The mind and the body are intrinsically connected. It’s amazing how our feelings, beliefs, and thoughts can show up in our physical bodies. We all have visceral reactions to our experiences and the world around us, and this may create physical sensations, or maybe just as thoughts that have stopped us from feeling safe within ourselves. Maybe this has shown up in your life as fear, anxiety, perfectionism, distrust, people-pleasing, or feelings of stuckness. These elements might be contributing to patterns in relationships, as creative or technical blockages, and in other parts of your life that are not serving you as you would like. It may even feel like it’s limiting your own access to your most authentic self and ability to express.

In my past work, I was an international operatic soloist, as well as a private singing teacher. For the past 16 years, I have personally worked in volatile work environments with painful power dynamics, and worked with performing artists developing their own personal and artistic growth while navigating broken systems. Although this may sound incredibly niche, I believe that, as things stand today, this story may resonate across many experiences.

Working through a trauma-informed, gender affirming lens, I find myself drawn to helping build safe internal spaces through polyvagal, somatic, breathing, and experiential interventions, in combination with techniques drawn from parts work, internal family systems, attachment theory, and relational theories, we work together toward self-discovery. My aim is to provide a safe external space while you create a safe internal space. 

Please feel free to email me at jbassmahon@thecompassionproject.ca to schedule a free, 20-minute initial consultation.

The mind and the body are intrinsically connected. It’s amazing how our feelings, beliefs, and th... Read More

Read More

Hi there! I’m Samm, a Registered Social Worker and Master of Social Work graduate from McMaster University. As someone who began their career working alongside children, youth, and families in recreation settings, I believe that in mental health care, there can be opportunities for joy, fun, and creativity. Mental health care can welcome you where you are at when it is flexible, collaborative, and there is a willingness for the counsellor to ‘think outside of the box.’

I know from experience that trying to balance all your areas of wellness while living with chronic illness and pain can feel overwhelming. The constant need for self-advocacy in medical, educational, and professional spaces is exhausting and isolating, impacting your mental health and ability to engage in everyday life. I’ve learned through navigating my own chronic pain and illness that balanced wellness is possible when you show yourself compassion and acknowledge your coping skills and resiliency.

In 2019 I transitioned from working with children, youth, and families to providing mental health and substance use support to women, trans, and non-binary folks experiencing homelessness in Hamilton. This work taught me the importance of centering gender-based harm reduction in my practice; I am here to support you on your journey whether it includes abstinence or not.

My approach to support is eclectic to ensure it is useful and doable for you! I specialize in anti-oppressive and trauma-informed arts-based engagement, coupled with Dialectical-Behaviour Theory, Cognitive-Behavioural Theory, System and/or Solution-Focused Brief Therapy modalities.

Hi there! I’m Samm, a Registered Social Worker and Master of Social Work graduate from McMaster U... Read More

Hi, nice to meet you. I’d like to start off by reminding you that You Matter. I am glad you are here. If you are having a hard time, let’s talk about it. My name is Leah (she/her) and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at The Compassion Project. I am committed to offering support for individuals who have a hard time feeling safe, heard, or cared for. Through a compassionate, person-centred approach I’ll help you navigate life’s challenges. I have a particular interest working with adults managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. I strive to work from trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and gender-affirming perspectives. I welcome all clients including those identifying as neurodiverse, queer, trans, and LGBTQ2SIA+. I will be here when you feel ready to talk. On your terms. Leah

Hi, nice to meet you. I’d like to start off by reminding you that You Matter. I am glad you are h... Read More

Petra Kodeda, MSc (ABA), OBM Specialist Health and Wellness Practitioner, The Compassion Project

Hello, I’m Petra. I bring over 25 years of experience in healthcare and the pharmaceutical world, along with advanced training in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Organizational Behavior Management, to my role as Health and Wellness Practitioner at The Compassion Project.

I’m passionate about supporting people who are living with chronic immunological conditions—especially in the areas of dermatology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology—where body image and eating concerns often overlap with physical health challenges. I understand that living with conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or psoriasis can impact not just your body, but also how you feel about yourself, your relationship with food, and your overall well-being.

Research shows there’s a strong connection between autoimmune conditions and eating disorders, with both physical and emotional factors playing a role. For those with visible skin conditions, self-stigma and body image worries can deeply affect mental health and quality of life. I also recognize how inflammation, immune changes, and the gut-brain connection can influence both eating habits and chronic disease management.

My approach is rooted in compassion, evidence-based behavioral strategies, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I’m committed to creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can build resilience, work through self-image and eating concerns, and develop practical skills for your wellness—whether we work together one-on-one or in a group.

I look forward to being part of your journey at The Compassion Project, and to helping you navigate the complex connections between your physical health, body image, and emotional well-being.

Petra Kodeda, MSc (ABA), OBM Specialist Health and Wellness Practitioner, The Compassion Project ... Read More

Chronic pain or illness? PTSD? Anxiety and depression? You need someone who has been there. I have over twenty years of lived experience with injury, illness, trauma and recovery which has given me insight into a world of harm, and the skills necessary to be resilient and heal. I can offer you the benefits of having a therapeutic relationship to deal with life’s unexpected challenges. I know how much help is essential to move beyond difficult circumstances and I want to be an advocate and a resource for that action to take place. I hope to take my strengths of providing compassion and empathy to enhance a safe space for you to be seen and validated. I’m a MSW, RSW (OCSWSSW #857805) social worker psychotherapist and counsellor.

Chronic pain or illness? PTSD? Anxiety and depression? You need someone who has been there. I hav... Read More

Full session BOOKING FOR CURRENT CLIENTS ONLY!!! If you are a new client please schedule a free 20 minute session to get started.

Pauline is passionate about creating safer spaces in mental health care. She is the founder of The Compassion Project and the creator of The Empowered Supervisor Clinical Supervision Training Program.

She is also part time Faculty at Yorkville University in the Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) and Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (DCP) programs.

She currently practices psychotherapy, provides clinical supervision, and trains both new and more seasoned clinical supervisors.

Her areas of expertise are in Trauma specific psychotherapy; somatic therapy; addiction; complex PTSD and dissociation and other mental health disorders. In addition, Pauline provides IFS therapy; EMDR and integrates spiritual care and energetic healing practices.

Full session BOOKING FOR CURRENT CLIENTS ONLY!!! If you are a new client please schedule a free ... Read More