our philosophy

at mcdowall counselling & consulting group 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.

our associates

The associates at mcdowall counselling & consulting group are comprised of psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors and coaches with diverse personal and professional experience. This multiplicity allows us the ability to help clients with a variety of problems. In order to find the best fit for your specific needs, please review the profiles of our psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors.

Sharleen McDowall M.A.
Founder of McDowall Counselling & Consulting Group

Sharleen founded mcdowall counselling & consulting group in 2004 to fulfill her passion of helping others who are suffering. She has been counselling for over 8 years and whole heartedly believes that individuals have the ability to make positive changes in their life with encouragement, support and patience. She is an optimist and offers an empathic ear to her clients while being able to confront them in a manner that is non-judgmental and compassionate. Sharleen's theoretical training is based on Adlerian psychology; however, she also uses an integrative therapeutic approach with her clients to fulfill their unique needs.

Sharleen has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Specialized Honours) from York University, a Masters in Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Toronto, and is completing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychometrists (OACCPP) and has a broad range of counselling experience. Sharleen has worked with individuals, couples and families. Her experience includes working with the homeless, working with women and families suffering from domestic abuse, men and women with anger management issues, and working as a parenting coach. Sharleen also has experience working with individuals with diverse problems that include but not limited to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress problems, relationship problems, family of origin issues, and trauma.

registered psychologists

Dr. Donna Ferguson, C. Psych

Dr. Ferguson is the supervising psychologist at mcdowall counselling & consulting group. Dr. Ferguson has published research in problem gambling. She has also worked with clients in the area of gambling addiction, particularly those with con-current disorders. Presently, Dr. Ferguson provides assessments and treatment in the area of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and other Anxiety Disorders, primarily with injured workers. She completed her doctorate at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. She is a member of both the Canadian and Ontario Psychological Association.

m.a. counsellors

Alexia Pearce, M.A., B. Ed., B.A.
Services in English and French.

Alexia is a clinical therapist with a Masters in Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists (OACCPP). Alexia provides professional counselling to adults, adolescents and couples. Through a holistic approach, and in a safe and encouraging environment, Alexia offers counselling that is geared towards helping clients gain understanding of themselves, their place in the world and their life struggles. Alexia’s therapy orientation is mostly Adlerian; however, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and existential therapy approaches are also used depending on the needs of the client. Alexia has worked with individuals suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, and facilitated groups facing serious illness (cancer, AIDS, etc.). Her areas of interest include trauma, post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, relationships, anger management, illness management, and grief and loss.

Roberto Jankowski-Alfonso, M.A., B.A.
Services in English and Spanish.

Roberto's unique multicultural background is one of the many strengths he brings to therapy. His wide range of personal experiences provides him with an understanding of the many facets of human existence, which reflects in his warm, empathic and non-judgmental approach to therapy. Roberto believes that all human beings are capable of growth and change, but we all, at times, get 'stuck' in the same old routines and need some help to effect change. Roberto's theoretical training is primarily Adlerian, but he prefers to tailor his style to suit the individual needs of his clients.

Roberto is a graduate of York University, where he completed his Bachelor of Psychology, and of the Adler School of Professional Psychology, where he completed his Master of counselling Psychology. He is a member of the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychometrists (OACCPP). Roberto's clinical experience includes work at the Adler Trauma Clinic, where he worked with clients with a history of unresolved trauma. He has also provided therapy for clients who suffered from the psychological sequelae of work-related or motor vehicle accidents.

Gerri Hynes, B. Sc., M. A.

Gerri is one of the many therapists who come to this work as a second career. She brings a wealth of life experience, which makes her work alive and authentic. Her strengths are warmth and empathy combined with an ability to see the real issues underneath the "noise" and confusion we all tend to create to avoid pain. She is able to relate directly to the person underneath the defence we develop as children in order to survive i.e. our protective armour or mask. Gerri's academic training primarily is Adlerian; however, she also uses Jungian and other disciplines in her work.

Gerri has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. She also has over 5 years working in Disability Management helping people "get back to life" after suffering from psychiatric or physical disabilities. She has also worked in Crisis Intervention on a community based mobile crisis team, and at women's shelters helping abused women.

interns

Shelley Rush

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.

Yolanda Testani, B.F.A, B.A

Yolanda began her early studies in the field of Fine Arts at Concordia University. As Yolanda explored the many facets of Fine Arts, she also began to find a voice as an art educator and worked with young students teaching them many different art techniques and to help them find a voice to express themselves artistically. The central point of her art classes focused on building self-confidence and self-esteem.  Yolanda completed her degree in Art Education then began to take psychology courses to help understand child development/behavior and to become a better teacher. 

While taking these courses Yolanda discovered a passion for the field of psychology and enrolled at York University in Toronto and chose to complete her second major degree in Psychology. With this experience Yolanda decided to combine her love of psychology, and the therapeutic benefits of art, and began to study Art Therapy at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute.  During this time she worked primarily with young children in inner city schools and treatment facilities with a wide variety of clients from diverse backgrounds, focusing on individuals with behavioral, attachment, and self-esteem difficulties. Her primary focus was building a therapeutic alliance and building a trusting relationship while focusing on each individual needs. Yolanda is currently enrolled at Yorkville University and is in the process of completing a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology and hopes to combine her unique background and experiences into helping others.