^{Mark Atia
— Social Worker, Founding Owner and Clinical Director}

^{About Mark}

Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW)
Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Windsor Honours Major – Bachelor of Arts – Psychology

I am a Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in mental health and social services, and I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals through a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and life challenges. For the past 17 years, I have owned and operated Atia Counselling Centre, where I continue to provide direct clinical care while also supporting a team of therapists who share a commitment to compassionate, client-centred practice.

My clinical work focuses on individuals facing men’s mental health, including challenges related to anger management, emotional regulation, stress, communication difficulties, and relationship conflict. I also support men navigating fatherhood, including new fathers adjusting to changes in identity, increased responsibilities, and shifts in relationships and family dynamics. A key area of my work involves helping clients improve communication, build healthier relational patterns, and develop greater emotional awareness in both personal and family contexts.

In addition, I work with individuals experiencing substance use concerns, supporting them in identifying triggers, developing healthier coping strategies, and working toward stability and long-term change. I also provide court-related therapy and support for individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges. Alongside this, as a former high-level athlete, I work with athletes and individuals in sports performance settings, helping them strengthen focus, discipline, resilience, and mental performance under pressure.

I primarily work with older adolescents and adults in individual therapy, and I aim to provide a structured, respectful, and supportive space where clients feel safe to explore challenges openly and without judgment. My approach is integrative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy. This allows us to work collaboratively to identify unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen coping skills, and focus on practical, achievable goals that support meaningful change.

Outside the office:

I am actively involved in my community and volunteering at my church. I have a strong passion for sports and have played football (a.k.a. soccer) at a high level in both the United States and Canada. I have also coached at the university level in Canada, which has further strengthened my understanding of performance, discipline, teamwork, and resilience. In my personal life, I value staying active, giving back to my community, and maintaining strong connections with others through sport, faith, and service.