Our Mental Health Professionals

Abraar Elmi, M.Ed., RP

Abraar uses a compassionate, collaborative, and strength-based approach to help clients identify their goals and create personalized therapy plans. She provides a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, develop new coping strategies, and build on their existing strengths. Abraar tailors her approach to each person’s needs, drawing from various therapeutic methods including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and person-centered therapies.

She is passionate about supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. Her areas of interest include relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, interpersonal issues, self-esteem, and life transitions.

Abraar is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa.

Areas of Expertise

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Adrien Tempier, MSc (Neurobioligical Psychiatry & Psychology), RP

 

Adrien Tempier is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). He brings a distinctive neuroscience-informed perspective to psychotherapy, integrating contemporary knowledge from neurobiology, psychology, and psychotherapy to understand the complex factors that shape mental health and recovery. His approach recognizes emotional well-being as the product of interacting biological, psychological, relational, and environmental influences. Rather than viewing symptoms as personal shortcomings, Adrien helps clients understand them as adaptive responses to life experiences and supports them in creating lasting, meaningful change. 

Adrien’s clinical training spans London (UK) and Canada, including Montréal, Saskatoon, and Ottawa. This breadth of international and Canadian experience has shaped an integrative, evidence-based approach that is both scientifically grounded and tailored to each client’s unique needs. 

His practice integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based approaches. His work is further informed by attachment theory, psychodynamic principles, Gestalt therapy, narrative therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, and neuroaffective perspectives, allowing him to address not only current symptoms but also the underlying patterns that contribute to emotional distress and resilience. 

Adrien works with youth, adults, and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, burnout, substance use concerns, relationship difficulties, emotional dysregulation, and major life transitions. He collaborates with clients to deepen self-understanding, strengthen emotional awareness, develop psychological flexibility, and build practical skills that support resilience and long-term well-being. 

Beyond his clinical practice, Adrien has held leadership roles within community mental health services, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and supporting programs that promote accessible, person-centred care. This broader systems perspective enriches his understanding of the social determinants of mental health and the complex contexts in which people live, work, and heal. 

As a bilingual psychotherapist, Adrien provides therapy in both English and French. He strives to create a warm, respectful, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. His goal is to help individuals reconnect with their strengths, live more consistently with their values, and move toward a richer, more meaningful life. 

Areas of Expertise

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dellan Woodger, M.Ed, R.P. (Qualifying)

Registered Psychotherapist

Dellan works using an eclectic therapeutic approach, which draws on multiple therapeutic orientations in order to adapt to a client’s individual needs. His experience is primarily with person-centred and third-wave approaches; most frequently utilizing the following therapeutic methods: narrative therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy (CFT). Dellan’s approach to counselling is highly collaborative and utilizes clients’ strengths and values to assist them as they navigate life’s challenges. Dellan has lived experience as a queer, neurodiverse, and transgender man. These identities informed his interest in narrative and client-centred approaches which emphasize the client as the expert in their own life.

Dellan’s primary experience lies in working with youth, families, 2SLGBTQIA+, and neurodiverse individuals. He holds an M.Ed in counselling psychology from the University of Ottawa. Dellan is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

Areas of Expertise

, , , , , , , ,

Hannah Irvine, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Hannah Irvine is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Hannah primarily works with children, youth, and their families. She brings an empathetic, warm, and non-judgmental approach based on existentialist-humanistic and attachment perspectives. In her practice, Hannah emphasizes the process of building authentic and transformative therapeutic relationships, creating a safe and collaborative space for clients to explore issues and take risks. Through this process, she helps clients identify their unique strengths, resources, and values, which can be used to navigate distress, connect with the world, and build a meaningful life.

Hannah integrates a variety of counseling modalities to best meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. She draws from approaches such as narrative therapy, emotion-focused family therapy, play and art therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Regardless of the approach, Hannah brings a non-pathologizing and strength-based lens that understands each person within their environment and considers the impact of structural barriers and social injustices on our experiences as individuals. Hannah incorporates a trauma-informed perspective into all her work and maintains a continuous practice of self-reflection, learning, and cultural humility.

Hannah has extensive experience working with children and youth in various settings. She possesses experience and interest in working with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, social-emotional difficulties, and LGBTQ+ issues. She is particularly knowledgeable in working with ADHD, Autism, and other neurodivergences and disabilities.

Hannah earned her Master of Social Work from Carleton University. She previously completed her Honors B.A. at York University, majoring in Psychology with a strong focus on child and adolescent development and mental health.

Areas of Expertise

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Joelle El Khoury, MA Clinical Psychology

Psychometrist

Joelle brings a compassionate, client-centered approach grounded in evidence and clinical experience to support individuals, children, adolescents, and families through life’s challenges. She creates a safe, respectful space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and patterns, gain insight into their experiences and build practical strategies for practical strategies for lasting well-being.

Joelle holds dual master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology and Psychosomatics, with experience in psychological assessments including cognitive, academic, behavioural, and socio-emotional testing across the lifespan.

Her clinical approach integrates research informed modalities and holistic perspectives to tailor therapy to each person’s needs.

Joelle provides services in English, French and Arabic, the area of expertise include anxiety, stress, self-esteem, family relationship patterns, trauma, developmental assessments and support for individuals navigating transition and personal insight.

Areas of Expertise

, , , , , , , , , ,

Marwan Abou Diwan, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist

Clinical Manager, Centre of Couples and Relationships.

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

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthieu Kim, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist.

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

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Michael Gershuny, MSW, RSW, Psychotherapist

Director of Counselling and Mental Health Services

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

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Quinn Rivier Gatt, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

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

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sarah Alderwick, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist

Sarah provides counselling to individuals facing a wide variety of emotional and psychological challenges in their lives. With compassion, caring and acceptance, Sarah’s strength lies in building strong therapeutic relationships with her clients.  She strives to support clients to draw from their inner strength and wisdom to help foster positive change in their lives. Sarah creates a safe and open environment to assist with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues, domestic violence, grief/loss, and postpartum difficulties. She welcomes opportunities to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and is LGBTTIQQ+ positive.

Sarah collaborates with each client, tailoring her approach to meet their therapeutic needs. Her practice draws from Narrative, Attachment, Feminist, and Cognitive-Behavioural Theories, and is Trauma-Informed. She is passionate about social justice and poverty reduction. She has worked in a variety of community settings and has extensive experience assisting clients to navigate the different social services, housing, and welfare systems.

She completed her Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Worker and Social Service Workers and is a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

Areas of Expertise

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,