A woman with long black hair, smiling, wearing a white blouse and gold earrings, standing in front of a white brick wall.

Nalisa Dhanraj

Registered Social Worker, MSW

Book Now - Returning Clients Only

Welcome!

My name is Nalisa, I am a registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist at Heart & Mind Therapy. My passion for mental health began within my own community. Growing up, I saw loved ones avoid seeking mental health care due to stigma and financial challenges. My commitment to psychotherapy grew stronger as I began my own healing journey, gaining a deeper understanding of its transformative power. These experiences have shaped my aspiration to foster a mentally healthy community by making care more accessible and creating a space rooted in empathy and understanding.
At the heart of my work is a belief that healing begins with understanding, and that growth is possible for everyone. As I continue to learn and grow, I am guided by the following quote:  

“Good intentions are the seeds of change, but without the effort to water and nurture them, they remain only seeds.” - Unknown

While everyone has good intentions, not everyone possesses the courage, self-awareness, or positive life experiences needed to effectively implement them. These skills are essential for creating meaningful change. Without courage, we stay stagnant. Without self-awareness, we struggle to find the right paths. Without positive life experiences, we lack the roadmap to resilience and growth. The good news is that these skills can be developed. My role is to provide you with the tools and knowledge to help you cultivate them.

Think of a therapist as a weaver sitting at a loom, crafting an intricate tapestry from the threads of a client’s life. Each thread represents a different modality — some pulling from the past to uncover hidden patterns, others guiding the client toward practical solutions in the present. The weaver gently unravels knots from childhood experiences, smoothing out the tangled emotions, and strengthens weak spots with new coping strategies.

The tapestry isn’t woven by the therapist alone — the client provides the raw threads of their stories, emotions, and struggles. The therapist’s role is to help them see that even the most frayed strands can become part of something beautiful, whole, and resilient. In time, the client takes over the loom, learning to weave their own future with mindful intention, creating a life of meaning from the fibers of their past and the possibilities of their present.

This quote invites us to reflect on whether our intentions align with our actions and encourages us to make changes that bring our aspirations to life. It would be a privilege to support you in cultivating the inner strength to create a life you cherish and a community where you feel truly valued.

  • Individuals (ages 16+), Couples, First Responders

    • Gottman Method

    • Narrative Therapy

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

    • Trauma-Focused

    • Somatic

    • Motivational Interviewing

    • Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)

    • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

    • Trauma

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • Anger Management

    • Pet Loss

    • Grief and Loss

  • English

  • I am committed to supporting you through life’s challenges—whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, the loss of a beloved pet, or simply seeking guidance to transform your life’s path. Together, we’ll work toward creating the clarity, strength, and balance you need to move forward with confidence and purpose.

    With a Master’s in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and a background in gender studies and the history of religion from the University of Toronto, I offer a compassionate and tailored approach to therapy that honors your unique experiences and needs. My diverse experience spans the criminal justice system, non-profit organizations, community programs, and the sexual health industry, enabling me to provide a well-rounded and empathetic perspective in my work.

    Having navigated many pivotal transitions in my own life, I understand how overwhelming change can feel—whether it’s a career shift, a relationship challenge, the grief of losing a pet, or a personal transformation. With the right support, these moments can become opportunities for growth and renewal.

    At the core of my practice is the belief that everyone deserves the chance to grow from their past and receive support during life’s transitions. Together, we’ll uncover your inner strengths and develop strategies to navigate life’s changes with purpose and resilience.

  • Registered Social Worker (#853528), MSW

  • Email: nalisad@heartnmind.ca