Smart Steps Psychotherapeutic Services

About SmartSteps

Learn how Smart Steps combines clinical expertise and compassion to support your mental health goals.

A calm, light-filled psychotherapy office with a plush, slate-blue armchair angled slightly toward a low, natural oak side table holding a simple glass carafe of water and a neatly folded, soft-gray blanket. Large, leafy plants in matte white planters soften the corners of the room. Natural daylight filters through sheer white curtains, creating diffused, even lighting and gentle shadows along the pale, warm walls. Shot at eye level in photographic realism, with sharp focus throughout, the composition follows the rule of thirds to emphasize open space and safety. The mood is professional, grounded, and inviting, suggesting a confidential, supportive environment without depicting any people or text.
A dedicated corner for emotional regulation within a psychotherapy setting, showing a low, cushioned bench in soft moss-green fabric, topped with neatly arranged, textured pillows in complementary earth tones. Beside it, a small side table holds a subtle sand timer, a bowl of tactile fidget stones, and a compact, leafy plant. The space is backed by a pale, calming blue-gray wall with no text or images, emphasizing simplicity. Gentle morning light streams from a nearby window outside the frame, creating soft, calming highlights on the fabrics and objects. Captured in photographic realism from a slightly elevated angle with moderate depth of field, the composition communicates structured support, practical coping tools, and a safe, welcoming environment without depicting any people.

Thoughtful, Step-by-Step Mental Health

Smart Steps provides individualized psychotherapy grounded in respect, collaboration, and evidence-based care for children, teens, and adults. Together, we identify meaningful goals and practical next steps. We also offer clinical supervision services. Explore our full range of supports on the Services page.

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About Our Team

Laura Cavanagh

MA, RP, RBA (ON)

Laura Cavanagh is a Registered Psychotherapist and Behaviour Analyst offering individualized care for anxiety, depression, and life transitions across adulthood. Laura is also a trained clinical supervisor offering support to registered, qualifying and student therapists.

Laura is a professor of psychology and the lead author of Hope Against Hope: Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery and the Canadian edition of Essentials of Understanding Psychology. She is a regular media guest, providing psychological perspectives and insights into current news and events.

For more information about Laura, please visit her website at profcavanagh.com.

Learn More About Laura

Alex Pley

MSW, RSW, CCAC

Alex Pley is a Toronto-based Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and Certified Addictions Counsellor. Drawing on both professional and lived experience, he is committed to helping others access meaningful support and opportunities for change.

Alex has experience in inpatient and outpatient treatment, program development, and clinical management. He divides his time between private practice and teaching in Seneca Polytechnic’s Behavioural Studies programs, where he has contributed to curriculum and textbook development.

For more information about Alex, please click the button below.

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Our Therapeutic Approach & Policies

We offer collaborative, strengths-based therapy for youth and adults, honoring each person’s culture, identities, and lived experience. We also offer clinical supervision for registered, qualifying, and student therapists. Learn about treatment focus, session format, fees, and telehealth options so you can decide what feels right.

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A dedicated corner for emotional regulation within a psychotherapy setting, showing a low, cushioned bench in soft moss-green fabric, topped with neatly arranged, textured pillows in complementary earth tones. Beside it, a small side table holds a subtle sand timer, a bowl of tactile fidget stones, and a compact, leafy plant. The space is backed by a pale, calming blue-gray wall with no text or images, emphasizing simplicity. Gentle morning light streams from a nearby window outside the frame, creating soft, calming highlights on the fabrics and objects. Captured in photographic realism from a slightly elevated angle with moderate depth of field, the composition communicates structured support, practical coping tools, and a safe, welcoming environment without depicting any people.