CREDENTIALS
Youstina Iskander is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Clinical Member of the Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP).
Verify CRPO registration: https://my.crpo.ca/publicregister
AREAS OF FOCUS
Youstina supports adolescents and adults navigating a range of emotional and relational challenges, including:
Emotional & Mental Health
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Anxiety and excessive worry
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Depression and low mood
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Stress, overwhelm, and burnout
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Trauma and difficult life experiences
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ADHD-related challenges (focus, organization, emotional regulation)
Relationships & Life Challenges
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Relationship and communication concerns
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Interpersonal conflict
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Self-esteem and identity challenges
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Life transitions and adjustment stress
LANGUAGES
Youstina is fluent in English.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Youstina completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2020 at the University of Toronto and her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology in 2023 at Yorkville University.
She has experience supporting individuals through acute emotional distress and mental health emergencies in her work as a crisis responder with Kids Help Phone, where she supported young people experiencing emotional overwhelm, safety concerns, and complex personal challenges. This role strengthened her ability to remain calm, empathic, and grounded in moments of crisis.
APPROACH TO TREATMENT
Youstina takes a holistic, culturally sensitive, and client-centered approach to therapy. She believes that therapy is not “one size fits all” and collaborates with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that reflect their needs, values, and goals.
Her work is grounded in creating a non-judgmental, validating, and supportive environment where clients feel respected and empowered. She helps clients build insight, develop emotional-regulation skills, and create meaningful changes that support their growth and overall well-being.
THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES
Youstina integrates several evidence-based approaches, selecting methods based on what will best support each client:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Understanding and shifting thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) – Improving emotional awareness, interpersonal functioning, and behavioural patterns
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and balanced thinking
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Processing and integrating traumatic or distressing memories
Person-Centred Therapy – Growth through empathy, acceptance, and collaboration
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) – Building on strengths and what already works
She tailors these modalities to support each client’s unique needs and therapeutic journey.
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
Youstina is the daughter of immigrants, a lived experience that informs her sensitivity to cultural identity, generational differences, and the complexities of navigating traditional values in a modern context. Outside the therapy room, she enjoys spending time with a good book or experimenting with new baking recipes.