Our Staff

In our work, I commit to collaborate with you in addressing and making sense of the unique and complex circumstances you face. I will never take your trust in me for granted and will always strive to tailor my therapy approach to you. I offer an authentic, honest, transparent, non-judgmental presence and a listening space for the unique challenges of your life. In my therapeutic work, I am informed by person-centered, culturally-aware, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches, drawing on Narrative (NT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) frameworks, while integrating elements of mindfulness techniques.

I specialize in collaborating with individual youth, young adults and adults, helping make sense of life’s transitions, identity development, and societal pressures. I have experience working with individuals of all backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations. As a former sojourner, I bring a unique lens with which I look at and include cultural identities.

Experiencing suffering is never easy, especially when you feel alone. I tremendously respect you for giving therapy a try. My experience and passion in navigating complex lives will help me build a trusting relationship with you – one of respect, authenticity, empowerment, honesty and transparency that can help address the challenges you face.

About  

Krista has worked for over 15 years in the field of substance use and trauma recovery across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Nunavik (QC) primarily supporting marginalized communities in the nonprofit sector, and as well in private practice. She has worked as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Manager of Addiction Services. Krista is the Director of Programs & Development with Men & Healing, and provides individual and group therapy as well as workshop facilitation. She has a special interest in providing couple workshops for supporting greater connection in an increasingly disconnected world. 

Krista is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (#003860) & a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) (#10000583). 

Education: 

Carleton University, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology 

University of Lethbridge, Bachelor of Health Science, Addictions Counselling 

University of Lethbridge, Master of Counselling 

The Whole Person: 

When not working she can be found shuttling her daughters around to various overstimulating activities, drinking (probably too many) caffeinated drinks, hiking with her dog, camping, reading, swimming, advocating for social justice, or working on her latest art project.  

Other Offerings: 

Krista has a proven track record for service development projects within the Ottawa region in the field of substance use and trauma recovery, and with Indigenous led initiatives, including in Nunavik where she spent 5 years working interculturally as the clinical lead for the design, development, and implementation of the unique Isuarsivik Collective Healing Program which integrates clinical, cultural, and land based approaches to substance use and trauma recovery for adults, and families.  

She provides training, consultation, and program development support within her scope of practice. If you have a project in mind, feel free to reach out and discuss if she can help you bring your vision to life. 

Therapy in Krista’s words… 

I have a passion for people! Right next to being a mother, providing therapy is the greatest privilege of my life. 

The backbone to my work is through an existential lens, which I learned in my formative training in Logotherapy. I consider myself, as Yalom coined it, a “fellow traveler” with you. This means that I am not a detached expert, but a compassionate fellow human that’s walking this part of the path with you. My work is always heart-centered and includes a focus on relationship – connecting with ourselves, others, and the natural world; this is the vehicle through which meaningful change can occur. 

As a fellow traveler I am not going to “fix it”, rush you to the destination, or provide all the answers. 

I am going to: 

-Encourage you to be an active creator in your world, leading with your values at the center. 

-Recognize the influence of the larger world you intersect with on your journey (lived experience, identity, culture, spirituality, family, community, etc). 

-Challenge you to break through the same paths/patterns that have kept you feeling stuck. 

-Help you make a meaning of the trip and how you got here – and more importantly where you are going! 

-Give practical and honest feedback, and be willing to say the difficult things, when it’s wanted. 

-Shine a light when the space feels dark or needs illuminating. 

-Provide a soft place to rest when you need care or to replenish. 

-Help read the map together and set our goal posts mutually. 

-Suggest tools that will help us to arrive at the place you want to be. 

-Recognize that you are already an expert in your own life and travels, but be heartfully willing to support you to get to the next place in your life. 

My Approach 

I have trained in and gathered many different tools to be of service, and use an eclectic, trauma competent approach tailored to the individual. At the heart my work is rooted in both Attachment based and Psychodynamic approaches to understanding and working with people, while being somatically informed through each step. I integrate tools as needed from: 

-Experiential & Psychoeducational Approaches 

-Ego State Therapy (Parts Work) 

-Emotionally Focused Therapy (individual, couples) 

-Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) 

-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 

-Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) 

-Mindfulness Based Therapy (MBT) 

-Narrative Therapy 

-Solution Focused Brief Therapy & Motivational Interviewing 

-Expressive Arts  

Krista is formally trained as Therapeutic Arts Practitioner (TAP) through the Canadian Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT), and trained in the somatic intervention of Guided Drawing for Healing Trauma through the Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy (ISAT). 

What can I help with? 

I support individuals with: 

Trauma Recovery 

Childhood Physical & Sexual Abuse 

Intergenerational Trauma & Indigenous Specific Trauma  

Substance Use  

Relational Challenges & Skill Building 

Identity & Personal Growth 

Emotional Regulation & Anger 

Managing Stress 

Personality Disorders 

Mood Disorders 

Neurodiversity  

Self Esteem 

Life Transitions (including separation, divorce, fertility journey, new parents, career change, retirement) 

Parenting 

Workplace stressors 

Grief & Loss 

Men’s Issues 

Sexual Concerns (2SLGBTQI+ allied, Sex Positive/CNM/Kink Friendly) 

About

Berak Hussain has over 20 years of experience working in the fields of mental health, counseling, and community wellness across Canadian academic institutions and international community organizations. Her work has focused on supporting diverse populations through psychoeducation, therapeutic support, and culturally responsive mental health programming.

She is the founder of Serene Nafs Wellness, a private psychotherapy practice where she supports individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and personal growth. Her work integrates psychological science with spirituality, helping clients reconnect with meaning, resilience, and emotional balance.

Berak is also a passionate public speaker, educator, and advocate for mental health awareness, social justice, women’s empowerment, men’s mental health, and spiritual well-being. Through her speaking engagements and community programs, she aims to break stigma around mental health and foster open dialogue within culturally and faith-based communities.

Her work has taken her to communities across Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, Iraq, and East Africa, where she has contributed to conferences, training tours, television programs, and grassroots mental health initiatives.

Berak has collaborated with numerous charitable and community organizations supporting widows, orphans, and marginalized families, helping develop wellness circles, psychoeducational workshops, and community healing initiatives that promote resilience, empowerment, and collective care.

Through her work, Berak seeks to bridge psychology, spirituality, and lived human experience, encouraging individuals and communities to heal, grow, and support one another with compassion and purpose.

Credentials

Berak Hussain is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and provides psychotherapy services in private practice through Serene Nafs Wellness.  She is also a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

She brings extensive experience from both clinical practice and community-based mental health programming, offering therapy, workshops, and psychoeducational programs internationally.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology

Master’s Degree, Educational Counseling

The Whole Person

Outside of her clinical work, Berak enjoys creative expression through poetry, writing, and reflective storytelling. Her work often explores the intersection of faith, identity, healing, and the human search for meaning.

She is deeply passionate about building initiatives that integrate mental health, spirituality, social justice, and community empowerment, and regularly collaborates with global networks to promote holistic well-being.

Her personal and professional experiences across cultures continue to shape her commitment to creating safe, compassionate spaces where individuals feel heard, valued, and supported in their journey toward healing.

Other Offerings

In addition to psychotherapy, Berak offers:

• Public speaking engagements
• Mental health workshops and psychoeducational programs
• Community wellness circles
• Faith-informed mental health training
• Program development and consultation for community organizations

Her work focuses on making mental health education accessible and culturally relevant, particularly within faith-based and multicultural communities.

Organizations and community groups interested in collaborating on wellness initiatives, workshops, or speaking engagements are welcome to reach out.

Therapy in Berak’s Words

I believe therapy is one of the most sacred spaces two human beings can share.

My role is not to “fix” someone’s life or tell them who they should be. Instead, I walk beside my clients as they explore their inner world, understand their experiences, and rediscover their own strength.

Healing often begins when we feel truly seen and understood. Through compassion, reflection, and practical tools, therapy becomes a space where people can reconnect with themselves, process their pain, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.

I aim to create a space where clients feel safe to explore both their struggles and their strengths while honoring the role that culture, faith, identity, and personal history play in shaping who we are

My Approach

My work draws from a holistic and integrative therapeutic approach, combining evidence-based psychological methods with insights from spirituality and meaning-centered reflection.

I integrate tools from:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Attachment-based approaches
• Existential and meaning-centered therapy
• Mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies
• Psychoeducation and reflective dialogue

I also incorporate culturally and spiritually sensitive perspectives where appropriate, helping individuals explore how faith, values, and meaning can support psychological healing and resilience.

What I Can Help With

I support individuals navigating:

• Anxiety and stress
• Trauma and emotional healing
• Relationship and family challenges
• Identity and personal growth
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions and major life decisions
• Spiritual questions and meaning-making
• Burnout and emotional overwhelm
• Navigating cultural and faith-related experiences

My goal is to help individuals reconnect with their inner strength and develop tools that allow them to move forward with greater balance, clarity, and self-compassion.

Saeid Kianpour is a registered psychotherapist and a family therapist based in Ottawa, ON. He completed his BA in Education of Children with special needs and a Master’s Degree in Psychology-Family Therapy in Iran. He then moved to the United States to pursue his doctorate in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech. Saeid accomplished an internship at the Indiana University-School of Medicine as a Behavioral Science Doctoral Intern and Visiting Lecturer.

He then moved to Canada in 2018 where he was registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and started working in Ottawa in private clinical practice. Systemic ideology is a thread woven throughout his worldview and work. His clinical practice and experience in Iran, the United States, and Canada have enabled meaningful moments of growth and provided him the opportunity to work with diverse populations who faced various challenges. Cultural diversity and working in a humanitarian context is an innate part of his experience.

Saeid provides individual, couple and family therapy in both English and Farsi.

Adam is a psychotherapy intern working with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and patterns that feel hard to change. His approach is trauma-informed and draws on elements of psychodynamic and compassion-focused lenses. In our work, we’ll focus on supporting awareness, developing understanding of behaviour and thinking patterns, and collaborating to find practical ways to bring about change.

Adam’s presence is shaped by his experiences guiding meditation with men in prison settings, as well as supporting older adults and their families in the later stages of life as a personal support worker. Adam also informed by contemplative perspectives on attention, suffering, and the demands placed on people in modern life.

Adam offers a space that is straightforward, authentic, and non-judgmental. As a mixed-race man, he is particularly interested in supporting men in their own healing and in building stronger connection and community.

Adam is completing his M.A in Counselling and Spirituality at Saint Paul University, and provides services to individuals in English.

Originally from England, via Eritrea in the Horn of Africa, Anna now makes her home in the Ottawa area. Her post-graduate studies began with a Post Graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling Practice from England, and has continued in her Post Graduate studies in Gestalt Psychotherapy.

Since moving to Ottawa in 2003, Anna’s professional focus has been predominantly (although not exclusively) on issues of trauma and trauma recovery. The notion of emotional integrity permeates her practice. She invites men to open their minds and hearts to their suffering, compassion and strength to heal.

Anna provides individual psychotherapy, as well as facilitating both our Trauma Recovery and Anger Management programs.

About

Francis is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (#15031) and a member in good standing of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) (#11249642).

Based in Ottawa, he works primarily with men navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and the lasting impacts of trauma. He sees clients individually, online and in person, and refers those seeking couples or family therapy to trusted colleagues when appropriate.

Having personally benefited from therapy during significant life events and periods of anxiety and depression, Francis was drawn to this work to offer others a space to pause, reflect, and make sense of their experiences.

He supports individuals from all backgrounds in a respectful, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore challenges, better understand themselves, and move forward with greater clarity and stability.

Clients who resonate with Francis’s approach are often thoughtful individuals seeking deeper self-understanding, navigating relational challenges, and people working through trauma, identity questions, or major life transitions.

Francis is fully bilingual and offers services in both English and French.

Education

M.Ed., University of Ottawa M.A., Psychotherapy, Counselling, and Spirituality, Saint Paul University Additional intensive training in sex therapy from the University of Ottawa and the University of Guelph

The Whole Person

Francis approaches therapy with the understanding that emotional well-being is connected to many aspects of life. Between thoughts and actions lies a rich inner landscape of emotions, sensations, and life experiences that shape decisions and relationships.

His work is grounded in a trauma-informed, psychoeducational, and reflective approach. He supports clients in developing emotional awareness, strengthening communication, and understanding patterns that influence their relationships and well-being.

Before becoming a psychotherapist, Francis built a diverse background in corporate communications, environmental project coordination, advocacy within the LGB community, and eldercare. These experiences inform his appreciation for clear communication, accountability, and the broader contexts in which people live and work.

He is also an avid environmentalist and values healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle. For Francis, well-being is interconnected, and he approaches both life and work with a “tread lightly” philosophy emphasizing balance, responsibility, and mindfulness.

Other offerings (outside of Men & Healing)

In addition to individual psychotherapy, Francis creates spaces for reflection and personal growth through men’s yoga classes (RYT 200+), discussion groups, and personal development retreats.

With a focus on the men’s community, these spaces foster honest, grounded conversations about responsibility, relationships, values, and personal growth — elements sometimes missing in everyday life.

These experiences continue to shape his appreciation for connection, reflection, and the role of community in navigating life’s challenges.

Therapy in Francis’s words…

“I believe that every person’s story deserves to be met with curiosity and respect. My role is to accompany clients as they explore their experiences, understand patterns that may no longer serve them, and develop new ways of relating to themselves and others.

Together, we work toward greater clarity, emotional resilience, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with intention and self-compassion. When appropriate, I may integrate breathwork and body-awareness practices inspired by yoga traditions to support emotional regulation.”

Francis’s approach

Francis’s work integrates emotional regulation, cognitive-behavioural insights, and relational frameworks. He draws on structured models to help clients understand the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and how these influence relationships.

His work incorporates several evidence-based approaches, adapted to each client’s needs:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Emotion Focused Therapy
• Holistic approaches including breath and body awareness
• Male-focused therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Person-centered and interpersonal therapy
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Work informed by ego states, attachment styles frameworks and Internal Family Systems

Francis supports individuals navigating a range of life experiences and challenges, including:

Emotional well-being

• Anxiety and depression
• Emotional regulation and anger
• Shame and guilt
• Stress management

Trauma and life experiences

• Childhood neglect and abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions

Identity and personal growth

• Interpersonal relationships
• Men’s issues
• Self-confidence, self-esteem, self-regard, and self-worth
• Sexual identity, sexual health, and gender identity (LGB ally, sex-positive, CNM)

Life circumstances

• Eco-anxiety
• Eldercare challenges
• Workplace stressors and professional relationships

En quelques mots

Francis est psychothérapeute autorisé (PA) auprès de l’Ordre des psychothérapeutes autorisés de l’Ontario (#15031) et membre en règle de l’Association canadienne de counseling et de psychothérapie (ACCP) (#11249642).

Basé à Ottawa, il travaille principalement avec des hommes qui traversent des transitions de vie, des difficultés relationnelles ou les répercussions durables de traumatismes. Il offre des séances individuelles, en ligne et en personne, et réfère au besoin les personnes souhaitant une thérapie de couple ou familiale à des collègues de confiance.

Ayant lui-même bénéficié de la thérapie lors d’événements marquants et de périodes d’anxiété et de dépression, Francis a été amené vers cette profession avec le désir d’offrir aux autres un espace pour ralentir, réfléchir et donner un sens à leurs expériences.

Il accompagne des personnes de tous horizons dans un cadre respectueux et sans jugement, où il est possible d’explorer ses défis, mieux se comprendre et avancer avec plus de clarté et de stabilité.

Les personnes qui se reconnaissent dans l’approche de Francis sont souvent des individus réfléchis en quête d’une meilleure compréhension d’eux-mêmes, des individus souhaitant évoluer sur le plan personnel et relationnel, ainsi que des individus traversant des enjeux liés au trauma, à l’identité ou à des transitions de vie importantes.

Francis est parfaitement bilingue et offre ses services en français et en anglais.

Formation

M.Éd., Université d’Ottawa M.A., Psychothérapie, counseling et spiritualité, Université Saint-Paul Formation intensive supplémentaire en thérapie sexuelle à l’Université d’Ottawa et à l’Université de Guelph

Une approche globale de la personne

Francis aborde la thérapie avec la conviction que le bien-être émotionnel est lié à plusieurs dimensions de la vie. Entre les pensées et les actions se trouve un univers riche d’émotions, de sensations et d’expériences qui influencent les décisions et les relations.

Son approche est à la fois informée par le trauma, la psychoéducation et la réflexion. Il accompagne les clients dans le développement de leur conscience émotionnelle, l’amélioration de leur communication et la compréhension des schémas qui influencent leurs relations et leur bien-être.

Avant de devenir psychothérapeute, Francis a développé un parcours professionnel et personnel diversifié en communications d’entreprise, en coordination de projets environnementaux, en engagement auprès de la communauté LGB et en accompagnement d’aînés. Ces expériences nourrissent son souci de clarté, de responsabilité et de prise en compte du contexte global dans lequel évoluent les individus.

Il est également un fervent défenseur de l’environnement et accorde une grande importance à une alimentation saine et à un mode de vie actif. Pour Francis, le bien-être est interconnecté, et il adopte une philosophie « d’agir prudemment », axée sur l’équilibre, la responsabilité et la pleine conscience.

Autres offres (à l’extérieur de Men & Healing)

En plus de la psychothérapie individuelle, Francis propose des espaces de réflexion et de croissance personnelle à travers des classes de yoga pour hommes (RYT 200+), des groupes de discussion et des retraites de croissance personnelle.

Axées notamment sur la communauté masculine, ces initiatives favorisent des échanges authentiques et ancrés autour de la responsabilité, des relations, des valeurs et du développement personnel — des dimensions parfois absentes du quotidien.

Ces expériences enrichissent sa compréhension de l’importance du lien, de la réflexion personnelle et du rôle de la communauté durant les périodes de transition.

La thérapie selon Francis…

« Je crois que le récit de chaque personne mérite d’être accueilli avec curiosité et respect. Mon rôle est d’accompagner les clients dans l’exploration de leur vécu, la compréhension de schémas qui ne leur servent plus et le développement de nouvelles façons d’entrer en relation avec eux-mêmes et avec les autres.

Ensemble, nous travaillons à développer plus de clarté, de résilience émotionnelle et une capacité accrue à faire face aux défis de la vie avec intention et bienveillance envers soi-même. Lorsque cela est pertinent, j’intègre également des pratiques de respiration et de conscience corporelle inspirées du yoga afin de soutenir la régulation émotionnelle. »

L’approche de Francis

Le travail de Francis intègre la régulation émotionnelle, des outils issus des approches cognitivo-comportementales et des cadres relationnels. Il s’appuie sur des modèles structurés pour aider les clients à mieux comprendre l’interaction entre pensées, émotions et comportements, et l’impact de ces dynamiques sur leurs relations.

Son approche s’inspire de différentes approches reconnues, adaptées aux besoins de chaque client :

• Approche centrée sur les enjeux masculins
• Approche centrée sur la personne et thérapies interpersonnelles
• Approches holistiques incluant la respiration et la conscience corporelle
• Approche informée par le trauma
• Thérapie axée sur la compassion
• Thérapie axée sur les émotions
• Thérapie cognitivo-comportementale
• Thérapie narrative
• Travail inspiré des modèles des états du moi, des styles d’attachement et du Système familial intérieur

Francis accompagne des personnes qui traversent diverses réalités de vie, notamment :

Bien-être émotionnel

• Anxiété et dépression
• Gestion du stress
• Honte et culpabilité
• Régulation émotionnelle et gestion de la colère

Trauma et expériences de vie

• Deuil et pertes
• Négligence et abus durant l’enfance (émotif, physique, sexuel)
• Transitions de vie

Identité et croissance personnelle

• Enjeux masculins
• Estime de soi, confiance en soi, valeur personnelle et affirmation de soi
• Identité sexuelle, santé sexuelle et identité de genre (allié LGB, approche positive envers la sexualité, NMC)
• Relations interpersonnelles

Contexte de vie

• Écoanxiété
• Enjeux liés au rôle d’aidant
• Stress au travail et relations professionnelles

Gail is a registered MSW originally from the southern United States, Gail has focused her career to working to provide services to those often living on the edge of society. As a hard of hearing, cognitive divergent, Indigenous person, she has navigated through many challenges to a place of resilience with the core value of authenticity as a way of life. She her education began her undergraduate education at Louisiana State University and finished with her Master of Social Work at Carleton University.

Her professional background includes criminal justice, spiritual care, homelessness, addictions, trauma, domestic violence and mental health issues. She has provided services in such settings as legal services, health care, government and treatment centres.

Gail considers life experiences, her formal education as assets in helping clients navigate current issues working together healing the core Self. She draws from her Indigenous and teaching along with training in historical trauma, trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, addiction and recovery, schema therapy, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem. Her treatment approaches include acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment based, compassion focused, Indigenous world view, emotionally focused, mindfulness, person centered, and trauma focused. Her passion is helping clients face themselves, not “fix” themselves.

Are there parts of yourself that you disown? Do you walk comfortably in your own skin? Gail invites you to a journey of meaning making, self-discovery, stepping back from judgements, living your own values as you discover you are more than you know.

Gail believes life is an inside job. She provides safe, supportive space to emotions, challenges and personal growth. The core of her approach reflects a compassionate, non-judgmental and validating atmosphere. Are there challenges you facing that you were never given the chance to break free from? You have heard the saying, “you are enough.” But it is knowing, from a heart place, that you really are enough … just as you are. Choose you.

Favourite quote: Life is an inside job.

Clinical Lead: Sexual Identity & Expression

Annika is a registered MSW and an Associate Member of BESTCO (Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling Ontario).

She believes healing and growth are uniquely individual processes, and strives to create a collaborative relationship that places you as the expert of your experiences and empowers change. Her therapeutic presence is warm, non-judgmental, and genuine.

As a trauma therapist, she is passionate about helping individuals process and reclaim meaning in their past and present experiences, tap into their resiliencies and strengthen connections to expand their world.  From an eclectic social work approach, she draws from evidence-based therapies that will help you to mindfully explore and understand your thoughts, emotions, and somatic (body) experiences from a place of self-compassion.

Annika believes relationships are sites of powerful healing and feels honored to work alongside individuals, couples and poly constellations as their connections to themselves and each other transform. Annika is a sex-positive, LGBTQ+, CNM, and kink/BDSM knowledgeable therapist that can assist you in strengthening your relationships and authentic sexual expression.

Annika provides individual, relational and sex therapy. She also facilitates one of our trauma recovery group programs and our Sexual Integrity group program at Men & Healing.

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Experiential and psychoeducational approaches

• Trauma recovery & PTSD
• Complex trauma
• Religious & spiritual trauma; faith deconstruction
• Anxiety & depression
• Emotional regulation & anger
• Relationship challenges & communication
• Men’s issues & pressures of masculinity
• Shame, self-esteem, and identity exploration
• Life transitions, meaning, and values work
• Grief & loss
• LGBTQ+ affirming care

About Patrice

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Patrice provides psychotherapy to adolescents and adults navigating trauma, life transitions, existential concerns, relational challenges, and life stress. His work is grounded in a systemic, client-centred, and trauma-informed approach, with a focus on understanding each person within the broader context of their relationships, identity, culture, and lived experience. Patrice aims to integrate the science of psychology with the art of the human encounter, often drawing on evidence-based psychological practices grounded in solid philosophical foundations.

His clinical work is informed by a strong foundation in psychological research. Patrice currently serves as the lab coordinator for both the Cognitive Neuroscience of Bilingualism Laboratory and the Child Development Laboratories at the University of Ottawa, following previous work in the Cognitive Ageing and Driving Laboratory. This background informs a thoughtful, integrative approach that bridges research and clinical practice.

He works collaboratively with clients to explore patterns that may be keeping them stuck, while supporting the development of greater emotional awareness, self-understanding, and meaningful change. Patrice has a particular interest in working with individuals navigating identity, relational dynamics, and the complexities of integrating different parts of themselves.

Patrice is currently a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying; Registration #21320) under the supervision of the Clinical Director at Men and Healing, Saeid Kianpour.

Patrice offers individual, group, couple, and family therapy in English and Farsi.

Education

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Ottawa.

Master’s in Counselling and Spirituality at St. Paul’s University.

Therapy in Patrice’s Words

I view therapy as a space where we can slow things down and begin to make sense of your experience in a deeper, more meaningful way. Rather than focusing only on solving problems, I see our work as an opportunity to understand how you have come to be where you are, and what your experiences have meant to you over time.

I don’t approach therapy as someone who will provide all the answers. I am deeply informed by existential, hermeneutic, and constructionist philosophy. Therefore, your story is just as important as my tools or knowledge. Instead, I see myself as walking alongside you in the process, helping you explore your inner world, your relationships, and the patterns that may be shaping your current experience. At times, this may involve gently challenging certain ways of thinking or being; at other times, it may simply involve creating space for you to be heard and understood. I would describe my presence in the therapeutic journey as an expedition partner and creative educator.

My aim is to support you in developing a stronger, more compassionate relationship with yourself while also helping you make sense of your emotions, needs, and direction in life. I value working at a pace that feels right for you, recognising that meaningful change often comes through careful exploration rather than urgency.

I believe that people already carry a great deal of wisdom about their own lives, and that therapy can help bring that into clearer awareness. Collectively, we will dare to discover a compassionate way of life that feels authentic to you.

My Approach

I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from multiple modalities to meet the unique needs of each client. However, my work is primarily informed by:

• Psychodynamic Therapy and Transactional Analysis (TA)
• Existential-Humanistic Therapy
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches

My approach is also trauma-informed and attentive to the role of attachment, culture, and broader systems in shaping a person’s experience. I value working at a pace that feels safe and manageable, particularly when exploring more complex or emotionally charged material.

What Can I Help With?

I can support clients with:

• Trauma and past experiences
• Anxiety and emotional distress
• Relational challenges and attachment patterns
• Identity exploration and self-understanding
• Self-esteem and self-criticism
• Life transitions and direction
• Existential concerns and meaning-making
• Stress and overwhelm

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for efficiency, Kailey is an experienced Administrative & Finance Manager dedicated to optimizing organizational operations and financial systems. With nearly a decade in the field, she possess a comprehensive understanding of both administrative and financial management, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and support for staff & clients.

Rick Goodwin is the founder of Men & Healing: Psychotherapy for Men, established in 2015. Prior to this, he served as Executive Director of the provincially funded Men’s Project in Ottawa, which he co-founded with Larry Gauthier. From 2012 to 2015, Rick was the National Manager of the federally funded 1in6 Canada.

Rick has received numerous awards for service excellence, including the Attorney General’s Award of Distinction, recognition as a national recipient from CAMH, and the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal (2021).

He earned his Master of Social Work in 1985.  As a student, he created one of the first services in Canada to intervene with men regarding intimate partner violence. Since his work at The Men’s Project, he has provided extensive training on issues concerning trauma and recovery, ending men’s violence, therapeutic engagement, and men’s mental health. His work has taken him across Canada, the United States, and internationally, including the United Kingdom, Jamaica, India, Cambodia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and Guam. He is widely recognized for his leadership in developing male-centred approaches to therapy.

Rick currently leads Men & Healing Training (see www.rickgoodwin.ca), where he offers training to service providers, consultation, and public speaking. His most recent book, Men’s Road to Healing, is available for purchase and serves as a foundation for his speaking engagements. His previous publications include the co-authored guidebook Men & Healing (2009) and the Australian guidebook Foundations (2017), both widely used in structuring men’s trauma recovery services.

Men & Healing Training works in collaboration with Men & Healing Psychotherapy.

Rick can be reached at [email protected]

Ray is a registered social worker and certified sex therapist in private practice. As a clinical member of the Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling in Ontario, he brings an eclectic approach to his practice, drawing particularly on object relations and self psychology. He provides counselling on sexual issues, relationship issues, sleep and fatigue, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, and the challenges of parenting. He is the developer of the Sexual Integrity Program, a group approach to treating dysregulated sexual behaviour.

In addition to his counselling practice, Ray is also a board approved clinical supervisor, an external clinical supervisor for the Master’s of Counselling & Spirituality program at Saint Paul University, Ottawa, president of Mental Health Professionals Ottawa, an educator, workshop presenter, volunteer, husband, father, and grandfather.

Ray is the lead facilitator of our Sexual Integrity program. He does not currently provide individual clinical services at Men & Healing.