Christina Kahlou, Registered Social Worker in Ontario

Christina Kahlou

MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

In-Person, Virtual
Evenings
Waitlist

Client Focus:

Adopted or Fostered Individuals Adoptive or Foster Parents Adults Children (7+) Seniors (65+) Teens

Areas of Support:

ADHD Adoption & Foster Challenges Behavioural Concerns Depression Emotional Regulation Family Difficulties Gender Identity General Anxiety Grief & Loss OCD Parenting Difficulties Self-Harm Social Anxiety Social Skills Suicidal Ideation Trauma

Session Fees:

$175/hr

Everyone wants more good things in their life; more happiness, peace, doing things that matter, having good friends, and strong family relationships. We also want less anxiety, stress, anger, and feeling alone. If you are new to Canada and feel stuck between two cultures, or if you just want to feel more like the real you, you are not the only one.

Many people struggle with worries, feeling sad or depressed, have problems with friends or family, or feel upset because of how they were treated when they were younger. Sometimes people pretend everything is OK, but inside they feel empty or wish life could be different. These feelings can be very hard, and making changes might seem impossible, but you don’t have to figure it out all by yourself. As a Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience and a background as a midwife, I support children, teens, adults, and seniors, and together we can work through life’s challenges.

My approach to therapy involves exploring how early relationships with parents or caregivers can shape the way a person feels, acts, and connects with others later in life. I focus on creating a safe, trusting space where clients can better understand themselves and learn how to build healthy relationships. Depending on what is needed, I like to use different approaches, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for managing emotions and relationships, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for handling stressful situations, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for working through trauma or upsetting memories. With children, I often use play and creative activities to help them express themselves and heal in their own way.

I am passionate about helping families build stronger relationships, heal after conflicts, and discover more happiness together. I have extensive experience supporting children and teens who have faced tough times, helping in schools and creating engaging children’s programs in hospitals. I have also worked with foster and adoptive families, educating caregivers and teachers about the impact of difficult experiences during childhood. I make sure every child and teen, including those who are LGBTQIA2S+ or exploring their gender, feels safe and accepted.

Additionally, I have provided emotional support to patients and families at the London Regional Cancer Program, helping adults of all ages find acceptance, create new purpose, and navigate life’s transitions. Most recently, I have worked at the London Children’s Hospital, offering mental health and parenting support to children in the Pediatric HEAL (Healthy Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle) Program.

No matter where you are on your journey, I am here to help you take the next step toward healing, growth, and a life that feels authentically yours.

 

Language Spoken: English

Approaches Used
Acceptance and Calming Strategies
Art & Play Based Therapy
Attachment-Based Perspective
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Gender-Affirming Approach
Neuro-Affirming Approach
Trauma-Informed Approach
  • Master of Social Work – Carleton University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology – University of Waterloo
  • Polyvagal Theory (Deb Dana, 2-day Master Class)
  • Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue & Burn-Out Workshop
  • Managing Conflict for Couples (Don Cole, Director Gottman Institute)
  • Small group EMDR Master Consults (Kathy Martin & Cathy Steele)
  • EMDR Certificate, Level 1 & Level 2
  • DBT Foundations Certificate, 68 Week Intensive Course
  • Trusting Loving Connections (CAS Liaison and Group Facilitator)
  • Keeping Mothers in Mind: Trauma-Informed Practice for Mothers
  • ADHD Update: with Dr. Russell Barkley
  • The Incredible Years – Parent Group Certification
  • Mental Health & Parenting Support experience – Healthy Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle (Pediatric HEAL) program – London Children’s Hospital
  • Emotional Support experience – London Regional Cancer Program
  • Trauma and Attachment Counseling experience – across Eastern & Northern Ontario
  • Supporting Foster & Adopted Children experience – Edmonton

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my amazing 15 year old daughter. Every back-to-school season, we challenge ourselves to perfect our basil pesto, and I’m hoping to learn how to make a tofu cheesecake soon. I also enjoy cooking, listening to music and audiobooks, exploring Farmers’ Markets, and have a special obsession with Fall Fairs. I’m a bit of a neuroscience nerd, especially when it comes to understanding emotional triggers and how to work through them. I love taking walks with our dog -who we recently discovered is actually a Czechoslovakian Wolf Hound, not a German Shepherd! I’m interested in minimalism, simplicity, and making the most of every moment. On my bucket list: taking a ride in a hot air balloon and, since I’m working on overcoming my fear of heights, maybe even trying hang gliding one day.

Dr. Smolewska & Associates is now Colibri NeuroWellness!

Same trusted team and quality therapy and assessment services to help you find clarity, strength, and balance.