Layla’s key importance is creating a safe space for clients to feel comfortable and relaxed to open up and unpack throughout their therapeutic journey. She brings a warm, non-judgmental approach to her sessions and seeks to be a caring witness to her clients and their stories. She wants her clients to feel safe and accepted for their full selves.
Layla uses an integrative and collaborative approach by drawing from different therapy and counselling theories; her work is tailored to best meet her clients’ needs. The approaches Layla uses help guide her clients to discover their hidden strength and resilience. Layla works with her clients’ strengths to support them in unpacking and exploring the issues and distress that bring them to therapy. The key therapeutic approaches which inform her practice are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), and Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT).
Layla is experienced in working with adult individuals and couples. Her experience involves working with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-development, childhood wounds, interpersonal relationships, and relationship conflicts.
Layla is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She graduated from Saint Paul University with her Master’s in Counselling and Spirituality and has a Graduate Diploma in Couple Counselling and Spirituality.
Areas of Expertise
Abuse/Assault,
Anger Management,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Chronic Pain/Illness,
Couples & Relationship Counselling,
Depression,
Family of Origin Dynamics,
Family Therapy & Transitions,
Grief,
Inter-racial & Inter-cultural Relationships,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
Life Transitions,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Mood Challenges,
Navigating Transition,
Neurodivergence,
Parenting,
Personal Injury (Motor Vehicle),
Psycho-Educational Assessment,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Separation & Divorce,
Stress,
Workplace Stress,
Youth Counselling & Counselling for Young Adults
Marina has worked at Jewish Family Services (JFS) since the end of her placement, she started as a summer student. She has had the opportunity of working with the Refugee and Vulnerable Newcomer (RVN) team providing counselling services to youth and adults in the Arabic language. She has experience working with seniors, caregivers, at risk youth, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities and individuals dealing with intimate partner violence (IPV).
Marina strives to create a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental space for clients to be able to share their stories and feelings without hesitation. Marina approaches work with clients with a collaborative, strength based and trauma informed lens. Marina uses different modalities based on the client needs: Narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-focused brief therapy.
Marina holds a bachelor of Sociology and religious studies and a Master of Social Work, as well as a Social Service Worker Diploma. She is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Marina has worked in a variety of settings within the field of social services for 5 years.
Areas of Expertise
Abuse/Assault,
Anxiety/Panic,
Depression,
Domestic Violence & Abuse,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
Life Transitions,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Newcomer and Refugee Mental Health,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Stress,
Youth Counselling & Counselling for Young Adults
Marwan A. Diwan is an internationally educated social worker who holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and Educational Counselling, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Sciences. He also has a Master’s degree in Living Languages/Translation and offers counseling services in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish. Additionally, he provides clinical consultation and supervision to other clinicians in the community.
Marwan is experienced in working with adult individuals and groups dealing with a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. His areas of specialty and interest include interpersonal relationships, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, trauma/PTSD, grief and loss, chronic mental health and Refugee and Vulnerable Newcomers, LGBTQ+, People living with HIV and identity-related issues.
Marwan is trained with a range of therapeutic models including, Humanistic approach, Narrative Therapy, EMDR, Hypnosis, Drama Therapy, etc. In collaboration with the individuals, he works with, Marwan tailors a personal care plan to assist individuals in returning to a place of health, ease, balance and comfort. Marwan work is person-centred and strength-based and respects everyone for who they are and who they want to become. Marwan’s working philosophy is that the individual’s inner and external resources are the main drives for their recovery and will help them in achieving meaningful change in their life.
In his home country, Lebanon, Marwan has combined his clinical counselling work with other professional activities with the Danish law enforcement agencies in the fields of anti-radicalization, communication, leadership, and other soft skills areas.
Areas of Expertise
Abuse/Assault,
Adjustment to Disability,
Adoption,
Anger Management,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Chronic Pain/Illness,
Couples & Relationship Counselling,
Depression,
Domestic Violence & Abuse,
Eating Disorders,
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR),
Family of Origin Dynamics,
Family Therapy & Transitions,
Grief,
Inter-racial & Inter-cultural Relationships,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
LGBTTIQQ Issues,
Life Transitions,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Mood Challenges,
Moral Injury,
Navigating Transition,
Newcomer and Refugee Mental Health,
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD),
Parenting,
Personal Injury (Motor Vehicle),
Play Therapy,
Prenatal & Post-Partum Issues,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Seniors,
Separation & Divorce,
Sexual Assault,
Sexuality,
Special Needs & Behavioural Disorders,
Stress,
Workplace Stress,
Youth Counselling & Counselling for Young Adults
Matthieu is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and is also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW), who practices on the traditional, unceded territories of the Anishinaabe Algonquin nation. As a settler of this land, Matthieu is aware of the negative systemic impacts of colonialism, and how these historic and current wrongdoings can hinder a person’s ability to thrive in society.
In his work with children, youth, and their families, Matthieu looks to support individuals through a person centred lens and aims to build a therapeutic relationship by working collaboratively with clients to help guide them as they take the steps necessary to achieve their goals. In his practice, Matthieu draws from multiple modalities, both Western and those rooted in non-Western knowledge. Primarily, Matthieu draws from Dialectic Behaviour Therapy, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy.
Matthieu has been privileged enough to have honed his practice in a variety of settings including community and healthcare-based children’s mental health organizations, as well as within the education system here in Ottawa. During these experiences, he supported individuals with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, self-harming behaviors, as well as social-emotional difficulties including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and behavioral challenges. Throughout his career Matthieu has worked with individuals who historically have been identified as marginalized and he has found success in taking the stance of informed not knowing and hopes to bring cultural humility to these relationships.
Matthieu completed his MSW at Carleton University in Ottawa. He also has a bachelor’s degree in Honors Psychology from the University of Guelph, where he specialized in Child and Family Studies.
Areas of Expertise
Adjustment to Disability,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Children & Youth,
Depression,
Family Therapy & Transitions,
Grief,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
LGBTTIQQ Issues,
Life Transitions,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Mood Challenges,
Moral Injury,
Navigating Transition,
Neurodivergence,
Newcomer and Refugee Mental Health,
Parenting,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Seniors,
Sexuality,
Stress,
Workplace Stress,
Youth Counselling & Counselling for Young Adults
Michael Gershuny is an internationally educated social worker who holds both a Master’s degree in Social Work and Educational Counselling. He is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Michael’s main role is the Director of The Counselling Group. In this role, he works closely together with the staff counsellors to ensure and further develop the high quality of services provided by the Group.
In addition, Michael provides counselling to individuals, dealing with a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. His areas of specialty and interest include interpersonal relationships, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, trauma, grief and loss, ageing, chronic mental health and, LGBTQ+ related issues and identity-related issues. Michael is bilingual and offers counselling in both English and Hebrew.
Michael is trained with a range of therapeutic models including psychodynamic, narrative, CBT and existential therapy. In collaboration with the individuals he works with, Michael tailors a personal care plan to assist individuals in returning to a place of health, ease and comfort. Michael’s work is person-centred and strength-based and respects each individual for who they are and who they want to become. Michael’s working philosophy is that the individual’s inner and external resources are the main drives for their recovery and will help them in achieving meaningful change in their life.
Areas of Expertise
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Depression,
Grief,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
LGBTTIQQ Issues,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Newcomer and Refugee Mental Health,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Stress
Nancy is a psychologist registered with both the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec and the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in educational psychology, a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and a diploma in mediation, along with various certifications. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, blending Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT), Art Therapy, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), mindfulness techniques, and methods from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.
Fluent in French, Arabic, and English, Nancy offers therapy in all three languages to individuals, couples, and families of all ages. She believes that everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable, which helps them focus on their well-being, navigate personal challenges, and promote personal growth.
Areas of Expertise
Adjustment to Disability,
Anger Management,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Childhood Sexual Abuse,
Children & Youth,
Couples & Relationship Counselling,
Depression,
Domestic Violence & Abuse,
Eating Disorders,
Family of Origin Dynamics,
Family Therapy & Transitions,
Grief,
Inter-racial & Inter-cultural Relationships,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Mood Challenges,
Newcomer and Refugee Mental Health,
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD),
Parenting,
Parenting Children with Special Needs,
Psycho-Educational Assessment,
Psychological Assessment,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Special Needs & Behavioural Disorders,
Stress,
Workplace Stress,
Youth Counselling & Counselling for Young Adults
Quinn has worked at Jewish Family Services (JFS) since 2016 starting as a summer student. She has had the advantage of working in many departments learning various positions to better support people within the agency. She has experience working with seniors with cognitive impairments, vulnerable populations such as low-income Jewish individuals, children, students of all ages, adults, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ2S+ community members and is passionate about working with these populations again.
Quinn is a very empathetic and energetic person who can connect with others easily. She is a great listener and observer and values diversity, believing she can learn as much from others, as they can from her. Quinn believes a therapeutic and working relationship should be collaborative, understanding, and supportive of one another.
Quinn prioritizes creating a space that is shared, free of judgment, warm, compassionate, and encouraging, where all individuals feel safe and comfortable, with an understanding that each therapeutic relationship will be different and not everything works for everyone.
Quinn works from a strength based, solution focused perspective, utilising techniques from narrative therapy, emotional-focused therapy, trauma informed therapy, and mindfulness. She believes the mind, heart, body, and spirit are all connected and must be respected during the therapeutic process. Quinn also believes societal pressures and systemic issues impact all individuals and must be taken into account when discussing personal journeys.
Quinn holds both a bachelor and a Master of Social Work, as well as bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology. She is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and a member of the Canadian and Ontario Association of Social Workers. She has been working in various non-profit agencies for more than 6 years.
Areas of Expertise
Adoption,
Anger Management,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Blended Families,
Children & Youth,
Chronic Pain/Illness,
Depression,
Family of Origin Dynamics,
Family Therapy & Transitions,
Grief,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
LGBTTIQQ Issues,
Life Transitions,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Mood Challenges,
Navigating Transition,
Neurodivergence,
Parenting,
Parenting Children with Special Needs,
Play Therapy,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Seniors,
Sexuality,
Special Needs & Behavioural Disorders,
Stress,
Workplace Stress,
Youth Counselling & Counselling for Young Adults
Rojine believes that an individual’s relationship with themselves is at the core of everything—shaping how they connect with work, relationships, and life as a whole. By nurturing a deep, authentic connection with who they are, individuals empower themselves to create the life they truly desire. As Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself, just as I am, then I can change.” Rojine understands that exploring one’s inner world can feel overwhelming, and she is here to guide others through the process.
Rojine creates a space where individuals can be themselves—free from judgment and full of possibility. In her sessions, she offers a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, address the barriers holding them back, and tap into their inner strength. Her mission is to help individuals navigate their journey of self-discovery and healing.
Taking a holistic and personalized approach, Rojine integrates a variety of therapeutic methods to best meet the unique needs of each client. These approaches may include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Interventions, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Therapy.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Master’s in Psychotherapy, Counselling, and Spirituality, Rojine brings a solid academic foundation to her work. Her certification from The Montreal Counselling Center (CRAM) has also deepened her understanding of how individuals relate to themselves and others, enhancing her ability to guide clients toward healing and growth.
Areas of Expertise
Anger Management,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Blended Families,
Depression,
Family of Origin Dynamics,
Grief,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Mood Challenges,
Newcomer and Refugee Mental Health,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Stress
Sabine works in the Refugees and Vulnerable Newcomers program, providing social and insightful emotional support and counselling to address both the immediate and long-term psychological needs of refugees and newcomers. She has experience working with immigrants and has a sensitive awareness about their life experience which fosters a better understanding of their needs and focuses on building a trusting therapeutic relationship. By understanding the complexity of a migration journey, Sabine makes sure she creates a comfortable and safe environment for clients to feel supported and heard. Sabine’s strengths are practicing active listening, her unconditional positive regard and her capacity to always prioritize the client’s well-being.
Sabine uses various therapy models in her practice such as Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, elements of Play Therapy and Client Centered Therapy from a culturally sensitive perspective. Sabine has experience working with individuals and families; providing counselling in areas including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, anger management, relationship distress, migration, those who have gone through traumatic events and other life transitions. She also works with youth and children who experience difficulties in managing their emotions.
Sabine is a graduate from the University of Ottawa who has a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and previously a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and offers counselling services in multiple languages such as French, Spanish, English, and Creole.
Areas of Expertise
Anger Management,
Anxiety/Panic,
Bereavement & Loss/Grief,
Couples & Relationship Counselling,
Depression,
Domestic Violence & Abuse,
Family of Origin Dynamics,
Grief,
Isolation/Interpersonal Difficulties,
Loss/Grief,
Mental Health,
Mindfulness,
Newcomer and Refugee Mental Health,
Parenting,
PTSD & Trauma,
Self Esteem,
Self Worth,
Separation & Divorce,
Sexual Assault,
Stress,
Workplace Stress
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
