Our Team

Monica Forst

Monica has been working as a health care professional for over 25 years. She has been a psychotherapist in private practice since 1997 and is the co-founder and owner of Choices in Action Counselling Services. Specializing in Addictions and Childhood Trauma, Monica provides individual, couples and group therapy. She currently facilitates a long-term group therapy for women. In addition, Monica has facilitated group therapy programs for addictions, anger management and male survivors of childhood sexual and physical abuse.

Monica has received extensive training in Transactional Analysis and Psychodrama, as well as Schema-Focused Therapy. A seasoned trainer and educator, she has presented on numerous psychotherapy issues for other health care professionals, both within the community and in other major cities in North America. She has presented on Schema-Focused Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Transference/Countertransference, Attachment Theory, Male Sexual Victimization, Trauma and Resiliency, Vicarious Trauma, Action methods for trauma survivors as well as classical Psychodramatic Techniques.

Monica Forst offers individual and group supervision that is recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO).

Cost: $175 per hour.

Sara Panuccio

Since 2008, Sara has worked in mental health and addictions, including extensive clinical experience at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. She supports individuals facing substance use, anxiety, depression, infertility, relationship challenges, trauma, and other mental health concerns.

Her approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard. Treatment is tailored to each person’s strengths and goals, fostering growth and resilience.

Sara draws from evidence-based modalities, including Ego State Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with additional training in Schema Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy. She is IFS-informed and integrates somatic practices, offering a trauma-informed, holistic approach that promotes lasting change.

She is a Registered Psychotherapist (Registration Number: 004640) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (Membership Number: 10001412). Her services are covered by most extended health insurance plans, and she is a registered provider with the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program and Medavie Blue Cross.

Cost: $170 per hour.

Penguin Tan

Peng is a dedicated multi-disciplinary health and wellness professional with a diverse background in kinesiology, massage therapy, and psychotherapy. He is currently completing his Master’s practicum in Counselling Psychology, and also preparing for his Pan-Canadian exams to become a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac.), while working towards his diploma in Osteopathy.

With a holistic approach to therapy, Peng integrates his knowledge of physical health and mental well-being to offer personalized, effective care. His growing expertise in psychotherapy allows him to support clients with emotional and psychological challenges, blending evidence-based techniques and a compassionate, client-centered approach. Peng is committed to ongoing learning and continuously incorporates innovative methods to enhance his clients’ overall health.

Cost: $90 per hour.