Reproductive and Perinatal Therapy Support for Canadian families.
Behind every great provider is a passion and dedication to trauma-informed care, and a belief that every person deserves to feel safe, heard and held in therapy.
Introducing Our Team at RPTC
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Dr. Teela Tomassetti (Psy.D)
FOUNDER
CERTIFIED CANADIAN COUNSELLOR
(In-person Sherwood Park, AB and online across Canada)
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Megan Ivancic
REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST
(Alberta)
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Nasim Switzer
REGISTERED PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST
(Alberta)
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Breanne Jones
CERTIFIED CANADIAN COUNSELLOR
(In-person- Winnipeg, MB) (Online across Canada)
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Maureen Sehlstrom
CERTIFIED CANADIAN COUNSELLOR
(In-person- Red Deer, AB) (Online across Canada)
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Amber Petch
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Connect with our Providers who specialize in therapeutic support for the following areas
Birth Trauma Counselling
We never imagine that postpartum could begin in this way, with the first chapter leaving us navigating trauma. Birth trauma is anything that exceeds the nervous system's ability to cope before, during and after the childbirth experience. At RPTC, we understand that this experience is subjective, meaning that each person will view their birth trauma differently and that what causes it is a long list of issues from emergency situations to provider mistreatment. We support those navigating this experience with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy.
Fertility Struggles
Fertility is a layered and complex area to manage for so many of our clients. We understand that it is an individual journey for each person seeking support from us at RPTC. From IVF, to IUI, to adoption or surrogacy. We know people take many paths to create the family they dream of. We support those with Fertility challenges by offering help through EMDR, Compassion-Focused, Narrative Therapy, Attachment Therapy and Somatic. We also recognize that both people on this journey need a community around them and provide support to partners.
Our services.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss
No parent should ever have to endure pain like this. The grief that comes with losing a pregnancy and infant is like no other, and so too is the process to work through it. We know that this, for many, is a life-long journey and one that is never fully healed but instead managed. RPTC understands just how critical it is to meet people where they are on this journey, that grief comes in waves and that it is not a linear process. We are not looking to help you “get over” this loss, as we know that is not possible. Our hope instead is to help you reclaim parts of your nervous system. We can help you process through EMDR, Advanced EMDR, Narrative Therapy, Attachment Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy. We offer Individual and Couples Therapy to help everyone impacted navigate this.
Paternal Mental Health
One of the most underrepresented communities is Dads and non-birthing partners struggling with their mental health while parenting. There is a great deal of stigma that we are fully aware of, RPTC, and we are proud to say we challenge the norms and remind communities that the entire family is impacted, whether it is fertility, birth trauma or pregnancy loss. We know that for partners, they are highly encouraged by society to step aside in times of pregnancy loss, birth trauma, fertility struggles, and in postpartum, to not take up too much space. We help Dads step into their full experience and learn how to manage areas like Anxiety, Depression, Birth Trauma, Anger management, Grief and Loss, and other concerns they run up against while navigating the undeniable challenges of learning how to parent.
Endometriosis Support
There are many ways in which women’s pain is minimized and ignored, and Endometriosis is one of those areas. Endometriosis, as a medical condition, is still greatly misunderstood. We know that the experiences of those suffering from this are unique and vast, and we want to ensure there is space for it all to be heard and held at our centre. The daily impact is significant, and a condition like Endo affects every aspect of a person's life, from school and work to friendships and intimate relationships, mental health, fertility, and more. We have found that Somatic EMDR is helpful for navigating Endo, along with Compassion-Focused Therapy, to name a few. You don’t have to manage this alone.
IUD Trauma
IUD insertion, IUD experiences, IUD pain…we do not talk about this enough. Our understanding from the limited research and from those who feel safe enough to express their trauma is that the lack of pain management is a massive issue for those seeking this as a form of contraception or to support health issues due to menstruation. We know how silenced this area is, and we want you to know you can take up space here. We support those with IUD trauma with Somatic therapy elements, EMDR and Compassion-Focused Therapy. Dr. Teela also offers workshops and presentations to providers on trauma-informed care connected to IUD insertion.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCOS is another concern in the reproductive field that is misunderstood and, at times, ignored. Often, the experience of those with PCOS involves feeling judged and shamed, as if their condition is a choice. We know that not only was it not a choice, but also how upsetting and difficult it is to manage an issue that others do not hear. The common misconception is that PCOS is just an “irregular period” or someone who is “overweight and will struggle with fertility.” One of our favourite things to do is challenge the stereotypes that dominate the conversations about PCOS. We know the daily emotional and mental toll that having it can take and how it can act like a domino effect in every area of your life. Compassion-focused therapy, Narrative, Somatic and EMDR are just a few of the modalities that can help.
Perinatal Mental Health
No one prepares you. Not for a single moment of it. So much preparation goes into conceiving, then pregnancy and preparing for the little one to arrive. And then we finally get here, only to wonder what to do next. The overwhelm is real. We are here for the parents. So often, new parents find themselves with very little support and surrounded by people who want to focus on the baby. Their needs often feel left behind. PMADS (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) impacts so many new parents, and we want to ensure those who have been or are at risk of it will find the right support. The proper assessment and treatment plan is critical; you can feel so much better. We help with parenting challenges, postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, and psychosis. You are never as alone as you think, reach out and let’s create your village.
Perimenopause Support
Perimenopause means "around menopause" and refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. It can happen as early as mid 30’s and typically lasts until around the age of 45. It can last 5-10 years before menopause starts. It is an essential aspect of a woman’s life, yet is stigmatized and often misunderstood. People often share the shame and anxiety that accompanies this time of their life and how isolatinng it can feel. Being in perimenopause comes with a slew of symptoms that are often confusing and hard to manage such as; sleep issues, mood swings, irregular periods, anxiety, rage, irritability, changes in physical appearance, depression, difficulty concentrating and more. You don’t have to go through this time of your life alone, we got you!
Help for the Helpers
Part of the work we do at RPTC, as a trauma-informed practice, is to consider the helper's needs. Being a caregiver is such a rewarding job, and let’s be real, it can lead to significant burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma due to all that the provider is witnessing and managing. Plus, add the fact that systemic issues, policies, and procedures can sometimes be the perfect storm. We are passionate about supporting nurses and doulas and other medical providers in all they face while trying to do good work. We can help providers in managing issues like vicarious trauma and burnout, as well as anxiety and depression, compassion fatigue, relationship issues, and the exhaustion that comes with trying to find a balance in your life. We know that the better care we take of providers and create space to unpack all that they are up against, the better care that the reproductive and perinatal communities will also receive.
Postpartum Support Groups
One of the most incredible ways that we heal through what we have been through and are still navigating is through each other. We strongly believe in the power of community and connection and know that for so many up against birth trauma, postpartum anxiety and depression, finding our village can be so hard. That is why we offer support groups at RPTC. We are beyond excited to release a postpartum support group like you have never seen before, coming to you in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned and check back to this page and our resources page in the future.
Fertility Support Groups
One of the most incredible ways we heal, through what we have been through and are still navigating, is through each other. We strongly believe in the power of community and connection and know that for individuals experiencing fertility struggles, it can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. It is easy to feel like we are the only ones. Our upcoming support groups in the fall are tailored to your specific journey with fertility at this time, from those going on to IVF to those who are looking into surrogacy and adoption. You won’t have to look far to find. your people. Stay tuned to this page and our resource page in the fall of 2026.