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450 A Britannia Rd E, Mississauga, ON L4Z 1X9
2 County Court Boulevard Suite 400, Brampton, ON L6W 3W8 -
+1-647-366-8445
450 A Britannia Rd E, Mississauga, ON L4Z 1X9
2 County Court Boulevard Suite 400, Brampton, ON L6W 3W8
+1-647-366-8445
Founder/Clinic Director
MACP, Registered
Psychotherapist
Greetings,
Kayla Ortese is a therapist, visionary, and advocate for accessible, culturally safe mental health care. Her work seamlessly integrates global academic training, clinical excellence, and a profound belief in the human capacity to heal, transform, and thrive.
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria, where her passion for behavioral science and human development first took root. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, Canada, where she developed a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic frameworks and clinical application.
Kayla also holds Postgraduate Diplomas in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Humber College, Canada, and Education from the National Teachers Institute in Abuja, Nigeria. These additional studies have expanded her expertise in supporting neurodiverse individuals and families across complex psychosocial systems, particularly those navigating intersections of culture, identity, and emotional wellness.
As the founder of Inner Wellness Psychotherapy, Kayla has built a practice that reflects both her clinical depth and her transformative vision for the future of mental health care: “To revolutionize mental health care delivery—making culturally safe, high-impact therapy as ubiquitous and scalable as Amazon Prime.”
I hold close the spirit of PARO, Latin for “I am ready.” It is an invitation—a quiet, powerful readiness to begin a journey within, at your own pace and in your own time.
Therapy, to me, extends far beyond the couch. It moves beyond the walls of any room, beyond scheduled appointments or labels. It is an unfolding—an exploration of the self beneath the layers we wear to protect and survive. This sacred process happens when we feel safe enough to tell the truth of our story—and heard enough to gently rewrite it. I strive to create a space where stories are told, witnessed, and transformed with care.
Here, pain and struggle are not the end of the story but the threshold to transformation. I see pain and adversity not as life’s final chapters but as doorways to renewal.
“Beauty for ashes” is more than a metaphor—it is the essence of my clinical lens.
Much like the growth cycle of a butterfly or the blooming of a flower, I believe we all pass through seasons of growing, pruning, metamorphosing, and becoming. I welcome these seasons as natural and necessary—each holding lessons and possibilities for what comes next. Change, though often uncomfortable, is our most constant companion. It is also where healing begins.
What Sets Me Apart?
What sets me apart is the depth of personalization I bring to each therapeutic relationship. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual is shaped by a unique combination of biological, psychological, cultural, and spiritual influences. My work begins with honoring those influences and tailoring care that fits you—not the other way around.
I draw from a wide range of evidence-based modalities to meet your specific needs. These include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Schema Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I also incorporate Self-Compassion Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), all of which are grounded in attachment-based and trauma-informed perspectives. This integrative style allows me to provide therapy that is both clinically sound and profoundly human.
I work with adolescents, parents, adults, and couples from diverse backgrounds. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, emotional regulation, stress, burnout, life transitions (including immigration and grief), relationship dynamics, intolerance of uncertainty, school- and work-related stressors, and neurodiversity (such as ADHD and autism). My aim is to help you feel more rooted, more empowered, and more connected to your true self.
Collaborative Partnership
At the core of my practice is a deep respect for your story and your autonomy. I see therapy as a collaborative partnership—a space where we walk together, side by side. You bring your insight, courage, and readiness; I bring presence, empathy, strategy, and skill. Together, we clarify goals, create space for growth, and move intentionally through your healing process.
I begin every therapeutic relationship by building a foundation of safety, trust, and mutual respect. From that place, we can explore even the most difficult emotions or experiences with care and clarity. Whether you’re navigating emotional overwhelm or stepping into a new chapter of life, I will support you in developing the tools and resilience you need.
You may enter therapy feeling uncertain, apprehensive, or weighed down—but my hope is that you leave each session with renewed clarity, emotional grounding, and the confidence to keep becoming. My mission is not just to relieve distress, but to walk beside you as you rediscover your capacity for healing, for joy, and for balance.
If you’re ready to explore your next chapter—at your pace, in your way—I’m your Partner in Healing, Growth, and Balance.
450 Britannia Rd E Unit A, Mississauga, ON L4Z 1X9
2 County Court Boulevard Suite 400, Brampton, ON L6W 3W8
© 2025 Inner Wellness Psychotherapy | All Rights Reserved