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DR. MEG ASTON-LEBOLD, Psy.D., C.Psych.
Psychologist

DR. MEG ASTON-LEBOLD, Psy.D., C.Psych.

Psychotherapy can help you cope more effectively with life’s challenges, think about things in new and different ways, and make important changes in your life. I applaud you for starting your journey by selecting a psychologist that can address your specific needs and concerns. I have supported numerous adolescents, adults and couples to overcome barriers to leading more fulfilling and meaningful lives---and would be honoured to be a part of your process of renewal, self and relationship growth.

In individual therapy, I see adolescents and adults facing a wide range of personal struggles, including depression, mood and grief, and challenges managing debilitating anxiety (e.g., general anxiety, social anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive, and post-traumatic stress). I also journey with clients to heal in the aftermath of traumatic experiences involving emotional, physical or sexual abuse and emotional and physical neglect---to understand and overcome the lingering impact these experiences can have. I support individuals to build a more resilient sense of self by addressing issues related to self-esteem, self-confidence and identity, to navigate significant life transitions (e.g., loss, breakups, job/career change, pre/post marital counseling, mid-life crises) and to resolve past and current relationship issues. I have a particular interest in addressing issues pertaining to career and professional development (i.e., career assessment and counseling for workplace related issues) to help you find the career path this is best suited for you, or resolve issues pertaining to occupational stress and burnout.

I also support couples in their efforts to improve their emotional, physical, and sexual intimacy and can help with the process of relationship repair following difficult relationship experiences, such as infidelity and betrayals. I help partners develop more effective communication patterns and more empathic approaches to one another to manage conflicts over finances, parenting, family stress, and to support each other through life's challenges.

To help you overcome your challenges, I focus on creating a safe and inviting atmosphere in which you will feel comfortable exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In an initial session, we will work together to identify a focus for our work together. We will also identify your personal areas of strength so that your own strengths can be harnessed for the purpose of your growth and renewal. As we progress, we may broaden our understanding of your presenting issue(s) by assessing how and why the problem(s) developed. This may involve an exploration of significant experiences or relationships from your past. I will also conduct a thorough assessment of your difficulties, including the use of scientific, evidence-based questionnaires and personal history taking to better understand the nature and scope of your difficulties and to identify any relevant diagnoses to inform treatment. Using the knowledge gained from our discussions (and any potential test results), I will help you develop strategies to foster positive change that is congruent with your personal worldview and values.

Given my clinical interests and experiences, I am currently the Co-Head of the Anxiety, Stress, & Obsessive-Compulsive Service, the Career & Workplace Service, the Depression, Mood & Grief Service, and the Self-Growth & Self-Esteem Service. I am also the lead for various assessment services, including the Attention Deficit & ADHD Assessment Service, the Career & Vocational Assessment Service, and the Couple & Pre-Marital Assessment Service, and value providing scientific, evidence-based assessments to our clients. As a Head of Service, I develop programs and guide service delivery on the basis of evidence-based scientific research and provide clinical training to advanced doctoral students in clinical and counseling psychology.

I completed my graduate studies in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a focus on understanding ethnic, racial, gender, sexual, cultural and religious, age, and disability diversity. I am committed to keeping up-to-date in all aspects of my clinical work. I remain aware of current theoretical developments and research findings and continue to develop my own expertise through independent readings, attending workshops, and classes. I am an active member of professional associations, and attend psychology conferences to update my knowledge. I am also involved in clinical supervision of mental health professionals in training.

I am a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association.
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Career & Workplace, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity

ASSESSMENT
Attention Deficit & ADHD, Couples & Pre-Marital, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy
NIYATI GANDHI, M.A., C.Psych. Assoc.
Psychological Associate

NIYATI GANDHI, M.A., C.Psych. Assoc.

I admire your courage for seeking out support to make some healthier, happier changes in your life. I strongly believe that my clients truly are the experts on themselves and over the past decade, I feel privileged for the opportunity to work alongside them and be a part of their therapeutic journey. I deeply value our relationship and believe in working collaboratively to achieve your desired goals. Therapy is a process, and our work together will focus on developing self-awareness, understanding your emotions and thoughts and attaining a greater sense of acceptance and compassion to create meaningful relationships with self and others.

At CFIR, I provide assessment and psychotherapy for individual adults and couples. In individual therapy, I work with clients presenting with a diverse range of difficulties such as anxiety and stress, psychological trauma, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, depression, self-esteem issues, atypical personality patterns, interpersonal relationship struggles and cultural diversity issues. I also support clients to address questions and concerns related to identity, meaning and purpose, sexual orientation, sexuality, substance dependence and addictions, anger and impulse control problems. My training in sexual abuse counselling and advocacy has enabled me to empower many of my clients overcoming emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and associated trauma.

In my work with couples, the aim is to generate greater understanding of their relationship and self in the context of their relationship to foster a secure attachment and restore the relationship to a healthier level of functioning. I counsel couples who are experiencing concerns related to intimacy (emotional, physical and sexual connection), communication difficulties, (fights, arguments, anger), infidelity and trust, power dynamins. I also counsel couples for various other difficulties related to managing finances, dividing workload, parenting and extended family (e.g., in-laws). To enrich the marital bond, I coach couples to build effective communication skills, conflict resolution techniques, constructive problem solving and increase partner acceptance and appreciation. I also support couple partners, married or not, who have an open, non-monogamous or polyamorous relationship.

In our initial few meetings, we will work together to develop your therapeutic goals, and devise a plan around how we can achieve these goals. As we progress, I will conduct a comprehensive scientific, evidence-based assessment along with taking an in-depth personal history, to develop a deeper understanding of your concerns, which may involve evaluating certain past experiences and relationships that may have contributed to the current difficulties. We will also identify and harness your personal strengths and resources that are instrumental in the process of change. In therapy, I offer a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space where, at your own pace, you can uncover, examine, experience, accept and modify certain aspects of your thoughts, emotions and behaviors, that hinder your journey of personal growth.

My therapeutic style entails an integration of various research supported interventions including cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, family systems therapy, Gottman’s method couples therapy, emotionally-focused couples therapy, gestalt and existential therapies, which allow me to tailor treatment interventions to suit the specific nature of the client's difficulties. Being born and raised in South Asia, and having lived in two different countries in North America, I bring in a blend of western psychology and eastern philosophy, which helps me to offer a holistic approach in working with my clients. My multicultural experience has sensitized me to understanding diverse beliefs and values that shape individual viewpoints, bringing in a unique perspective to my approach.

I have about a decade of clinical experience from United States and India working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. During this time, I provided psychological assessment, consultation and intervention services in adult private practice and child guidance centres, hospitals, university counselling centres (all in Mumbai, India) and community mental health centres (Lifelinks, USA). Over my work tenure, I have also contributed in different research projects, including planning and development of an online game-based psychometric employee recruitment tool called Nautics, used by corporate organizations for talent acquisition and management (www.talentlitmus.com) and have co-authored a research paper mentioned below,

default_titleSonawalla, S., Jiwani, S. K., Srinivasan, M., Ajmera, T., Gandhi, N., Aladia, S., Pateria, I., Parikh, R. M. (2013, May) Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation Among College Students in Bombay: A Study Of 3,300 Students. Poster paper presented at the Annual Meeting of American Psychiatric Association at San Francisco.

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I have completed my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University, USA, and also hold a Master’s in Applied Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from University of Mumbai, India.

I am registered as a Psychological Associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario with declared area of practice in Clinical Psychology with adults and couples and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association. I am also a registered Rehabilitation Psychologist with the Rehabilitation Council of India and a member of Bombay Psychological Association, India.

Thank you for putting your trust in me!
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Couples & Pre-Marital, Immigration & Refugee, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic
DR. LILA HAKIM, R.P. (Qualifying), C.Psych.
Psychologist, Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Centre Director

DR. LILA HAKIM, R.P. (Qualifying), C.Psych.

Life challenges can be overwhelming and exhausting at times, and it can be difficult to make sense of our selves---- our thoughts, emotional reactions and behaviours. We can also become stuck in unhelpful patterns of behaving or relating that block us from living our lives in a full, rich and meaningful way. Through enhancing awareness of yourself, and how you engage in relationships with others, we can work to address the different aspects of your current life that are no longer adaptive for you. I feel honoured to support individuals and couples from all walks of life (inclusive of all gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, races, ethnicities, cultures, spiritual beliefs and relationship types) in achieving their greatest life potentials. If you are unsure about therapy, I would be happy to meet for an introductory consultation to assure that you are connecting to a therapist who will be a good fit with your needs.

If you are facing difficulties related to your mood or experiencing debilitating anxiety, we will work toward understanding and changing the factors that are causing and maintaining these negative emotional experiences. We can also journey together to heal from the painful aftermath of interpersonal trauma (e.g., emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, or emotional and physical deprivation), or life threatening events. Our work can also help you to deal with physical concerns (e.g., fertility-related stress and treatment, physical injuries and pain, motor vehicle accident or work-related disability), grief or loss, substance abuse, eating issues, anger related difficulties, or general stress and burnout.

During our initial meetings, we will set the expectations, direction and pace of psychological therapy, identify achievable treatment goals, and develop a tailored therapeutic plan to address your concerns. In addition to addressing the distressing thoughts, emotional reactions, behaviours, and relationship problems, our work will involve enhancing your strengths, and overcoming perceived limitations and present life barriers. A thorough assessment, which includes a scientifically-based assessment involving psychometrically reliable and valid questionnaires and an in-depth personal history, will help you and I understand what factors have been contributing to your difficulties. As an integrative psychologist, I bring together various theories of human psychological development, and affective/emotion and neuroscience research to help you understand the nature of your current difficulties. I employ best practice clinical guidelines and scientific-evidence based interventions (e.g., psychodynamic-attachment, cognitive-behavioural, mindfulness, experiential, emotion-focused, perception-focused, systemic, existential-humanistic). This is to assure that your treatment is tailored according to your concerns and needs to meet your immediate and long-term goals. In the context of a safe, comforting and respectful therapeutic environment, I am transparent in offering you my clinical opinion and informing you about the interventions that I believe would be most effective for you. We will check-in regularly to adjust our sessions so that the process feels productive but not overwhelming.

My clinical background includes particular interests and extensive experience in working with individuals and couples encountering difficulties with emotional communication, sexual functioning (e.g., arousal, inhibited desire, orgasm difficulties and sexual pain) and family-building (e.g., fertility, adoption). I work to help you build greater emotional, physical and sexual intimacy and to attain practical support and strategies for addressing couple conflicts. I also facilitate the repair relationship ruptures in the aftermath of betrayals and infidelities. With respect to family-building, I am a provider of psychological counseling and assessments (including testing and reports) for many fertility clinics to help individuals and couples prepare for assisted reproduction including third party procedures (e.g., ovum and sperm donation, surrogacy). I conduct psychological assessments of individuals and couples for International adoptions in tandem with adoption practitioners and agencies, and have been asked to perform psychological assessments of caregivers for the Children’s Aid Society.

In my roles as Clinical Director and Director of Clinical Training at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships, I am primarily responsible for overseeing the development of clinical programs and services, as well as associate and student training. I am currently the Head of the Adoption Service, Fertility Counselling Service, Relationship and Sex Therapy Service and the Sexual Addiction Service at the Centre. I am also the Head of Service for various assessment services, including the Adoption Assessment Service, Fertility & Third-Party Reproduction Assessment Service, Personality and Interpersonal Functioning Assessment Service, and the Psychodiagnostic & Mental Health Evaluation Service. I value providing scientific, evidence-based assessments to our clients. As a Head of Service, I develop programs and guide service delivery on the basis of evidence-based scientific research, and provide clinical training to advanced doctoral students in clinical and counseling psychology. Currently, and in concert with my role as Director of Clinical Training, I am an approved clinical field supervisor for Doctoral Clinical and Counselling Psychology Programs at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto, University of Guelph, University of Toronto, York University and Adler University. Through my work as a clinical supervisor of psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors and social workers, I facilitate other professionals in attaining advanced and specialized mental health training and licensing.

Professionally, I serve on the Editorial Board for Creating Families Magazine of the Infertility Association of Canada, have been an invited journal editor (International Journal of Fertility & Sterility; International Journal of Women’s Health) and have published peer-reviewed articles and chapters (Human Reproduction; Handbook of Person-Centered Psychotherapy). I served as an Executive Committee Member of the Counselling Special Interest Group of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society and have presented, co-chaired sessions, and chaired awards committees. My research on psychosocial counseling for fertility treatments was awarded Best Psychosocial Paper and a Resident Award. I am pursuing ongoing Adoption Competency Training through the Adoption Council of Ontario. Below are some selected publications and presentations:

default_titleHakim, L.Z. (2015, November) Trauma and Fertility. Invited paper presented at Hannam Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario.

default_titleHakim, L.Z. (2014, May) Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: Advances in diagnosis and psychological treatment. Invited paper presented at Humber River Regional Hospital, Toronto, Ontario.

default_titleHakim, L.Z. (2014, April) Male sexual dysfunction and fertility treatments & (2014, January) Vaginismus: Psychological factors and treatment. Invited papers presented at ISIS Regional Fertility Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.

default_titleHakim, L.Z., Newton, C., MacLean-Brine, D., and Feyles, V. (2012). Evaluation of preparatory psychosocial counselling for medically assisted reproduction, Human Reproduction, 27 (7), p. 2058-2066.

default_titleToukmanian, S.G, & Hakim, L.Z. (2007). The role of perception in Rogers’ theory of therapy and personality change. In M. Cooper, M. O’Hara, P. Schmidt, & G. Wyatt (Eds.) The Handbook of Person-Centered Psychotherapy and Counselling. London: PCCS Books.

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For over 15 years, I have offered treatment and assessment services to adults and couples in public and private settings, including at the London Health Sciences Centre, St. John’s Rehabilitation Hospital, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Synergy Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Toronto East General Hospital, Oshawa Psychological & Counselling Services, and York University. I have also enjoyed teaching psychology courses to honours undergraduates, child and youth workers, nurses and police candidates in various Toronto universities and Colleges.

I am a member of the Ontario Psychological Association and am Registered for autonomous practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
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Adult, Couple, Family (English)

TREATMENT
Adoption, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Family Psychology, Fertility Counselling, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Rehabilitation Psychology, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Adoption Assessment, Couples & Pre-Marital, Disability Injury & Accident, Fertility & Third-Party Reproduction, Immigration & Refugee, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
DR. NATALIE HAZZARD, C.Psych.
Psychologist (Supervised Practice)

DR. NATALIE HAZZARD, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)

Like most things of value in life, facing our weaknesses and enhancing our emotional wellbeing requires commitment to change and acceptance of vulnerability. The strength and courage it requires to be vulnerable and unfiltered does not escape me and I am truly appreciative of the opportunity to partake in your journey towards self-enhancement and empowerment.

I have experience working with diverse populations across the patient lifespan with expansive diagnoses including depression, anxiety, adjustment, grief and relationship issues. My greatest interest is in trauma and I have gained extensive experience working with individuals who have survived various traumatic life events. Regardless of the difficulties, I am always in awe of people’s courage and ability for self-reflection and growth.

In order to address each individual’s unique needs, I draw from an integrated approach that includes trauma-informed models, humanistic and developmental models, attachment theory, psychodynamic theory, cognitive-behavioral theory, dialectical-behavioral theory, and acceptance and commitment therapy. My priority in therapy is to develop a warm and trusting relationship in order to establish a firm foundation for clients to thrive. I strive to meet each individual with empathy, warmth, nonjudgment, and humor to help you feel at ease.

In our first session, I will take time to get to know you and understand your current concerns, life experiences, and personal history. I will use a comprehensive scientific-based psychological assessment to help gather this information and provide you with feedback based on the results, and together we will work collaboratively to establish treatment goals.

Over the past decade, I have provided clinical services in various settings, including Centre for Psychological Services at Western University, Trauma and Addictions at Elizabeth Fry Vancouver, and Trauma Services at Centerstone Florida. I have provided psychological assessment services at Work BC in Vancouver, Plea Community Services Vancouver, and Centerstone Diagnostic Clinic in Florida. I have a B.A. in Psychology from Western University, an M.A. in clinical counselling from Medialle University, and a Doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Adler University in Vancouver.
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Adolescent, Adult (English)

TREATMENT
Adolescent Psychology, Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Disability Injury & Accident, Immigration & Refugee, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic
DR. AINSLIE HEASMAN, C.Psych.
Psychologist

DR. AINSLIE HEASMAN, C.Psych.

Making the decision to seek out therapy can be a tough one. It can be especially difficult to talk to someone about your sexual interests and behaviour. You may seek therapy because you have decided that your behaviour or thoughts are just too inconsistent with your values or the future you want for yourself. Other times, therapy is sought at the insistence of someone important to you and/or as a result of significant consequences in your life. Regardless of the path you have taken to seeking out therapy, my goal is to create a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental space for you to determine how best to move forward.

Understanding the nature or origins of your behaviour or thoughts is important and can help put context and explanation around where you have found yourself today. I believe that change comes from both insight—understanding yourself better—and focusing on specific and concrete strategies (relating to thoughts, feelings, and behaviours) that will help you to manage current difficulties, and to ensure you are as successful as possible in the short- and long-term. Having a clear sense of your values and goals will also assist you in moving forward with a life you are happy and proud of. Regardless of the reason that you see me for therapy, I find that most of my clients benefit strongly and achieve greater success from actively engaging in ‘homework’ type activities outside of session. We will work together to determine what is feasible for you within your specific life circumstances so that you can consolidate the information you learn in session and actively work towards managing your presenting issue in between sessions.

My practice focuses on assisting individuals who struggle with problematic sexual behaviour and/or thoughts. Specifically, I focus on helping people with two types of concerns, hypersexuality (also known as sexual addiction) and atypical sexual interests;

1) Hypersexuality (also known as Sex Addiction): Individuals with hypersexuality engage in frequent sexual behaviours that interfere with their functioning (i.e. school, work, relationships, hobbies etc.). The content and desires of their sexual behaviors may be of concern to them. Everyone has their own preferences for frequency and content of sexual activities – whether alone or partnered. When that frequency or content results in significant consequences or is done as a way to deal with life stressors or uncomfortable/unpleasant emotions, it may be considered problematic. I can support you to determine if you want to reduce or eliminate the sexual behaviour/thoughts of concern, and then help you by implementing a variety of strategies to achieve your goals.

2) Atypical sexual interests (also known as Paraphilias): Human beings express themselves sexually in a variety of ways. Many people have atypical sexual interests and engage in those behaviours solo or with consensual partners and typically do not seek out therapy or have a disorder. Someone with an atypical sexual interest may seek out treatment when they are uncomfortable with their interests, or are concerned about acting on them in a way that would be illegal, or have in fact acted on them in ways that is illegal and/or nonconsensual.

There are various atypical sexual behaviors or sexual thoughts that may prompt someone to seek out assessment and psychological treatment due to the risky or illegal nature of the activity to self and others, including: exhibitionism (exposing oneself to an unsuspecting person); voyeurism (watching an unsuspecting person undress, in the nude, or engaged in sexual activity for one’s own sexual gratification), pedophilia (arousal to pre-pubescent children), or hebephilia (arousal to pubescent children).

Other atypical sexual behavior and thoughts may prompt individuals to seek treatment due to the distress caused by the behavior to self or others. Examples of such behaviors include: sadism (arousal from inflicting pain or humiliation on another), masochism (arousal from having pain or humiliation inflicted on oneself), transvestic fetishism (arousal from cross-dressing), or fetishism (arousal from inanimate objects). In some instances, however, these behaviours are/can be incorporated into one’s sense of sexual identity and lifestyle without negative psychological distress nor impairment to relationships. I may refer clients to CFIR’s Sexuality, Gender and Relationship Diversity service when clients are seeking specifically to integrate gender diversity into their personal and social identities and lifestyle.

I also conduct psychological assessments to evaluate the risk for offending or engaging in sexually inappropriate behaviour, as well as sexological/diagnostic assessments to determine the presence of a sexual disorder or other mental health issue.

Risk assessments determine the likelihood of general, violent, and/or sexual reoffence. These are typically requested by the court, a lawyer, or the Children’s Aid Society. A risk assessment is an in depth analysis, using evidence based practices, of an individuals past and current behaviour and thoughts, coupled with a thorough review of all relevant documentation, (i.e. police, employment, school records etc.) and collateral interviews. Additionally one or more actuarial or structured professional judgment tools are used as part of the comprehensive risk assessment. A report is then provided detailing all the information gathered, as well as statements about risk for re-offence.

I have over 10 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals involved with the criminal justice and/or mental health system. I completed my graduate training in the United States, allowing me the opportunity to work in a maximum security prison, conduct assessments for criminal responsibility and fitness, and work with men with a history of sexual offences who were civilly committed. I worked for seven years at the Ontario Correctional Institute (OCI), a therapeutic correctional facility for adult men. My work at OCI involved the development of the intensive program for men with sexual offences, as well as, assessments and individual and group therapy. Currently, I am on staff at the Sexual Behaviours Clinic at the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH), and conduct assessments, group and individual therapy, and supervision of psychology trainees.

I am a registered member of the Ontario Psychological Association, Canadian Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, and the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. I am also registered for autonomous practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
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Adult (English)

ASSESSMENT
Forensic Assessment, Risk Assessment, Sexological Assessment

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Adolescent Psychology, Adoption, Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges,
DR. NALINI IYPE, C.Psych.
Psychologist, (Supervised Practice); MC:AT

DR. NALINI IYPE, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice); MC:AT

Welcome! Is something standing in your way from living the life you want? Are you unsure of how to make a change? Therapy can help illuminate new possibilities and it is my privilege to guide individuals as they unlock new ways of being, thinking, and experiencing themselves in the world. Whether you are dealing with a major life obstacle or healing an old wound, reaching out for help is a sign of strength. I look forward to working with you with compassion and warmth, and to honouring your personal strengths and needs.

I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families from a wide variety of backgrounds, including different ethnicities, nationalities, gender identities, and sexual orientations. Some areas that I treat with all ages include mood disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety); challenging emotions and behaviors (e.g., impulsivity, anger, shame, guilt, suicidality and self-harm); and issues of self-esteem and self-growth. I also have a passion for working with family conflict, such as differing parenting styles, challenges with communication, and generational differences in immigration experiences.

I am well versed in treating trauma with both children and adults, as well as grief and loss related to death and divorce. I also have a particular interest in supporting youth on the cusp of adulthood as they explore and discover their self-identities.

In addition to therapy, I conduct psychological evaluations of intelligence, learning differences, giftedness, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, behaviour, personality, socio-emotional abilities, and developmental disorders. I have great interest and experience with assessing trauma for children and youth in foster care and for those in the process of being adopted.

From the beginning of our work together, I will strive to provide a welcoming and open space so that we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors together as a team. We will work together to achieve your goals by building on your strengths and finding new ways to remove the obstacles in your path to a more fulfilled life. My work is grounded in integrative theory, meaning we could use practical skills to get you or your child “unstuck”, talk about patterns in your life experiences, or explore how your family of origin impacts you now.

I have specialized training in art therapy and am comfortable with helping clients think creatively when traditional talk therapy is not the right fit. That means that I have a unique way to guide children and adults alike who may want to seek help but who may be hesitant as they are unsure of how to express what they feel.

Over the last two decades, I have worked in many clinical settings including community mental health and private practice, both in Canada and the US. I have taught psychology and art therapy courses at George Brown College and the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and I have presented on several topics such as art therapy and grief with children to community partners. My research experience includes being involved with an international research project focused on healthy child development in several countries and having published as a first author in a peer-reviewed journal. My doctoral research on ethnic identity development and parenting style was presented at an international conference and I continue to review research articles and attend trainings to remain current in my field. I have a B.A (Hons) in Psychology from the University of New Brunswick, an MC:AT (Masters of Counselling: Art Therapy) from Athabasca University and the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute, and a PsyD from Pacific University in Portland, OR.

I am completing my supervised practice for the College of Psychologists under the supervision of Dr. Cassandra Pasiak, C. Psych. and Dr. Lila Hakim, C. Psych.
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Child, Adolescent, Adult, Couple, Family (English)

TREATMENT
Adolescent Psychology, Adoption, Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Child Psychology, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Family Psychology, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Adoption Assessment, Attention Deficit & ADHD, Autism Spectrum & Developmental Disorder, Immigration & Refugee, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Psychoeducation Assessment, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Play Therapy, Relational Therapy
DR. JEAN KIM, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Psychologist (Sup. Practice)

DR. JEAN KIM, Ph.D., C.Psych. (Sup. Practice)

When life stressors become overwhelming, we typically turn to familiar ways of coping. We can become stuck in a cycle, almost as though we are playing a scene on repeat. It takes self-awareness and courage to interrupt this cycle, and I commend you for taking the initial step toward meaningful change. Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege to work alongside people as they develop greater understanding of themselves and their relationships, and discover a new direction in their lives.

People often question whether their struggles are significant enough to seek support. From my experience, if the issue is causing distress or interfering with your goals and values, it is worth exploring. In therapy, I work with those who are struggling with a variety of negative emotional experiences, such as anxiety, depression, shame/guilt, fear, or anger. I have specific interests and training in working with people who struggle with disordered eating, weight, and/or body image concerns, as well as those who are experiencing the challenges of integrating their cultural identity. In addition, I provide help to those who are struggling with the effects of interpersonal trauma (i.e., emotional, physical, or sexual abuse), family and/or relationship issues, emotion regulation difficulties, adjustment concerns, loss and grief, stress/burnout, and self-esteem concerns. In therapy, we will explore how these challenges impact your relationships, daily functioning, and mental health. My clinical work is inclusive of all sociocultural identity groups.

My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy and warmth, with the goal of understanding your specific difficulties - how they developed, how they are maintained, and how they can be changed. From this understanding, I will work collaboratively with you over the course of therapy to ensure we meet your specific needs. I regularly integrate from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including emotion-focused, behavioural, psychodynamic, cognitive, and mindfulness-based therapies. I strive to be a therapist who is educated in a range of therapies supported by research, and who can flexibly apply this knowledge to best meet the unique needs of each individual. Above all, I see therapy as a person-to-person interaction, one that requires a sense of safety, respect, and trust to explore difficult experiences.

I completed my Ph.D. in Adult Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor, and my pre-doctoral residency at the Edmonton Consortium. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, including the University Hospital of Alberta, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa Association, and the University of Windsor’s Psychological Services and Research Centre. At these sites, I provided individual and group therapy to adults and adolescents. I also conducted assessments for a variety of presenting issues (e.g., learning disabilities, adult ADHD, cognitive assessments following brain injury, eating disorders, sexual health, feeding/swallowing concerns, and personality disorders).

In addition to my clinical work, I have enjoyed academic pursuits through research and teaching. My research has focused on weight-based stigma and its impact on body image. I have published academic articles in peer-reviewed journals and have presented at national and international academic conferences. I am also a peer reviewer for the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Below are selected publications:

default_titlePascual-Leone, A., Kim, J., & Morrison, O-P. (2016). Working with victims of human trafficking. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 1-9.

default_titleKim, J., & Jarry, J. L. (2014). Holding fat stereotypes is associated with lower body dissatisfaction in normal weight Caucasian women who engage in body surveillance. Body Image, 11, 331-336.

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Additionally, I taught an undergraduate clinical psychology course at the University of Windsor. Further, I have enjoyed facilitating workshops on various topics related to mental health, including Healthy Relationships, Emotion Regulation, and Basic Counselling Skills.

I am currently registered for supervised practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I am also a member of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Academy for Eating Disorders.
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Adult, Adolescent (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Immigration & Refugee, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic
DR. SELA KLEIMAN, C.Psych.
Psychologist, (Supervised Practice)

DR. SELA KLEIMAN, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)

Identifying that you want things to be different is a crucial step toward changing your circumstances for the better. Changing aspects of how you think, feel, act, or relate to others can be challenging and sometimes painful. Change is not easy but if you’re contemplating seeing a psychologist, you’ve probably determined that it’s better than the status quo. Some people may feel embarrassed or ashamed about sharing feelings or needing help---so it’s easy to understand why you may be reluctant to seek treatment. However, just as most of us would seek treatment for a medical concern, we also need to tend to our mental health. Once you have made the decision to seek help, the next important step is to find a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and trust. Continue reading below to determine whether I’m the right psychologist for you.

In individual therapy, I help adults struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, as well as those trying to cope with the effects of past and/or current verbal, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Some of the psychological symptoms that may compel someone to seek treatment are feelings of low self-esteem, worthlessness, low self-confidence, chronic feelings of emptiness, difficulties managing strong emotions, and various manifestations of fear and dread that seem out of proportion to the actual risk present in one’s life. I have extensive experience helping clients utilize their strengths and their inherent drive toward growth and self-improvement by helping them work through the issues that interfere with them being more fully engaged and present in their lives. Part of this work also involves supporting individuals to address challenges with effectively navigating relationships with family, friends, peers, and colleagues. Issues that may arise in an interpersonal context may include being assertive, seeking and giving support to others, negotiating conflictual relationships, and developing more intimate connections with others. I also support clients to effectively manage unhelpful coping behaviours such as excessive substance, alcohol, and internet use which may interfere with their functioning in important aspects of their life. My experience and training have prepared me to work with a wide diversity of individuals, including racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities, to address the full spectrum of human experience - not just those common to members of dominant cultural groups.

I also work with couples to help them address challenges regarding emotional and physical intimacy. The focus of these issues are diverse and may include challenges with parenting, infidelity, finances, and intimacy.

In therapy, after your reasons for seeking help have been established, we would collaboratively build a treatment plan uniquely tailored to your concerns and needs. To help gain a deeper understanding of what may be troubling you, I will conduct a comprehensive psychological assessment comprised of various scientifically validated questionnaires and obtain a personal history of your concerns. I then draw from various evidence-based therapeutic approaches as they best apply to your needs, including cognitive-behavioural, emotion-focused, psychodynamic, and acceptance and commitment therapies. In addition, I supplement more traditional forms of psychotherapy with mindfulness-based interventions. If you do not have a clear understanding of what these treatments entail, that’s okay. I will help you become well-informed about how therapy works and how it can best serve your needs.

In addition to my work here at CFIR, I have provided clinical and assessment services in a variety of settings such the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the McGill Psychoeducational and Counselling Clinic, and the Health and Wellness Centre within the University of Toronto. I regularly attend professional training workshops and keep abreast of scientific developments in clinical psychology. I have published numerous academic articles on topics that include suicide prediction, racial and social attitudes, and racial and sexual discrimination. Moreover, I have presented at various national and international conferences on topics within psychology.

I completed my Ph.D. in clinical and counselling psychology at the University of Toronto. I am registered as a member in supervised practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Couples & Pre-Marital, Disability Injury & Accident, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), , Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy
DR. ASHWIN MEHRA, C.Psych.
Psychologist

DR. ASHWIN MEHRA, C.Psych.

To grow and to heal. This is a choice we can make. If you are reading this, you have already taken a step in that direction. Perhaps you are wondering if therapy can help you take some more steps. These steps can be in many directions - doing better, achieving goals, reducing distress, managing difficult emotions, understanding unhelpful patterns, dealing with relationship issues, coming to terms with the issues of the past, or seeking answers to life’s challenging questions. We arrive in therapy with our own unique expectations. My goal is to help you take the steps towards meeting those expectations.

I bring an integrative approach to therapy, which avoids a one-size-fits-all model. My years of training and experience in New York have enabled me to develop the breadth and depth of understanding related to various psychological conditions and the uniqueness of the people experiencing them. I work with adults, adolescents and children, staying attuned to the unique challenges of different stages of life. I engage in individual, couples, family, group, and parenting therapy, utilizing the appropriate format for addressing the clients' needs. I conduct psychological assessment and testing for cognitive functioning, psychological and personality issues, adaptive and behavioral issues, learning disabilities, and neuropsychological functioning. I believe my life-span focus and range, along with assessment skills, allow me to approach each clinical situation from a more nuanced and balanced perspective.

I have a wide scope of expertise in treating psychological issues. I have extensive experience in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, including depression, anxiety and panic attacks, PTSD and dissociative disorders, bipolar disorder, OCD, social anxiety, phobias and seasonal depression. I also have significant experience with alcohol and substance abuse, internet and related addictions, personality disorders, schizophrenia and psychoses, gender and sexual orientation challenges, eating disorders and body image issues, insomnia and health related psychological issues. I work with children and adolescents for treating conditions such as ADHD, oppositionality, emotional and behavioral disturbances, executive functioning and communication deficits or relationship and identity formation issues. As many people experience more than one problem at the same time, I believe my wide areas of expertise assist in developing individualized treatment plans to address all the concurrent issues in a systematic manner.

Therapy is best understood as a collaborative process. At the start of therapy, the therapist and the client work together to develop a shared understanding of the struggles faced by the client, and how therapy could help deal with them. I utilize an integrative approach, which can include specific techniques from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), mindfulness-based, dialectical-behavioral (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), acceptance and commitment (ACT), motivational interviewing (MI), attachment-focused, trauma-focused, existential- humanistic, client-centered, transpersonal, somatic and body-aware approaches, among others. However, I believe that the best approach is one that feels "at home" to the client, and this itself is identified in a collaborative manner. Progress and goals are then periodically evaluated, with reference to meeting the expectations from treatment.

My many years of experience in public hospitals and private practice settings in New York City and Long Island, New York have augmented my credentials as a clinical psychologist. I have worked at the Nassau University Medical Center, Long Island Federally Qualified Health Centers, Queens Hospital Center, Reflective Psychology Associates, TERRAP Anxiety and Phobia Care, Kew Gardens Center for Psychotherapy and the St. John's University Center for Psychological Services. Along with these substantial experiences of providing psychotherapy and psychological assessments, I have also engaged in varied research and teaching activities, as well as regularly supervised research assistants, psychology interns and externs, and medical residents.

I have published and presented papers, book chapters, posters and presentations in various peer-reviewed journals, conferences and seminars, some of which are listed below. Hailing from Mumbai, India, I am proficient in multiple South Asian languages including Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, along with working knowledge of Gujarati and Marathi. I have an abiding interest in cultural issues, with a focus on South Asian culture, and have presented on topics related to cultural diversity, mental health stigma and barriers to treatment for minority populations. I am also a member of the Canadian Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, Eastern Psychological Association and New York State Psychological Association.

Selected Publications and Presentations:

default_titleMehra, A., Hoogendoorn, C., Haggerty, G., Engelthaler, J., Gooden, S., Joseph, M., Carroll, S. & Guiney, P. (2018) Reducing Patient No-Shows: An Initiative at an Integrated Care Teaching Health Center. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

default_titleMehra, A. (2015, October) Emergent Issues in Psychotherapy with Indian Patients. Conference speaker at the Real World Therapy conference hosted by the New York State Psychological Association, Queens County Psychological Association and St. John’s University, Queens, NY.

default_titleRao, N. & Mehra, A. (2015) Hurricane Sandy: Shared Trauma and Therapist Self-Disclosure, Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes, 78:1, 65-74.

default_titleMehra, A. (2014, August). Developing Cultural Competency in Clinical Settings. Presentation at the Nassau University Medical Center residents orientation, East Meadow, NY.

default_titleMehra, A., Haggerty, G., Siefert, C. J., Zodan, J., Ioannou, C., Sperber, J., & Rao, N. (2014, March). Adult Attachment effects on Alcohol Use Motivation in a Chemical Rehab Inpatient Unit. Presented at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association, Boston, MA.

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Child, Adolescent, Adult, Couple, Family (English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu)

TREATMENT
Adolescent Psychology, Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Child Psychology, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Family Psychology, Health Psychology, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Neuropsychology, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Rehabilitation Psychology, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexual Addiction, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Alcohol & Drug Evaluation, Attention Deficit & ADHD, Autism Spectrum & Developmental Disorder, Career & Vocational, Couples & Pre-Marital, Immigration & Refugee, Neuropsychological Assessment, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Psychoeducation Assessment, Risk Assessment, Sexological Assessment, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
DR. DANA MILLSTEIN, C.Psych.
Psychologist

DR. DANA MILLSTEIN, C.Psych.

English

Developing greater self-understanding within a respectful and empowering therapy relationship can give you the freedom to make choices and take action that can lead to enriching personal growth. In psychotherapy, I help you to enhance your awareness of your self and your relationship patterns, and to gain motivation to change your current circumstances. Throughout our journey together, I help you to build hope that things can get better and that life can feel worthwhile again, and to develop a greater sense of acceptance and compassion towards your self. I also support you to recognize and harness your personal resources, skills and talents in the change process.

I provide psychological assessment, consultation and treatment to adolescents, adults and couples experiencing a wide range of concerns related to painful emotions (e.g., anxiety, depression, anger, confusion, guilt, shame, grief and loss), stress management, addiction, self-esteem, motivation, and past and current relationships. I have developed important skills and sensitivity in addressing diversity issues (e.g., cultural, ethnic, and socio-political differences, marginalization, economic stresses, gender and sexual orientation). I also work with couples to support them to heal their relationship ruptures, and seek reconnection with the end goal of building greater emotional, physical and sexual intimacy. I help couples to repair relational ruptures in the aftermath of infidelities, or attachment injuries (e.g., moments of betrayal, and partner unavailability during times of need for care and support), improve communication skills, and resolve conflicts related to household management, finances, and parenting.

I have extensive training and clinical experience working with individuals struggling with the long-term effects of trauma, abuse, and neglect. I provide comprehensive assessment and psychological treatment—both individual and group therapy-- to individuals who have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, and Dissociative Disorders. Additional areas of clinical expertise include: immigration and refugee experiences, acculturation and bicultural stress; sexual orientation; gender identity; social oppression; women's mental health; and post-secondary student mental health.

At the beginning of treatment, I work collaboratively with you to develop treatment plans that meet your unique goals. I conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current symptoms and concerns, and acquire information about your personal history to deepen our understanding of the nature and origins of your difficulties and distress. In terms of treatment, I practice from an integrative framework, primarily weaving together psychodynamic-relational, cultural, systemic, experiential, and emotion-focused approaches. These approaches will allow me to help you to connect more deeply to your emotional experiences about life events, and discover newly emerging emotions and meanings which can inform behaviour and direction in life. I also use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive-behavioural, mindfulness, and dialectical-behavioural strategies to help with emotional regulation, symptom reduction, stress-management, and trauma recovery. Throughout our collaborative work together, you and I will continually reflect on how treatment is progressing. I tailor my therapeutic style and use treatment approaches that are aligned with your cultural, personal, and spiritual values and beliefs.

I am currently the Head of the Trauma Psychology & PTSD Service, Co-Head of the Sexuality, Gender & Relationship Diversity Service, and Co-Head of the Substance Use Service at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships. As a Head of Service, I develop programs and guide service delivery on the basis of evidence-based scientific research and provide clinical training and supervision to advanced doctoral students in clinical and counseling psychology. I am also the lead in the Trauma & Dissociation Assessment Service, and in this role, I ensure assessments are conducted using evidence-based practices.

My doctorate in Clinical Psychology was obtained from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University, NJ. I have previously worked as a staff psychotherapist at the Brief Psychotherapy Centre for Women, Women's College Hospital, and as a staff psychologist at Ryerson University’s Centre for Student Development and Counselling.

I seek to be an active partner with a wide range of mental health providers, organizations, schools, and individuals to raise awareness about mental health topics and to expand access to mental health services and information. In the past, I have worked as a consultant with the International Rescue Committee, as a researcher for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network, and I am currently a board member of Eva's (operating three homeless youth shelters in Toronto). I have assisted in teaching students in undergraduate and graduate psychology programs.

I am a fully bilingual Registered Clinical Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Français

Des changements importants peuvent être réalisés par une meilleure connaissance de soi dans le cadre d’une relation respectueuse et enrichissante. En traitement, j’encourage la motivation au changement des clients, tout en encourageant simultanément l’auto-compassion et l’acceptation de soi. Nous suivons de près l’évolution de la thérapie et nous discutons ouvertement la nécessité de modifier le programme. J’adapte mon style thérapeutique et je poursuis des approches axées sur la culture des clients, leurs croyances et valeurs personnelles et spirituelles, et je reconnais l’importance pour les clients de se fier à leurs propres ressources dans ce processus de changement.

J’offre des services d’évaluation, de consultation et de psychothérapie aux adultes, adolescents, et couples qui endurent un large éventail de préoccupations liées à l’anxiété, la dépression, la gestion du stress, la gestion de la colère, la dépendance, l’estime de soi, la motivation, la confusion, le deuil et la perte, et les difficultés relationnelles et familiales.

Je possède une formation approfondie et une expérience travaillant auprès des individus aux prises avec des difficultés liées aux effets prolongés de traumatisme, d’abus, de négligence, incluant l’évaluation et le traitement du trouble de stress post-traumatique et de troubles dissociatifs. D’autres domaines de spécialisation incluent: les expériences relatives à l’immigration et au statut de réfugié, l’acculturation, le stress lié au biculturalisme, l’oppression sociale, l’orientation sexuelle et l’identité de genre, la santé mentale des femmes, et la santé mentale des étudiants de niveau postsecondaire.

Au début du traitement, je travaille de concert avec les clients pour établir des plans d’intervention qui répondent à leurs objectifs particuliers. Je travaille à partir de pratiques provenant d’un cadre d’intégration pour fonder principalement ensemble des orientations de traitements psychodynamiques, systématiques, et centrées sur l'émotion. Nous poursuivons l'approfondissement de l'expérience et nous essayons de dynamiser les choses durant les séances afin de faciliter les modes de processus affectifs particuliers et d’établissement de reconnaissance qui peuvent fournir une approche fondée sur le parcours de vie. J’intègre souvent des approches cognitivo-comportementales dans le traitement, et j’encourage le développement de nouvelles capacités de résolution de problèmes et de communication, des outils de réduction de stress, des stratégies de régulation des émotions, et des stratégies d’adaptation efficaces pour gérer les circonstances et les événements extérieurs. J’ai suivi une formation rigoureuse sur les approches de thérapie fondées sur les faits, incluant la thérapie orientée sur la compréhension de soi, la thérapie cognitivo-comportementale, les psychothérapies expérientielles, la thérapie brève dans un contexte relationnel-culturel, la thérapie comportementale dialectique (TCD), la désensibilisation des mouvements oculaires et retraitements (EMDR), la thérapie de groupe, la thérapie familiale et de couples, ainsi que les tests psychologiques.

Je cherche à être une partenaire active avec un large éventail de fournisseurs de santé mentale, des organismes, des établissements scolaires, et des individus afin d'accroître la sensibilisation au sujet de la santé mentale et d’élargir l’accès aux services de santé mentale et des informations. J’ai travaillé auparavant à titre de consultant auprès du Comité international de secours, à titre de chercheuse pour le Réseau national de prévention au suicide et de sauvetage, et je siège actuellement au conseil d'administration d’Eva's Initiatives (exploitant trois refuges aux jeunes sans-abris). J’ai enseigné à des étudiants de programmes collégiaux et universitaires en psychologie et je participe à la supervision clinique. J’ai obtenu mon doctorat en psychologie clinique de la Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology à la Rutgers University, au New Jersey. De 2011 à 2013, j’ai travaillé à titre de psychothérapeute au centre pour femmes Brief Psychotherapy Centre for Women, de la Women's College Hospital. Depuis 2013 à 2015, je travaille à titre de psychologue au centre de counseling de l’Université Ryerson.

Je suis inscrite en tant que psychologue clinicienne de l'Ordre des psychologues de l'Ontario.

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Adolescent, Adult, Couple (English, French)

TREATMENT
Adolescent Psychology, Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Career & Workplace, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Alcohol & Drug Evaluation, Couples & Pre-Marital, Immigration & Refugee, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Integrative Therapy, Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy
DR. ALEKS MILOSEVIC, C.Psych.
Psychologist, Clinical Director

DR. ALEKS MILOSEVIC, C.Psych.
You’ve realized something has to change in your life – that your life can’t keep going on the same way anymore. You don’t want to keep feeling this way, acting this way, or being in your relationships in this way. I admire you for being willing and open to look honestly at yourself, and for reaching out for professional support after you’ve tried to deal with things as best as you could on your own.

People who seek my professional help, whether for psychotherapy or psychological evaluations, are often having difficulties with negative emotions (like anger, anxiety, depression, or shame), behaviours that negatively affect their work or relationships (like aggression, addictions, or compulsions), or patterns in their relationships that prevent them from feeling good about themselves or developing more satisfying connections.

I have a specific interest and extensive clinical experience in the treatment of substance use-related difficulties and sexual addiction. I provide psychological services to individuals experiencing difficulties related to the use of all types of substances (alcohol, recreational drugs, prescription medications, anabolic steroids). My clients tend to have different concerns when addressing their substance use. Some of you might want to come in for assistance to address issues of unwanted substance use or over-use (e.g., binge use, frequent use), or addictive use (e.g., chronic use impairing how you are functioning in everyday life). Some of you might want to consult with me to explore your current substance use for the purpose of changing some aspect of your use (e.g., quantity, frequency), while some of you may to explore how to abstain from use and maintain abstinence. I also have clinical experience working with individuals who are distressed as a result of repeated or compulsive sexual behaviours (e.g., concerns about frequent pornography use, use of massage parlors and escorts) and risky sexual behaviours.

During our first appointment, you and I will clarify the issues that are of utmost concern to you, and in this session and throughout treatment you are in control of what we speak about at all times (i.e., you decide what you are comfortable to share with me, and only share if you are feeling safe and comfortable to do so). I will share with you my thoughts about what I believe is causing your current difficulties and together we will set up a treatment plan to achieve your goals. To understand your current difficulties, I will conduct a comprehensive, scientific-based assessment and gather information about your personal history and life experiences. As an integrative psychologist, I bring together various theories of human psychological development, and affective/emotion and neuroscience research, to inform the intervention strategies I use with my clients. To help you change and grow, I use interventions that are proven effective and that are tailored specifically to your needs and concerns, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, systemic, mindfulness-based, and motivational enhancement approaches.

I am currently serving as Clinical Director and Director of Clinical Training at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships. In these roles, I am primarily responsible for overseeing the development of clinical programs, services and training. Given my training background and clinical experience, I am currently the Head of the Substance Use Service and Sexual Addiction Service at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships. As a Head of Service, I develop programs and guide service delivery on the basis of evidence-based scientific research and provide clinical training to advanced doctoral students in clinical and counseling psychology. I also lead the Alcohol & Drug Evaluation Service in which scientific, evidence-based assessments are provided to our clients. In addition to my roles at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships, I am an Associate Professor at the Universite du Quebec en Outaouais in the department of Psychoeducation and Psychology.

In addition to my clinical work with substance use difficulties, I also publish addiction-related research in top-tiered scientific research journals – my most recent publications include the following:

default_titleMilosevic, A., Seto, M.C., Michel, S., & Ahmed, A.G. (manuscript submitted). Evaluation of a substance abuse treatment program for forensic psychiatri cinpatients.

default_titleLister, J.J., Milosevic, A., & Ledgerwood, D.M. (2015, August). Personality traits of problem gamblers with and without alcohol dependence. Addictive Behaviors, 47, 48-54.

default_titleLister, J.J., Milosevic, A., & Ledgerwood, D.M. (2015, August). Psychological characteristics of problem gamblers with and without mood disorder. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(8).

default_titleMilosevic, A., & Ledgerwood, D.M. (2010, December). The subtyping of pathological gambling: A comprehensive review. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(8), 988-998.

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I am a peer reviewer of substance use and addiction-related research for several medical journals, and have provided consultation to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and to an Ontario-wide workgroup to improve treatment of substance use disorders in individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

Since 2005, I have provided psychological assessment and treatment services in various settings including community health centres, outpatient mental health and substance use clinics, inpatient psychiatric and forensic psychiatric units, and private practices.

My B.Sc. in General Science (2002), B.A. in Psychology (2004), and M.A. (2007) and Ph.D. (2011) in Clinical Psychology were earned from the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ontario. I am currently registered as a psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) with competencies in Clinical and Forensic Psychology. I am a member of the Canadian Psychological Association.
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Adult (English) - Teletherapy only

TREATMENT
Substance Use

ASSESSMENT
Alcohol & Drug Evaluation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
DR. RYLIE MOORE, C.Psych.
Psychologist - Neuropsychologist

DR. RYLIE MOORE, C.Psych.

If you are reading this, you have already taken a brave step towards reaching out and finding the help you deserve. I admire your courage to start making a positive change in your life. Broadly speaking, I work on issues with clients including neuropsychology, sexuality, gender identity/transition, trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, psychosis, family and relationship issues, loss and grief, self-esteem and assertiveness, and workplace stress. Through advocacy and community engagement, I strive to promote awareness of mental health services to underrepresented and diverse populations, including the LGBT2QA community. I look forward to working with you.

Therapy

In my perspective, issues do not exist in a vacuum. During our appointments, we will work together to understand what is happening for you in its larger context, including your past experiences and your social world. Using this holistic, collaborative and relational approach will ensure the work we do is helpful and meaningful for you. My therapeutic style is an integrated use of various approaches, including cognitive behavioural, interpersonal, emotion-focused, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based therapies. These approaches provide an effective perspective from which to understand factors that may contribute to and maintain mental health difficulties. In consideration of my ethical responsibility to maximize benefits for my clients, I strive to be a psychologist who is well versed in a range of research-supported interventions and flexible enough to accommodate a diverse range of needs, goals and interpersonal styles. I have come to appreciate that each individual has his/her/xir own interpersonal style and unique way of relating with the world. As such, I believe it is important to consider all facets of you as an individual and to collaboratively develop a treatment plan that will best serve your unique needs. Clients often say they appreciate that I am warm, compassionate and relatable. In addition to therapy, I have training in neuroscience, brain-behaviour relationships, cognitive functioning, and the biological underpinnings of mental health, which offers a unique perspective in working with and understanding you.

I have specific interests and extensive clinical experience in working with individuals within the LGBT2QA community, including the assessment and treatment of gender dysphoria, as well as the intersection of mental health issues within this community. I am aware that psychological stressors and resulting difficulties are more prevalent within marginalized populations, including the LGBT2QA community, and thus, have sought diverse training to meet the needs of my clients. As such, I have experience and interest in the assessment and treatment of individuals with moderate distress as well as persistent, severe, and complex mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, psychosis, personality disorders, and trauma. While working together, I am aware of, and work directly on, systemic influences (i.e., oppression, racism, marginalization, and stigma) as well as the development of our personal identities, cultural and community connections, and resiliency. If are not familiar with some of these approaches, that is ok! That is part of coming to therapy, and we will work collaboratively so that you become well-informed and engaged in your treatment options.

Neuropsychological Assessment

In addition to my therapy experiences and services, I have extensive training and clinical experience in neuropsychological assessment. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment will help you understand and formally document your medical or psychiatric condition, such as brain injury and progressive neurological conditions. A neuropsychological assessment can also be helpful if you are looking to learn more about the impacts of substance use, depression, anxiety, or psychosis on your cognitive, academic, and social functioning. A neuropsychological assessment may be used for legal cases, insurance disability applications, or rehabilitation (such as return to work or school planning after a brain injury). It involves an interview, 5-8 hours of formal assessment (e.g., paper-pencil tasks), and feedback session; a total of 10-15 hours. I also work to provide practical recommendations to clients experiencing cognitive and/or emotional difficulties following brain injury or cognitive changes. For example, this could include strategies that may be useful in helping to adjust to new ways of living.

Gender Affirming Surgery Readiness Assessments

As a psychologist with extensive experience conducting assessments through a gender identity clinic, I am qualified and competent to provide these assessments in the “second assessor” category for those seeking gender-affirming surgeries, such as orchiectomies and vaginoplasties for MtF trans women, and hysterectomies, metaoidioplaties or phalloplasties for FtM trans men. As is my clinical training, I work with adults (and not children or youth). This assessment typically involves 2 hours of clinical interviewing where I will ask questions designed to assess the diagnostic, eligibility and readiness criteria according to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care (SOC 7). As well, 1-2 hours will be spent completing document review, contact with relevant healthcare providers (if necessary), and report writing.

Cautions:

Psychologist services are unlike lawyer services, where you essentially pay someone to argue your case favourably. In psychological assessments, you are paying for a clinical opinion, regardless of its nature. The outcome may be in support of surgery at this time and it is possible it may not be. Like any other kind of assessment, the report is not a negotiated document. I do not alter clinical impressions or selectively include/exclude diagnoses. I will amend factual errors, missing information or typos in a report. It is within your rights to ask me not to send the report to the intended referral source. If the outcome is a non-recommendation at this time, I will explain why and if possible, offer next steps that may assist you in meeting the criteria in the future. However, I recommend you come for assessment when you are sure and informed about the medical intervention you are seeking, have the resources to move forward, and are in a stable place in your life.

Training Experience

I graduated from the Clinical Psychology program (Neuropsychology Emphasis) at the University of Victoria and completed my clinical internship at CAMH, where I work in the Adult Gender Identity Clinic and the Complex Mental Illness Program. As well, I am a member of the Canadian Psychological Association, the International Neuropsychological Association, and the Positive Space Network.

Since starting graduate training in 2010 at the University of Victoria (UVic), I have provided clinical services in various out-patient settings, including the UVic psychology clinic, Victoria Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) Clinic, the Victoria Forensic Psychiatry Clinic, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). I have worked with government agencies, hospitals, and private practice settings to provide individual and group therapy, psychological assessment, and neuropsychological assessment services to adolescents and adults with diverse needs and backgrounds.

I have published academic articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and have presented at numerous national and international academic conferences on topics related to gender dysphoria, LGBT2QA advocacy, psychological assessment, executive functions (cognitive abilities that could be described as the CEO of the brain), stuttering, and bilingualism. At the University of Victoria, I have taught two undergraduate courses in neuropsychology and have taught a range of psychology lectures, including neuropsychology, psychopathology, psychological assessment, as well as treatment of mental health disorders.

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Moore, W. R. (2016). Progress monitoring in therapy: On-going assessment of mental health symptoms and the therapeutic alliance. Presentation at the Ontario Associations for Psychological Associates (OAPA), Toronto, ON.

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Yager, C., Moore, W. R., Yule, M., Lawford, C., de Figuireudo, D. (2016). Gender Identity Consultation Service; Trans health care. Clinical workshop with the Sherbourne Health Center (SHC), SHC, Toronto, ON.

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Moore, W. R. (2013). Mr. Gay Canada: Changing perceptions of mental health from within the LGBTQ community. Psynopsis, 35(1), 22.

default_titleGarcia-Barrera, M. A., Direnfeld, E., Frazer, J. & Moore, W. R. (2012). Psychological Assessment: From Interviewing to Objective and Projective Measurement. In C.A. Noggle & R. S. Dean (Eds.) The Neuropsychology of Psychopathology. New York: Springer Publishing Company.

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Adult (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Career & Workplace, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Neuropsychology, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Attention Deficit & ADHD, Autism Spectrum & Developmental Disorder, Disability Injury & Accident, Immigration & Refugee, Neuropsychological Assessment, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Psychoeducation Assessment, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Integrative Therapy
DR. MARISA MURRAY, C.Psych.
Psychologist (Supervised Practice)

DR. MARISA MURRAY, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)

We are comprised of so many different thoughts, feelings, and unique experiences, which at times, can be challenging to navigate. They can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unmotivated, and even hopeless. You want something in your life to change. Together, we will explore and confront your challenges and work toward equipping you with tools, skills, and insight to make positive and lasting changes in your life. I place a great deal of emphasis on our therapeutic relationship and strive to ensure feelings of comfort, safety, and validation. I am committed to providing quality care, instilling hope and courage to build on your strengths to confront your challenges and achieve your optimum wellbeing.

I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, and children and families, presenting with a variety of concerns. My areas of special interest include, but are not limited to anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, self-esteem, body image, disordered eating behaviours, perfectionism, ADHD, and learning disorders. I practice from evidence-based integrative therapy modalities (i.e., cognitive behavioural, dialectical behavioural, interpersonal, mindfulness, and experiential) tailored to your specific needs and goals to achieve your desired change. I also have extensive psychodiagnostic and psychoeducational assessment experience working with pre-school age children to older adults. I complete all components of the assessment myself and provide insight into your (your child’s) strengths and challenges to inform evidence-based treatment recommendations.

In our initial session, my focus is getting to know you. I encourage you to share your story and commend you for your courage to do so. We discuss your specific concerns and needs, and factors that are contributing to and maintaining your struggles and difficulties. Conducting a comprehensive assessment allows me to best understand the nature of your concerns. We then work together to identify your therapy goals and continue to monitor these goals throughout the course of therapy.

I completed my Ph.D. at the University of Ottawa and my pre-doctoral residency at the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Psychological Services and Research. During my clinical training, I provided group and individual therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I also gained a plethora of experience conducting comprehensive psychological assessments. I completed rotations in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, private practice, a children’s hospital, and schools.

I have been involved in four clinical pediatric and neuropsychological research projects with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and The Ottawa Hospital. My specific research has focused on identifying modifiable risk and protective factors associated with disordered eating behaviours among adolescents and emerging adults. My doctoral dissertation focused on investigating the impact of recreational screen time activities on adolescents’ eating habits, interpersonal functioning, and mental health.

A selection of my recent publications and conference presentations include:

default_titleMurray, M. A., Maras, D., & Goldfield, G. S. (2016). Excessive time on social networking sites and disordered eating behaviors among undergraduate students: Appearance and weight esteem as mediating pathways. Journal of CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 19, 709-15.

default_titleGoldfield, G. S., Murray, M. A., Maras, D., Wilson, A., Phillips, P., Kenny, G. P., Hadjiyannakis, S., Alberga, A., Cameron, J., Tulloch, H., & Sigal, R. J. (2016). Screen time is associated with depressive symptomatology among obese adolescents: A HEARTY study. European Journal of Pediatrics, 175, 909-19.

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Child, Adolescent, Adult, (English)

TREATMENT
Adolescent Psychology, Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Child Psychology, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Obsessive-Compulsive

ASSESSMENT
Attention Deficit & ADHD, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Psychoeducation Assessment

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic
DR. CASSANDRA PASIAK, C.Psych.
Psychologist

DR. CASSANDRA PASIAK, C.Psych.
Everyone experiences stressors. Sometimes it’s possible to manage them on our own and sometimes it’s necessary to seek extra help. When life’s challenges become overwhelming, finding a good fit with a therapist is the first step in achieving a well-balanced and fulfilling life. When I partner with you, I will help you to face and cope with life’s inevitable stressors.

I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of presenting concerns, including: anger, impulse control, and problem behavior; attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; learning disorders; developmental disabilities; emotion regulation and mood difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression); low self-esteem, body image concerns, and eating disorders; self-harm; suicidality; relationship problems; family conflict; adjustment problems; attachment disturbances; and trauma. I am also experienced in conducting comprehensive psychological assessments, including: psychoeducational (e.g., intellectual functioning, learning difficulties, ADHD, giftedness), autism spectrum disorder, and assessments of behaviour, personality, and social-emotional functioning.

In our work together, I will give consideration to your unique constellation of strengths and needs when selecting evidence-based assessments and interventions in order to best help you to achieve your goals. I draw from a number of psychotherapy models to address your individual concerns, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, client-centred therapy, attachment-based therapy, and mindfulness.

I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and their families with a variety of presenting problems and multicultural considerations, across diverse clinical settings, including schools, hospitals, residential treatment centres, and community mental health centres. I completed my Honours B.A. in Psychology at Algoma University and both my M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor. I am registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario with competency in Clinical Psychology with children, adolescents, adults, and families.

With respect to research, I have published an article in a peer-reviewed journal, co-authored a book chapter in The Comprehensive Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, assisted in organizing an international symposium on Arab youth identity, and participated in a panel discussion of treatment of multi-risk youth at an international conference. I have conducted research on parent-child relationships and presented the findings at numerous national conferences. I also strive to stay informed of current issues, research, and developments in psychology in order to maintain the highest standards of care. For several years, I taught an undergraduate course on Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor. I am a member of the Canadian Psychological Association, Ontario Psychological Association, and Ottawa Academy of Psychology.
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Child, Adolescent, Adult, Family (English)

TREATMENT
Adolescent Psychology, Adoption, Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Child Psychology, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Family Psychology, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Attention Deficit & ADHD, Autism Spectrum & Developmental Disorder, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Psychoeducation Assessment, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Play Therapy
DR. MIGUEL ROBICHAUD, C.Psych.
Psychologist (Supervised Practice)

DR. MIGUEL ROBICHAUD, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)

Life can force us to deal with difficult situations, feelings, and emotions. If you are feeling overwhelmed with life stress or have begun to notice longstanding emotional or relationship difficulties, seeking help is the very courageous first step in your healing journey. In therapy I provide a safe, empathic, supportive and non-judgmental space for you to begin to heal - you do not have to work through these difficult times alone.

Intervention and Assessment services:
In a first visit with me, I will explore with you your expectations and goals for therapy and provide you with my professional opinion on how we can achieve these goals together. I understand that you can remain unsure about therapy and our first meeting is there to ensure that you are connecting with a therapist who will be a good fit for you. I begin my therapeutic work by conducting a comprehensive scientific-based assessment of your difficulties. This is to help you and I gain an understanding of what might be at the root of your struggles and identify specific therapeutic goals.

My clinical orientation is strongly rooted in the integration of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral theories. This perspective gives me an understanding of clients’ emotional needs and distress, and their difficulty soothing this pain alone and within their relationships.

To help you achieve your therapeutic goals, I work from an integrative approach, employing various evidence-based therapeutic modalities (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, emotion-focused, etc.) that suit your core concerns. My practice is general in scope, and I work with individuals presenting with anxiety, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorders, major depressive disorders, and other mood-related conditions. I also work with individuals presenting with personality disorders, trauma and other relational/interpersonal difficulties.

Specialization:

In both my research and clinical work I am interested in the intersection of social and mental health issues within marginalized populations. Attending to social and economic factors during therapy is often a crucial part of achieving wellbeing. A special interest of mine is working with clients to address identity-related issues, particularly concerning gender identity, transition planning, sexuality, and relationships within LGBTQI2S communities. In therapy, I specialize in helping individuals understand and change long-standing personality patterns and process unresolved issues stemming from family relations and upbringing (i.e., attachment issues, past or ongoing emotional deprivation, traumatic experiences).

Neuropsychological Assessments

In addition to my therapy services, I conduct neuropsychological assessments. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment will help you understand and formally document your medical or psychiatric condition, such as brain injury and progressive neurological conditions. A neuropsychological assessment can also help determine the impact that psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma or psychosis) may be having on your cognitive, academic, and social functioning. A typical assessment involves an interview, 5-8 hours of formal assessment (e.g., paper-pencil tasks), and feedback session; a total of 10-15 hours. Part of this works involves providing you with practical recommendations that may be useful in helping you adjust to new ways of living.

Gender Affirming Surgery Readiness Assessments

I am qualified to act as a “second assessor” for Gender Affirming Surgery Readiness Assessments, (or SRS) for OHIP funding applications. I practice in accordance with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care (SOC 7).

Experience:
Over the past 7 years I have provided psychological interventions and assessments in various clinics and organisations. In the past I worked in a psychiatric unit providing acute psychological care. I worked with clients presenting with affective, behavioural, psychotic, dissociative, and personality problems as well as those at high risk of self-injury and suicide. I have also worked with children, adolescents and families in First Nation communities in New Brunswick. Here, I conducted therapy and assessments focusing on unresolved grief, I helped develop community interventions, and provided post-suicide intervention.

I hold a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D) from the University of Moncton, in New Brunswick Canada. At CFIR, my work is supervised by Dr. Rylie Moore, C.Psych. and Dr. Dino Zuccarini, C.Psych. I member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, the Ontario Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association.

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Adult, Couple (English, Français)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Neuropsychology, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Attention Deficit & ADHD, Autism Spectrum & Developmental Disorder, Neuropsychological Assessment, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Psychoeducation Assessment, Sexological Assessment, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Integrative Therapy, Psychodynamic/Analytic
DR. CARLY SURCHIN, C.Psych.
Psychologist (Supervised Practice)

DR. CARLY SURCHIN, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)

Welcome! I hope to be able to provide you with a safe and supportive place to explore life’s challenges. I am honored to have the chance to learn about your life. I will strive to approach your story with the utmost respect for where you have been and where you are going.

I believe that a genuine therapeutic relationship can provide healing. My aim is to create an experience through which you can get to know yourself better and find understanding. I recognize that this can feel vulnerable. I will approach your concerns with curiosity and commitment to your well-being. Below, I outline some of the areas I am most familiar at working with.

I often work with clients who are struggling in their relationships with themselves and with others. I work with clients who struggle with depression, suicidality, self-harm, anxiety, impulse-control, and feelings of frustration. I also have experience working with clients who have experienced a traumatic event, such as a loss, or various forms of abuse, including trauma in relationships, and sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. I also work with clients who are struggling to understand their values and who they want to be. I have significant experience working with university students, of all ages, and am thus familiar exploring challenges such as academic stress and anxiety, identity development, difficulties with attention and concentration, stress due to social relationships, adjustment, and figuring out how one derives meaning in life. It is important for me to understand who you are in context, and I will work with you to understand your various identities and roles you play in your life.

During our first session, I will work with you to establish your therapeutic goals and discuss how we can address those goals together. I will walk you through the process of therapy and allow you to ask questions and address anxieties you might experience starting this journey.

As we begin our work together, I will work with you to foster increased empathy for your experiences and an understanding of your emotions and patterns. As I get to know you better, I will implement the therapeutic interventions that seem most fitting for your goals. I have experience with various types of therapy, most notably relational psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, self-psychology, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based therapies. I will consistently seek your feedback about how these interventions are meeting your goals.

Prior to CFIR, I provided clinical services in various settings. Over the past 5 years, I have worked in university counseling centres, schools, and hospitals providing assessment and therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and their families. I provided services at University at Buffalo in Buffalo, in Buffalo and Roosevelt University, in Chicago. I have worked with clients of a variety of ages and backgrounds in Chicago, Buffalo, and now Toronto. During my time at the University at Buffalo, I also provided clinical supervision to doctoral graduate students. I completed my MA and my PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Adler University in Chicago, IL.
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Child, Adolescent, Adult, Family (English)

TREATMENT
Adolescent Psychology, Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Child Psychology, Depression Mood & Grief, Family Psychology, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Attention Deficit & ADHD, Immigration & Refugee, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Psychoeducation Assessment, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Integrative Therapy, Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy
DR. ALEXANDER VASILOVSKY, C.Psych.
Psychologist (Supervised Practice)

DR. ALEXANDER VASILOVSKY, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice)

Life can be tough and take its toll. Though we’re all doing the best we can, given our circumstances and the resources available to us, we all struggle sometimes and often need extra help from others in order to flourish. If you’re reading this, then maybe you’re considering therapy as one of those helpful resources for yourself. My one-on-one clinical work with adults experiencing a range of issues – anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, interpersonal conflict, major life transitions, and identity-related struggles, among others – has shown me just how helpful therapy can be.

Therapy can provide opportunities to reflect on the aspects of your life you’d like to change, as well as to explore new ways of seeing and being seen, of connecting and responding to yourself and to others. This sort of change can expose us to feeling vulnerable, so I commend you on your courage to consider therapy.

During our initial sessions, I’d conduct an assessment and we’d examine the recurring patterns in your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, relationships, and life experiences so that we could develop a plan for change that best meets your needs. I’m trained in cognitive-behavioural (CBT), dialectical behaviour (DBT), narrative, humanistic and psychodynamic therapies, and my approach is a flexible, integrated use of any of them, depending on your goals for therapy.

Don’t worry if these terms are unfamiliar to you. We’ll figure out what’s most useful for you in a space that I try to make as warm, nonjudgmental, and validating as I can.

With me, therapy is also trauma-informed and queer-friendly. Marginalization, stigmatization, and other inequities can have a profound effect on mental health, and I’d incorporate an awareness of these contextual factors, should you find them relevant to your experience. I specialize in working with LGBTTIQQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex, queer or questioning) people, and my academic research addresses issues of sexuality and gender identity, as they relate to mental health.

Prior to my work here at CFIR, I provided treatment and assessment services within a variety of settings, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Work, Stress, and Health Program; Borderline Personality Disorder Clinic; and adult Gender Identity Clinic), the University of Toronto’s Health and Wellness Centre, and St. Michael’s Hospital’s Department of Family and Community Medicine.

I completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Ryerson University, where I was a senior member of the SHiFT Laboratory at the Psychology Department. At the lab, I drew from critical psychological perspectives to challenge so-called “truths” in psychology about gender, sexuality, and mental health-related topics. I’ve published my research in peer-reviewed journals and presented internationally at conferences. I’m a reviewer for several academic journals and have guest lectured at Ryerson and the University of Toronto. I’m a member of both the Canadian and Ontario Psychological Associations.
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Couples & Pre-Marital, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic
DR. DINO ZUCCARINI, C.Psych.
Psychologist, Executive Director

DR. DINO ZUCCARINI, C.Psych.
It takes a lot of courage to face our most distressing thoughts, emotional reactions and behaviours, so from the outset, I’d like to applaud you for taking this first, important step to feeling better---choosing an appropriate therapist for you. For the past 15 years, I have been privileged to accompany numerous individuals and couples on a journey of growth and renewal. Below I’ve given you an overview of my areas of competency and how I generally work with clients. I look forward to meeting with you.

In individual therapy, I see clients who are experiencing depression and anxiety, having difficulties resolving past or current relationship issues and struggling with issues related to sexual functioning (e.g., arousal, desire, orgasm difficulties). I also support clients to address self and relationship issues in the aftermath of different types of traumatic and overwhelming life experiences, such as emotional and physical abuse and neglect and sexual abuse. I have extensive experience helping clients deal with grief from past losses, cope with work place stressors and burnout, face life-threatening or terminal illnesses and explore existential issues related to meaning and purpose. I am comfortable working with individuals from different socio-cultural identity groups (e.g., gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity).

In terms of couple and sex therapy, I work with couple partners to address a wide range of relationship issues, including improving their capacities for emotional, physical and sexual intimacy, repairing ruptures to their bond in the aftermath of infidelities and betrayals, and managing conflicts over finances, parenting and extended family members (i.e., dealing with difficult in-laws). I also support couple partners to deal with challenging life circumstances in which one partner is afflicted with momentary or chronic physical or mental health issues, or terminal illness.

Throughout our journey together, I provide a confidential therapeutic relationship marked by compassion, empathy, genuineness and authentic engagement.
I am an integrative psychologist---my psychotherapeutic approach involves integrating different theories of human psychological development, and affective/emotion and neuroscience research and then tailoring treatment interventions in a manner that promotes greater self-resilience, authenticity, wholeness and healthy interdependency in relationships. I also draw from various scientific, evidence-based therapy approaches. Humanistic and experiential models inform how I work with you to explore your inner experience of distress, including the emotional reactions, feelings and thoughts that are troubling you. Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theories are employed as a frame to guide this exploration and to deepen our understanding of the impact of your earlier years on your present-day difficulties. Existential models inform my perspective on some of the inner struggles faced by all of us merely on the basis of our existence. Post-modernism also influences my clinical work in terms of my sensitivities to how social, cultural and historical contexts shape our subjective sense of reality, meaning-making and self expressions. Cognitive-behavioural and mindfulness-based strategies are employed to diminish symptoms and associated distress. Techniques from many different psychotherapy models are used to address your specific needs and concerns.

In an initial session, I’ll ask you to share your story about your present-day struggles. We’ll then work together to identify the core issues and goals to be addressed in therapy. In subsequent sessions, we’ll work together to assess the origins and explore the scope of your presenting issues. I also conduct a comprehensive scientific-based assessment of your difficulties---to help you gain an understanding of what might be at the root of your struggles with anxiety, depression or your relationship problems. During this assessment, I will use scientific, evidence-based measures along with taking an in-depth personal history and an account of your life experiences to provide you with insights about the nature of your current difficulties. In a third phase of therapy, the knowledge obtained from our initial session and the assessment will be used to develop targeted strategies to foster change. We’ll first work together to diminish your symptoms and associated distress, and then we’ll deepen our work to understand and change self and relationship issues underlying your concerns and symptoms.

I am currently the Executive Director at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships, and Head of the Personality Service, and the lead of the Personality & Interpersonal Functioning and Trauma & Dissociation Assessment Services. In my capacity as Executive Director, I work with Clinical Directors and Heads of Service to deliver leading edge scientifically-driven clinical programs and treatment and assessment services. I also ensure that ongoing education opportunities are made available to our psychologists.

I have published various journal articles and book chapters, presented papers and conducted workshops in the areas of couples, relationship trauma and sex therapy. I am an original proponent of an integrated Emotionally Focused Therapy model of couple and sex therapy. I have also conducted research into the process of relationship repair in the aftermath of difficult relationship experiences, such as infidelity and betrayals. Below are some recent publications:

default_title Zuccarini, D., Johnson, S. & Makinen, J. (manuscript prepared and to be re-submitted to Journal of Marital and Family Therapy). Transforming power of emotion in forgiveness in EFT: An emotional processing model.

default_title Zuccarini, D., Johnson, S., Dagleish, T., & Makinen, J. (2013). Forgiveness and reconciliation in EFT for couples: The client change process and therapist interventions. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 39, 148-162.

default_title Johnson, S. & Zuccarini, D. (2011). EFT for sexual issues: An integrated model of couple and sex therapy. In Furrow, J., Bradely, B., & Johnson, S. (Eds.). The Emotionally Focused Casebook: New Directions in Treating Couples. Routeldge Inc.

default_title Zuccarini, D., & Karos, L. (2011). Emotionally focused therapy for gay and lesbian couples: Strong identities, strong bonds. In Furrow, J., Bradely, B., & Johnson, S. (Eds.). Emotionally Focused Casebook: New Directions in Treating Couples. Routeldge Inc.

default_title Johnson, S. & Zuccarini, D. (2010). Sex and attachment: Addressing sexual issues in emotionally focused couple. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 36, 431- 445.

default_title Kleinplatz, P.J., Ménard, A.D., Paquet, M.-C., Paradis, N., Campbell, M., Zuccarini, D., & Mehak, L. (2010). The components of optimal sexuality: A portrait of ‘great sex’. Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, Spring-Summer.

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Since 2007, I have taught under-graduate courses at the University of Ottawa in Interpersonal Relationships, Family Psychology and Human Sexual Behaviour. I continue to read peer-reviewed research articles and books about current treatments for psychological issues.

I am a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Professional Affiliations
2008-2011 Canadian Psychological Association
2007-2011 Ottawa Institute for Object Relations Therapy- Board Member
2012- Ottawa Academy of Psychologists
2012- Canadian Register of Health Service Psychologists
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Career & Workplace, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Career & Vocational, Couples & Pre-Marital, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
MATHILDE THERIAULT, B.A. Hons.
Clinical Psychology Resident

MATHILDE THERIAULT, B.A. Hons.

“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can” – Frida Kahlo

Life can be an overwhelming journey that makes us forget that our mental health is as important as our physical health. Not having the right tools to take care of our mental health can lead to important difficulties, which we don’t have to face alone. When we are experiencing distress that is limiting in any way or want to work on personal growth and development, it is ok to seek help. In fact, I encourage you to do so. Communicating difficult emotions, thoughts and behavior patterns can be very uncomfortable or uneasy, but is an important process for healing and I am here to guide you through it. I am looking forward to meeting with you.

In individual therapy, I have experience working alongside adults of different cultural backgrounds and walks of life, struggling with various psychological difficulties. I am comfortable working with clients who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and other mood related disorders, attention deficits, grief and loss, interpersonal problems, low self-esteem, trauma, as well as difficulties related to personality.

As soon as our first contact is established, I will work on building a strong therapeutic relationship with you based on compassion, acceptance and collaboration. I want you to feel comfortable opening up and asking questions. I will apply active listening skills to help you express your deepest and current concerns in a professional, safe and empathic environment. Moreover, I will conduct a scientific-based evaluation including questions regarding your personal and social history. This will help me get a better sense of who you are, since you are far more than just your symptoms. Finally, we will work collaboratively to determine your specific needs and goals. I value developing a treatment plan that is tailored to meet the specific needs and concerns of each individual, while using a series of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including cognitive, behavioral, mindfulness-based and attachment-based therapies.

Over the past seven years, I have offered assessment and treatment services to children, adolescents, and adults in various settings in New-Brunswick and in Nova-Scotia, such as the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Cumberland Mental Health and Addiction Services, Psychological Consultation Clinic at the University of Moncton, and Psychology and Health Centre at the University of Moncton. I have also gained clinical experience through volunteer work, like promoting mental and physical health through sports and play to Haitian children and guiding individuals in crisis (e.g. suicidal ideation) from a phone line.

Presently, I am enrolled in the Doctor of Psychology program (Psy.D.) at the Université de Moncton, in New-Brunswick. My current research is focused on chronic illness and cognitive capacities in the elderly in long term care homes. In addition, I have a special interest in the early adulthood developmental period, which led me to teach an undergraduate adulthood development class at my university. I have also facilitated numerous workshops on stress management. I value sharing my knowledge and, in return, always learning from readings and from others, including my clients.

I am a student member of the College of Psychologists of New-Brunswick and a member of the Canadian Psychological Association.
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Adult (English, French)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Adoption Assessment, Alcohol & Drug Evaluation, Disability Injury & Accident, Immigration & Refugee, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Sexological Assessment, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT)
ADAM BLAKE, M.Sc.
Therapist

ADAM BLAKE, M.Sc.

When we experience hardship and suffering, this can negatively impact the way we think and feel - both about ourselves and others. Such experiences can make it difficult to “show up” in our life in a way that is meaningful and authentic. Instead, we can get caught up in unhelpful patterns that that prevent us from living the life we want. By working through difficult experiences, together we can transform the challenges you experience in order to heal and live more fully. This includes honouring your own unique values, beliefs, sexuality, gender expression, spiritual or religious traditions, and life stage. By working compassionately with the particular difficulties that you are experiencing, together we can help you gain a greater sense of self-acceptance, clarity, and improved psychological well-being. I commend you for considering therapy as part of your journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

I provide individual therapy with adults who struggle with anxiety, panic, OCD, depression, trauma, dissociation, attention deficits, issues related to sexuality and relationships, self-worth, assertiveness, spirituality, and vocational/work concerns. My approach to psychotherapy is integrative and draws on empirically-supported principles from well-established traditions including humanistic, existential, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, and acceptance and commitment therapy. My approach also deeply integrates concerns related to social, cultural and other factors that impact each person uniquely.

In our initial meeting together, I will get a chance to listen to you and understand what you’re going through. Afterwards, we will go through an assessment to gain a deeper understanding of your unique experiences and challenges. This will enable us to collaboratively understand your goals for therapy and the type of support and practices that would serve you best. Throughout our therapy together we will continue to collaborate on therapeutic goals to ensure that we are always working on what matters most to you.

Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals in university mental health clinics, hospitals (inpatient & outpatient), and private practice. I have completed doctoral-level practicums at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, and the York University Psychology Clinic. I have also provided psychological assessments to help individuals with difficulties concerning attention, depression, personality and cognitive functioning.

I am currently pursuing my PhD in Clinical Psychology at York University, and am a member of the Canadian Psychological Association. I have also presented my research at major international conferences in Canada and the United States and have co-authored peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals. Selected publications are listed below.

default_titleCarter, E. C., McCullough, M.E., Kim, J., Corrales, C., Blake, A. (2012). Religious People Discount the Future Less. Evolution and Human Behavior, 33, 224-231.

default_titleGerritsen, C., Frischen, A., Smilek, D., Blake, A., & Eastwood, J. (2008). Visual search is not blind to emotion. Perception and Psychophysics, 70(6), 1047-1059.

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Adult (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Attention Deficit & ADHD, Career & Vocational, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Psychoeducation Assessment, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic
GENEVIEVE BOUDREAULT, M.A.
Therapist

GENEVIEVE BOUDREAULT, M.A.

The path that leads to seeking therapy is not an easy one. Life can be difficult. Sometimes, the reason is obvious, but other times our own behaviour is a mystery. We can face depression, anxiety, difficulties in relationships, lack of self-esteem, or face traumatic events. At times, individual help is required and other times it is help with our relationships that is needed. Couples’ relationships are the central focus of my professional life. I had the honour to be invited inside the lives of several couples throughout the years. I have witnessed the anguish of broken relationships, the hard work necessary to repair them, and the immense satisfaction in the process of healing a relationship. My goal is to reach both men and women of all ages, in any kind of relationship (newly committed, long-standing, same-sex or straight, very satisfied or very dissatisfied) and help build the relationship to become as happy and secure as possible. For over 10 years, I have had the privilege of experiencing my clients healing, growing, and finding meaning in their relationships or their personal lives. These are my areas of expertise and I look forward to the pleasure of helping you with your relationship and accompanying you on this great journey. I also can provide therapeutic services in French or English.

In individual therapy, I see clients who have all sorts of struggles. It could be depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, trauma related problems (physical, sexual, mental, or sexual). My specialized area of practice is post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), combat stress, or operational injuries. I enjoy working with individuals who have sacrificed their life and sometimes mental health to serve and protect their fellow citizens. Knowing that experiencing trauma has an impact on relationships, and also that social support is a real antidote to the development of PTSD, I also do couples therapy with trauma survivors. I am comfortable working with a diversity of people and inclusive of all gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, and races/ethnicities (gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity), and any kind of warriors (military, police officer, firefighters) and first responders.

In terms of couple therapy, I have experience with a variety of issues including repairing the relationship in case of infidelity or other betrayals, desire and sexual problems, adjustments to the arrival of children, difficulties managing finances, and issues with relationships with in-laws. I also work with a wide range of clinical populations including those with a medical illness (chronic pain, cancer, diabetes etc.), addiction, PTSD, and various types of trauma exposure. I have also had the pleasure of working with same-sex couples, straight couples, and couples from many ethnic cultures.

The most important part of my practice is empathy. I will unconditionally value your experience and engage myself to make you feel valued, fully accepted, and understood. I am an integrative psychologist, but my core is really experiential/humanistic. This means that my role is to fully absorb your experience by hearing, seeing, and understanding you as you are in the moment, while being aware that all behaviours or dysfunctions are ways to cope with problems when nothing else is available. I will see you as a survivor of your own existence. I am flexible to provide you the optimal context in therapy, whether you want to modify your thoughts and behaviour, or manage your emotions in a satisfying way. I can provide cognitive behavioural treatments in a humanistic perspective. The second most important thing in my practice is to follow evidence-based therapy approaches to treat specific problems. Scientists and clinicians agree that despite the therapist’s own preference, some treatments work better than others depending on the specific clinical problem. I will follow evidence-based research practices for treatments, while staying flexible. I will adapt the best treatment for you which also respects your personal goals. For couple therapy, I use emotionally focused therapy. This is an empirical and well-researched approach and is like a road map that provides an understanding of adult attachment and helps to process change in a relationship, regardless of gender, culture, sexual orientation or clinical population.

In our first encounter, we will explore your issues in your relationship and establish your goals together. I will conduct a scientific-based assessment of your struggles so you will be able to understand the nature and the reasons for your difficulties (anxiety, depression, couple dissatisfaction etc.). After exploring your current situation and the presenting problems and symptoms, I will provide you with my professional opinion that is supported by evidence-based therapy approaches and we will agree on the approximate number of sessions we will have together. My objective for our first session will be to get to know you better, connect with you by being empathetic and attuned to your problems in order to create a safe environment to explore your difficulties. My goal is also to enable trust in your own capacities through the healing process. During treatment, the priority is to decrease your distress (physical or psychological symptoms). Depending on your issues and your goals, I will use different types of interventions (cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, exposure, activity scheduling, enactments, emotional management, experiential exploration etc.). During the treatment, I will continuously re-evaluate how you are feeling to ensure the positive evolution of your symptoms. In the last phase of therapy, we will do a consolidation of your mental state, find meaning in your experience, and work on a plan to prevent relapse.

Over the last 10 years, I have worked in various private practices, hospitals and clinics including Montfort Hospital, Center of Psychological Services at the University of Québec in Hull, Eastern Ottawa Psychological Center, Medical Sainte-Anne Clinic, Y2 Consultants Psychologist and the 555 Multi Clinic in Hull. I currently work as a psychologist at the Center for Interpersonal Relationships. In addition to my practice, I have also taught undergrad classes at the University of Québec in Hull and supervised Master’s degree students at the University of Ottawa.

Professional affiliations:
I have been a registered member of the Canadian Psychological Association since 2018 and I have had a permit of practice from the Order of Psychologists in Quebec (60-50813) since 2013.
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Adult, Couple (English, French)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Couples & Pre-Marital, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy
SHARON CHAN, M.Sc.
Therapist

SHARON CHAN, M.Sc.

My clinical work is guided by a belief in the intrinsic good of others and the importance of unconditional positive regard towards you, my client, in our therapeutic relationship. My hope is to not only help you overcome adversity, but to help you thrive in spite of it. Most people encounter adversity in the form of struggle or hardship at some point in their life, as this shared experience is part of being human. Over time these burdens can become overwhelming to carry alone. I understand that many people worry about what “going to therapy” says. To me, it means that you have made a brave commitment to change or to confronting some difficulty in your life, but the process has not been easy. Rather than focusing on ‘illness’ or ‘dysfunction’, we will work together towards actualizing your full potential and maximizing your wellbeing. I will help you become an active agent of change in your own life and support you through this journey.

I draw on a rich background of relational and skills-focused techniques to offer a therapeutic process that best fits your personal goals and needs. Previously, I have worked with clients using psychodynamic, emotion-focused, attachment-based, behavioural, and cognitive-behavioural approaches to therapy. When helpful, I am able to draw on more specialized techniques such as trauma-informed therapy, play therapy, parent and teacher consultation, collaborative problem-solving, and family therapy. My past clients have experienced a wide-range of range of presenting concerns, including but not limited to mood disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), distorted/dysfunctional thought patterns, self-harming behaviours and suicidal ideation, trauma, interpersonal/relational and family conflict, disordered eating, concerns with self-image and self-esteem, as well as neurodevelopmental and learning disabilities. I have also worked extensively with families to address sensitive topics such as marital conflict, co-parenting within blended families, as well as oppositionality and aggression in children. In addition to my intervention skills, I have a strong foundation in comprehensive assessment (psychoeducational, social-emotional, neuropsychological) using a variety of standardized measures and clinical techniques to better inform the therapeutic process.

In our first meeting, I invite you to share your primary concerns as I piece together your personal story through a scientific-based assessment. Together we will begin using this information to develop your therapeutic goals and an individualized, evidence-based treatment plan. In subsequent sessions, we will work towards understanding the origin of these issues, how your difficulties affect your current day to day relationships and functioning, and what factors are helpful or hindering towards alleviating distress.

Trained under the scientist-practitioner model, I recognize the importance of incorporating evidence-based practice into my clinical techniques. My breadth of research expertise has also imparted a heightened sensitivity towards working with vulnerable populations through a unique multicultural and developmental lens.

My education includes a Hons B.Sc. specializing in Psychology from the University of Toronto and a M.Sc. in Experimental Lifespan Psychology from the University of Victoria in British Colombia. Presently, I am nearing the completion of my doctoral degree in School and Clinical Child Psychology at the University of Toronto and am confirmed to complete my oral exam in November 2019.

Prior to joining the team at CFIR, I have served as a primary assessor and therapist at the SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), the Psychology Clinic at the University of Toronto/Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and as a psychometrist in private practice. I have also planned and carried out long-term academic remediation for individuals with comorbid learning and neurodevelopmental disorders. I welcome clients across the lifespan (preschool/school-aged/ and adolescent youth, parents and families, and adults).

Selected publications and referred conference presentations:

default_titleChan, S., Mueller, U., & Masson, M. E. (2019). Far-transfer effects of strategy-based working memory training. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1285.

default_titleChan, S. (2014). Cognitive shifts in childhood and working memory development. Conference paper presented at: the 44th Annual Meeting of the Jean Piaget Society (Social development: Current trends and perspectives), San Francisco.

default_titleChan, S. (2013). The contribution of dyadic social interaction to the development of executive functioning. Conference paper presented at: the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Jean Piaget Society (Social development: Current trends and perspectives), Chicago.

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Adult (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Play Therapy, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
JESS A.L. ERB, D.Psychotherapy, R.P. (Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

JESS A.L. ERB, D.Psychotherapy, R.P. (Qualifying)

Seeking help can often feel both overwhelming and scary – yet, if you are reading this message you have already taken one of the biggest and bravest steps in the journey towards health! Being able to meet weekly with a psychotherapist and grant yourself a chance to discuss issues of distress - whether it is personal issues, relational/social problems, or even work related stress – in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space can be transformative and indeed life changing. I commend you for taking this step.

I am primarily based within a relational psychodynamic framework, which means that when we work together you will not have a removed or overly clinical counsellor, but a real person who meets you not simply as a ‘patient’ but as the expert of your own life! Together, we can delve into even the toughest, scariest, and unspeakable topics in a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space. I believe that the best therapy happens when a deep trust can form between counsellor and client. With me you will find a warm, compassionate counsellor who feels honoured to meet you in all aspects of your life.

Broadly speaking, I work with adults and adolescents in an array of issues such as depression/suicidal ideation, anxiety/panic disorders, grief and loneliness, as well as all forms of abuse – emotional, physical, sexual, self-harm, and eating disorders. I have extensive experience researching body positivity and helping clients overcome struggles with appearance and gender conformity – helping clients seek ways to express their ‘true’ selves and come to a more positive body image. I have a passion for promoting and caring for those who often are over-looked and marginalised in society and have therefore worked as an ally and advocate for clients from diverse populations. I have often been sought out to counsel those from the LGBTQI2SA+ community, as well as ethnically and economically diverse populations. I welcome all to my practice and believe that anyone - regardless of issue, ethnicity, gender / sexuality orientation, spiritual belief, economic standing – is valuable and I seek to provide the best care to all I see.

As your therapist, I believe that there is no such thing as a ‘band-aid’ approach to counselling; therefore, instead of providing quick-fixes, I welcome us to dive into issues together. From the first session with me we will start to talk about the issues that have brought you to counselling and where these might have originated – granting us insight into patterns of behaviour that may have been useful in the past that now may be actually getting in the way of your health. In our second phase of therapy we will start to see patterns emerge that have arisen based upon your past history. There is nothing taboo with me, and as we learn more about your past, we can start to make connections as to specific problem areas you might want to change. In our third phase of therapy we will then start to make these changes – often using the therapy session as a safe place to try these out. Through looking at the past and the larger context of your social world we can start to get a clearer picture as to why you may be facing distress and with this insight we can work together in overcoming these issues.

As I have trained in many paradigms the process of therapy will be an integration of psychodynamic, person-centred and emotion-focussed therapy, as well as CBT, interpersonal and mindfulness practices. I believe that as my client, you deserve a treatment plan that fits you! Therefore, by getting to know you and your unique needs, the therapy I provide will be an approach the seems most suitable for you.

Before working as an associate at CFIR, I trained as a doctor in psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh, UK. For the past decade, I have worked with at-risk youth in both Canada and the UK, working specifically with issues such as depression, suicidal ideation, low self-esteem/body image, anxiety, sexuality and sexual trauma. I have also worked as a qualified psychotherapist providing psychoanalysis with adults regarding work related stress, relationships / family functioning, depression, and personality disorders. I have also provided ‘Life Review’ work with elderly clients. For the past four years I have supervised and trained new counsellors and currently work as a supervisor at CFIR for those in training.

I have published in journals related to research and psychotherapy and currently have several projects in press. I am the co-founder of the ‘Bodies Collective’ that collaborates with scholars around the globe at bringing the physical body back into recognition within the academy. Through the Bodies Collective, we have created a new way of doing research called ‘Bodyography’. I have given numerous presentations at conferences in both North America and Europe and am also an active public speaker on mental health for universities in the UK and Canada. Through all this I am also an active pottery and oil painting instructor and am currently working on a book chapter showing the intersection between wheel-based pottery and mindfulness.
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Adolescent Psychology, Anxiety & Stress, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Reprocessing (EMDR), Integrative Therapy, Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy
KHURAMAN MAMEDOVA, M.A.
Therapist

KHURAMAN MAMEDOVA, M.A.

Life challenges, responsibilities, important events, health and other factors can make it difficult for us to pause and take time to care for ourselves. Therapy can provide the space for you to stop and attend to your emotions, understand your reactions, learn how to process important life events, reconnect you with your values and help you live a meaningful life. Together we can work on identifying your strengths, understanding areas that require support, identify coping strategies that will work for you, and collaboratively establish goals that will strengthen your self-esteem, resolve difficulties, and help you develop compassion towards yourself that you deserve.

I am committed to being a culturally-competent professional who provides evidence-based psychological assessments and therapy services to adults with a range of difficulties. My clinical expertise includes work with individuals with mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, trauma-related experiences, interpersonal difficulties and difficulties adjusting to life events. Throughout my extensive training and clinical work in a variety of treatment settings, I have worked with a wide range of treatment approaches (e.g., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) that will allow us to tailor an individualized treatment plan according to your needs and expectations.

As a professional, I am committed to establishing a warm, accepting, non-judgmental and genuine environment in order to facilitate building a strong and trusting relationship. I appreciate my clients providing feedback and course-correcting the process of therapy - after all, the treatment is about you and your needs and not the ones of a therapist. During our first meeting, we will work together to assess areas that you think require support, establish therapy goals and discuss a treatment approach that will fit with your expectations and goals. You are the one who will decide if therapy is worth trying and if after starting you decide that therapy is not for you, we can end it at any time.

In terms of my clinical and training experience, I completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology at York University. I completed my pre-doctoral residency at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Adult Gender Identity and Complex Care and Recovery rotations. I worked with individuals within the LGBT2QA community and provided assessment and treatment services to individuals with gender dysphoria and other gender-related difficulties. I also worked with individuals with severe mental health conditions (e.g., psychosis) and provided individual and group therapy and conducted neuropsychological assessments. My training also includes clinical practicum work in the Adult Outpatient Services at Brampton Civic Hospital where I provided evidence-based individual and group therapy and assessment services to individuals with variety of mental health conditions. I also completed clinical practicum at the Toronto Western Hospital Bariatric Surgery Clinic where I worked with individuals who were experiencing a number of eating-related difficulties and undergoing bariatric surgery.

In addition to my clinical work, during my doctoral training I enjoyed being involved in psychotherapy process research investigating moments of resistance and disagreement in therapy between a client and a therapist. I was particularly interested in investigating the impact of such events on client and therapist’s morale, and identify effective resolution strategies that will strengthen the therapeutic relationship; I enjoyed disseminating results of my work at various international conferences. During my masters education, I was involved in piloting a psychoeducational program that was aimed to address cancer-related cognitive difficulties in women with breast cancer.
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Adult (English, Russian, Turkish, Azerbaijani)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Career & Workplace, Depression Mood & Grief, Health Psychology, Interpersonal Relationships, Neuropsychology, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Attention Deficit & ADHD, Autism Spectrum & Developmental Disorder, Career & Vocational, Disability Injury & Accident, Immigration & Refugee, Neuropsychological Assessment, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Psychoeducation Assessment, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic
LAURA MOORE, B.Sc. (Honours)
Therapist

LAURA MOORE, B.Sc. (Honours)

“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing that we will ever do”- Brené Brown. By challenging yourself to tell your story, being vulnerable and open to exploring it, and by seeking support to accomplish your desired goals, you can begin to live your life authentically. Choosing to invest in therapy can be difficult, but it is the first step in creating long-term happiness. Everyone experiences and interacts with the world differently, and we each have our own unique story to share. It's my passion and an absolute pleasure to partner with you on your journey to self-discovery and self-improvement.

I am comfortable working alongside a variety of clients with diverse concerns, backgrounds and social identities. More specifically, I work with adults facing some difficulties related to mood, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and loss, personality, relationships, life-transitions, workplace and school functioning (burnout and performance), and self-compassion and growth. I have particular interests in trauma and interpersonal and couple relationship functioning, such as infidelity, separation and divorce.

In our first session, I will actively and empathically listen to what has been causing you distress and why you decided to seek therapy. I will ask you questions about your present day and your past. I believe that our past experiences hold valuable information for better understanding our current life challenges. Knowing that as an individual we do not exist alone, it will be essential to gain more insight into your social context and your interpersonal relationships with others, and, more importantly, with yourself. I will utilize scientifically based assessment measures to gain a better understanding of your current struggles and the most effective way to approach them. Every individual is unique. As such, they benefit from treatment that is tailored to meet their specific needs and goals. To accomplish this, I work from an integrative and holistic approach drawing mainly from evidence-based interventions such as adlerian, psychodynamic, attachment-based, interpersonal, mindfulness, narrative and cognitive-behavioural.

In the last decade before pursuing my graduate studies in psychology, I conducted psychological and psychometric assessments for day treatment and outpatients in both public and private funded agencies. Additionally, I supervised a highly structured residential treatment program for youths aged seven to eighteen. In working with the youth and support staff, I provided and directed a high level of assessment, effective treatment planning, review, evaluation and support.

Currently, I am near completion of my Masters in Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto. My current research focus is cultivating spousal attunement post trauma. I hold an Honours Bachelor of Science of Psychology from Trent University and a postgraduate degree in Youth Corrections and Interventions from Durham College. My previous contributions to academic research examined the relationship between language and cognition of children with both typical and atypical development. Additionally, I am a member of the Canadian Psychological Association, Ontario Psychological Association, Ontario Society of Adlerian Psychology and the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology.
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Couples & Pre-Marital, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
BRENT MULROONEY, M.A.S.P.
Therapist

BRENT MULROONEY, Ph.D. Candidate

The decision to pursue therapy can be difficult regardless of one's age or phase of life. Nonetheless, many clients say it is one of the best decisions they have made. Through my experience working with adolescents, adults, and families, I understand that problems may arise at any point in a person's life, for any number of reasons. I work with individuals and families to improve family functioning and relationships, work and school success, as well as anxiety, depression, and anger problems. I also work to alleviate problems associated with substance use, learning difficulties (including ADHD and Learning Disabilities), bullying, trauma, violence, grief and loss, transitions in life, self-esteem, gender identity, sexuality, and intimate relationships. Through your work with me, we will address the problems you are experiencing by exploring both how the issue first began, as well as what factors are contributing to maintaining it today.

Together, we will work to explore and understand problematic emotional, behavioural and thought patterns in order to deal with them in an effective manner. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space where we will collaborate to help increase self-awareness and life satisfaction. In your first session with me, I will work with you to develop your therapeutic goals, and outline a plan around how we can achieve those goals together. I also conduct a scientifically-based and thorough assessment that will help you gain a greater understanding of the problems and struggles you seek to address, as well the unique strengths you possess that will help you achieve your goals. From there, I utilize evidence-based practices such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based treatments, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic therapeutic approaches in order to ensure your unique goals are met.

I have previously provided assessment, therapeutic, and consultation services for clients at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto District School Board (TDSB), and the University of Toronto/Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Psychology Clinic (UT/OISE Psychology Clinic). Through my work in the above as well as my experience working in private practice, I have extensive experience working with individuals and families experiencing all manner of struggles including: problems with family functioning and relationships, depression, anxiety, work stress, learning problems, anger, and substance use. Earlier in my career, I worked to develop provincial policies and guidelines for the proper treatment and care of individuals accessing services for mental health and physical disabilities in the Division of Mental Health and Addictions and the Disability Policy Office respectively, both with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. I hold a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology and a Masters degree in Applied Social Psychology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Presently, I am nearing the completion of my doctoral degree in School and Clinical Child Psychology at the University of Toronto.

I have substantial interest and treatment experience in the realm of family functioning and relationships, anxiety and mood disorders, work and school success, addictions, violence (especially violence in the home), trauma, and gender identity and sexuality. I am also interested in working with individuals who have previous criminal/legal offences and require a clinician with an understanding of the unique challenges associated with involvement in the legal system.

I provide assessment and clinical supervision to Masters-level students in School and Clinical Psychology at the University of Toronto, have presented at regional, national, and specialty (e.g., domestic violence-related) psychological conferences (including the Canadian Psychological Association Annual Conference), and have been a member of the Canadian Psychological Association since 2009.
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Adolescent, Adult, Couple, Family (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Attention Deficit & Learning Challenges, Career & Workplace, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Attention Deficit & ADHD, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
JOSHUA PETERS, M.A. R.P.
Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Manager

JOSHUA PETERS, M.A. R.P.

Life is a dynamic journey filled with both high and low moments. No doubt, when we are in the high moments we can often appreciate these experiences whole hardily; however, it can be much harder to cope with the negative feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that sometimes accompany our low moments. Instead, we can become absorbed in our negative emotions about ourselves and our relationships - and we may find ourselves increasingly anxious, depressed, and struggling to feel better. During these moments, you may feel even worse if you are experiencing feelings of loneliness or isolation. In seeking help from a therapist, you have taken an important and admirable first step towards learning more about yourself and your relationships. You do not have to work through these difficult times alone.

I offer you a warm welcome on your journey towards better mental health.

In my clinical practice, I work with individual and couple clients who are experiencing a diverse range of emotional, self, identity and relationship struggles. Specifically, I am interested in and have experience working with clients who are struggling with emotional distress related to anxiety, stress, anger, depression and grief. Processing difficult emotions can be challenging; however, with appropriate guidance in therapy, I can help you to get at the emotional roots of your distress as well as help you to become in touch with the concerns, goals and needs that underlie your experiences. I work with clients to address issues related to self (i.e., self-esteem, confidence) and identity (i.e., sexuality, sexual orientation, gender, relationship diversity). Moreover, I work with clients who have faced attachment trauma or traumatic experiences (i.e., childhood or present day emotional deprivation, or childhood or present-day emotional, physical or sexual abuse) that have altered their sense of self, others and the world around them.

In my individual work…

I will work collaboratively with you to identify the goals and concerns you would like to address in therapy. I provide all my clients with a non-judging, open, warm and supportive environment to ensure that you feel emotionally safe to explore your feelings, thoughts, behaviours and/or relationships. To ensure that I understand your experiences, I will conduct a comprehensive and scientifically validated assessment to gather information about how your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and interpersonal style might be contributing to your current challenges. As an integrative psychotherapist, I will also utilize supported treatment approaches (i.e., psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, dialectical behavioural, mindfulness-based, narrative, emotionally-focused, family systems) to help you address your distressful thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationship concerns. Incorporating these different treatment modalities allows me to work with you in different ways based on your unique needs.

In my couple and relationship work…

I will coach both of you to build stronger emotional communication skills as well as help your relationship manage conflicts and improve communication and negotiation skills concerning finances, parenting, and in-law difficulties. I can also support both partners in learning to become more physically intimate, help you work through any sexual issues that you are currently facing (i.e., arousal, desire, orgasm problems), and offer support for partners to work through relational hurts and betrayals (i.e., infidelities, absence of emotional support in time of need). Finally, I can also help navigate and support couples who decide to 'open up' their relationship by helping you construct a non-monogamous, open, or polyamorous relationship/network.

Professionally, I draw from a rich background of experience within the mental health field, including both clinical and research positions. I began my journey in the mental health field working with clients in crisis at the Distress Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. In this role I was directly responsible for the wellbeing of individuals who were experiencing distress and suicidal ideation. I have also conducted research in the area of couple relationships at the Couples Research Laboratory (University of Ottawa) aiding in research on LGBTQ couples and intimate partner violence. Lastly, over the past several years, I have gained experience at Saint Paul University's Counseling Centre and CFIR's Ottawa location. At these two settings, I worked with clients experiencing a wide range of issues, including diagnosable disorders, and other psychological issues, as well as couple clients from diverse backgrounds. These settings provided me with experience, skills, and the theoretical foundation to provide therapy to a diverse range of clients.

In my roles as Clinical Manager and Supervision Co-Facilitator at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships, I am primarily responsible for overseeing the professional development and integration of CFIR clinicians as well as the creation and maintenance of CFIR programs and services. I am also currently the Lead of the Sexuality, Gender & Relationship Diversity Service at CFIR. As Lead of Service, I develop programs and guide service delivery on the basis of evidence-based scientific research and am available for consultation to CFIR clinicians on this population.

I am currently registered with the College of Psychotherapist of Ontario and have received a Master of Arts Degree in Counselling (Couples & Family Specialization) from the University of Ottawa (Saint Paul University).
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Attention Deficit & ADHD, Couples & Pre-Marital, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
EDGAR PRUDCOI, B.A.
Therapist

EDGAR PRUDCOI, B.A.
Welcome and thank you for reaching out! Life can often present us with difficult and unexpected challenges that we are not always prepared for. During these times we may find ourselves feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and alone. Sometimes we might feel that something is wrong but have a difficult time identifying that internal experience or the cause of what is happening. Coping and managing with these difficult emotions, thoughts, and stressors in life - especially in isolation - can often be a tremendously overwhelming experience. Taking these first steps to seek the help you deserve is a courageous act. I commend you for beginning this journey of personal growth and mental wellness. I welcome a diverse population, regardless of your spiritual belief, economic circumstances, ethnicity, and sexual orientation/gender. People are not problems to be solved, but individuals to be known, and I look forward to embarking on this journey with you.

My clinical work and experience focus on the treatment and psychological assessment of adults and couples. Specifically, I am passionate about assisting individuals and couples who are experiencing a wide array of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, stress management, conflict resolution, workplace stress, adjustment difficulties, self-esteem concerns, loss and grief, emotional regulation, problems managing strong emotions, and interpersonal difficulties.

During your first visit, we will spend some time to understand your specific difficulties or concerns. With this understanding, we will work collaboratively to establish a treatment plan and help you attain your therapeutic goals and needs. In therapy, I provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for us to connect and explore your present problems, past experiences that may affect you, and goals for your future. I offer an integrative approach to therapy and implement evidence-based therapeutic modalities based on your specific individual needs. Of most importance to me is developing a relationship consisting of trust and compassion between myself and my clients which lays the foundation for therapy to take place.

Currently, I am near completion of my Master’s degree Clinical Psychology at the Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University. I am also a member of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Ontario Psychological Association.
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Rehabilitation Psychology, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Couples & Pre-Marital, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy
WHITNEY REINHART, BHSc. (Honours), R.P.(Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

WHITNEY REINHART, BHSc. (Honours), R. P. (Qualifying)

When life brings you challenges, and you are feeling overwhelmed with the distressing emotions, thoughts and behaviors that these issues can produce, it can be difficult to know where to begin. My hope is to guide you through your journey towards a healthier life, with positive relationships, self-compassion, and self-sufficiency. The action you have made to seek help is not an easy one, rather it demonstrates great strength, commitment, and resiliency.

I provide psychotherapy to adults and couples experiencing issues relating to anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships (e.g., relationship patterns, intimacy and vulnerability issues), self-esteem and body image, identity (e.g., related to gender, sexuality, culture, career), personality disorders, and trauma, among other areas as well. My practice is inclusive, as I work with a diverse set of presenting problems, backgrounds and social identities, ensuring that the therapeutic approaches I employ are catered to each unique individual. Generally, I work with the goal of establishing a strong working relationship, striving to meet client-directed goals, and empowering clients to become their most authentic selves.

I view therapy as a collaborative process, where clients are regarded as the experts in their own lives and hold autonomy in their journey of healing, growth, and development. I believe that past experiences hold valuable information for understanding current struggles and life challenges and as such, I aim for us to uncover those pivotal moments. Together we will work to diminish problematic psychological symptoms and build a foundation for reaching your fullest potential. Furthermore, I will support you in developing a sense of security in your identity and establishing meaningful relationships, as I believe strengthening these areas helps to create positive and lasting change. Every client is unique and requires an individualized approach; therefore, I practice integrative therapy, using a diverse array of theories and therapies. I predominantly use psychodynamic, attachment-based, and experiential-humanistic therapies to establish a therapeutic relationship and help understand how previous experiences have contributed to current struggles. I typically incorporate interventions from emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioral, dialectic-behavioural, mentalization-based, and mindfulness-based therapies to build self-awareness and develop skills for managing and changing distressing thoughts, behaviours, and emotions, as well as interpersonal problems.

In our first session together, my hope is to establish a level of comfort and an atmosphere of non-judgement, genuineness, and acceptance. My goal is for us to develop a deeper understanding of who you are and what has brought you to therapy, by exploring your history, current struggles, and goals. Following the initial session and completion of empirically-validated assessments, I will provide you with my professional understanding of your circumstances and strategies for meeting your needs. Although I will provide my insights regarding appropriate therapies and approaches, you will be given the space to decide the best approach for you. We will work to integrate past experiences into your understanding of self and co-create a treatment plan that facilitates optimal life improvements.

I completed my Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) degree at McMaster University and am currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at the University of Ottawa, where I am conducting research in cross-cultural counselling relationships. Over my professional career, I have provided counselling and support in a variety of community settings, including Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) of Halton for survivors of assault, the Good Shepherd Family Centre for families living in homelessness, and the Hamilton Association for Residential and Recreational Redevelopment Programs (HARRRP) for inner city youth. I am currently a Registered Psychotherapist at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR), practicing under the supervision of Dr. Dino Zuccarini, C. Psych.
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality,Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy
VALERY VENGEROV, M.Psy. R.P.(Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

VALERY VENGEROV, M.Psy. RP (Qualifying)

Starting therapy is a significant life decision and I admire your willingness to step into the unknown. I hope to provide you with a safe and quiet space to explore your inner world. Every person brings with them a set of meaningful experiences and together we work to understand the parts that seem foreign and out of control. I strive help you feel better by lifting some of the weight that feels like you have been carrying on your own.

In individual therapy, I work with clients who are facing sadness, stress and anxiety. Some are having difficulties resolving past or present relationship issues, while others are struggling to make important changes in their lives. Many are experiencing loneliness and isolation and feel trapped by their circumstances. I also support those who have lived through traumatic and overwhelming experiences, or are dealing with loss, grief, or personal illness.

I take a special interest in working with couples and those seeking to form meaningful relationships. I provide pre-marital and dating counseling to help build strong and sturdy foundations from the onset of your union. I also work with long-term couples who are facing a wide range of relationship issues. Some feel emotionally, physically, or sexually disconnected, and we work together to rebuild intimacy and passion. Some couples face ruptures in their bond following the revelation of an affair, betrayal, or trauma, while others are having difficulties managing conflict or making decisions together. I am comfortable working with people from all socio-cultural identity groups, sexual orientations and ethnicities.

During our first appointments and throughout the course of therapy, I look to obtain and organize your personal information and focus treatment around your goals to help you overcome obstacles and achieve positive outcomes. I conduct a scientific-based assessment at the start of therapy, and use interventions that are proven effective and tailored to your specific needs. Therapy always moves at your pace, and I encourage every client to take ownership of their experience and do only what feels right for them.

Currently, I am a Masters student in Psychology at the Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto. I completed my Bachelor’s of Science at the University of Toronto. I am also trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, as well as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy. I am a member of the Ontario Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychological Association and the International Positive Psychology Organization.
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Career & Workplace, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Couples & Pre-Marital, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
SARAH G. BICKLE, B.A. (Hons.)
Counsellor

SARAH G. BICKLE, B.A. (Hons.)

There is perhaps no greater gift you can give yourself than that of a healthy inner world. Like physical health, this requires great care and exists along a spectrum. It is a powerful and rewarding journey you are pursuing, which in seeking, already speaks to great degree of honesty and self-awareness.

For the past six years, I have shared in learning how this journey unfolds across a range of life circumstances. In doing so, my compassion has grown for discussions of meaning-making, interpersonal relationships, attachment, trauma, spirituality, and sexuality. In what follows, I hope to communicate a greater sense of our potential fit.

Our first session will focus on setting the mood for our time together. The space will be open to discuss any concerns and unique preferences you may have for therapy, in order to develop a safe, open, LGBTQ2A+ friendly environment. By the end of this session we will have worked to establish a clear understanding of expectations, obstacles, goals, and agreed upon an initial treatment plan. We will fine-tune this initial plan, as well as the mood we have set, throughout our time together.

My initial work with trauma began with Haitian refugees in the Dominican Republic – advocating for access to government care, providing education, and caring for basic needs. After teacher training in Bali, I have expanded my experience easing distress through leading meditation and yoga classes at CAMH, as well as through taking calls at the Distress Centre. I have worked with a range of populations from the Geriatric Day Hospital at the Royal in Ottawa, to supporting young adults along the autism spectrum at Blooming Acres just outside Barrie.

My most recent work focused on how pathways in the brain re-map during times of overwhelming stress, thus presenting an opportunity for powerful change and potentially growth. My current work is exploring whether tantric meditation is useful for enhancing sexual satisfaction among sexual assault survivors. I hold a B.A. (Hons) in Psychology with a concentration in Social and Personality Psychology, as well as a minor in Philosophy from Carleton University. I am a member of the Ontario Psychological Association, and am currently working to complete a Masters of Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto.
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Adult (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Immigration & Refugee, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Relational Therapy
RILEY COTT, BAH
Counsellor

RILEY COTT, BAH

Welcome, you’ve made it. Progress is already underway and you are on your first step towards change and understanding. I admire the strength and courage that it takes to choose to embark on a new therapeutic journey. You are choosing to confront some of your most difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Without a doubt, revealing the truths of your inner world to another is intimidating, scary, and potentially dark. I know that this is not an easy pursuit, but it is a journey that I will be on with you. Together we will navigate your paths to change, feeling better, and finding the true you. I want you to know that I plan on providing you with the safest and most supportive space to do so.

My work is primarily with adolescents and adults, in an individual or couples setting. The areas that I work in are anxiety and stress, emotional regulation, depression, personal growth and self-esteem, trauma and related experiences, self-acceptance, weight and body image, sexual and interpersonal difficulties, sexual function and dysfunction, and the spectrum of sexual and relational orientations. Although these are the primary realms I work in, I am a curious, compassionate individual and am willing to explore a variety of topics or difficulties beyond these.

Life is filled with obstacles, difficulties, and challenges. There is no set rule book for how to navigate it and so my therapeutic style is unique to each individual’s needs. I want to provide you with a novel experience that is anything but ordinary. From our first session we will explore your presenting issues, your needs and desires, your goals for therapy, and future steps for our therapeutic journey together. Throughout this process you will be the leader and I your support. I will provide you with a judgment free, safe, accepting, and sex-positive space for you to explore your thoughts, behaviours, feelings, and relationships. I will be a compassionate, empathetic, and transparent support for you. I hope to build a foundational relationship between the two of us based on trust, authenticity, and communication.

I am currently finishing my Masters of Counselling Psychology from Adler University in Vancouver, British Columbia and have graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
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Adult, (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Depression Mood & Grief, Health Psychology, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Trauma & Dissociation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT)
JESSICA HUGHES, Ph.D.
Counsellor

JESSICA HUGHES, Ph.D.

We all experience times in our lives when we need guidance to reorient ourselves towards our goals and values. Reaching out for this guidance can be a difficult but necessary step in personal development, discovery, and healing. I take an integrative and personalized approach to help my clients achieve new ways of experiencing themselves and the world, and to cultivate emotional insight, acceptance, and balance to improve their relationships and overall wellbeing. Although it is sometimes challenging to ask for help, I believe that the individually tailored and evidence-based support provided in therapy is a vital first step in meeting your needs and goals.

My therapeutic approach is deeply informed by my research in the neuroscience of emotion, which highlights the innate wisdom and adaptiveness of emotional experience. Emotions lay the foundation of our experiences and understanding of the world and ourselves. However, there are times when we lose touch with the usefulness of our emotional signals and need to reorganize our emotional experiences. We all have the same basic needs of security, intimacy, love, and meaning in life. Working from the universality of these needs, I work to connect with and help clients from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations (e.g., race, religion, sexuality, gender). Everyone has their own emotional landscape that is complexly informed by their background, culture, beliefs, and current relationships. As such, a large focus of my therapeutic work concerns how emotions are embodied, and how the bodily experience of emotions can affect all aspects of our internal and external experiences. Thus, developing the ability to stay attuned to our own individual emotional experiences is an important part of my work with clients.

My expertise is in helping people explore and make meaning out of their emotional experiences in a way that brings balance and flourishing in all aspects of life. My clients are often struggling with the challenges of stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional disconnectedness. All of these experiences can put strain on our ability to connect with ourselves and the people in our lives. In therapy, I address these issues by building a strong rapport with my clients so that I can deeply understand who they are, what they have experienced, and what they want to get out of therapy. My approach is built upon the neuroscience of emotion and the understanding that growth and change happen in relationships that are radically empathetic, accepting, and authentic. I also utilize techniques and ideas that focus on the influence of family dynamics and life experience that are necessary for understanding the whole person in all their complexity.
My psychotherapeutic approach is highly integrative by adapting numerous therapeutic perspectives to best formulate treatment plans according to my clients’ individual backgrounds and personalized treatment goals. To achieve these goals, I administer comprehensive assessments to most accurately formulate your treatment plan. This treatment plan is a collaborative effort we build together. This plan may involve techniques adapted from numerous therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, mindfulness, dialectical behavioural, and cognitive behavioural) employed with the goals of fostering self-acceptance, self-compassion, crafting meaning and understanding distressing emotions, and developing insight into how our personal histories shape who we are and how we can use this knowledge to establish new ways of experiencing the world, ourselves, and others.

I obtained my B.A. in psychology at the University of Delaware (2007) and completed my M.A. (2011) and Ph.D. (2018) in experimental psychology from the University of Toronto, where I studied the neuroscience of emotion and motivation. I currently teach courses in the Physiology and Psychology of Emotion and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Toronto. Prior to my graduate studies, I was a neuroimaging researcher at Princeton University where I conducted experiments on the effects of mindfulness mediation on cognitive processing. In my therapeutic work, I have worked as a counselor in an in-patient psychiatric treatment facility in New Jersey helping people with mood disorders and trauma. I have also served as a support worker at the Centre for Addiction and Mental health as well as the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture. I am trained in suicide prevention first aid as well as dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy techniques. I am currently pursuing my Masters degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. My research and counseling experiences have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of how therapeutic modalities can be best applied in a personalized and meaningful way to help my clients achieve their goals.

I am also a member of the Ontario Psychological Association and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Systemic Therapy
LYNN IMAI, Ph.D.
Counsellor

LYNN IMAI, Ph.D.

I strongly believe that self-awareness is the precursor to many outcomes we want in life. My personal mission is to help you develop self-awareness on your patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving in a warm, non-judgmental space, so that you can live a more fulfilling, meaningful, and authentic life.

I mainly work with adults on a variety of challenges including anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, trauma, and multicultural issues pertaining to identity and adjustment. As we work together, it is very important to me that I deeply understand who you are in your full complexity as a multi-faceted, unique human being. As such, I take into consideration the multiple identities that define who you are, and the different layers of social context that influence you.

Our first session involves me listening to your story about what challenges you are currently facing, and us setting goals together on what you would like to work through during therapy. Subsequent sessions will involve me helping you derive self-understanding on the causes of your current challenges, and developing targeted strategies to foster positive change. I like to rely on evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapy (e.g., MBCT), as well as psychometrically valid and reliable assessments.

When I am not at CFIR, I work as an Assistant Professor of Organizational Behaviour at Ivey Business School at Western University where I have been for the past nine years. My research expertise is on how societal cultures impact human behaviour in a variety of workplace contexts such as negotiations, conflict management, team dynamics, motivation, performance management, and ethics. I have assessed and counselled undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students on their cross-cultural leadership skills. Currently, I run a global program that sends students to developing economies (India, Peru, Vietnam) to gain emerging market consulting experience. I received my M.A. and Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Maryland College Park, and my Hon. BSc. in Psychology from the University of Toronto.
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Adult (English, Japanese)

TREATMENT
Anxiety & Stress, Depression Mood & Grief, Health Psychology, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT)
CARLYLE JANSEN, M.A.
Counsellor

CARLYLE JANSEN, M.A.

We journey through life with many ups and downs along the way. Sometimes we fare well on our journey and at other times we have a hard time navigating the challenges. It can be hard to ask for help, sharing our fears, hopes, disappointments and vulnerabilities with another. Therapy can help us to gain new skills, insights and behaviours to help us live happier, more wholistic and meaningful lives according to our values. Therapy does not have to be a last resort yet it can feel like a bold step into the unknown. Like improving on our cooking or career skills, we can always learn how to live life in a more satisfying and integrated way.

It is a privilege and an honour to accompany clients on their journey towards a more fulfilling life. I work with individuals who have challenges in the areas of anxiety, interpersonal relationships, personal goals, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, and trauma. I help many clients with sexual performance such as orgasm and/ or ejaculation, low desire, painful sex, and creating more pleasure in their lives. I also support those who struggle with low self-esteem, recovering from abusive relationships, and coping with stress. As well, many couples have seen me to enhance their emotional, physical, and sexual intimacy. I enjoy working with couples to help them rekindle their passion, address differences in desire and pleasure, navigate a healthy sex life with physical and emotional challenges, communicate more effectively, and deepen their intimacy. My clients reflect a diversity of genders, orientations, relationship statuses and preferences, from polyamorous to monogamous, as well as those in different lifestyle communities.

From our first session, I strive to create a warm and non-judgemental atmosphere where you can feel comfortable to be yourself. We can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour patterns, uncovering obstacles and working towards your goals in a safe, respectful, and caring space. I apply evidence-based practices to our work in order to maximize the effectiveness of our time. You can choose to take away homework so that you can continue growing and practicing in between our sessions, giving us more to work with and deepening your learning. I tailor my approach to your needs, applying techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy as appropriate.

I have been working in the realm of sexuality for over 20 years with individuals and couples as well as groups. I have completed my coursework in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University. For over fifteen years I have been a guest lecturer in sexuality courses at Ryerson and at the annual Guelph Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program. I am the author of two books, including Sex Yourself. My sexuality and relationship column is at Tonic Toronto . My TEDx talk on Redefining Relationships illustrates my approach and common issues that arise for my clients. I have several YouTube videos on sexual issues and pleasure. I look forward to meeting with you.
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Adult, Couple (English, French)

TREATMENT
Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Rehabilitation Psychology, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Couples & Pre-Marital, Immigration & Refugee, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Systemic Therapy
VICTORIA MOSKOVSKAYA, M.A. (Honors)
Counsellor

VICTORIA MOSKOVSKAYA, M.A. (Honors)

At times, life challenges prompt us to do something different and reach out to others. It takes courage to take the first step to face your vulnerabilities to regain your strengths and bounce back despite anything. During my career, I have had the privilege to work with a variety of diverse clients with different backgrounds from all over the world.
In my clinical therapeutic work, I employ a holistic approach, and I thrive to find an integrative method that would work best for a client by drawing from evidence-based therapies as well as contemporary psychology.
My work is based on openness, integrity, and trust with my clients regardless of their current situation and background. In our initial session, I will conduct a comprehensive assessment and ask questions about your personal story and the challenges you may have experienced. Then, we will work together on defining what you would like to address or what specific goals you would like to achieve, and I will diligently address your questions about the journey ahead. During our subsequent sessions, we will focus on developing the strategies to facilitate positive change while reclaiming what we identified previously and making insightful discoveries on the way.
In addition to individual therapy treatments, workplace and career counseling and psychological clinical assessments (injury/rehabilitation, cognitive, personality, trauma, etc.), I have worked with organizations and have led several workshops on different topics including anger management, mental health and personal strength, leadership.

Currently, I am completing my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto and previously I also obtained my Master of Psychology degree with Honors from Moscow, Russia. Additionally, I am a current member of the Ontario Psychological Association. My work at CFIR is directly supervised by Dr. Sela Kleiman, C.Psych.
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Adult, Couple (English, Russian)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Rehabilitation Psychology, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy
MAYA MOSTAGHIM-VAEZI, B.A.
Counsellor

MAYA MOSTAGHIM-VAEZI, B.A.

Life often sends things our way we feel unprepared for, which can contribute to feeling stuck or uncertain. Counselling can help us develop the skills to navigate through what we cannot expect. It is important to provide a space for all individuals to explore their challenges and overcome their obstacles. To me, therapy is about self-awareness and healing. It takes a lot of courage to seek help, and I admire your first step into this unknown. By seeking support, you have already taken the first vital step towards self-growth.
In therapy, I work with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, emotional dysregulation, self-esteem, life transitions, and interpersonal relationships. I have great interest and experience in working with interpersonal relationships, anxiety, and depression.

As a counsellor, it is my goal to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your concerns. I focus on building a strong relationship with you based in openness and collaboration. Therapy is not always easy, and it requires hard work. Together we will build on the capacities that you already have to develop skills that will help you to flourish. I believe that lasting, positive change comes from self-awareness and the use of concrete tools to work on your goals. I will work with you to understand your emotions, thoughts and actions. Therapy will always be a collaborative process, and we will work with your values toward your goals.

In our first session, we will have a chance to explore your reasons for seeking help. Through a comprehensive assessment, we will discuss your current challenges and past experiences. This will help us both gain an understanding of what might be at the root of your struggles. After the assessment, I will help you identify your treatment goals. Your goals and my clinical experience will help guide the steps we take towards progress.

I take an integrative therapeutic approach, which means that we will determine which aspects, from several different schools of thought, will help us best meet your needs. I employ several psychological interventions from evidence-based models such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic theory, and Adlerian theory. I am additionally passionate about the positive psychology movement, which aims to help individuals cultivate the best in themselves through positive thinking.

Additionally, I have extensive experience conducting psychodiagnostic assessments for a private psychiatrist. There, I interview individuals and use several different diagnostic scales to determine what diagnosis and next steps best suit clients. I have also worked with children with developmental disabilities and their families, helping them come to terms with diagnoses and improving their family dynamics. Furthermore, I have several years of experience working with immigrants and refugees, helping them settle in Canada.

I am currently pursuing my graduate degree in Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School. I have an honours B.A. from the University of Toronto. I am a member of the Ontario Psychological Association, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology.
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Adult (English, Farsi)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Personality, Rehabilitation Psychology, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Immigration & Refugee, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Relational Therapy
DANIEL PAULY, M.A., M.E.D, R.P. (Q)
Counsellor

DANIEL PAULY, M.A., M.E.D, R.P. (Q)

You may not realize it, but you’ve already made a big change. You decided you need some help. Let’s take the next step together and get through this as a team.

Over the past 7 years, I have worked with adults experiencing interpersonal issues and conflict, stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, major life changes, low self-esteem, body image concerns, problematic hair pulling, as well as internalized oppression and discrimination. I have helped clients get back on their feet by rediscovering their strengths, reconnecting with their core values, and learning how to live more authentically.

Our first session would focus on building a safe space to figure out your needs and clarify your goals. I would answer any questions you have about me as a clinician, therapy in general, and our treatment plan. I am comfortable practicing from a range of evidence-based therapeutic models, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. That said, research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor for your positive outcome, so our first session would be about cultivating that relationship with honesty, warmth, and empathy. Although subsequent sessions would revolve around your uniquely-tailored treatment process, those qualities would always be present in our work together.

I have an honours B.A., M.A., and M.Ed., all from the University of Toronto, and am a registered member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. When I am not at CFIR, I provide clinical services to the University of Toronto’s OISE Psychology Clinic, conduct and disseminate research within OISE’s Psychology of Emerging Adult Research Lab (PEARL), oversee a needs assessment of the OISE Psychology Clinic, and provide clinical supervision to its master’s level counselling psychology students. In the past, I coordinated research on a St. Michael’s Hospital study that examined frequent emergency department users in the greater Toronto area. This study resulted in numerous co-authored publications:

default_titleWise-Harris, D., Pauly, D., Kahan, D., Tan de Bibiana, J., Hwang, S. W., & Stergiopoulos, V. (2017). "Hospital was the only option": Experiences of frequent emergency department users in mental health. Administration and Policy in Mental Health, 44(3), 405-412.

default_titleKahan, D., Poremski, D., Wise-Harris, D., Pauly, D., Leszcz, M., Wasylenki, D., et al. (2016). Perceived case management needs and service preferences of frequent emergency department users: Lessons learned in a large urban centre. PloS One, 11(12), e0168782.

default_titlePoremski, D., Harris, D. W., Kahan, D., Pauly, D., Leszcz, M., O'Campo, P., et al. (2016). Improving continuity of care for frequent users of emergency departments: Service user and provider perspectives. General Hospital Psychiatry, 40, 55-59.

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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Career & Workplace, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Fertility Counselling, Health Psychology, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Addiction, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

ASSESSMENT
Couples & Pre-Marital, Fertility & Third-Party Reproduction, Personality & Interpersonal Functioning, Psychodiagnosis & Mental Health Evaluation

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
SAKINA RIZVI, Ph.D.
Counsellor

SAKINA RIZVI, Ph.D.

Everyone has a unique journey in life. I believe it is important to honour this as well as the unique path individuals will take to healing. It is not easy to face the painful parts of our lives and selves, and support through that journey can help to bring insight and shed light on new ways of being. Finding a therapist that you connect with is an important piece to finding the right kind of support that is helpful for you, so here is an overview of what you can expect from working together.

In therapy, I operate from the perspective that there are a multitude of factors that contribute to distress, mental illness and wellness. My approach to mental health integrates the biological, psychological and social facets of an individual. As a neuroscientist by training, my clinical research into how the brain can beneficially change among those with treatment resistant depression and suicide risk has strongly contributed to my understanding of the potential inner power that individuals are able to harness. So, we will work collaboratively with your strengths to find ways of relieving more immediate emotional symptoms while together exploring the deeper concerns that may underlie your distress.

I work with individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, bereavement or other loss, interpersonal difficulties and challenges with life transitions. I welcome the diversity of clients and appreciate how culture can have a powerful impact on shaping our personalities and behaviours. With respect to treatment modalities, I have a broad interest in approaches that are supported by evidence like psychodynamic and attachment therapy, existential therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies. I am also interested in experiential approaches that help clients to explore and manage their emotional distress.

I take a collaborative approach to therapy. That means that we work together to empower you in achieving your therapy goals. In our first session, I’ll get to know your story, which includes the path that led you to therapy as well as your life background. We will talk about your therapeutic goals with a flexibility in understanding that those goals may change as we delve deeper into your challenges. I will sometimes use scientifically valid assessments to help us keep track of what you are feeling. This helps us to gain further insight into your difficulties. It also helps us to see how things are changing as we progress through therapy or also what is not changing and needs further support. Throughout our sessions I will meet you with empathy and genuine interest. I believe openness without judgment to all aspects of a person (even the hard to look at parts) is vital for a fruitful therapeutic relationship. So in our sessions you will find a safe space where you can share and explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy and the approaches that I use are tailored to your needs.

I have many years of experience providing counselling to individuals and groups. For the last three years I continue to do grief counselling with individuals who have lost someone to suicide through the Suicide Survivor Support program with the Distress Centres of Toronto. For over ten years, I have conducted research on neurobiology and treatments for individuals experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and suicide risk at the University Health Network, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Currently, I am a Scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto conducting clinical research in depression and suicide.

I have published numerous articles and presented at many scientific conferences in the areas of brain imaging, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation treatments, with an emphasis on depression. In my role as an Assistant Professor, I supervise undergraduate and graduate students and help them to conduct impactful and ethical research as well as to understand the nuances of mental illness beyond symptom presentation. I also participate in teaching a course to the U of T medical students on health sciences research, and am a member of the Society of Biological Psychiatry.

Selected publications:

default_titleRizvi SJ, Bergmans Y. Existential Therapy and Suicide Risk Management. Journal of Humanistic Psychology (Accepted 2019).

default_titleRizvi SJ, Iskric A, Calati R, Courtet P. Psychological and physical pain as predictors of suicide risk: evidence from clinical and neuroimaging findings. Current Opinion in Psychiatry 2017;30:159-167.

default_titleRizvi SJ, Zaretsky A, Schaffer A, Levitt A. Is immediate adjunctive CBT more beneficial than delayed CBT: a pilot study. Journal of Psychiatric Practice 2015;21(2):107-113.

default_titleRizvi SJ, Solomon T, Konarski JZ, Downar J, McIntyre RS, Kennedy SH. Neural response to emotional stimuli associated with successful antidepressant treatment and behavioral activation. Journal of Affective Disorders 2013;151(2):573-81.

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Adult, Couple (English)

TREATMENT
Adoption, Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Couples Therapy, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Family Psychology, Health Psychology, Interpersonal Relationships, Multicultural, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Rehabilitation Psychology, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Sexuality Gender & Relationship Diversity, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Attachment-Based/Mentalization Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic, Relational Therapy, Systemic Therapy
SAMUEL P. ROUSSEAU, B.Sc
Counsellor

SAMUEL P. ROUSSEAU, B.Sc

Everyone arrives to therapy with a suitcase full of experiences, learned behaviour, and coping strategies. Unpacking that suitcase can take an immense amount of courage, commitment, and time. The first step can seem overwhelmingly frightening and challenging, but the good news is that each step forward starts to get easier, bringing you closer to reaching your life goals. I believe in providing clients with a safe and non-judgmental space so that we can work together in understanding where you have been, where you are now, and where you plan on going.

I work with adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of challenges including those associated with anxiety, stress, self-esteem, body image, trauma, life transitions, identity, addictions, and interpersonal relationships. It is important for me to get to know my clients from a biopsychosocial standpoint, knowing that the experiences we live are a result of our biology (i.e., genetics), psychological factors (e.g., personality, behaviour), and social factors (i.e., cultural, familial, environment). Together we will build a relationship, work at uncovering your narrative life story, and develop an understanding of how all the pieces come together to provide you with a better sense of self and direction in life.

In our first session, my goal is to get to know you better by determining what issues you are facing and what goals you have in mind. An assessment is conducted to understand distress and personality factors including an Adlerian lifestyle assessment to understand the whole you (i.e., family constellations, birth order, relationships, and early memory recollections). Subsequent sessions will highly depend on what issues and what goals you have. I draw from a number of different evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR, MBCT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Adlerian Therapy.

Over the past 8 years, I have provided clinical services in various settings, including recreational therapy to groups at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and emotional crisis support for callers at the Distress Centres of Greater Toronto. I also worked in various lab settings conducting research, including a contract with Statistics Canada where I interviewed hundreds of families and asked important questions about mental health for the Ontario Child Health Study.

Outside of CFIR, I currently work as an Assessment & Technology Consultant for Pearson Clinical Canada, providing support to a number of different types of clinicians and their psychological, psycho-educational, and speech assessments that they use with their clients.

I am currently in my final year at Adler Graduate Professional School, completing my M.Psy., and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and North American Society of Adlerian Psychology. My work at CFIR is directly supervised by Dr. Jean Kim, C.Psych.
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Adult, Adolescent (English)

TREATMENT
Adolescent Psychology, Anxiety & Stress, Depression Mood & Grief, Eating Weight & Body Image, Interpersonal Relationships, Obsessive-Compulsive, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Substance Use, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Psychodynamic/Analytic
ROTEM STARK, B.A. (Honours)
Counsellor

ROTEM STARK, B.A. (Honours)

Life can be overwhelming and confusing at times. Making sense of challenging situations, thoughts and feelings can be hard to navigate alone. My goal is to provide a safe, warm and non-judgmental environment so you can feel secure to share and gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions and behaviors. The therapeutic journey we are about to take together will be fulfilling and healing and I applaud you for embarking on it.

I work with adults who experience difficulties with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship-conflicts, grief, life transitions and trauma. I will use an integrative approach to therapy where I draw upon different therapeutic modalities to best support you and your specific needs. I work with Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Cognitive- Behavioural therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness-Based therapies. These approaches help gain a better understanding of the self and others and acquire new solutions and skills needed.

In our initial session together, we will explore the reasons that may have brought you to therapy. We will gain a deeper understanding of who you are in a supportive, and authentic environment. I would like to help you feel heard and understood while looking at your unique perspective, challenges and strength. Together we will understand your past and present experiences and relationships and how they impact your life today. An important part of the process is identifying your goals which will help us come up with a plan for you to achieve them. I will conduct an assessment that will take an in depth look at your personal history which will help us establish a treatment plan. Treatment will always move at your pace and will be evidence-based to help you reach your full potential.

In the last 10 years I have worked extensively with adults in the community to help them on their journey towards growth, personal development and self-fulfilment. By providing them with the support and the tools they needed they have become the best versions of themselves. In addition, my vast work with parents at SickKids has given me an in depth look at the effects of trauma, illness and healing. My current research is focused on the resilience of individuals who suffer from traumatic experiences.

I am currently pursuing my graduate degree in Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School. I have an honours B.A. from York University. I am a member of the Ontario Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association. My work at CFIR is supervised by Dr. Lila Z. Hakim, C.Psych.
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Adult (English)

TREATMENT
Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety & Stress, Depression Mood & Grief, Interpersonal Relationships, Personality, Self-Growth & Self-Esteem, Trauma Psychology & PTSD

THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion(ALLY)-Focused Therapy (EFT EFFT), Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI MET), Psychodynamic/Analytic
ERIN LESLIE, EQ-i Certified
Coach

ERIN LESLIE, Coach, EQ-i Certified

Sometimes in your career you hit a point where you don't know how much farther the current approach will take you.
You wonder how much more you can handle of the day to day operational pressures.
You think to yourself, "has the company lost sight of my dedication and contribution?"
There are also moments when you feel it's time to pivot and take a leap of faith to what you love. You want to follow your passion but aren't sure how to change from your current role.

It takes courage, leadership and tenacity to create a balanced life and a coach can help you get on track. That's why I am here to help.

Career coaching offers an opportunity to have a one on one dialogue with an expert who is invested in you.

YOU are your best asset. Take stock in your transferrable skills and get ahead of the pack with coaching and essential assessments geared to help you navigate to your next success.

I am a leadership and career coach who supports clients with professional preparations in leading their careers, breaking down problems in specific projects, teaching team dynamic tools, creating effective professional branding and networking essentials.

I am certified in emotional intelligence assessment, EQ-i 2.0. This evaluation provides my clients with an in-depth look at their 5 core personality traits and 15 key sub-components they can expand on to improve their reach in their personal and professional lives.

With over 20 years' experience in Technology as a business leader providing clarity and customer excellence in many industries across the private and public sectors, I understand the complexities at the C-Suite level all the way to the help desk. It's my goal to take what I have learnt in the field and apply an empathetic lens to business and excel.

In a world faced with automation and innovation, many professionals are looking to increase their resiliency factor and lead the rest of their career in a manner that will shape and grow.

As Founder of EQFootprints, a leadership coaching business, I am committed to supporting professionals with an array of coaching and vocational tools. I am also passionate about giving back to our community. I volunteer as a Mentor with the TRIEC mentorship program, mentoring newcomers to Canada. It's a great opportunity to support the evolution of newcomer professional integration practices in Canada and helping families in continuing to build for their future in a new environment.

I am currently Co-Lead of the Career Coaching and Counselling Service as well as the Career & Vocational Assessment Service at CFIR, providing a large array of personalized testing to compliment one-on-one coaching tailored specifically to individual client needs. I work under the direct supervision of Dr. Dino Zuccarini, C.Psych.

Since 2016 I have provided keynote speaking and participated in panels on the following topics: Women in Leadership, Authentic Self, Managing Gender Bias in the workplace.

Professional Affiliations
2016 EQ-i 2.0 Certification
2016 - Present TREIC Mentorship Program

You can follow my blogs and tips on any one of my social media channels.

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Adult (English, French)

TREATMENT
Career & Workplace

ASSESSMENT
Career & Vocational

Anger & Emotion Regulation, Anxiety Stress & Obsessive-Compulsive, Depression Mood & Grief, EaWeight & Body Image, Personalityting

600 - 267 O’Connor St.,
Ottawa ON K2P 1V3
(O’Connor at Gilmour)

ottawa.admin@cfir.ca
fax: 613-714-1013
520 - 790 Bay St., P.O. Box 87
Toronto ON M5G 1N8
(Bay & College)

toronto.admin@cfir.ca
fax: 647-793-5438
Tel 1.855.779.2347

Our Values

OUR VALUES

Our professional practice is guided by the ethics, standards, and regulations set out by the College of Psychologists in Ontario and relevant provincial and federal laws.

The practice of psychology is most effective when guided by leading edge, scientifically based knowledge. We are committed to keeping abreast of emerging best practices in psychological assessment and treatment.

Confidential, compassionate, caring services and authentic engagement in-session is important to support our clients in building a more secure, resilient self, and in strengthening their relationships.

Psychological services are most relevant when customized to meet the individual concerns and needs of clients. We work collaboratively with clients to achieve their goals.

A resilient, authentic self and healthy relationships are the cornerstones of optimal well-being in everyday life and offer the best protection against depression and anxiety.

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FAQ

View Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER

All stock photos used on this website are symbolic representations of clients or the therapeutic process and do not include actual clients. They are not indicative of a promised counseling outcome, as each individual’s experience in therapy is unique.

By clicking the any of the social media links, you acknowledge that a link or information from the Centre For Interpersonal Relationships Inc. website may be posted on your corresponding account. The Centre For Interpersonal Relationships Inc. cannot be held responsible for breach of privacy while individuals willingly create a connection between our public website and their social media(s) account(s). Clicking on any of the link buttons does not imply nor suggest in any way that you are, have been or will be a client at CFIR.

Centre For Interpersonal Relationships Inc. strives to ensure that all information contained in this website is accurate and reliable. The Centre For Interpersonal Relationships Inc., its Board of Directors, management, staff and/or its associates shall not be held responsible nor accept any form of liability for any type of injury, loss or damage as a direct or indirect result of the use, inability to use, misuse or abuse of the website's content or functions.

WWW.CFIR.CA is a gateway offered as a service to independent registered mental health professionals. The use of "we", "our" and "ours" refers to registered mental health professionals. The information contained in this website is not intended to replace consultations with your mental health professional or to provide medical advice or diagnosis.

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Our registered psychologists are proudly affiliated as clinical supervisors with the following universities:

UNIVERSITY OF
OTTAWA
UNIVERSITY OF
TORONTO

YOUR TORONTO TEAM

DR. MEG ASTON-LEBOLD, Psy.D., C.Psych.

Psychologist

NIYATI GANDHI, M.A., C.Psych. Assoc.

Psychological Associate

DR. LILA HAKIM, R.P. (Qualifying), C.Psych.

Psychologist, Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Centre Director

DR. NATALIE HAZZARD, C.Psych.

Psychologist (Supervised Practice)

DR. AINSLIE HEASMAN, C.Psych.

Psychologist

DR. NALINI IYPE, C.Psych.

Psychologist, (Supervised Practice); MC:AT

DR. JEAN KIM, Ph.D., C.Psych.

Psychologist (Sup. Practice)

DR. SELA KLEIMAN, C.Psych.

Psychologist, (Supervised Practice)

DR. ASHWIN MEHRA, C.Psych.

Psychologist

DR. DANA MILLSTEIN, C.Psych.

Psychologist

DR. ALEKS MILOSEVIC, C.Psych.

Psychologist, Clinical Director

DR. RYLIE MOORE, C.Psych.

Psychologist - Neuropsychologist

DR. MARISA MURRAY, C.Psych.

Psychologist (Supervised Practice)

DR. CASSANDRA PASIAK, C.Psych.

Psychologist

DR. MIGUEL ROBICHAUD, C.Psych.

Psychologist (Supervised Practice)

DR. CARLY SURCHIN, C.Psych.

Psychologist (Supervised Practice)

DR. ALEXANDER VASILOVSKY, C.Psych.

Psychologist (Supervised Practice)

DR. DINO ZUCCARINI, C.Psych.

Psychologist, Executive Director

MATHILDE THERIAULT, B.A. Hons.

Clinical Psychology Resident

ADAM BLAKE, M.Sc.

Therapist

GENEVIEVE BOUDREAULT, M.A.

Therapist

SHARON CHAN, M.Sc.

Therapist

JESS A.L. ERB, D.Psychotherapy, R.P. (Qualifying)

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

KHURAMAN MAMEDOVA, M.A.

Therapist

LAURA MOORE, B.Sc. (Honours)

Therapist

BRENT MULROONEY, M.A.S.P.

Therapist

JOSHUA PETERS, M.A. R.P.

Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Manager

EDGAR PRUDCOI, B.A.

Therapist

WHITNEY REINHART, BHSc. (Honours), R.P.(Qualifying)

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

VALERY VENGEROV, M.Psy. R.P.(Qualifying)

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

SARAH G. BICKLE, B.A. (Hons.)

Counsellor

RILEY COTT, BAH

Counsellor

JESSICA HUGHES, Ph.D.

Counsellor

LYNN IMAI, Ph.D.

Counsellor

CARLYLE JANSEN, M.A.

Counsellor

VICTORIA MOSKOVSKAYA, M.A. (Honors)

Counsellor

MAYA MOSTAGHIM-VAEZI, B.A.

Counsellor

DANIEL PAULY, M.A., M.E.D, R.P. (Q)

Counsellor

SAKINA RIZVI, Ph.D.

Counsellor

SAMUEL P. ROUSSEAU, B.Sc