our associates
registered psychologists
Dr. Sharleen McDowall, C. Psych.
Dr. Sharleen McDowall is the Clinical Director and Supervising Psychologist at mcdowall counselling and consulting group. Dr. McDowall received a Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago in 2009 and completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Her experience provided her with a wide range of knowledge which included conducting psychological assessments, providing therapy and conducting groups with individuals with severe mental illness. She has worked with both inpatient and outpatient adolescents who are struggling with severe biopsychosocial issues.
Dr. McDowall’s previous experience includes 8 years of experience providing psychological treatment to clients in a private practice and in a rehabilitation setting. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, low self-esteem, anger management, grief and loss, addiction, in addition to other serious psychiatric conditions. Dr. McDowall is currently working part time in the adolescent department at Ontario Shores Mental Centre for Mental Health Sciences and in a private practice setting.
Dr. Amena Syed is a supervising psychologist at mcdowall counselling & consulting group and the founder of the Centre for Neurodiagnostic Services. She received her Bachelor of Science from McMaster University with a major in Psychology followed by a Master's in Counseling Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical/Neuro-Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology.In addition, she has completed a certificate in EEG Bio/Neurofeedback accredited by the Biofeedback Accreditation Institute of America. Dr. Syed has over ten years of clinical experience working with a myriad of genetic, neurological, developmental and psychiatric/psychological illnesses doing both assesment and treatment. She is licensed by the College of Psychologists in Ontario with competency in Clinical, Rehabilitation and Neuropsychology.
masters level counsellorsYolanda Testani is a clinical therapist with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University and a Bachelors of Arts from Concordia University. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP). Yolanda began her early career working with children and teenagers using an art therapy approach. Her central focus of therapy was building self-esteem and self-confidence which she continues to incorporate with all of her clients regardless of age or issue. Yolanda provides services to children, adults and couples. Yolanda uses an integrated approach to therapy including a cognitive behavior and a psychodynamic approach to treatment. Her areas of experience include anger management, anxiety, depression career counselling, stress management, as well as relationship and marital issues.
Dharshini Chanderbhan, M.A.Dharshini graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Biology from the University of Toronto. She then completed her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Dharshini enjoys working with people to achieve a sense of overall fulfillment. Using warm and encouraging support, she works with clients to rediscover their confidence, and find life balance. Dharshini’s theoretical training is primarily in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, but she firmly believes that each person’s story is unique, and that using an integrated approach is often ideal to maintain long term success. Dharshini is a registered member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychotherapists, and Psychometrists (OACCPP). Dharshini has worked with individuals and couples, and her experience includes working with women and men suffering from abuse and trauma, men and women with anger management issues, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, stress management, post-traumatic stress, marital issues, and relationship issues.
Julia received her Master's in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She is very committed to working with individuals who would like to make positive changes. Her therapeutic approach is integrative with an emphasis on interpersonal counselling. She utilizes ideas from cognitive-behavioural therapy and solution-focused therapy. She has worked with clients with a variety of concerns such as low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, addictions, identity and midlife issues. Her area of speciality is anger management.
Helping clients to understand and process events in their lives through the counselling process is a natural extension of Shelley’s path. She is committed to seeing each person as a unique individual and will draw upon many varied skills and techniques to help them achieve their goals. She subscribes to an integrated approach, blending a variety of therapeutic approaches based on the unique journey of the client. Shelley is currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at University of Toronto (OISE). She has an Hon. B.A in Community Development and an Hon. B.A. in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. Her professional experience includes providing support, guidance and coaching in a business environment as well as teaching and working internationally. Shelley also has experience providing individual, couples, family and youth counselling. Her interests include grief and loss, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, PTSD, family-of-origins issues, stress and anger management, problem gambling, life and executive coaching, and life transition issues.
Anita Morar, M.A.
Anita is in the process of completing her Masters in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Anita has experience in working with Anger Management, Depression, Couples Counselling, Self-Esteem, and Anxiety.
psychology interns
Angela Cole, M.A. (C)
Angela is completing her Masters in Counselling Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Sharleen McDowall. Angela has experience working with such issues as Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Couples Counselling, Self-Esteem, and Anxiety.
our philosophy
We believe in...
| a client-centered approach, assessing our client’s needs, and building a strong working alliance for effective service |
| providing a confidential and non-judgmental therapeutic environment |
| respecting the uniqueness of each client by developing an individualized approach to treatment |
| offering a holistic approach by exploring the social, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of our clients |
| providing a non-discriminatory service, respecting and being sensitive to race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, religion and sexual orientation |
our therapeutic approach
The associates at mcdowall counselling & consulting group practice different therapeutic orientations depending on the client’s unique needs. In many cases, an integrative approach is used to provide service excellence to our clients. We use short-term brief solution focus therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and/or a longer-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and psycho-educational approaches with our clients. Regardless of the approach used with our clients, our primary goal is provide a positive therapeutic alliance that will foster long lasting change and growth in our clients.
