Professional Social Work
& Psychotherapeutic Services
Compassionate and culturally-sensitive care for Jewish, Israeli, and ex-USSR communities in Toronto and GTA. Specializing in addiction and trauma therapy in Hebrew, Russian, and English.
Olga Shafer
RSW/Psychotherapist
Shafer's Wellness Band
Specializing In:
About Olga
A dedicated social worker and psychotherapist committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care
Olga
RSW/Psychotherapist
Bachelor of Social Work and MA of Human Services
Education & Background
Olga holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree and is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and psychotherapist in Ontario. Her comprehensive education and specialized training have equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional psychotherapeutic care to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
With extensive experience working with Jewish, Israeli, and ex-USSR communities in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, Olga understands the unique cultural, linguistic, and historical factors that influence mental health and recovery.
Professional Approach
Olga specializes in Eclectic approach and trauma-oriented therapy, creating a culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate environment where clients can explore their experiences in their preferred language - Hebrew, Russian, or English.
Her compassionate approach, combined with deep cultural understanding and professional expertise, helps clients develop healthy coping strategies while honoring their cultural identity and experiences.
Specializations
- • Addictions
- • Trauma Therapy
- • Cultural Identity Issues
- • Immigration & Settlement
Treatment Methods
- • Trauma-Informed Care
- • Addiction Recovery Programs
- • Cultural Therapy Approaches
- • Motivational Interviewing
Communities Served
- • Jewish Community
- • Israeli Immigrants
- • Ex-USSR Community
- • Russian and Hebrew Speaking Families
Languages Offered
- • Russian
- • Hebrew
- • English
- • Cultural Interpretation
Professional Services
Comprehensive social work and psychotherapeutic services tailored to meet the unique needs of Jewish, Israeli, and ex-USSR communities in Toronto and GTA
Addiction Counseling
Specialized addiction treatment programs designed for cultural and linguistic needs of our communities.
- Substance abuse counseling
- Behavioral addictions
- Family involvement
- Relapse prevention
Trauma Therapy
Trauma-informed care addressing historical, immigration, and personal trauma experiences.
- PTSD treatment
- Immigration trauma
- Historical trauma
- Cultural healing approaches
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions in your preferred language with culturally-sensitive approach.
- Personalized treatment
- Cultural understanding
- Language preference
- Flexible scheduling
Family Counseling
Family therapy addressing intergenerational conflicts and cultural adaptation challenges.
- Family dynamics
- Cultural conflicts
- Communication skills
- Intergenerational therapy
Cultural Integration Support
Support for immigrants navigating cultural adaptation and identity issues in Canada.
- Immigration adjustment
- Cultural identity
- Community integration
- Bicultural challenges
Crisis Intervention
Immediate support and crisis intervention services available in Hebrew, Russian, and English.
- 24/7 crisis support
- Safety planning
- Emergency intervention
- Immediate counseling
Serving Our Communities
Specialized care for Jewish, Israeli, and ex-USSR communities in Toronto and Greater Toronto Area
Cultural Understanding
Deep understanding of cultural nuances and community-specific challenges
Multilingual Services
Therapy sessions available in English, Hebrew, and Russian
Local Expertise
Extensive experience serving Toronto and GTA communities
Why Choose Olga?
Experience the difference that culturally-sensitive, multilingual, and specialized social work and psychotherapeutic care can make in your healing journey
Licensed RSW Professional
Registered Social Worker (RSW) in Ontario with Bachelor of Social Work credentials, ensuring you receive qualified, professional care.
Multilingual Services
Therapy sessions conducted in English, Hebrew, or Russian - speak in the language where you feel most comfortable expressing yourself.
Addiction & Trauma Specialist
Specialized expertise in addiction counseling and trauma therapy, addressing the unique challenges faced by our communities.
Community-Focused Care
Deep understanding of Jewish, Israeli, and ex-USSR community experiences, cultural values, and unique challenges in Canada.
Toronto & GTA Expertise
Extensive experience serving communities throughout Toronto and Greater Toronto Area with convenient local access.
Confidential & Safe Environment
Complete privacy and confidentiality in a culturally safe space where you can explore your experiences without judgment.
Additional Benefits
When you choose Olga, you're choosing excellence in culturally-sensitive mental health care
Immigration Experience
Personal understanding of immigration challenges and cultural adaptation
Trauma-Informed Approach
Specialized training in trauma therapy and healing methodologies
Flexible Scheduling
Evening and weekend appointments available to accommodate your needs
Community Connections
Strong ties with local Jewish, Israeli, and ex-USSR community resources
Client Testimonials
Read what our clients have to say about their transformative experiences with Olga
"Olga helped me overcome my anxiety in ways I never thought possible. Her compassionate approach and professional expertise made all the difference. I finally feel like myself again."
"Olga helped me overcome my anxiety in ways I never thought possible. Her compassionate approach and professional experti..."
"After struggling with depression for years, Olga's evidence-based approach helped me find hope again. Her training and m..."
"The couples therapy sessions with Olga saved our marriage. She provided us with tools and insights that transformed our ..."
"Olga's trauma therapy helped me process experiences I thought I'd never overcome. Her safe environment and professional ..."
"I was skeptical about therapy at first, but Olga's personalized approach and genuine care made me feel comfortable from ..."
"The stress management techniques I learned from Olga have completely changed my work-life balance. Her practical approac..."
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Join hundreds of satisfied clients who have transformed their lives with Olga's professional psychotherapeutic services.
Schedule Your ConsultationGet In Touch
Ready to take the first step towards better mental health? Contact Olga today to schedule your consultation in English, Hebrew, or Russian.
Online Booking & Intake
Schedule your appointment and complete intake forms online through our secure Jane.app system
Jane.app Booking System
Easy online scheduling and intake forms
Languages Offered
Contact Information
Location
Maple, Ontario
Serving Toronto & GTA
Hours
Mon-Fri: 9AM-7PM
Weekend appointments available
Crisis Support
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please don't wait. Immediate help is available.
Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 686868
Ontario Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
Toronto Distress Centre: 416-408-4357
Professional Credentials
Olga is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) in Ontario with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, specializing in addiction and trauma therapy for Jewish, Israeli, and ex-USSR communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book an appointment?
You can book appointments online through our Jane.app booking system, call our office, or send an email. Online booking includes intake forms to complete before your first session.
What languages are sessions available in?
Sessions are available in English, Hebrew, and Russian. You can specify your language preference when booking your appointment.
Do you accept OHIP or insurance?
As an RSW, some services may be covered by extended health benefits. Please check with your insurance provider and contact us to discuss coverage options.
What should I expect in the first session?
The first session includes assessment, discussing your concerns and goals, and developing a culturally-sensitive treatment plan tailored to your community background.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes, all sessions are completely confidential. Your privacy is protected by professional ethics and legal requirements, with rare exceptions for safety concerns.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes, we offer secure video therapy sessions for your convenience. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns.
Serving Our Communities
Specialized care for Jewish, Israeli, and ex-USSR communities throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area
Jewish Community
Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and secular Jewish families welcome
Israeli Community
New immigrants, established Israelis, and Israeli-Canadians in the GTA
Ex-USSR Community
Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and other former Soviet republic immigrants
Service Areas in the GTA
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Take the first step towards better mental health with culturally-sensitive, professional care in your preferred language.
Insurance & Payment
- Extended health benefits may cover RSW services
- Direct billing available for some insurance plans
- Flexible payment options available
What to Expect
- Initial consultation: 60-90 minutes
- Intake forms completed online before first visit
- Regular sessions: 50-60 minutes