Orly joined the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute after completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa in December 2004. In June 2006, Orly became a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Orly focuses her practice on working with adult individuals and couples who are struggling with emotional and relational difficulties. She works effectively with individuals experiencing a range of psychological problems including depression, anxiety, trauma, poor self-esteem, grief, and adult developmental transitions. Her strengths as a therapist include the ability to connect with clients, understand their difficulties, and help them set appropriate goals that lead to improved mood and functioning. She is well versed in a range of psychotherapeutic modalities including Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), as well as interpersonal, experiential, and cognitive-behavioural approaches. This is a reflection of her comfort and proficiency in working with clients on emotional, cognitive, and behavioural levels. It also is an indication of the flexibility with which Orly can work to implement the most appropriate treatment plan for each of her clients.
Consistent with the research, Orly prioritizes the therapeutic relationship as essential for helping clients create change. A warm, compassionate, therapeutic relationship creates the context for working collaboratively with each client to identify their unique needs and goals.
In addition to the relationship, Orly knows that a grounding in empirical research and literature is a necessary component to effective psychological services. To stay current, Orly maintains memberships in local, provincial and national professional organizations. She participates in continuing education programs through conferences and workshops, and remains aware and knowledgeable regarding recent developments in the field of psychology. Orly’s doctoral research was focused on the reasons people decide to seek and stay in psychotherapy. This work will lead to a number of conference presentations and publications in professional journals.
In addition to private practice, Orly has worked in both community (i.e., Centre for Psychological Services at the University of Ottawa, Marital and Family Therapy Clinic), and hospital (i.e., Royal Ottawa Hospital, Nova Scotia Hospital, Elizabeth-Bruyere Centre) settings. These experiences included, but were not limited to working with clients from geriatric, palliative, and psychiatric populations. These varied experiences have contributed to Orly’s expertise in helping clients with a range of psychological difficulties and levels of distress.
At this time, Orly is not accepting new clients.
Orly Rumstein McKean Ph.D., C. Psych.
Psychologist
Normand Gingras a reçu son doctorat en psychologie clinique de l’Université d’Ottawa en juin 2000 et travaille à l’OCFI depuis. Depuis ses études, Normand a développé une expertise en thérapie centrée sur les émotions ou TCÉ, « Emotionally Focused Therapy» appliquée aux couples et aux individus, en particulier au traitement des traumatismes. Il supervise la thérapie de couple et individuelle aux doctorants de l’Université du Québec en Outaouais. Il est agréé comme thérapeute, superviseur et formateur au sein de l’ICEEFT et offre des formations en français au Québec, en Suisse et en France. Il offre de la supervision, en personne ou en mode télésupervision, aux thérapeutes aussi éloignés que l’Europe qui désirent apprendre et améliorer leurs habiletés en TCÉ. On le connaît pour son style d’enseignement et de supervision ouvert, chaleureux et bienveillant. Avant de se lancer en psychologie, Normand a oeuvré pendant 13 ans au sein des Forces canadiennes à titre d’officier d’entretien des aéronefs et détient un baccalauréat en génie électrique du Collège Militaire Royal. Il est membre de l’Ordre des psychologues de l’Ontario et du Québec.
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.
Normand Gingras Ph.D., C. Psych.
psychologue
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 not accepting new clients.
Nancy Smith
Marriage and Family Therapist
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.
Kathy Stiell MSW, RSW
Marriage and Family Therapist
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.
Marleen MacDonald MSW, RSW
Marriage and Family Therapist
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 not accepting new clients.
Olena Piaseckyj Ph.D., C. Psych.
Psychologist
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. To contact Daniel, please email [email protected]
Daniel Lopez MS, RMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist
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.
Marilyn Keyes Ph.D., C. Psych.
Psychologist
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.
Paul Greenman PhD., C. Psych
Psychologist
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.
Eleanor Riesen Ph.D., C. Psych.
Psychologist
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.
Rebecca Halchuk Ph.D., C. Psych.
Psychologist
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.
June Kvamme MSW, RSW
Psychotherapist
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
Nicolas Gabbay Ph.D., C. Psych
Psychologist
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.
Robyn Marquis Ph.D., C. Psych.
Psychologist
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.
Angela Caron Ph.D., C. Psych.
Psychologist
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.
Allie Lewis Registered Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist
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, Melanie is not accepting new clients.
Melanie Bakker MSW, RSW
Social Worker, Psychotherapist
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.
Senem Zeytinoglu-Saydam Ph.D.
Psychotherapist
As of June 1, 2024 Dr. DeCorte is retiredractice, Senem works with individuals, couples and families and provides supervision to clinicians.
As of June 1, 2024, Dr. DeCorte is retired.
Margaret DeCorte Ph.D., C. Psych.
Psychologist (Retired)
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.r. DeCorte is retired.
Laura Mayo, MSW RSW
Marriage and Family Therapist
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.
Christina Callingham MA
Psychotherapist
Samuel Brunet est un interne à OCFI qui termine son programme de doctorat en psychologie à l’Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO). Il a développé très tôt dans son parcours universitaire un intérêt particulier pour les psychothérapies de couple et individuelle centrées sur les émotions. Son essai doctoral porte sur les impacts des niveaux perçus de sécurité au sein du couple sur la santé mentale chez les personnes
ayant vécu de la maltraitance à l’enfance. Ses diverses expériences de recherche l’ont aussi amené à se familiariser avec les différents défis auxquels font face les parents qui viennent d’apprendre l’agression sexuelle de l’un de leurs enfants. Au cours de ses stages clinique à la Clinique de services psychologiques de l’UQO et de son internat au Groupe
de Médecine Familiale de Gatineau, Samuel a connu du succès à travailler auprès des personnes souffrant de dépression, d’anxiété, de défis relationnels, de difficultés de sommeil et des troubles alimentaires. Il est surtout reconnu auprès de ses pairs pour sa grande compassion, sa ténacité et son doigté avec les interventions centrées sur les émotions et pour sa capacité à établir un environnement d’acceptation sans jugement.
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 hisuniversity 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.
Samuel Brunet
Interne/Intern
Shaina Gabriel est étudiante au doctorat en psychologie clinique à l’Université du Québec en Outaouais. Elle est passionnée par la thérapie centrée sur les émotions et par l’impact que celle-ci peut avoir sur le développement de connexions émotionnelles sécurisantes et profondes. Elle s’engage fermement à offrir un espace sans jugement pour permettre aux autres d’explorer leurs émotions.
Shaina offre du soutien aux individus adultes et aux couples en français et en anglais. Elle travaille sur des problématiques telles que l’anxiété, la dépression, les traumatismes et les défis interpersonnels. Elle a déjà effectué des stages pratiques à la Clinique de services psychologiques de l’Université du Québec en Outaouais, chez Brown Counselling and Therapy Services, ainsi qu’à la Commission scolaire Western Quebec.
Shaina Gabriel is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Quebec in Outaouais. She is passionate about emotion 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 maintaining a waitlist. Please email her at [email protected]
Shaina Gabriel
Interne/Intern
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.
Please contact her at [email protected] with the subject line OCFI referral.
Melissa Saumur, MSW
Social Worker, Psychotherapist