THEIR STORY

Their Collective was born from the passionate vision of co-founders Meg Johnston and Chelsea Bleau, two neuroqueer individuals who recognized the need for a supportive community for queer, trans, and neurodivergent people in Canada. With a background in mental health and advocacy, they set out to create a space that prioritizes gender-affirming, neuroaffirming, inclusive, culturally safe, and trauma-informed care.

THEIR TEAM

Reg. Psychotherapist (Qual.) - Masters in Arts, Counselling Psychology, Masters of Science, Global health

Maraam • she/her

Professional Bio

As a first-generation Bengali Canadian and visibly Muslim therapist, Maraam brings a deep understanding of intersectional identities to their practice. Their approach centers on respecting the richness that diversity brings, particularly recognizing how cultural nuances, neurodivergence, newcomer experiences, and 2SLGBTQIA+ identities profoundly influence mental health and well-being.

They are dedicated to creating trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and inclusive therapeutic spaces where clients can freely explore their thoughts and emotions. Their practice integrates multiple modalities while continuing to expand their expertise through training in Gottman therapy and Sex-Therapy Informed work.

Experiences & Approaches

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Narrative Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Mindfulness practices

Somatic approaches

Gottman therapy (in training)

Sex-Therapy Informed work (in training)

Cultural competency

Anti-oppressive practice

Client Population

Newcomers to Canada

LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals

Neurodivergent people

Cultural and religious minorities

Individuals exploring:

  • Intersectional identities
  • Cultural challenges
  • Self-discovery
  • Personal healing
  • Mental health and well-being

Personal Notes

"Let's connect and build a space where you feel understood, celebrated, and empowered. Together, we can identify your strengths, normalize and validate your experiences, and create solutions aligned with your values and cultural context."

Master Practitioner in Clinical counselling (Provisional) - Diploma Applied Psychology and counselling, & BAchelors of Arts, Psychology

Niko - he/him

Professional Bio

Niko is a queer transmasc-nonbinary settler originally from the mountains of Western North Carolina, currently residing in Treaty 6.

Niko holds a B.A. in Psychology and a diploma in Applied Psychology & Counseling, specializing in the practice of Psychotherapy.

He has worked in mental health as a residential counselor, mental health case manager and group facilitator for 15 years. Niko is the founder and facilitator of The Lost Boys of SK, a social, support and skillshare group for transmen and transmasc folks hosted on Treaty 6.

Genderqueer and neurodivergent, himself, Niko's expertise is a lived-experience, both acquired and ever-unfolding. As a counselor, Niko commits to a trauma-informed, goal-oriented approach, helping clients through grounding somatic practices and shame-free self-acceptance.

Niko enjoys incorporating creativity and personal symbolwork into his practice as part of personal identity building and re-integration support.

Valuing pragmatics and accessibility, Niko offers both individual and group support as well as non-standard hours for counseling to accommodate diverse need sets.

Experiences & Approaches

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Solution Focused Therapy

Mindfulness Practices

Identity Development

Somatic Exercises

Sex-positive, Kink Allied

Client Population

  • Queer, 2SLGBTQIAS+, or Questioning individuals
  • Neurodivergent (ADHD, Autistic, OCD, CPTSD)
  • People experiencing: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma-recovery
  • Parents of Neurodivergent children/teens
  • Parents of Transgender children/teens

Personal Notes

I actively participate in education around decolonized self-reflection and anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices.

Let's connect!

Certified canadian counsellor - Master's of Arts, Counselling Psychology

Kate she/they

Professional Bio

Kate (she/they) is a queer, Canadian immigrant settler who has called the Peace Country home for over 20 years, living and working on Treaty 8 territory.

Kate’s background includes years of experience supporting disabled youth and adults, navigating provincial systems, and participating in rural restorative justice initiatives in Northern Alberta.

They bring a strong commitment to accessible care, relational safety, and community-rooted practice.

Kate offers evening hours to support accessibility for those with varied schedules.

Experiences & Approaches

  • person-centered
  • feminist
  • narrative approaches
  • certification in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
  • certification in Narrative Therapy (Levels 1 & 2)
  • Attachment Repair and Processing Therapy
  • Grief Therapy
  • trauma-informed support


Client Population

Teens.

Adults.

Seniors.

2SLGBTQIAIP+ humans and their families.

Personal Notes

Kate believes in the healing power of story, connection, and curiosity — and in your right to define your own wellness. As a counsellor, they offer a warm, non-pathologizing, space.

Master's of Social Work, Registered Social Worker

Alana she/her

Professional Bio

Carissa enjoys helping clients in creating possibilities and sharing a safe, supportive space to hold transformative treatments to improve on one's quality of life.

Carissa offers a holistic approach rooted in IFS and is passionate about helping clients navigate mental health concerns and addiction.

Although she works with different healing modalities and variety of natural amazonian medicines, Kambo was and still is her main secret ingredient, one in which helped her get her life back.





Experiences & Approaches

  • Internal Family Systems
  • Clarity Coaching
  • Kambo



Client Population

  • Adults
  • Behavioural addictions
  • Substance use addictions
  • Disordered eating
  • Autoimmune issues
  • Trauma
  • Anxiety
  • Suicidal ideation


Personal Notes





THEIR VALUES

  • Inclusivity

    Difference is the standard here! We celebrate diversity and create a welcoming space for everyone.

  • Authenticity

    Be you, unapologetically! We create a space where everyone can be their true selves. Gender-affirming and neuroaffirming practices are at the heart of what we do.

  • Collaboration

    We’re stronger together! We build connections and foster a supportive network where stories and lived experiences can be shared, celebrated, and learned from. We aim for meaningful partnerships that create greater social good.

  • Compassion

    We lead with our hearts. We understand that everyone faces unique challenges, so we approach our work with kindness and understanding.

  • Cultural Safety

    We’re committed to being anti-colonial and honoring diverse cultural backgrounds. We’re all Treaty people, and we strive for practices that respect Indigenous stories and histories.

  • Sustainability

    Let’s take care of our planet and each other! We focus on practices that uplift our community and environment, ensuring our work lasts for the long haul.

  • Socialism

    We believe in collective ownership and sharing resources to create a more equitable society. Our socialist values drive our mission to support the community and ensure everyone benefits.

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

At Their Collective, we acknowledge that we are situated on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples across Canada. We recognize the history and ongoing relationship that Indigenous communities have with these lands, and we honor the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions that enrich this territory.

In Treaty 2, where co-founder Megan Johnston resides, we acknowledge the Anishinaabe and Métis peoples, who have stewarded this land for generations. In Treaty 6, where co-founder Chelsea Bleau resides, we honor the Cree, Saulteaux, Nakota, and Dene peoples, among others, who have long-standing connections to this territory. We acknowledge the impact of colonization and the importance of decolonization efforts to restore Indigenous sovereignty and rights. We recognize the significance of the land to their cultural identity, spiritual practices, and community well-being.

As a national mental health business, we commit to best practices in cultural safety and trauma-informed care, ensuring that we respect and honor the stories of all individuals we serve. We understand that our work is situated within a broader context of reconciliation and healing, and we strive to actively support Indigenous voices in our initiatives.

Our policies state that we must always first attempt to access a 2SLGBTQIAP+, Neurodivergent, or Indigenous contractor or employee. Amplifying Indigenous voices is a role we take very seriously, and we are dedicated to ensuring that these perspectives are not only heard but also celebrated in our programs and practices.

Both Meg and Chelsea maintain personal anti-racism practices, recognizing that this is essential work we hope to facilitate at Their Collective. We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone can engage in meaningful conversations about race, privilege, and systemic oppression.

We pledge to pay Indigenous artists, educators, and mental health professionals generously for their contributions and to elevate their expertise within our offerings. We believe in building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, recognizing that our collective healing and growth depend on honoring and respecting their rights and histories.

We invite everyone to join us in this commitment to learning, growth, and allyship as we work towards a more just and equitable society for all.

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