Registered Social Worker (MSW) & Psychotherapist
Jola Mecani (she/her)
I didn’t start my career planning to become a therapist.
I completed a Master’s in Public Policy, drawn to the idea of understanding systems and improving people’s lives at a broader level. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that talking about people through policy lenses wasn’t where I felt most alive. I wanted to work with people, to sit with them, understand their stories, and make sense of what happens inside relationships and within ourselves.
That realization led me into over a decade of frontline and community-based work. Across roles in human rights, refugee support, homelessness, housing, intimate partner violence, mental health, and community services, I became deeply immersed in people's stories and the relationships and systems shaping their lives. Those experiences eventually led me to complete my Master of Social Work and deepen my work therapeutically with individuals, couples, families, and youth.
Over time, I developed a strong belief: most of our pain shows up in communication, but what causes the hurt and misunderstandings runs much deeper.
As a therapist, I help people slow things down and understand themselves and others at a more nuanced level, with compassion and care. I don’t believe therapy should feel confusing or opaque. I explain the process as we go, so you’re never left wondering what we’re doing or why.
I bring warmth, curiosity, and yes, a sense of humor, into the therapy room. I believe laughter and lightness can exist alongside depth and healing.
There will be moments where I’m gentle and reflective, and moments where I’m more direct and strategic. Growth happens in relationship, and I take that responsibility seriously.
If you’re looking for a therapist who is relational, thoughtful, transparent, and deeply human, I’d be honored to work with you.
Reach out for a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Professional Endorsements
Qualifications and Areas of Practice
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 Training with Dr. Herman Chow at TCEFT
- Couples' EFT Specialty Workshop-The First 5 EFCT Sessions with Dr. Herman Chow
- EFT for Couples, Stage 1
- 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 Training with Dr. Herman Chow at TCEFT
- Couples' EFT Specialty Workshop-The First 5 EFCT Sessions with Dr. Herman Chow
- EFT for Couples, Stage 1 Tango Demonstration with Dr. Herman Chow
- EFT for Couples, Stage 2 Pursuer Softening Demonstration with Dr. Herman Chow
- 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)
Areas of Practice
My Qualifications
My Qualifications
- 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.
Therapeutic Services
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.
Adolescents (Ages 9-17) Fee $165
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.
Family (Parent/Child) Fee $200
Parent–Child Therapy is designed to strengthen connection, improve communication, and support emotional regulation within the family system. This work focuses on helping parents better understand their child’s emotional world while equipping both parent and child with tools to navigate big feelings, behavioral challenges, and attachment ruptures.
Sessions may include joint parent–child meetings, parent coaching, and individualized support as needed. Using an attachment-informed, trauma-aware, and developmentally sensitive approach, I help families move from conflict and disconnection toward safety, trust, and stronger relational bonds.
This service is especially supportive for families navigating anxiety, behavioral concerns, emotional outbursts, life transitions, or past relational wounds.
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.
