About Ian Robertson Therapy Group

About Us

Rooted in decades of professional & academic experience, our team is dedicated to understanding, guiding, and supporting every individual, couple, and organization that walks through our doors.

Meet Our Team

Ian Robertson - Founder and Clinical Director of Ian Robertson Therapy Group

Ian Robertson

MSW, RSW, Social Worker

Education

  • Master of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
  • Bachelor of Social Work, Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY
  • Certificate in Advanced Clinical Supervision, Smith College – School of Social Work

For over thirty years, Ian has been a beacon of guidance for families, couples, and individuals. Rooted in a deep understanding of their distinct needs and challenges, he offers a flexible approach to scheduling, ensuring everyone is accommodated.

A substantial part of Ian’s practice is devoted to individuals, couples and families. In addition, Ian extends his expertise by providing clinical supervision to numerous therapists, both in private practice and within community organizations.

As a passionate clinical educator, Ian regularly imparts his clinical knowledge across various organizations and healthcare institutions, with a particular emphasis on mental health, addictions, and trauma.

Trainings Ian Offers

In his practice, Ian has consistently stood as a beacon of support for individuals who have endured various traumatic situations, ranging from domestic violence to significant traumatic incidents. His dedication to trauma-informed care stands as a cornerstone of the agency’s ethos.

Further enriching his professional depth, Ian collaborates closely with several community services and institutions. He holds the position of Regional Clinical Supervisor for Addictions and Mental Health at the Niagara Health System. His rich background includes service as a clinical therapist in diverse settings, coupled with active participation in community development initiatives. Below are some of the various trainings Ian Robertson Therapy & Counselling offer:

Diploma and graduation caps, symbols of academic success.

Academic Qualifications

  • Master of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON (2005)
  • Bachelor of Social Work, Niagara University, NY (2003)
  • Advanced Clinical Supervision, Smith College – School of Social Work, MA, US
  • Certification in Brainspotting (2023)

Professional Training

A professional portrait of Michelle Graham, MSW, RSW

Michelle Graham

MSW, RSW

Education

  • Master of Social Work, Windsor University, Windsor, ON (2016)
  • Bachelor of Honors Sociology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON (2012)

Michelle’s vast experience in the realm of addictions and mental health is noteworthy. She leads mindfulness groups at the agency, catering to clients with conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance use, and ADHD. Her previous roles include positions at Withdrawal Management Services at the Niagara Health System. She has also completed her clinical practicum focusing on mental health at the NHS.

Clinical Approaches

Michelle has benefited from clinical supervision under Natalie Zlodre, a respected trauma specialist. Additionally, she’s an instructor at Wilfred Laurier University, where she teaches online courses emphasizing trauma and addiction. Below are some of the most noted approaches:

  • Trauma Incident Reduction
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Motivational interviewing Solution-focused therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Brainspotting (BSP) – Levels 1,2 & 3
  • Brainspotting for ‘Parts’
  • Polyvagal Therapy
  • Structural Dissociative & Parts Work
  • Neuro-linguistic programming
A genuine talk with an Ian Robertson Therapy Group professional.
Detail of holding a diploma, symbolizing educational progress.

Academic Qualifications

  • Master of Social Work, Windsor University, Windsor, ON (2016)
  • Bachelor of Honors Sociology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON (2012)

Professional Training

A professional portrait of Michelle Graham, MSW, RSW

Constantino L. Tober

Registered Psychotherapist (Q)

Education

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Niagara University, Lewiston, NY (2024)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Medaille University, Buffalo, NY (2022)

Constantino Tober, born in Mississauga, Ontario, practices in the Niagara region, offering a diverse approach to psychotherapy. He works with a broad range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, grief, and depression. His extensive background includes individual and group therapy, treatment planning, supporting legal-involved clients, family interventions, and post-doctoral researchers from the University of Notre Dame, as well as psychotherapeutic curriculum development. As a former NCAA dual-sport athlete and a member of the Hungarian National Lacrosse Team, Constantino brings a unique perspective to optimizing the efficiency of evidence-based and empirically validated methodologies to his clinical practice.

Some of Constantino’s work to date has involved contributing to a pioneering study on mental health and resilience among military personnel, aiming to augment mental well-being and military readiness, specifically for soldiers, first responders, and astronauts coping with trauma and high stress.

Clinical Approaches

Constantino’s therapeutic approach is interdisciplinary, combining various theories and methods to tailor solutions that best meet each client’s individual needs. He utilizes evidence-based approaches such as Polyvagal Theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to deliver targeted, real-time, and effective intervention. His training and expertise also include.

  • Attachment and Trauma
  • Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Providing Telehealth
happy child engaged in a therapy session in Niaga Falls
Detail of holding a diploma, symbolizing educational progress.

Academic Qualifications

  • Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Bachelor’s in Psychology
  • Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society; Chi Alpha Sigma Honors Committee.
  • NCAA Academic-Athletic Scholar Award (2020, 2021).

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Association for the Treatment & Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA) Membership.
  • The Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse is an international, multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to preventing sexual abuse.
  • Qualifying Member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
  • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) Membership.

Professional Training

A professional portrait of Michelle Graham, MSW, RSW

Blackcy Placidass

MSW, RSW

Education

  • Master of Social Work, Windsor University, Windsor ON (2016)
  • Certificate in Addictions: Treatment and Prevention, Georgian College, Orillia ON (2012)
  • Honours BA in Psychology and Minor in Sexuality, York University, Toronto ON (2010)

Blackcy Placidass leads BP Counselling and Therapy with a wealth of experience and dedication to mental health. Originating from Sri Lanka and now practicing in Ajax, Ontario, Blackcy brings a rich cultural perspective and professional expertise to her practice. With over 15 years in the field, her humanistic approach emphasizes empathy, understanding, and personalized care. She is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their challenges and work towards healing and personal growth. Blackcy’s dedication to her clients is evident in her comprehensive approach, addressing a wide range of issues including addictions, mental health, grief and loss, fertility and infertility, chronic health conditions, palliative care, dementia, caregivers support, new mothers, and relationships.

Clinical Approaches

Blackcy Placidass employs a variety of clinical approaches to ensure personalized and effective therapy for her clients. Her training and expertise include

  • Trauma Incident Reduction (TIR): Aiming to reduce the emotional intensity of past traumas, TIR provides clarity and peace for those in need.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps unravel negative thought spirals and reconstruct them into patterns of positivity and strength.
  • Motivational Interviewing: Provides a motivational map for clients, assisting them in navigating the terrain of personal transformation.
  • Solution-Focused Therapy: Emphasizes building solutions rather than focusing on problems, promoting positive change and resilience.
  • Attachment and Trauma: Addresses the impact of attachment issues and trauma on mental health and relationships.
happy child engaged in a therapy session in Niaga Falls
Focus Areas

Focus Areas

  • Addictions
  • Mental Health
  • Grief and Loss
  • Fertility and Infertility
  • Chronic Health Conditions
  • Palliative Care
  • Dementia
  • Caregivers Support
  • New Mothers
  • Relationships

Professional Training

Our Space

Nestled near the iconic Niagara Falls, our therapy center is designed to offer solace, peace, and comfort. Every corner, room, and space is thoughtfully curated to ensure a warm and welcoming environment, conducive to healing and introspection.

Join Us in Your Journey

At Ian Robertson Therapy Group, we are not just offering sessions; we are inviting you to a journey. A journey of understanding, growth, and rediscovery. We are here to walk beside you, every step of the way.

Book a Session Today

Ready to take the first step towards healing and growth? Connect with us at Ian Robertson Therapy Group and begin your journey to a brighter, more balanced future.