Denise Mariani

Denise’s therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, and person-centred, with an emphasis on
creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported. She recognizes that there is
no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Treatment is therefore tailored to each person’s
individual experiences, needs, strengths, and goals.

Denise works from a trauma-informed and attachment-focused perspective, helping clients
understand how past experiences can continue to influence emotions, relationships, self-worth,
and patterns of responding in the present. Her areas of practice include trauma and PTSD,
complex and childhood trauma, sexual trauma, attachment and relational wounds, anxiety,
depression, self-esteem and identity concerns, relationship difficulties, intimacy and sexual
concerns, occupational trauma, and the unique experiences of first responders, military
members, and veterans.

Denise also works with individuals navigating relationship, intimacy, and sexual concerns. This
may include difficulties with emotional or physical intimacy, sexual communication, differences
in desire, sexual self-esteem, infidelity and betrayal, rebuilding trust, and understanding how
past experiences or attachment wounds may influence present-day relationships and sexuality.
She strives to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients can explore
these often-sensitive concerns openly and work toward greater connection, understanding, and
fulfillment in their relationships and sexual well-being.

Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, Denise works with clients to understand the
experiences and patterns that may be contributing to their current difficulties. Therapy may
involve processing traumatic experiences, understanding the connection between the body and
emotions, exploring different parts of the self, challenging unhelpful patterns of thinking,
strengthening emotional regulation and coping skills, developing healthier boundaries, and
building more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.

Denise holds a Master of Psychology (M.Psy.) in Clinical Psychology from Adler Graduate
Professional School and is currently completing post-master’s supervised clinical experience
toward registration with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario
(CPBAO). Prior to completing her M.Psy., She earned a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
from Yorkville University and have been practicing psychotherapy since 2017.

Denise currently serves as Clinic Lead at NuVista Mental Health, where she takes on a
leadership and mentorship role supporting the clinical development of other mental health
professionals. In this capacity, she provides clinical supervision and mentorship to
psychotherapy interns and psychotherapists at various stages of their professional development
and registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

She has significant clinical experience working with individuals from diverse trauma
backgrounds, including first responders, military members and veterans, and individuals who
have experienced childhood abuse, sexual trauma, interpersonal trauma, workplace trauma,
and other complex or adverse life experiences.

She chose this work because she has always been drawn to understanding people. The
experiences that shape us, the ways we learn to cope, and the strength it can take to move
forward after difficult or painful experiences. She feels privileged to walk alongside clients as
they make sense of their experiences, reconnect with themselves, and begin creating
meaningful change in their lives.

Outside of the office, Denise values spending quality time with family and friends and finding
opportunities to slow down and enjoy the everyday moments. She enjoys travelling, staying
active, trying new restaurants, and spending time with a good cup of coffee. She also
appreciates the importance of balance, connection, and making space for the things that bring
meaning and enjoyment to life.