About Us

Meet the team

Nalini Elisa Ramlal, PhD

Clinical Director & Registered Psychotherapist

Welcome to Your Journey Toward Healing and Self-Discovery

Life's journey is filled with moments of gratitude and beauty—but it also presents challenges that can impact mental health and well-being. With the right support, these challenges can be navigated with resilience and compassion. Nalini offers a warm, non-judgmental space dedicated to healing, growth, and self-discovery. Her approach is deeply personalized, understanding that therapy goals are unique to each individual. Together, you will work collaboratively to achieve your therapeutic aspirations, with Nalini guiding you toward greater insight, self-awareness, and the life you envision for yourself.

A Holistic and Evidence-Based Approach to Therapy

Nalini is an experienced Registered Psychotherapist with CRPO. Her therapeutic philosophy is holistic and integrative, dedicated to providing a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative space for clients. She incorporates CBT, mindfulness-based practices, DBT, and trauma-informed practices in her work with clients, along with existential and narrative therapies. With a background in cognitive science, she uses the most recent research in psychology and cognitive and neuroscience in providing psychotherapy to clients, tailoring treatment plans to the individual needs and goals of each client. Therapy with Nalini is not one-size-fits-all; instead, it is adaptive and client-centered, focusing on the methods that best support your healing journey.

Areas of Specialization

Nalini specializes in working with clients who are experiencing:
• Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders
• Body image and self-esteem challenges
• Racial and other forms of discrimination (e.g., sizeism, ageism)
• Addiction
• Personal and professional relationship challenges
• Major life transitions

For those seeking a deeper connection to their faith or spiritual practice, Nalini also provides spiritual and faith-based counselling.

Nalini’s lived experience and integrative academic training in cognitive science, philosophy, counselling psychology, and education equips her with a profound understanding of human perception, behaviour, and the diversity of worldviews. This rich perspective enhances her therapeutic work, enabling her to appreciate each client's unique experience and worldview.

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion in Practice

A dedicated student of yoga, Nalini completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2019, gaining expertise in mindfulness, meditation, and self-compassion. These principles are frequently integrated into her therapeutic sessions, helping clients cultivate mindfulness, manage stress, and nurture self-compassion. Research consistently supports the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in promoting well-being.

More About Nalini

Nalini's passions include hiking and immersing herself in nature, reading, and indulging in podcasts and audiobooks. She values quality time with loved ones and also cherishes moments of solitude and quiet reflection.

🌿 Take the First Step Toward Healing and Growth

Whether you are seeking healing, clarity, or personal growth, Nalini is here to walk alongside you on this journey. Discover the power of self-awareness and the freedom that comes with living authentically. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today and begin the journey toward the life you deserve. Your path to healing and self-discovery begins with a single step—take it today.

Leanne Silva, BASc

Lead Researcher and Communications Advisor

Leanne is a University of Guelph-Humber alumna, having earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology and a certificate in Organizational Psychology in 2022. She is currently acquiring research and applied psychology experience in preparation for a future Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy. During her undergraduate studies, Leanne worked closely with Nalini, who served as both her teacher and thesis advisor. Her thesis explored motivational factors and the relationship between social media and physical activity among undergraduates—a topic she continues to engage with through her volunteer work and daily life. Outside of academics and work, Leanne enjoys exploring new workout classes, reading, traveling, and participating in outdoor activities.

Gaganpreet Kaur

Clinical Administrative Assistant

Gaganpreet is a dedicated and passionate undergraduate student in psychology at the University of Guelph-Humber. Residing in Mississauga, Ontario, the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, she is on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology and plans to pursue a Master’s degree to further explore her areas of interest, which include addiction, growth mindset, and mind-body healing practices. In her previous role as a fundraiser for the David Suzuki Foundation (2021), she enhanced her empathy and collaboration skills, while her volunteer work at the Malton Gurdwara (2022) fostered compassion and open-mindedness. Leading a Kid’s Workshop at Home Depot (2023) in Brampton helped her develop leadership and teamwork abilities.

In academic research, Gaganpreet assisted Adam Sandford at the University of Guelph-Humber (2023) on a face recognition study with forensic applications, gaining valuable insights into cognitive psychology. At the University of Waterloo (2024), she worked with scholars, employing ERP and EEG techniques to study early face processing, immersing herself in face perception literature and mastering participant preparation and data debugging.

Gaganpreet also has clinical experience as an administrator at CBT Psychology (2024) and in her role at Rooted and Rising (2024). Proficient in SPSS and fluent in English, Punjabi, and Tagalog, she received a partial scholarship for academic excellence in data management. Her diverse experiences, combined with her academic achievements and compassionate outlook, position her as a promising candidate for advanced studies and future professional endeavors in clinical psychology.

Razia Gill, BASc

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

After graduating from the University of Guelph-Humber in 2023 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology and a certificate in Research Skills & Analytics, Razia has remained actively engaged in her community. She volunteers at Trillium’s Mississauga Hospital’s Diabetes & Stroke clinics and contributes as a Researcher with Adam Sandford at the University of Guelph-Humber.

Additionally, Razia serves as an Alumni Ambassador, mentoring new students and participating in networking events. She also worked with Seneca Polytechnic, analyzing their courses to ensure the inclusion of DEI, Truth & Reconciliation, and sustainability practices.

As a researcher, Razia is passionate about exploring relationships within minority groups and aims to pursue this area of study in the future. Nalini has played a pivotal role in her academic journey, serving as both a mentor and teacher. Her guidance and support continue to inspire her as she prepares for a graduate degree in social psychology, with the long-term goal of becoming a couples therapist specializing in helping minority couples navigate their relationships. Outside of research, she enjoys reading, biking, and spending time with her two-year-old Bichon-Havanese mix.