Sophie Jolicoeur-Bécotte is a Music Therapist–Board Certified (MT-BC) and holds an Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy with a Minor in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has also completed advanced levels in vocal performance and piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music. In addition, Sophie has completed training with the International Neurologic Music Therapy Training Institute. This strong academic, clinical, and musical background equips her with a deep understanding of the therapeutic benefits of music, particularly in mental health settings.
As a compassionate and skilled music therapist, Sophie uses the power of music to support mental health and emotional well-being. She has experience providing music therapy in various settings, including adult mental health services and special education classrooms. Sophie’s approach involves creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their emotions and experiences through music, fostering healing and growth. At The Counseling Group, she offers specialized music therapy sessions designed to help individuals navigate challenges, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health. If you or a loved one are seeking a personalized and innovative approach to mental health support, connecting with Sophie could be the first step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
No musical experience is needed — just an open heart!
Areas of Expertise
Abuse/Assault,
Adjustment to Disability,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Children & Youth,
Chronic Pain/Illness,
Depression,
Grief,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
LGBTTIQQ Issues,
Life Transitions,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Navigating Transition,
Neurodivergence,
Personal Injury (Motor Vehicle),
Play Therapy,
Prenatal & Post-Partum Issues,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Seniors,
Sexuality,
Special Needs & Behavioural Disorders,
Stress,
Workplace Stress,
WSIB,
Youth Counselling & Counselling for Young Adults
Svetlana has over 15 years of experience as a social worker in various departments within hospital settings in Israel and in Canada, where she has provided support to families, youth at risk, and individuals experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).
Her goal is to create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space, fostering self-awareness as a therapist. She offers a supportive environment where clients can share their stories and feelings openly and has experience in helping clients navigate community services suited to their needs.
Trilingual in Russian, English, and Hebrew, Svetlana bridges language gaps effectively. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Bar-Ilan University and is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, as well as a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Areas of Expertise
Adoption,
Anger Management,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Children & Youth,
Chronic Pain/Illness,
Depression,
Mental Health,
Newcomer and Refugee Mental Health,
Parenting,
Parenting Children with Special Needs,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Special Needs & Behavioural Disorders,
Stress,
Youth Counselling & Counselling for Young Adults
One of Valerie’s greatest strengths is her ability to connect with other people, understanding their perspective, to create a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. In this warm and nonjudgmental atmosphere, Valerie works with clients to develop a toolbox of strategies to support them toward their goals. Additionally, she extends her expertise by offering clinical consultation and supervision to other clinicians in the community.
Valerie has taught mindfulness since 2004 and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) since 2010 which remain a cornerstone of her practice. She uses mindfulness to increase awareness, acceptance, and self-compassion, and to support mental health when shown to be effective. She also draws on dialectic behaviour therapy, emotionally-focused therapy and interpersonal therapies. Valerie has been working in the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program since 2018 providing cognitive behavioural therapy to people dealing with anxiety, depression, panic, avoidance, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma including treating PTSD. She works with individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and families. She values diversity in all of its forms, including working with people from marginalized communities.
Valerie holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology (neuroscience), in which she studied the effects of mindfulness on health and well-being. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Areas of Expertise
Anger Management,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Depression,
Family Therapy & Transitions,
Grief,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Mood Challenges,
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD),
PTSD & Trauma,
Special Needs & Behavioural Disorders,
Stress,
Workplace Stress,
Youth Counselling & Counselling for Young Adults
Victoria approaches her work with warmth, compassion, and empathy. She strives to create a safe space for her clients to process emotions, live in line with their values, and find meaning in their experiences. Victoria has experience working with youth and adults. She has a particular interest in working in areas of self-esteem, trauma, anxiety/panic, depression, grief/loss, and identity issues. Victoria is an LGBTQ+ positive counsellor and has past experience working as a counsellor in Post-Secondary School and private practice settings.
Victoria’s therapeutic practice is primarily influenced by a Narrative, Strengths-based, and Collaborative perspective. She also incorporates techniques from self-compassion, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa. She is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Victoria works at Jewish Family Services of Ottawa as part of The Counselling Group and The Walk-In Counselling Clinic.
Areas of Expertise
Abuse/Assault,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Depression,
Domestic Violence & Abuse,
Eating Disorders,
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR),
Family of Origin Dynamics,
Grief,
LGBTTIQQ Issues,
Life Transitions,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Mood Challenges,
Moral Injury,
Navigating Transition,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Sexual Assault,
Stress
Wendy’s practicing philosophy is that every person deserves an opportunity to heal, to grow and to seek support in doing so: “Our personal growth has a profound impact on how we understand ourselves and function in the world. When we create change within ourselves, we can develop healthier relationships with others, and with the world around us. We are all worthy of this process.” Additionally, Wendy offers clinical consultation and supervision to other clinicians in the community.
Wendy has worked in the counselling field for over twenty-five years. In her work with adult clients, she reflects an appreciation of diversity and the unique knowledge that clients hold about their history and current situation. She helps people manage emotionally challenging situations and life transitions, and is experienced in working with anxiety, depression, family of origin dynamics, sexual abuse, grief and loss, and trauma-related issues. Wendy works with the modalities of Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness and Experiential-Systemic Theory. Her approach to therapy is collaborative and inclusive, and she offers a calm, respectful, and supportive environment where clients feel understood and encouraged.
Wendy’s counselling experience includes EAP counselling, intensive in-home therapy, group facilitation, Play Therapy, and private practice. Wendy also has many years of experience working specifically with adult survivors of sexual abuse and early childhood trauma.
Wendy holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Areas of Expertise
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Depression,
Family of Origin Dynamics,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
Life Transitions,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Moral Injury,
Personal Injury (Motor Vehicle),
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Sexual Assault,
Stress
As an empathic psychotherapist with a background in humanitarian work, Yara has had the privilege of witnessing the incredible strength of individuals in the face of life’s challenges and adversities. Her approach to counseling is person-centered, collaborative, evidence-based, and rooted in empathy and resilience, guiding individuals towards transformative personal growth. Key skills and qualities that define her practice include cultural competence, empathetic listening, multicultural awareness, and effective communication, along with language proficiency.
Being trilingual (Arabic, English, and French-speaking), she can bridge language gaps, ensuring that therapy is accessible to all. Yara strives to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can express themselves freely without fear of miscommunication or judgment, allowing them to grow and find their own path to positive change. Yara is committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and celebrate their unique strengths and resilience.
Areas of Expertise
Anger Management,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Couples & Relationship Counselling,
Depression,
Domestic Violence & Abuse,
Family of Origin Dynamics,
Grief,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Mood Challenges,
Newcomer and Refugee Mental Health,
Parenting,
Prenatal & Post-Partum Issues,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Separation & Divorce,
Stress
Yasmine is a compassionate and skilled Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and is a Certified Hypnotherapist, accredited by the National Guild of Hypnotists.
Specializing in trauma-informed and client-centered practices, Yasmine provides psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and youth, focusing on creating safe and supportive spaces for exploration, healing, and growth. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, she ensures culturally sensitive and accessible care for clients from diverse backgrounds.
At JFS Ottawa, Yasmine is part of the Refugee and Vulnerable Newcomers (RVN) program, the Counselling Group, and the Counselling Walk-In Clinic (CWIC).
Yasmine integrates a range of evidence-based psychotherapy modalities to create personalized treatment plans, including:
- Narrative Therapy, to reframe life stories and uncover personal resilience
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to foster emotional regulation and mindfulness
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to address and shift unhelpful thought patterns
- Logotherapy and Meaning-Centered Therapy, to explore purpose and meaning in life
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to embrace life’s challenges and focus on values-driven living
When relevant, she integrates hypnotherapy with these modalities to provide a holistic approach to mental well-being.
With over 10 years of experience in the corporate environment, Yasmine brings a unique perspective to psychotherapy, helping clients navigate organizational stressors and enhance psychological safety at work. By combining her corporate background with therapeutic expertise, she offers practical tools and strategies to support individuals facing workplace challenges, including burnout, conflict, and career transitions.
Passionate about advocacy and social justice, Yasmine is dedicated to empowering her clients as they navigate both personal and societal challenges.
Areas of Expertise
Anger Management,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Children & Youth,
Chronic Pain/Illness,
Couples & Relationship Counselling,
Depression,
Domestic Violence & Abuse,
Family of Origin Dynamics,
Grief,
Inter-racial & Inter-cultural Relationships,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Mood Challenges,
Newcomer and Refugee Mental Health,
Parenting,
Prenatal & Post-Partum Issues,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Separation & Divorce,
Stress,
Workplace Stress,
Youth Counselling & Counselling for Young Adults
