Providing services in French and English. At this time, Normand is not accepting new clients.

Normand received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Ottawa in June 2000 and has since worked at OCFI. Following his graduation, Normand has devoted himself to working with distressed couples and individuals using Emotionally Focused Therapy and on the treatment of trauma. He supervises individual and couples therapy with graduate students in the doctoral clinical psychology program of the University du Québec en Outaouais. He is a certified therapist, supervisor and trainer with ICEEFT and teaches EFT mostly in French in Québec, Switzerland and France. He offers in-person or long distance supervision to therapists from as far as Europe wishing to learn or improve their EFT skills. Normand is known for his warm, safe, and open teaching and supervision style. Prior to his studies in psychology, Normand worked as an aircraft maintenance officer within the Canadian Forces and holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the Royal Military College. He is a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario and of l’Ordre des psychologues du Québec.

At this time, Normand is not accepting new clients.

Providing services in English. At this time, Nancy is accepting new clients, please contact via email [email protected]

Nancy Smith is a registered marriage and family therapist (Ontario Association of Marriage and Family Therapy) as well as a registered sex therapist (Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling of Ontario).

Nancy worked for many years as the marital/sex therapist in the andrology clinic (division of urology) at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, counselling couples presenting with erectile difficulties.

Nancy has been in private practice since 2000 and assists couples with marital issues as well as both male and female sexual problems. She received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Windsor in l985.

At this time, Nancy is accepting new clients, please contact via email [email protected].

Providing services in English. At this time, Kathy is not accepting new clients.

Kathy has a Masters in Social Work and is a Registered Social Worker and a Registered Marital and Family Therapist with over 25 years experience.

Kathy is a dedicated and compassionate therapist with expertise in helping individuals, couples and families throughout the different stages of life. Kathy uses Emotionally Focused Therapy to help clients overcome marital and family relationship difficulties. In addition, she has vast experience in helping families become more resilient in the face of chronic and progressive illness. Kathy is the co-founder of the Aphasia Centre of Ottawa, and has a special interest in making therapy accessible to families living with communication difficulties that are the result of neurological conditions.

At this time, Kathy is not accepting new clients.

Providing services in English. At this time, Marleen is not accepting new clients.

Marleen has her Masters of Social Work, and is experienced working with individuals, couples and families.

She has worked with people dealing with addictions, relationship dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and family conflict.

Marleen continues to develop her experience with children as well, working with children’s anxiety, adjustment difficulties, self-esteem and improved coping.

At this time, Marleen is not accepting new clients.

Providing services in French, English, German and Italian. At this time, Paul is not accepting new clients.

Paul is an EFT therapist, supervisor and trainer. In addition to providing services to clients at the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute (OCFI) and the family medicine unit of the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa, he is also a full-time professor of psychology and former chair of the Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) in Gatineau, Québec. Throughout his career, Paul has been heavily involved in the teaching and supervision of EFT at the Montfort, at the Psychological Services Clinic of the UQO, and at the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute. Paul has a strong interest in the application of psychological treatments to patients in medical settings; he has overseen and contributed to research projects on the impact of EFT on couples in which one partner suffers from cardiac disease, as well as its effects on the management of other illnesses, including diabetes and post-partum depression. Paul has collaborated most recently with Sue Johnson and colleagues at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute on the development of the “Healing Hearts Together” program, which is an adaptation of “Hold Me Tight” groups for cardiac patients and their spouses. Paul has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He also presents regularly at scientific conferences on the process and efficacy of EFT for couples. Paul conducts therapy and trainings in French, German, Italian, and English.

At this time Paul is not accepting new clients.

Providing services in English. At this time, Marilyn is not accepting new clients.

Marilyn joined the OCFI in October 2002. Since then she has helped many individuals and couples find their way through, and out of, different types of distress. Marilyn enjoys helping individuals who want to improve their interpersonal relationships, who are going through difficult life transitions, and those dealing with feelings of anxiety, depression or grief. She believes in collaborating with her clients to develop a plan that is uniquely tailored to the individual and that, in keeping with research findings, a warm, respectful, and accepting therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is essential for success. Marilyn works hard to be in tune with her clients so she can see the world through their eyes. While Marilyn primarily uses an experiental/emotion-focused approach, she also has training and experience in interpersonal and cognitive-behavioural therapy.

Marilyn completed her doctorate in psychology at the University of Ottawa in 2001 and was registered as a psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario in 2003. She is a member of the Canadian Psychological Association. She is also a member of ICEFT and an approved supervisor of Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Marilyn is not accepting new clients at this time.

Providing services in English. At this time, Eleanor is not accepting new clients.

Eleanor provides psychological services to adult individuals and couples experiencing a wide range of concerns. Her areas of special interest include relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, burnout, self-esteem issues, grief, bereavement and transitions in adult life. Eleanor particularly enjoys working with people who are emotionally shut down, or whose partners say they cannot connect with them.

Eleanor uses an integrated approach to psychotherapy based on her training and experience with Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) interpersonal and experiential therapy approaches. She works collaboratively with each client to develop an individualized therapeutic program that integrates approaches most suitable for the client. Eleanor believes in the inner resources of each individual and helps clients to reconnect to and/or develop those inner strengths. She uses warmth and compassion to walk beside people to support them in meeting their personal goals.

Eleanor graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She is a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She has provided therapy at the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute since 2006. Eleanor was a Registered Nurse prior to becoming a Clinical Psychologist and often works with people who are coping with health challenges that are impacting their relationships and/or their mental health.

At this time, Eleanor is not accepting new clients.

Providing services in English. Daniel is accepting new clients for virtual sessions, please contact via email [email protected]

Mr. Lopez is a seasoned psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in individual, couples, and family therapy. With a foundation in emotionally focused therapy (EFT), Mr. Lopez specializes in helping clients navigate complex emotional landscapes and build stronger, more resilient relationships. His approach is rooted in the belief that understanding and transforming emotional responses can lead to profound personal and relational growth. Mr. Lopez’s empathetic and client-centered methods have earned him a reputation for creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood.

In addition to his proficiency in EFT, Mr. Lopez has extensive experience working with individuals and couples affected by addiction. He understands the intricate ways in which addiction can disrupt personal lives and relationships, and he is committed to helping clients overcome these challenges. Through a combination of therapeutic techniques and compassionate support, Mr. Lopez assists clients in addressing the underlying issues of addiction, fostering recovery, and rebuilding trust and intimacy within their relationships. His holistic approach ensures that both individuals and couples can find a path to healing and renewed connection.

Daniel is accepting new clients, please contact via email [email protected]

Providing services in English. At this time, Olena is accepting new couples for virtual sessions, please contact via email [email protected].

Olena provides services to couples and individuals. Her special area of interest is psychological issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, anger, adjustment to loss, assertiveness, work-related stress, interpersonal difficulties, coping with medical conditions such as IBS or infertility, and cross-cultural or minority issues. Olena’s approach to therapy is informed by attachment theory as well as the transformative power of emotions; however she is trained in a variety of therapeutic models, including cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal and experiential.

Olena earned her B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology from McGill University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa. Given that Olena’s doctoral research background is in the field of cross-cultural psychology, she holds a particular interest in and has gained experience working with individuals and couples from a variety of cultures. She completed her predoctoral residency at the Center for Psychological Services at the University of Ottawa. In addition to private practice, Olena has worked in the community (i.e. Children’s Aid Society) and hospital (i.e. CHEO, Bruyére Health Centre-Palliative Care Program, Memory Disorders Clinic) settings. She is registered with theCollege of Psychologists of Ontario.

At this time, Olena is accepting new couples for virtual sessions, please contact via email [email protected]

Providing services in English. At this time, Rebecca is not accepting new clients.

Rebecca provides psychological services to individuals and couples to address a variety of presenting concerns, including relationship distress, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions and self-esteem. She works with an attitude of openness, respect and acceptance towards clients, and builds therapeutic relationships based on connection, understanding and collaboration.

Rebecca has experience and training in a number of different psychotherapeutic approaches including Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), interpersonal, experiential, and cognitive-behavioural therapy. She is able to understand client issues from a variety of perspectives and works comfortably with emotions, thoughts and behaviours.

Rebecca joined the OCFI after completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. Her clinical experience comes from working at the Centre for Psychological Services at the University of Ottawa, the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, the Centre for Treatment of Sexual Abuse and Childhood Trauma, the Elizabeth Bruyère Hospital, and the Counselling Centre at the University of Manitoba. Her doctoral research focused on examining the neural changes associated with EFT for couples using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

At this time, Rebecca is not accepting new clients.

Providing services in English. At this time, June is not accepting new clients.

June has a warm and compassionate style of relating that creates emotional safety and acceptance in her therapy sessions. She comes to OCFI with over 23 years of counselling experience. She has worked in Community Health Centres for 20 years (14 in counselling and 6 in parent support programs); she also had a private practice for eight years. She offers counselling to individuals, couples. June bases her work on attachment theory and is an ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist. This means that she helps couples to move out of negative patterns of interaction to a place of greater trust and affection.

June has a B.Sc. degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto (1972), a Master’s degree in Social Work from Carleton University (1991) and is a Registered Social Worker; she is also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Areas of experience and interest include relationship repair and enhancement, parenting issues, trauma and sexual abuse, coping with grief and loss (especially loss of a child), and support through life changes (becoming parents, empty nest, separation).

June has also been a Field Supervisor to individuals working on their Master’s degrees from Carleton, St. Paul’s and Yorkville Universities. She stays current with new developments in the field of therapy through continuing education programs, conferences and workshops, and continues to enhance her skills through regular supervision of her work.

In her spare time, June likes to spend time with her grandchildren, play guitar, sing, and write down her personal family stories for the benefit of future generations. She also likes to swim and go cross-country skiing.

At this time, June is not accepting new clients.

Providing services in French and English. At this time, Nick is maintaining a waitlist for individuals, please contact via email [email protected]

Dr. Gabbay provides evidence-based psychological services to individuals and couples who are experiencing a range of concerns. He has a special interest in the treatment of severe mental health problems, and in the treatment of issues related to sexual functioning and sexual health.

In individual therapy, he mainly helps clients with mood-related difficulties (e.g., Major Depression, Dysthymia, Bipolar), and anxiety-related difficulties (e.g., Chronic Stress, Generalized Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Agoraphobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), Phobias (including “Shy Bladder Syndrome”), Social Anxiety). Beyond mood and anxiety related concerns, clients consult him in order to learn how to better cope with interpersonal problems, grief and loss, infertility, poor self-esteem, and adjustment to major life transitions or chronic illness. Dr. Gabbay is also well versed in the provision of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Chronic Insomnia (CBT-I).

In couple therapy, Dr. Gabbay helps create new positive cycles of interaction and emotional responsiveness between partners who have become stuck. The goal is to foster a secure bond between partners so that by the end of treatment they are better resourced to face life’s challenges together. In the context of sex therapy, individuals and couples typically consult Dr. Gabbay to address concerns related to sexual desire (e.g., “Low libido,” discrepant levels of desire between partners), sexual pain (vaginismus, vulvodynia/provoked vestibulodynia), rapid or delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and anorgasmia. He also helps individuals wishing to explore their sexuality, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity.

Dr. Gabbay’s treatment framework is integrative, fostering a warm and collaborative approach to the identification of clinical goals and corresponding treatment strategies. Beyond a good interpersonal fit, he emphasizes the collaborative aspect of therapy, ensuring that there is mutual agreement about the purpose of therapy, and about the methods that will be used in the pursuit of this purpose. His clinical work draws from emotionally focused, cognitive-behavioural, experiential, and existential approaches to treatment. Dr. Gabbay places great importance on the acceptance of diversity and has experience working with individuals and couples from all walks of life.
Dr. Gabbay has had a broad range of clinical experiences in hospital-based, community, and private practice settings. He has published several peer-reviewed studies and book chapters in the field of couple relationships, acted as a peer reviewer for various scientific journals, and has been awarded various research scholarships. His doctoral research examined intimate partner violence through the lens of romantic attachment.

Dr. Gabbay continues to offer assessment and treatment on an exclusively remote basis, using the encrypted Zoom Healthcare platform. To schedule an intake or inquire about wait times, please contact him, via email only, at [email protected].

Couple Therapy: Waitlist closed
Individual Therapy: Waitlist open

Providing services in English. At this time, Robyn is not accepting new clients.

Robyn works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families who experience a wide-range of concerns. Her areas of special interest include: maltreatment (abuse, neglect), trauma, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, emotional and behavioural disruptions, social skills problems, and grief and bereavement.

Robyn uses an integrated approach to psychotherapy, combining elements of emotionally-focused, experiential, and cognitive-behavioural approaches. She believes that her training in these complementary techniques helps her to adapt her interventions to the unique needs of each of her clients, to help them meet their goals. Robyn works with her clients to establish a therapeutic relationship that is built on trust, collaboration, openness, acceptance, and respect.

In addition to her clinical work at the OCFI, Robyn is a part-time supervisor at the Centre for Psychological Services and Research, at the University of Ottawa, where she supervises the work of PhD students in the Clinical Psychology Program. Robyn regularly participates in continuing education opportunities, attending conferences, trainings and workshops to help her provide effective, evidence-based services to her clients. She is currently a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Providing services in English. At this time, Angela is not accepting new clients.

Angela provides psychological assessment and treatment services to individuals and couples presenting with a variety of concerns. Her areas of special interest include relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, sexuality, depression, and anxiety.

Angela uses an integrative approach to psychotherapy based on her training and experience in emotion-focused, experiential, and cognitive-behavioural therapy approaches. She strives to create an atmosphere of safety, openness, and respect, and endeavours to create a caring, compassionate therapeutic relationship with her clients. Angela places great importance on acceptance and inclusivity, and warmly welcomes individuals and couples from all walks of life.

Angela earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa. She completed her pre-doctoral residency at the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Psychological Services and Research. She also gained clinical experiences through training at a broad range of hospital and community-based clinics, including the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, The Ottawa Hospital (Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit), the University of Ottawa Couple and Sex Therapy Training program, and the Ottawa Mindfulness Clinic, during which she treated a wide variety of clients experiencing problems such as relationship difficulties, interpersonal trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, concerns related to sexual desire and dysfunction, anxiety, and depression.

Angela provides clinical supervision to doctoral students in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Ottawa. She maintains memberships in national and international professional organizations, and participates regularly in continuing education programs through conferences and workshops. She is a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Angela is not accepting new clients at this time.

Providing services in English. At this time, Allie is accepting clients over the age of 13, please contact via email [email protected]

Allie is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Allie works with couples, families, and individuals who are experiencing a variety of challenges in their lives and relationships. Allie knows that a strong relationship is the foundation for good therapy, and strives to foster an atmosphere of safety, trust and collaboration in each session with her clients.

Allie spent five years working as a therapist at a family services organization in Cornwall after finishing her master’s degree. There, she had the opportunity to work in a wide range of programs with a varied client population, including: the VAW (Violence Against Women) program, where she provided counselling to women who had experienced (or were experiencing) violence and abuse in an intimate partnership; lead a program for child witnesses of domestic violence; and worked with the walk-in counselling clinic to provide free, single-session services, to individuals, couples, and families. In addition to these experiences, Allie spent one year as the coordinator of the PAR (Partner Assault Response) program in Cornwall, which is a court-mandated program for individuals charged with domestic violence offences.

Currently, Allie works with adolescent and adult individuals, as well as couples and families. Allie is trained in Emotionally-Focused (Family) Therapy (EFT) and uses an EFT approach when working with couples and families.

Providing services in English. At this time, Melanie is accepting new clients for virtual sessions, please contact via email [email protected] with OCFI referral in the subject line.

Melanie is a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Melanie received her Masters of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has over twenty years of experience in the field of social work, including extensive work with individuals, families and children with a history of trauma, mental health and addictions issues. Melanie has been in private practice since 2020 and has a keen interest in sex therapy.

As part of the OCFI team, Melanie works with both couples and adult individuals using an emotionally focused approach. She uses kindness and compassion to gently encourage her clients to find a path that is more fulfilling for them. Whether you are an individual or a couple, in a monogamous or non-monogamous relationship, Melanie welcomes the opportunity to work with you in a confidential, safe, non-judgemental space.

At this time, please contact via email [email protected] with OCFI referral in the subject line

Providing services in English and Turkish. At this time, Senem is not accepting new clients.

Dr. Senem Zeytinoğlu Saydam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, an AAMFT clinical fellow and approved supervisor and registered marriage and family therapist – supervisor with CAMFT. She is a certified EFT therapist, supervisor and trainer. In her clinical practice, Senem works with individuals, couples and families and provides supervision to clinicians.

Senem received her Masters’ degree from Columbia University Teachers College in counseling psychology and her doctoral degree from Drexel University in couple and family therapy. Her dissertation was on experiences of parents raising a child with cleft lip and/or palate. She is the recipient of Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy Social Justice Award from Drexel University. Her research and clinical interests include person of the therapist, couples issues, medical family therapy and coping with illness and trauma.

She is the co-founder and the president of Turkish Emotionally Focused Individual, Couple and Family Therapies Association. She is currently serving on the board of International Family Therapy Association.

At this time Senem is not accepting new clients. clients.

Dr. Margaret DeCorte, who is now retired, worked for over 40 years, first as an academic/research psychologist and later as a practicing clinician. With training in lifespan developmental psychology, her areas of specialty included infant, child, and youth mental health, family relationships, attachment, and the treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Dr. DeCorte taught child and family psychology for many years, first in New York and later in Ottawa, and she supervised numerous students, residents, and post-doctoral interns.

With a longtime interest in professional ethics, she was involved in organizing conferences and participating in both clinical and research ethics committees. Dr. DeCorte was a longtime employee of the Royal Ottawa Hospital where she held both administrative and clinical positions. She was also involved in local, national, and international organizations, working to improve mental health services worldwide for children and families.

Dr. DeCorte published in professional journals as well as popular magazines, and has been interviewed on CBC radio as well as national television broadcasts. Her primary interests have focused on compassionate care for children and families, always working to improve the quality of the patient experience in healthcare.

Providing services in English. At this time, Laura is not accepting new clients.

Laura Mayo has a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto, and has practiced social work in Montreal, New York City, Toronto, and Hamilton. She has extensive training and experience working with people across the lifespan, providing individual, family, and couples therapy.

Laura specializes in the following areas: relationship distress, conflict, and attachment injuries; trauma, especially trauma related to parent-child attachments; emotional challenges (mood, anxiety, depression); family dynamics, step-family, caregiving, resolving conflict, (re)connection; grief/loss; and life transitions.

Laura believes deeply in the body and brain’s ability to heal, and the power of the client-therapist relationship to support this process.

Laura is not accepting clients at this time.

Providing services in English. At this time Christina is maintaining a waitlist, please contact via email [email protected] with OCFI website referral in the subject line.

Christina is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She received her Masters of Arts in Educational Counselling from the University of Ottawa. She has over 10 years of experience in the field of Counselling and Psychotherapy, including extensive work with children, youth, young adults and families. Christina offers a supportive, non-judgemental, client-centred approach to therapy.

Through the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute, Christina works with adolescent and adult individuals, as well as couples and families. Christina is trained in Emotionally-Focused (Family) Therapy (EFT) and used an EFT approach when working with couples and families.

At this time Christina is maintaining a waitlist. To contact Christina, please email [email protected] and indicate “OCFI website referral” in the subject line.

Providing services in English and French. At this time, Melissa is not accepting new clients.

Melissa Saumur is a dedicated social worker/psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in social services, including work in schools, the child welfare system, custody access evaluations, and domestic violence. With a Master’s in Social Work from Laurentian University, Melissa is deeply committed to fostering positive outcomes for individuals, couples, and families. Fluent in both French and English, she brings a unique ability to connect with a diverse clientele, including those from various ethnic, cultural, and faith backgrounds, with a particular sensitivity to the needs of the Muslim population.

Melissa’s professional journey has been marked by her capacity to assess risk, provide crisis intervention, and empower clients to overcome personal and social challenges.

In private practice since, Melissa has offered individual psychotherapy services to both individuals and couples. At the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute, Melissa looks forward to contributing her expertise and compassionate approach to support clients in navigating their challenges and fostering meaningful, positive changes in their lives.

At this time, Melissa is not accepting new clients .

Providing services in French and English. At this time, Genevieve is accepting new clients for virtual session, please contact via email [email protected]

“The journey to find the right help for you can be challenging. It takes a lot of courage despite distressing thoughts and emotions to ask for help. For that I applaud you. For the last 12 years, my life goal and purpose has been to help and empower minds for a better tomorrow and unleashed your true potential, both as individual and couples”- Dr Genevieve Dale.
I am a dedicated private sector psychologist in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with over a decade of experience across private practices, hospitals, and clinics. As a trauma-informed therapist, I specialize in PTSD treatment and couple therapy, utilizing Cognitive Processing Therapy and Reconsolidation Therapy to provide holistic and effective care.

In addition to my extensive practice, I contributed to academia by teaching undergraduate classes at the University of Québec in Hull and supervising master’s degree students at the University of Ottawa. I wrote the mental health training components for the Military Veterans Wellness Program, a Toronto Police Service initiative so all Canadian law enforcement can better understand and support the military veteran population. I am also a provider for Blue Cross, Green Shield, Public Safety and WSIB.
I hold certifications from the College of Psychologists of Ontario and the Order of Psychologists of Quebec and is a registered member of the Canadian Psychological Association.

As a certified couple psychologist, I use Emotion Focused Therapy to help couples address a wide range of relationship issues, including emotional, physical, and sexual intimacy, repairing bonds after infidelities, and managing conflicts over finances. I offer compassionate support to couples navigating challenging life transitions, trauma, and PTSD, fostering a confidential and empathetic therapeutic relationship.

I have a particular passion for working with military personnel and first responders, believing that addressing PTSD within the family context is crucial for effective treatment. I have extensive experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, aiding same-sex couples in overcoming their unique challenges.

Additionally, I am certified in cult therapy, helping individuals recognize and escape mind control organizations. I’m also Fluent in both French and English and provides accessible and comprehensive care to a diverse clientele.

Explore the journey to healing with me, where compassion, expertise, and authentic engagement are at the forefront of therapy.

To contact Genevieve please email [email protected] or call 647 564 0951

Providing services in French and English. At this time, Sawsane is accepting new clients, please contact via email [email protected] with OCFI referral in the subject line.

Sawsane El Amiri is a registered member of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario and of l’Ordre des psychologues du Quebec. She is also a member of the Canadian Psychological Association. Sawsane completed a master’s degree in educational and counselling psychology at the University of Ottawa and received her doctorate in research and intervention in clinical psychology from l’Université de Montréal.

Sawsane gained valuable experience working in both community and hospital settings, with individuals presenting with diverse types of problems such as mood and anxiety-related issues, self-harm, bereavement, physical illness, lack of assertiveness, and sleep problems. She pursued extensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She was also invited to co-facilitate CBT groups for adults with anxiety disorders.

These experiences deepened her interest in the profound impact of relationships on mental, physical, and sexual health, which became the central focus of her clinical and research work. She sought specialized training in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Sawsane completed a practicum in couple and sex therapy, as well as an EFT Externship and a Core Skills program endorsed by the International Centre for Excellence in EFT (ICEEFT). She also completed her clinical residency at the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute, where she trained under the supervision of Dr. Normand Gingras and Dr. Paul Greenman.

Presently, Sawsane provides psychological services to individuals and couples. Her areas of special interest include: relationship difficulties and distress, anxiety, depression, anger and self-esteem issues, burnout, assertiveness, and life transitions. She is dedicated to fostering a strong and collaborative therapeutic relationship with her clients and integrates emotionally focused, interpersonal, and cognitive behavioral approaches in her work. Fluent in both English and French, with some conversational skills in Arabic and Spanish, Sawsane is committed to providing culturally responsive care, having worked with clients from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Sawsane’s clinical practice reflects her passion for helping individuals and couples cultivate meaningful change and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

At this time, Sawsane is accepting new clients. Please contact her at [email protected] with the subject line OCFI referral.

Providing services in English. At this time, Traleena is maintaining a waitlist, please contact via email [email protected]

Dr. Traleena Rouleau is a psychologist in supervised practice under the supervision of Dr. Robyn Marquis at the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute. Dr. Rouleau earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa in 2024. She provides individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as couples therapy and family therapy. Her doctoral research focused on motivation and supportive behaviours within romantic relationships using self-determination theory. Clinically, she is committed to supporting clients across the lifespan and has experience and training supporting children, adolescents, families, adults, and couples. She has completed the Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship, Emotionally Focused Therapy Core Skills, and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Essentials (Levels 1 and 2) training programs.
 
Dr. Rouleau completed her predoctoral internship at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board where she provided assessment, intervention, and consultation services and worked closely in multidisciplinary teams. Her previous practicum experiences also include the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Psychological Services and Research, the Ottawa Centre for Resilience, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. In her previous clinical placements, Dr. Rouleau supported adults presenting with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, trauma, and challenges with emotion regulation. She has also worked closely with couples and families experiencing high conflict and attachment injuries. Through pursuit of her concentration in children, adolescents, and families, Dr. Rouleau has developed extensive experience supporting children and caregivers in creating mental well-being and healthy attachments. She has specific experience supporting youth who have been adopted and those with neurodevelopmental differences.
 
Dr. Rouleau adopts an integrative approach to assessment and therapy. She aims to create therapeutic relationships characterized by autonomy, authenticity, and acceptance. She has experience using emotionally-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and family systems therapy to support clients. In her spare time, Dr. Rouleau enjoys reading, running, musical theatre, and spending time with her friends, family, and animals.
 
Dr. Rouleau is currently maintaining a waitlist. To express interest, please email [email protected]

Providing services in English and Hindi. At this time, Aditi is accepting new clients for virtual sessions, please contact via email aditimehra.cft@gmail.com

Aditi Mehra is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy from McGill University and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She is the recipient of the Clinical Excellence in Couple and Family Therapy Graduation Award from McGill University.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Aditi works with individuals, couples and families navigating a wide range of challenges. Aditi employs an integrative therapeutic approach rooted in systemic thinking and attachment theory. This approach allows her to contextualize clients’ concerns within their broader environment while acknowledging the essential human need for connection. She has training and experience in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, which she utilizes to address relationship distress, attachment injuries, complex family dynamics, co-parenting conflicts, communication challenges, intimacy concerns, trauma and life transitions, among other concerns.

Aditi prioritizes building a strong therapeutic relationship, fostering an atmosphere of safety, trust and collaboration. She believes in the inherent wisdom and resilience of each client, working together to tap into and amplify their inner strengths and resources. Aditi is attentive to pacing therapy according to the client’s comfort and readiness and encourages feedback throughout the therapeutic process to ensure that the approach aligns with the client’s goals and needs.

She is fluent in both English and Hindi and is skilled at providing culturally responsive care to clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Aditi is accepting new clients. To contact Aditi please email [email protected]

Providing services in English and French. At this time, Shaina is maintaining a waitlist, please contact via email [email protected]

Shaina Gabriel is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Quebec in Outaouais. She is passionate about emotionally focused therapy and the impact it can have on fostering safe and profound emotional connections. She has a strong commitment to providing a compassionate and judgment-free space for others to explore their emotions.

Shaina provides support to adult individuals and couples in English and in French. She works with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and interpersonal challenges. She has previously completed practicums at the Psychological Services Clinic of the University of Quebec in Outaouais, at Brown Counselling and Therapy Services, and at the Western Quebec School Board.

At this time Shaina is maintaining a waitlist. Please email her at [email protected]

Providing services in French and English. At this time Samuel is accepting new clients, please contact via email [email protected]

Samuel Brunet is an intern at OCFI who is completing his doctorate in clinical psychology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO). Very early in his university career he developed a particular interest for Emotionally Focused Individual and Couple Therapies. His doctoral essay also focuses on the impacts of perceived security levels within the couple on the mental health of individuals who have experienced childhood abuse. His other research experience has made him familiar with the different challenges faced by parents who have just learned of the sexual abuse of one of their children. During his clinical internship at the UQO’s psychological services clinic and later at the Groupe de Médecine Familiale de Gatineau, Samuel worked successfully with people suffering from depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, sleep difficulties and eating disorders. He is best known among his peers for his deep compassion, his persistence and competence with emotionally focused interventions and his ability to establish an environment of non-judgmental acceptance.

At this time, Samuel is accepting new clients. Please email via [email protected]

Providing services in French and English. At this time, Genevieve is accepting new clients, please contact via email genevieve.proulx.ocfi@gmail.com

Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in international cooperation, Geneviève Proulx is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais. She offers individual therapy for children, adolescents and adults, couple therapy and family therapy. She works in French and English, both in person and virtually.
After a career in program development and project management in Canada and abroad, she is nearing the end of her doctoral studies following a return to school in her mid-thirties. A wife and mother of two, Geneviève adopts a warm and caring style with her clients, offering a supportive and safe space in which clients can explore their emotions, needs and experiences. She works with clients dealing with issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, gender identity, phobias, behavioral disorders, relationship difficulties and life transitions. She has completed internships at the Psychological Services Clinic of the Université du Québec en Outaouais, and at the Children and Youth department of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais. She works under the supervision of Dr. Normand Gingras, Dr. Paul Greenman and Dr. Robyn Marquis.

She is currently accepting new clients. Geneviève can be reached at [email protected].

Providing services in English. At this time Selena is accepting new clients for virtual sessions, please contact via email [email protected] with OCFI referral in the subject line.

Selena is an intern at OCFI and is currently completing the practicum component of her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Selena is in the process of becoming a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). As a former educator, Selena has worked closely with children and families.

Additionally, Selena has trained in Emotionally-Focused (Individual) Therapy and Emotionally-Focused (Couples) Therapy. Selena will use an EFT approach when working with individuals, couples, and families. Her goal is to harbour a healthy therapeutic alliance and safe space to explore emotions. Selena is passionate about helping people learn more about themselves, build healthier relationships, and ultimately lead more meaningful lives.

At this time Selena is accepting new clients. To contact Selena please email [email protected] and indicate “OCFI website referral” in the subject line.

Providing services in French. At this time Philippe is accepting new clients, please contact via email [email protected]

Philippe Trudel is a fourth-year doctoral student in clinical psychology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO).
 
Early in his training, Philippe developed a passion for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a humanistic and experiential approach centered on attachment and emotions. His curiosity and dedication to this method allowed him to quickly refine his skills. Philippe had the privilege of completing his practicum at the UQO Psychological Services Clinic under the supervision of Dr. Paul Samuel Greenman. He is currently in the process of obtaining his official certification in EFT through EFT Québec.
 
Philippe is known for his sensitivity and ability to support his clients in working through deep emotional wounds, particularly those related to trauma. He works with individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal and romantic relationship issues, and life transitions. In his work with couples, Philippe focuses on understanding negative relational cycles and creating reparative and secure emotional experiences.
 
Philippe is currently accepting new clients. You can reach him by email at [email protected]