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.

Yolanda is the clinical director of McDowall Counselling & Consulting Group. Yolanda 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 career working with children and teenagers using an art therapy approach. Her central focus was building self-esteem and self-confidence. She continues to incorporate this with all her clients.

Yolanda provides services to children and teenagers as well as adults and couples. Her primary focus is building a therapeutic alliance and building a trusting relationship while focusing on each individual needs. Yolanda uses an integrated approach to therapy including a cognitive behaviour approach and a psychodynamic approach to treatment. Yolanda has worked with individuals suffering from low self esteem, anger issues, anxiety, depression and career concerns. Her areas of interest include anger management, anxiety, career counselling, communication and stress management.

 

registered psychologists

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.

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 counsellors

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), and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). 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.

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.

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.

interns

Kate Peplinskie, M.A. (C)

Kate is in the process of completing her Masters in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. She uses an eclectic approach, combining aspects of solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, Rogerian therapy, and gestalt therapy. Kate believes in creating a collaborative environment that is safe and therapeutic for her clients. She has experience working with various issues and caters to the needs of the clients, creating sessions which are structured to each individual client's needs. Kate hasexperience with issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, and anger management.