Our Team
Alex Pley
Director and Founder
RSSW, Psychotherapist, CACC
Alex Pley is a Toronto-based Registered Social Service Worker through the OCSWSSW, Psychotherapist, and a Certified Addictions Counsellor. Driven by his education and lived experience, he takes pride in providing others with the same opportunities of care that were once provided to him and his family.
Alex brings overeight years of experience in the mental health and addictions field. He has developed and implemented programs in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, has management experience, and is an active member of the recovery community. He currently divides his time between private practice and teaching in Seneca College's Behavioural Studies programs, where he has contributed to textbook and curriculum development. Committed to ongoing growth and learning, he is also currently enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program at the University of Windsor.
When not with clients, Alex enjoys life with his partner and their rescue dog, Soady. He is also an active member of the Canadian music scene playing guitar in the band lowheaven.
Cody Herbert
BSW, RSW Psychotherapist
Indigenous Practitioner
Cody is an Indigenous practitioner who brings a deep commitment to culturally competent care, blending the richness of Indigenous worldviews with evidence-based therapeutic approaches. His practice is rooted in a holistic understanding of wellness that recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and community.
With a strong background in addictions counseling, Cody specializes in supporting individuals who are navigating challenges such as childhood trauma, substance use, anxiety, and spiritual disconnection. He creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to reclaim their strength and achieve balance in ways that honor their unique cultural and personal needs.
Cody integrates traditional Indigenous teachings and practices into his work when appropriate, helping clients foster a sense of cultural connection and healing. Alongside these traditions, he draws on evidence-based modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, and mindfulness, ensuring his approach is both comprehensive and adaptable to each client’s journey.
Guided by the belief that healing is a collaborative process, Cody is dedicated to walking alongside his clients as they reconnect with their resilience, cultural identity, and sense of purpose, moving toward a life of greater peace and fulfillment.
Meghan Barati
RSW, Psychotherapist
Meghan Barati is a Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW, and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. She is also currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Windsor. With nearly nine years of experience in diverse settings, including hospital-based emergency psychiatric and inpatient care, forensic psychiatry, substance use counseling, and community mental health, Meghan supports individuals facing challenges such as stress, anxiety-based disorders, depression, substance use, and life transitions using a trauma informed lens.
Meghan’s approach to therapy is collaborative and client-focused, using evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing. She is committed to providing a safe space where clients feel heard and supported as they work toward meaningful change.
In addition to her professional training, Meghan’s personal journey with mental health and addiction deeply informs her practice. Having navigated these challenges herself, she understands the complexities and courage required to seek help. Meghan works with clients not only from a place of professional knowledge but also from a place of empathy and shared understanding, supporting them in developing the tools and strengths needed to move forward in their lives.
Kaity Lalonde
RSSW, Psychotherapist
Kaity (she/her) is a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) with the OCSWSSW, and a Master's of Social Work candidate based in Ottawa, Ontario. Kaity holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and has experience in various settings including hospital-based psychiatric care, sexual assault recovery, child welfare, gender-based violence, and trauma-informed therapy. Kaity is passionate about providing an inclusive space for 2S-LGBTQIA+ folks, being a queer identifying therapist herself, she understands the importance of meeting people where they are at and supporting them on their journey. Kaity's approach to therapy is person-centered and eclectic, using evidenced-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Kaity is committed to supporting folks in managing all of life's hurdles and working collaboratively to build resilience, foster self-compassion, and create lasting change in their lives. Kaity's practice is grounded in empathy, validation, and empowerment. When Kaity isn't working, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her little Black Pug "Frank", who she is always more than happy to share photos of!
Thomas Hayes
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Thomas Hayes is a Registered Psychotherapist licensed by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Driven by a desire to be of service to others, Thomas is passionate about his work. He brings over a decade of clinical experience, with a specialization in the field of addictions to the team. Thomas has worked as a therapist in in-patient and out-patient treatment services, as a program manager, and as a trainer for counsellors and therapists. In his private practice, he draws on his clinical training as well as his own lived experience to serve and support his clients in achieving their goals.
As a therapist, Thomas utilizes a person-centered approach. He uses an integrative framework to individualize his approach to meet every client’s unique needs and goals. Thomas works collaboratively with clients to support the work of clarifying values, setting goals, and moving towards them. In order to grow and evolve, we must feel safe, supported, and seen; this is the ethos that drives Thomas’s genuine, empathetic, and authentic approach to every client he meets.
Thomas is a lifelong learner. He is committed to excellence as a practitioner. To support his continued growth, he seeks out professional development opportunities and works regularly with his clinical supervisor. When Thomas isn’t working, he is an avid believer in physical exercise and personal development. He is a regular practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and weight-lifting. Thomas lives, works, and plays in Toronto.
Lee Ann Crawford
MSW, RSW Psychotherapist,
Addictions Specialist
Lee Ann is a social worker and psychotherapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating mental health challenges. Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, concurrent addiction struggles, trauma, and life transitions. She integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients address substance use, behavioral addictions, relationship challenges, and issues related to identity and belonging.
Lee Ann has extensive experience working with youth and the 2SLGBTTIQ+ community, and her approach is informed by anti-oppressive practices and cultural humility. She also brings lived experience with addiction recovery, which enhances her empathy and understanding in supporting clients on their healing journeys.
Whether working virtually or in person, Lee Ann focuses on building authentic connections and fostering resilience, empowering clients to create more fulfilling and balanced lives.
Natalie Maxwell
RSSW, Psychotherapist
Nat (she/her) is a queer Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and an MSW candidate based in Hamilton, Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph. Nat provides trauma-informed therapy for individuals aged 16+ navigating mental health challenges, identity exploration, life transitions, trauma, and emotional regulation. Her experience spans intimate partner violence, community mental health, trauma recovery, and supporting queer and questioning individuals.
As a queer therapist, Nat is deeply passionate about providing an affirming and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals. She understands the complexities of identity exploration and the need for a therapist who truly gets it. Nat fosters a space where clients feel safe, validated, and empowered to explore their experiences authentically.
Her warm, collaborative approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Narrative Therapy. Sessions are tailored to equip clients with practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
Beyond clinical work, Nat is committed to increasing accessibility to mental health support. Her long-term vision is to create an inclusive space in Hamilton that offers affordable mental health resources alongside therapy services, inspired by models like Hard Feelings in Toronto.
Soady
Chief Morale Officer
Soady is the Chief Morale Officer at New Point Psychotherapy, specializing in a unique therapeutic approach called GBS (Good Boy Stuff). As a rescue dog from Puebla, Mexico, he found his forever home in Canada and is dedicated to helping other Mexican rescues do the same. Soady’s loving presence enriches our practice, as he works to create a safe and supportive space in sessions.
Professor Laura Cavanagh
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Clinical Supervisor
Laura Cavanagh has been working and teaching in the field of psychology for more than 20 years. She has co-authored four textbooks in psychology and is the author of Hope Against Hope: Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery which was published in 2022 by McGraw Hill. A Registered Psychotherapist, Laura has extensive experience in clinical practice, including in autism spectrum disorders, addiction, and trauma. In her current practice, she provides clinical consultation and client support to Newpoint Psychotherapy. She has regularly been interviewed by news outlets such as CTV News, CBC News, CBC Radio and CBC’s The National to provide psychological insight into a range of topics, including body image, stress and coping, and mental health. She is a professor of psychology and the Academic Coordinator of the Behavioural Sciences program at Seneca College in Toronto. Laura has two teenaged children and lives in Toronto with her family and pets. Visit her website at www.profcavanagh.com/
Billy Hoang
Addiction Specialist
Billy Hoang has spent the past eight years dedicated to supporting individuals and families as they navigate the complexities of addiction and mental health recovery. From those early, hesitant conversations during the precontemplative stage to the ongoing challenges and triumphs of recovery, Billy has been a steady and compassionate presence, offering guidance, support, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of change.
Throughout his career, Billy has worked in environments where transformation happens every day, helping clients rebuild their lives after treatment and develop the confidence to thrive independently. His work is deeply informed by a nuanced understanding of family dynamics, recognizing the importance of creating space for families to heal and grow together, even amid significant challenges.
With a foundation in addiction care from McMaster University and extensive hands-on experience, Billy’s approach is a thoughtful balance of empathy and practical strategies. Whether working with clients facing trauma, eating disorders, depression, or anxiety, Billy believes that recovery is about more than overcoming obstacles—it’s about rediscovering hope, purpose, and meaningful connection.
Cora Perrin
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Cora is a compassionate Registered Psychotherapist with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brock University and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and reach their full potential. Working from a trauma-informed lens, she understands how past experiences shape mental health and well-being. By fostering a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust and respect, she creates a safe space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered.
With experience treating anxiety, stress, depression, interpersonal difficulties, life transitions, and substance use, Cora tailors her approach to each client’s unique needs. She draws from evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing, to provide practical strategies for growth and healing. She is particularly passionate about helping individuals struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, and major life transitions, recognizing that therapy is a collaborative process where clients are the experts in their own lives.
Her diverse clinical background includes work in psychiatric emergency services, hospital-based community mental health clinics, psychotherapy assessments, and outreach initiatives. This broad experience allows her to support individuals at various stages of their journey, helping them build resilience and create meaningful, lasting change. She is committed to providing a supportive, client-centered approach that fosters personal growth and empowers clients to move forward with confidence.