The C’est La Vie Wellness team is a group of dedicated holistic healthcare practitioners and specialists ready to help you achieve your health and wellness goals. We often consult each other and work together to ensure we offer the best protocol and treatment for our patients and clients.
Get to know us a little better by reading about our background and professional experience below. Please note that all our practitioners offer a free 15-min Meet-and-Greet to discuss your needs.
As always, feel free to contact us for any additional information.
Working Together For You
We love to work together to offer a series of workshops, talks, cooking classes, or online programs on various topics relating to health and wellness. We have worked with fitness groups, non-profit organization, corporations, and schools. We can tailor workshops to the age, size and general needs of any organization.
Dr. Sofie Desforges-Bell, BSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor & Co-Clinic Director
Dr. Sofie Desforges-Bell, BSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Co-Clinic Director
After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2013 with a BSc in Biology & Psychology, I wanted to put my scientific knowledge and passion into practice. I furthered my studies and graduated with a Doctor of Naturopathy degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in the spring of 2018.
I was drawn to naturopathic medicine as it allows me to explore the root cause of disease in a holistic manner. I love incorporating evidence-based natural medicines with more traditional therapies. By individualizing treatment plans to address each patient’s unique health journey, I guide my patients to optimize their physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
Although I operate as a general practitioner, I do currently focus my practice on health concerns relating to digestive health, skin health, brain health and mental health. As part of my scope of practice, I offer lab testing (including functional tests such as the Food Sensitivity Test, GI Map, etc.), supplement recommendations, botanical medicine, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and cupping among many other therapies.
I am always happy to offer a Free 15-min Meet & Greet consultation to see if we would be a good fit to work together on achieving your health goals. You can also visit my LinkedIn profile and follow me on Facebook and Instagram for additional educational content. I look forward to connecting with you!
Danika Desforges-Bell, MSc. Ps.ed.
Mental Health Counsellor & Co-Clinic Director
Danika Desforges-Bell, MSc. Ps.ed.
Mental Health Counsellor, OAMHP 4913-G
Behaviour Consultation and Intervention
Co-Clinic Director
While completing my education in Psychoéducation at the Université de Montréal, I did internships at a Community Center for adults dealing with psychiatric diagnoses (schizophrenia, mood disorders), in a hospital working with children in Child Psychiatry, and in an elementary school implementing Bullying Prevention programs.
Back in Toronto, I combined my psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioural practices to new therapeutic strategies, when working with Morneau Shepell’s EAP crisis line and single-session therapeutic support. I honed my skills by leading clients through talk-therapy, solution-focused therapy and mindfulness. During my time there, I provided short & long-term support through an online CBT-inspired platform which helped shape my therapeutic style for my ongoing work at C’est La Vie Wellness.
In more recent years, I was Clinical Manager of Behavioural and Autism Interventions with the French Catholich MonAvenir school board where I provided guidance and clinical supervision to 10 behavioural consultants (a job I held previously) and 5 autism consultants. Through these various experiences, I have developed key active listening and coaching skills as well as realistic & useful strategies/interventions with children, school staff and parents which I can now apply in my private practice at CLV.
My focus at CLV is to support children, parents and individuals by providing them with concrete tools and strategies to cope with their personal challenges. I inspired my counselling approach through regular training and profesionnal development in CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, SFT, trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ workshops, EFT and more! Feel free to contact me directly to schedule a FREE initial phone consult or by visiting my Psychology Today profile.
Psst! Je parle français 🙂
Quick message from Danika: I am no longer accepting clients or referrals as I am scheduled for maternity leave from May 2023 to Spring 2024. Please reach out to Gwyneth, Rebecca or the CLV clinic for waitlists & referrals. Thanks for your patience & understanding!
Lyne Desforges, R.H.N, B.Ed.
Office Administration
Lyne Desforges, R.H.N, B.Ed.
Office Administration
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
Culinary Nutrition Expert
Educating, motivating and inspiring have always been important aspects of my professional journey, first as a High School Teacher, then Library Technician, and finally as a Holistic Nutritionist. As co-owner of the C’est La Vie Wellness clinic in Bronte, I have been able to expand my skills to include the managing of our clinical space, our social media, and our website. I continue to enjoy adding nutritious recipes and informative blogs to our website as I move towards retirement. I am happy to support our new co-clinic directors, Dr. Sofie and Danika, whenever the need arises. I am happiest when working at the front desk chatting with patients and clients, especially about health and wellness.
I hope to see you in the clinic very soon.
You can follow me on Facebook or Instagram @lynedfoodie to see what I am cooking in my own kitchen these days!
Lucy Staves, R.C.R.T
Registered Reflexology Therapist
Lucy Staves, R.C.R.T
Registered Reflexology Therapist
Qualified Fertility & Maternity Reflexologist
Member of The Reflexology Association of Canada
I studied at The Complementary Therapy School in London, England, under Melanie Bell and completed my Level 5 Practitioners Diploma in Clinical Reflexology, passing with Distinction. I moved to Canada in 2018 and I am a certified member of the Reflexology Association of Canada, making me a fully Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist (RCRT). I completed my Fertility & Maternity training with Michelle Stroud at By the Moon Holistic Health School.
I see clients from all walks of life but some of my areas of interest and expertise include stress management, fertility (including infertility, pregnancy and post-partum, peri-menopause and menopause), and sleep problems. Life is busy – we tend to take on too much and put ourselves at the bottom of a very long to-do list. But we can only give so much, and self-care is incredibly important for the body to function at its optimum level.
Reflexology promotes deep relaxation and allows the body time to realign and rebalance by reducing tension, improving circulation, and supporting the body’s natural healing system. Trust that I understand how important it is for you to take a little time out for yourself and to focus on your body and your wellbeing. Self-care is not selfish, it is essential.
You can follow me on Facebook and/or Instagram @thebarefootbrit for more inspiration.
Karen Omand, CT (Certified Thanatologist)
Thanatologist (Grief Counsellor)
Karen Omand, CT (Certified Thanatologist)
Thanatologist (Grief Counsellor)
The losses in my life, both death and non-death, have led me to become a Thanatologist (Grief Counselor). I specialize in helping those who have lost loved ones, as well as, those who have experienced non-death losses such as, divorce, infertility, chronic illness, and job loss, to name a few.
I hold two BA degrees: Thanatology from the University of Western (the only Thanatology degree in the world) and Sociology from the University of Windsor.
Certifications: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Complicated Grief (Prolonged Grief Disorder), Suicide Bereavement Clinician Training.
As a Thanatologist, I take a different approach to grief and loss than those in the Psychology field. I will not try to fix the problem of grief because grief is not a problem; grief is a form of love and it affects everyone at some point in their lives. Instead, I listen, validate, encourage, help you feel safe, and integrate the losses into your life while helping you find new purpose and meaning. I will be there to bear witness to your pain by companioning you through this difficult journey and offer unconditional support.
I have worked as a grief counsellor, facilitator in bereavement and support groups, led grief walking groups, supported suicide survivors, and provided palliative support for patients at the end of their lives.
Feel free to contact me directly to schedule a free 15 minute initial phone consult.
Gwyneth Hodgins, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Gwyneth Hodgins, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Over my nearly 10 years of experience, I’ve worked with individuals across the lifespan, from young children to senior adults. In my work as a Child and Family Therapist at SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health, I worked with individuals and families struggling with a range of emotional and behavioural challenges. When working at Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) counselling centre, I developed a love for working with young adults, as they discover their identities and go through major life transitions. And in my time as a single-session tele-counsellor at Morneau Shepell, I honed my ability to make good use of every moment with a client.
Currently, I work individually with teens (14+) and up. My approach is a mix of several therapeutic modalities, including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused (Family) Therapy (EFT; EFFT), Mindfulness-Based, Attachment-Based, and Trauma-Informed therapy. I also strive to provide an anti-racist, anti-oppressive practice. I believe that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are, in large part, a product of our experiences. When we’ve had hurtful or traumatic experiences, we adapt to keep ourselves physically and emotionally safe. Sometimes, those adaptations are no longer useful or helpful to us, and we need to learn new ways to manage. My goal as your therapist will be to provide a safe and attuned space in which to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences and navigate how you want to think and feel in the present and in the future. Feel free to book a free initial phone consult to see whether I’m the right therapist for you.
You can also visit my website.
Dr. Angelica Dimita, HBSC, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Focus on Pediatrics
Dr. Angelica Dimita, HBSC, ND
After completing an Honours Bachelor of Science at McMaster University in 2018, I furthered my studies and received my Doctor of Naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2022.
My practice is primarily focused in children’s health. I have experience working with kids of all ages, from newborns and toddlers, to teenagers and young adults. ADHD, ASD, metabolic syndrome, skin conditions, sleep issues, digestive disorders, and anxiety are some of the areas I have special interest in.
My approach combines evidence-based medicine with the healing powers of nature, and empowers patients to achieve their health goals. My work integrates a range of therapies, including nutrition and lifestyle counselling, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (including acupuncture and cupping), and homeopathy. In order to provide the best possible care, I create a safe and inclusive space for my patients.
To learn more about my approach, and to see if we are the right fit together, please book a free 15-minute phone consultation. You can also visit me on Instagram @dr.angelica.nd for educational content and kiddie-approved recipes!
Liz Madappa
Mindset Coach & Bio-Energetic Wellness
Liz Madappa
Mindset Coach
Bio-Energetic Wellness Practitioner
Reiki Practitioner
I have had the privilege of working with global organizations in different geographies and had a successful corporate career for 21 years. I felt I had a lot more to offer to help people. I decided to take my learning of the last 21 years and transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship.
My goal is to help people rewrite their life story by challenging limiting beliefs and by magnifying skills talents, and potential that already exists in their life. By providing tools to build self-confidence on a rock-solid foundation, I will enable people to shift their internal dialogue from negative to positive. I go through a process with my clients to create a crystal-clear vision of what they want their future life to look like and work closely with them to create habits, thought patterns, and discipline to fast-track the journey to their envisaged life.
In pursuance of my dream over the past 4 years, I have obtained certifications at the International College of Professional Kinesiology Practice as a Bio-Energetic Wellness practitioner and I have complete multiple courses on spiritual, mindset and business coaching. In addition to that, I am also a Reiki practitioner.
As a Mindset Coach, I help clients to unleash their full potential by removing limiting beliefs that prevent them from achieving their wildest dreams. Our thoughts, beliefs and emotions are powerful and can be used as a mechanism to either stifle our growth or it can be harnessed to unleash our full potential.
As a Bio-Energetic Wellness Practitioner, I use muscle bio-feedback to identify energy imbalances. These imbalances are corrected by using light touch or light massaging of specific acupressure points which re-activates the body’s innate healing ability. It is often called “muscle balancing” or “energy balancing”. It balances posture, attitude, and life energy.
Through my journey so far, I have found how interconnected all these elements are in being successful and want to help people forge their way forward, leveraging lessons learnt.
You can follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Andrew Soumbos R.Kin, D.O.M.P., D.Sc.O.
Osteopathic Manual Practitioner & Registered Kinesiologist
Andrew Soumbos R.Kin, D.O.M.P., D.Sc.O.
Osteopathic Manual Practitioner
Registered Kinesiologist
I am an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner and Registered Kinesiologist. After completing my Honours Bachelor of Science Kinesiology degree from McMaster University in 2014, I proceeded to serve as a Kinesiologist within clinical, fitness, and retirement community settings. In 2016, I enrolled in the DOMP program at the Canadian College of Osteopathy where I went on to successfully complete 5 years of course-based and clinical work, followed by 1 year of Osteopathic research.
My goal is to assist my clients in removing their barriers to optimal health and wellness by providing each person with the tools to effectively take their health and wellness into their own hands. Using an integrative treatment approach consisting of manual osteopathic therapy and corrective exercises, each person’s physical imbalances are addressed in order to promote the body’s innate ability to self-regulate and heal.
Rebecca Hsiang MA, RP, CCC
Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Certified Counsellor
Rebecca Hsiang MA, RP, CCC
I’m glad your curiosity has brought you here and I would like to share a little about myself.
After completing a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Western University, I have worked in various community settings to support children, teens, adults, and families facing relational challenges, traumatic experiences, significant life transformations, and identity development.
Currently, I provide one-on-one therapy to teens and adults with the exception of coparent consultations and parent-child sessions if supportive. I practice from a values-based and trauma-informed perspective to provide a safe, nurturing, and non-judgemental space for healing and growth. I am attuned to matters of inclusion and diversity and strive to provide an anti-racist, anti-oppressive practice. While I am trained in Emotionally Focused (Family) Therapy (EFT/EFFT), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapy; I use a collaborative approach to ensure our work together meets your needs.
My privilege as your therapist is to honour the part(s) of you that yearns for change and growth. I have deep respect for your wisdom and I aspire to embody compassion in every interaction. Being human is hard and you need not navigate the landscape of life alone.
Louise Fitzgibbon
Functional Breathwork Coach
Louise Fitzgibbon
Louise learned how important it is to have the tools to manage stressors and to respond compassionately not only to others but also to oneself. Over the years Louise was searching for something that could help settle anxiety, allow her to handle situations with ease and increase performance. Learning how to adopt specific breathwork patterns has taught her how to use the power of breath to control how she experiences daily life with more presence.
Recognizing the benefits of focusing on the breath and the importance of functional breathing; Louise immersed herself in certification programs: Oxygen Advantage and Buteyko with Patrick McKeown, Peak Flow, and Pause Breathwork by Samantha Skelly.
Louise strives to reach her full potential and assist others in finding theirs. This can be done through workshops or custom designed multi-week programs based on the individual’s interests and needs.
Caroline (Cara) Gauthier, RMT
Registered Massage Therapist
Caroline (Cara) Gauthier, RMT
Cara graduated from the Massage Therapy program at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 2011. The program has given her a vast knowledge of human anatomy as well as the intricacies of the physiology of the human body.
In her 12 years of practice, she has had the opportunity to work with a variety of chronic and acute pain sufferers, including motor vehicle accidents, Orthopedic rehab and sports injuries. She is a Graston Technique certified technician and has done extensive courses in Fascial release, both of which can be incorporated into treatments to obtain maximum results. She is also trained in pre and postnatal care, and has a belly table which is available upon request. She has also provided care for palliative care patients and patients in cancer treatment.
Although she tends to do a lot of deep tissue work, she understands the necessity of stress relief that goes along with light pressure relaxation treatments. She always encourages everyone to give her feedback to ensure they receive the optimum care needed for each individual. She is very client-centred, viewing each individual as unique and forms treatment plans based on assessments performed prior to each treatment.
She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. She has many years of practical experience teaching and working with a diverse body of students with different ailments and physical limitations. In combination with her Massage Therapy training, this has given her a very good understanding of human biomechanics and remedial exercise to help form a well rounded plan for treatment.
Cara is also fluent in French and welcomes French speaking clients.
On her own time, Cara is an avid runner and outdoor enthusiast. She loves kayaking/canoeing, camping, hiking and snowshoeing with her partner and two young children.
Océane Tran, RSW
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Océane Tran, RSW
Océane holds the titles of Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist, having completed a Graduate degree in Social Work at the University of Toronto.
Over her 5 years as a registered social worker and psychotherapist, she has worked in an interdisciplinary team with both the anglophone and francophone populations in an individual youth and family mental health setting.
She has trained in and practiced various approaches including Emotion Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Attachment-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Watch Wait and Wonder, and Reflective Family Play Therapy. She may use talk, play, and art-based approaches when working together with clients. She is drawn towards understanding clients’ experiences through attachment and psychodynamic frameworks and uses a holistic and collaborative approach to meet client needs.
Clients with whom she has worked have presented with the following: anxiety, obsessions and compulsions, depression, perfectionism, developmental trauma, acute trauma, selective mutism, grief and loss, parenting challenges, behavioural challenges, communication challenges, family conflict, low self-esteem, emotional regulation challenges, peer challenges, neurodiversity, and self-harm.
Océane provides services to children, youth, adults, parents, and families. For children under the age of 7, she works extensively with their parents and the family system in the effort of supporting the child.
Her goal as your therapist will be to provide you with a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration, healing, and growth. Océane invites you to book a free initial phone consultation to see whether she’s the right therapist for you.
Mélanie Sharma
Office Adminstrator
Mélanie Sharma
Office Administrator
I am bilingual and a former worker in the travel industry. I was fortunate enough to be able to focus most of my time and attention towards my family for the past few years. I am very happy to be part of C’est la Vie Wellness team as I have always believed in the holistic mind, body and spirit approach to wellness.
I am very pleased to meet and greet you at the clinic.
Pascale Kastelein
Office Adminstrator
Pascale Kastelein
Office Administrator
I am a bilingual college graduate who has a growth mindset and a positive attitude towards hard work. I attended College Boréal in the Office Administration program and will be going to Mohawk College to specialize in the Office Administration Medical program. I am very happy to be part of the C’est la Vie Wellness team, as I have always believed in the holistic mind, body, and spirit approach to wellness. As a person on the Autistic Spectrum, I know all too well the importance of fostering good mental health practices which is what is promoted here at the clinic by our healthcare practitioners. I’m very pleased to meet and greet you at the clinic.
Taylor Sheldon
Office Adminstrator