Narrative Therapy Certificate from the Dulwich Centre in Australia
- Concurrent Disorders Certificate Program from CAMH and the University of Toronto
- Additional Training: Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Intervention, and Psychological First Aid.
- Masters of Social Work (Wilfrid Laurier University) and Masters of Public Policy (University of Toronto)
My Approach
My Qualifications
My Qualifications
My psychotherapy approach ensures that therapy is tailored to your unique needs. Every emotion has a story to tell, and my approach invites you to welcome them with curiosity rather than resistance.
Together, we will explore what your emotions are trying to communicate, uncover the deeper wounds or unmet needs they may be rooted in, and
My psychotherapy approach ensures that therapy is tailored to your unique needs. Every emotion has a story to tell, and my approach invites you to welcome them with curiosity rather than resistance.
Together, we will explore what your emotions are trying to communicate, uncover the deeper wounds or unmet needs they may be rooted in, and gently engage with the parts of you that carry pain, fear, or self-doubt.
My Specialties
My Qualifications
My Specialties
- Mental Health & Trauma: Anxiety, stress management, depression, PTSD, childhood trauma, grief, and loss.
- Identity & Life Transitions: Cultural identity exploration, immigration stress, self-esteem, life changes, and social skills.
- Relationships & Family Dynamics: Parenting challenges, family conflict, attachment wounds, and workplace stress
- Mental Health & Trauma: Anxiety, stress management, depression, PTSD, childhood trauma, grief, and loss.
- Identity & Life Transitions: Cultural identity exploration, immigration stress, self-esteem, life changes, and social skills.
- Relationships & Family Dynamics: Parenting challenges, family conflict, attachment wounds, and workplace stress.
- Burnout & Social Justice: Compassion fatigue, anger management, and the impact of systemic oppression and intersectionality.
Compassionate Care, Customized for You
Trauma-Informed
Strengths-Based Approach
Culturally Sensitive
Trauma affects us in profound ways, but healing is possible. In our work together, I’ll help you feel safe and supported as you process your experiences and rediscover your strengths. Your healing journey will unfold at your pace, with compassionate and gentle guidance.
Culturally Sensitive
Strengths-Based Approach
Culturally Sensitive
Your cultural background, identity, and unique experiences are essential to who you are. As a first-generation immigrant, I understand how cultural transitions and systemic barriers shape our lives. Together, we’ll create a space where your story is valued and honored, making therapy a meaningful and affirming experience.
Strengths-Based Approach
Strengths-Based Approach
Strengths-Based Approach
You already have strengths and resources within you, even if they feel hard to see right now. My role is to help you uncover and build on them. For children and youth, this means celebrating their potential and helping them navigate challenges with confidence. For adults, it’s about rediscovering the resilience and wisdom you already carry.
Relational Therapy
Strengths-Based Approach
Healing happens in connection. Our work together will be grounded in trust and collaboration, offering a safe, supportive relationship where you can explore new ways of relating to yourself and others. Whether working with adults, youth, or families, I strive to help you create the meaningful connections you deserve.
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Life can feel overwhelming, and being kind to ourselves often feels like the hardest task. Together, we’ll explore mindfulness and self-compassion practices to help you find peace in the present moment and approach life’s challenges with acceptance and grace.
Bill Payments
Please check with your insurance provider to confirm whether Registered Social Work and/or Psychotherapy services are covered under your plan. You can make your payment shortly before or after each session via e-transfer to jolamecanitherapy@gmail.com. A receipt will be provided to you post payment.
This is a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ2S+ communities. Your story, identity, and lived experience are welcome here.
