The people behind Birchwood
OUR TEAM
A small, dedicated team committed to creating a warm, professional, and genuinely supportive experience for every client.
Alexis Toren
Founder & Therapist
Alexis is a Registered Psychotherapist and the founder of Birchwood Psychotherapy. She holds a Bachelor in Psychology from UBC-Okanagan and a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her clinical work is grounded in evidence-based, relational, and trauma-informed practice.
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Alexis works with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, trauma, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and life transitions. She brings a warm, direct, and genuinely curious presence to every session, creating a space where clients feel safe enough to be honest and supported enough to grow.
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Her approach draws from ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, the Gottman Method, and mindfulness and somatic strategies. But more than any technique, Alexis believes the therapeutic relationship itself is the most powerful tool for change.
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Outside the therapy room, Alexis has built Birchwood from the ground up, including a growing community on social media where she shares honest, accessible insights and some humour surrounding mental health. When Alexis is not working, she plays competitive pickleball and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, and other family and friends.
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Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
Chloe Conklin
Associate Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Chloe is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a background in education and a passion for helping adolescents and young adults navigate life’s challenges with greater self-compassion and resilience. She holds a Bachelor in Psychology from Dalhousie University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa, and a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Before entering the counselling field, Chloe worked as a teacher, where she developed a strong ability to build rapport with youth and create supportive, emotionally safe environments.
Chloe works with individuals experiencing anxiety, ADHD, perfectionism, burnout, major life transitions, and chronic pain. She is especially passionate about supporting teens and young adults who feel stuck in patterns of overthinking, self-criticism, and people-pleasing. She strives to create a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can feel seen and understood.
Her approach integrates evidence-based modalities including ACT, CBT, DBT, and emotion-focused therapy, while tailoring care to each client’s unique needs and goals. She values helping clients better understand themselves, strengthen emotional resilience, and reconnect with what matters most to them in order to build a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Gabriella Clarizio
Gabriella is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who is passionate about helping individuals navigate unhealthy recurring patterns and dynamics in their daily lives. She holds an honours bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from the University of Guelph, as well as a Master of Science in Psychotherapy from McMaster University. Gabriella has experience in community mental health and private practice, and brings a compassionate, client-centred approach to her work.
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Gabriella supports individuals experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, relationship and dating concerns, attachment wounds, burnout, and challenges with self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth. She is especially passionate about working with young adults who feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-doubt, unhealthy habits, or patterns that no longer align with their goals. She helps clients better understand the roots of these challenges, strengthen their sense of self, and build healthier ways of coping.
Her approach integrates evidence-based modalities, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, attachment-based therapy, and narrative therapy. She works collaboratively with each client to create a personalized approach that reflects their values, needs, and strengths. Gabriella’s goal is to offer an authentic, genuine space where clients feel safe to show up as they are and create meaningful, lasting change.
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Outside the therapy room, Gabriella enjoys hiking with her dogs or, on a rainy day, curling up with a new favourite book series while homemade cinnamon rolls bake in the oven.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Associate Therapist
Logan Hoffman
Lead of Practice Operations
Logan is the operational backbone of Birchwood Psychotherapy. With an engineering background and a keen eye for systems and efficiency, he ensures that everything behind the scenes runs smoothly, so the clinical work can stay the focus.
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From scheduling and client communications to practice operations and technology, Logan brings a calm, organized, and detail-oriented approach to supporting the practice and its clients.
Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)
Remi & Puma
UNNOFICIAL TEAM MEMBERS
Our two therapy cats may not hold any clinical credentials, but they've mastered the art of calm presence, unconditional acceptance, and knowing exactly when someone needs a warm companion nearby. They occasionally make cameo appearances during online sessions, and we welcome you to bring your pets to virtual sessions if you would like to.