Gulin Aydin
Hello, my name is Gulin Aydin. I am a Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, who specializes in EMDR trauma and PTSD therapy. In fact, I am not just a practitioner of this technique but also a teacher of it; I serve as an EMDR consultant to fellow therapists. Based in Waterloo, I have used EMDR in my work as a Success Coach to improve the performance of professionals in various fields. I hold a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfred Laurier University that is complemented with advanced EMDR Training, Part I, received at Holyoke Medical Center in Boston, MA and EMDR Training, Part II, received at EMDAR HAP, Chicago, IL.
As a holistic Trauma and EMDR Therapist and Success Coach, my goal is to help you uncover true potential by improving your confidence and instilling a higher level of self-awareness. By applying complementary therapeutic approaches and techniques, we will unearth the long-standing behavioural patterns and negative perceptions that may be preventing you from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I want to provide you with the tools to find success and happiness, on your terms.
If you’re looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you are just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I’m here.
Experience
My background includes more than a decade of experience in various clinical and counselling settings as a Psychotherapist. I will bring the experience I have accumulated from psychotherapy sessions and workshops with hundreds of diverse clients and patients from over 40 countries. My primary areas of expertise are as follows: childhood trauma, sexual abuse, war trauma, psychosomatic diseases, chronic pain, depression and anxiety treatment
I worked in the Waterloo Region Nurse Practitioner Clinic and Woodstock Area Community Health Centre and Individual, family and couples counsellor at Carizon Family and Community Services and Lutherwood Family Counselling. I also have experience as an Addiction Counselor, working with the Addiction Services Program of Thames Valley (ADSTV).
Education
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Master of Social Work, Wilfred Laurier Univeristy
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EMDR Training, Part I, Holyoke Medical Centre, Boston, MA
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EMDR Training, Part II, EMDR HAP, Chicago, IL
Orientation and Modalities
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EMDR
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Brain Wise
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Eclectic
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Humanistic
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Wholistic
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Energy Psychology
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Positive Psychology
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Existential
Professional Associations
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Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
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EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program, HAP
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Alumni Association: Wilfrid Laurier University
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Alumni Association: Conestoga College
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Alumni Association: METU
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International Society for Mental Health Online
Education
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EMDR Part I, Holyoke Medical Center, Boston, MA
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EMDR Part II, EMDR HAP, Chicago, IL
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Advanced Individual, Family and Group Therapies, Wilfrid Laurier University
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Marriage and Couple Therapy, Wilfrid Laurier University
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Play Therapy and Art Therapy, Wilfrid Laurier University
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Trauma Training, Waterloo Region Social Services
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Suicide Intervention and Prevention, Lutherwood Family Counselling Services
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CAFAS Training, Lutherwood Family Counselling Services
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Trauma and Attachment, Lutherwood Family Counselling Services
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Sir Richard Bowlby, Attachment, Wilfrid Laurier University
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Single Session Therapy Training, Lutherwood Family Counselling Services
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Depression as a Chronic Disease, Science of Medicine, McMaster University
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Bipolar Disorder, Science of Medicine, McMaster University
Frank Kakarelis
EMDR Trained Psychotherapist
Frank Kakarelis is a Registered Kinesiologist and Counsellor, who completed an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University, in 2015. He also completed the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) degree from Yorkville University and is an EMDR trained clinician. He has specialized his kinesiology and psychotherapy practice to focus on traumatic occurrences, PTSD, and other sequalae that arise from the event or events. With his diverse experience as a registered kinesiologist and experience identifying and treating traumatic injuries relates to motor vehicle accidents, he brings this knowledge of the brain/and nervous system into his work as a psychotherapist. This allows him to specialize in trauma and traumatic injuries along with anxiety, depression and a range of other mental health issues. He has experience working with both the adult and children/youth demographics, who have suffered traumatic experiences. He is a member in good standing with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario. He is also a certified Metriks Functional Ability/Capacity Evaluator and Physical/Job Demands Assessor.
Mahnaz Aminzadeh
EMDR Trained Psychotherapist
My name is Mahnaz, and I have over 20 years of extended experience in providing therapy, training and consults in the area of mental health. I am passionate about counselling and healing because I believe that there are solutions to life's challenges and that healing is possible.
I approach therapy with a deep respect for each individual's strengths and struggles, employing a trauma-informed lens to facilitate healing from painful life experiences. My vision is to help individuals develop a "new normal" that fosters greater clarity, strength, purpose, and peace. I view psychotherapy as a transformative process that offers individuals an opportunity to delve into the stories of their lives and engage in the hard work of healing in a safe, non-judgmental environment. I believe through this process, individuals can gain a better understanding of themselves, heal from past wounds, develop positive coping strategies, improve relationships, clarify values and goals, and experience post-traumatic growth.
Specializing in trauma, grief and loss, my therapeutic approach encompasses a diverse range of issues, including relationship challenges, parenting issues at all stages of life, anxiety, panic, depression, living with mental illness, codependency, maladaptive relationship patterns, separation and divorce, stress, work/life balance, workplace challenges, spiritual exploration, change, parenting issues, and life-stage challenges. I integrate various evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), Trauma-focused CBT, DBT, Attachment based therapy, Vicarious Trauma Response, and Mindfulness approaches to empower clients with improved coping and life skills. I believe in a caring and non-judgmental environment, integrating elements of mindfulness, self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-development into my practice.
With a deep commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity, I possess multilingual proficiencies in English and Farsi. I have gained extensive experience in working with ethnically diverse groups and newcomers, recognizing and addressing the unique challenges related to dysfunctional relationships, gender, culture, sexual orientation, and race.
I hold a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario. I am a proud member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and actively engages in ongoing professional development to enhance my knowledge and skills in the field. My 200 plus professional development certificates and trainings include, but are not limited to: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Trauma Informed Approach at the organizational level; De-Escalating potentially violent Situations; Therapy in treatment of PTSD; Motivational Interviewing; Couple Therapy, Group Therapy, Clinical Supervision ; Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder &Developmental Trauma; Impact of Trauma on Children; Maternal Mental Health; Infant and Child Mental Health ; Conflict Resolution and Mediation techniques; Addictions and Mental illness: Working with Co-Occurring Disorders; The Hungry Ghost: A biopsychosocial Perspective on Addiction from Heroin to Workaholism; Cultural interpretation to work; Mental Health & Refugees; Adult Attachment Interview approach, Play therapy; CBT; RUCS; Parents in Parenting Education (PIPE), Effective and powerful communication skills: Effective goal settings; Collaborating services; Community interventions; Violence prevention strategies; Counselling and the law; Attachment theory; Ault education and learning skills, Engaging Traumatized clients who avoid attachment, closeness, and painful feelings; Finding a fit: Family Realities and service Responses; CAFAS, Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale; Giving and Receiving Feedback; The bridges out of Poverty; Workplace Harassment Policies and Procedures, Workplace Violence Policies and Procedures, Disaster Preparedness Plan; Children who witnessed domestic violence workshop; Understanding Domestic Violence within Diverse Populations; Human Trafficking; Right from the Start; Caring for Pregnant Refugees and Immigrants; …
Jennifer Ackford
EMDR Trained Psychotherapist
Hi, my name is Jennifer. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and I look forward to meeting and working with you!
Life is challenging and it is easy to begin to feel overwhelmed by situations, relationships, life events and world events that just seem (or sometimes truly are) out of our control. Sometimes, even the strongest people among us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Finding hope again is possible!
As a psychotherapist, my goal is to walk with you for a period of time to help you to navigate through some of those difficult situations, life changes and events. Together we can find new ways to face the challenges and begin to move forward to live life with meaning, purpose and hope.
EMDR In My Practice
Early in my work as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I began to notice, that while so many of the people that I worked with came to me with serious concerns about anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addictive behaviours and so on, once we began really exploring the issues, there were often experiences of trauma lying beneath the surface. That recognition ultimately led me to training in EMDR. This has been life-changing for me in my practice of Psychotherapy and for my clients. EMDR is a powerful approach that allows you to process challenging situations and events that have occurred in your life in a gentle, yet powerful and effective way.
Using an EMDR approach also allows for the integration of other approaches to therapy as well. For me integrating elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focussed therapy and Insight-oriented therapy (among other therapeutic modalities), allows me to meet the very unique needs of each client.
My personal background includes a Master’s degree (MA in Theology) as well as a Master’s degree (MA in Counselling). Professionally I have worked in Pastoral Ministry, as an Educator, in Psychological Services within a School Board and in Private Practice settings. My goal is to bring my education, professional and life experience to my interaction with you as a client in order to find ways to help you to identify and overcome the barriers that keep you from moving forward towards greater health, hope and authentic joyfulness in life.
Joe White
EMDR Trained Psychotherapist
Joe White is a Registered Psychotherapist providing therapy to individuals. He has worked in both EAP/EFAP and private practice since 2019.
Joe received his Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University after already holding a Master of Education in Applied Linguistics from Birmingham University, UK. Joe brings a wealth of experience in international living and a range of skills to his therapy work. He is an EMDR trained clinician as well as proficient in other modalities including Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. He is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Joe believes in a caring and non-judgmental environment in an integrative approach through mindfulness, self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-development. He has always valued kindness, supportiveness and encouragement.
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Ashley Neveu
EDMR Trained Psychotherapist
Ashley Neveu is a Registered Psychotherapist providing therapy to individuals and couples. She has worked in private practice since 2021.
Ashley received her Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University after already holding a BSc. Joint Honours Science and Psychology & a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosocial Rehabilitation. Ashley brings a wealth of lived life experience in trauma and recovery. She is an EMDR trained clinician as well as proficient in other modalities including Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gottman, Family Systems and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. She is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Ashley believes in creating an open non-judgmental environment to work together through an integrative approach. She has always valued honesty, transparency, strength and growth. She holds herself to the same commitment she expects from her clients in showing up as our authentic selves however that may be.
Nicole Smith
EDMR Trained Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Hi! I’m Nicole and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) completing my practicum at EMDR KW. I am a warm, compassionate person who prioritizes my relationships with clients. I do my best to create a safe, judgement free space, where you can tap into and understand your emotions, needs, and values. You are the expert on your own life, and I am just here to notice and leverage the strengths and capacity for healing that you already have.
I believe that what we know and what we feel are often disconnected. A person can know, logically, that they are safe and that they are loveable, but they may not feel it deep down. This led me to explore treatments that target feelings more directly, including Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Emotionally-Focused Therapy. Both modalities leverage and honour our brain’s natural healing systems.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you might feel powerless, hopeless, or lonely. You may ask yourself, “Why is this happening?” “How can I make it better?” and “Will it get better?” You don’t need to face this alone. You can heal and your experiences can make you stronger, happier, and wiser.
Hi! I’m Nicole and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) completing my practicum at EMDR KW. I am a warm, compassionate person who prioritizes my relationships with clients. I do my best to create a safe, judgement free space, where you can tap into and understand your emotions, needs, and values. You are the expert on your own life, and I am just here to notice and leverage the strengths and capacity for healing that you already have.
I believe that what we know and what we feel are often disconnected. A person can know, logically, that they are safe and that they are loveable, but they may not feel it deep down. This led me to explore treatments that target feelings more directly, including Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Emotionally-Focused Therapy. Both modalities leverage and honour our brain’s natural healing systems.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you might feel powerless, hopeless, or lonely. You may ask yourself, “Why is this happening?” “How can I make it better?” and “Will it get better?” You don’t need to face this alone. You can heal and your experiences can make you stronger, happier, and wiser.
Razaw Nadir
EMDR Trained Psychotherapist
(Not accepting new clients)
As a client-centered therapist my approach is one of collaboration. Working together we can begin to unveil the significant issues you wish to address in your life. With compassion, understanding, and trust established, we then begin to envision and prepare a personalized path that informs you who you are and leads you to meet your personal goals.
I work with:
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complex trauma & PTSD
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depression
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anxiety and panic attacks
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Family and work-place relationships challenges
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life transitions
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educational challenges
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self-esteem
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boundaries setting
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cultural-adjustment
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emotional stabilization
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communication
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parenting
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overcoming fears that hold you back from attaining your goals
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loss/grief
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inter-generational challenges
My greatest reward is seeing clients connect deeply with their authentic self and begin to live their lives consciously from a place of personal strength, self-awareness, and meaningful purpose. I recognize the challenges related to dysfunctional relationships, gender, culture, sexual orientation and race. Some of this issues can be disempowering and keep you from realizing your full potential. As a counsellor and a human being with some of the aforementioned experiences I can help you be yourself to the fullest.
I am trained in a variety of modalities, such as CBT, trauma-informed therapy, EMDR for PTSD and trauma, family system therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, emotionally focused therapy with a focus on attachment analyses, emotional processing therapy. I focus on each person’s uniqueness, needs and experiences, hence I will customize the type of therapy that best fits you.
I am also trained in the use of mindfulness-based psychotherapy geared toward self-compassion and emotional regulation. I believe in body-mind-spirit healing, and I am certified Master Holistic Wellness Coach.
Our conditioning experiences related to schooling, the environment we grow in, our beliefs, family dynamics, and other circumstances may lead to internal (interpersonal) and external (relationship) struggles. During these times, it takes courage and growth when we choose to seek help and guidance. Together, we can rediscover your full potential self on your path to healing.
Certifications, Memberships, Accreditations:
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Certificate Training in EMDR Trauma Rocvery - Parts 1&2 completed - Hap – CT, USA
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Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
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Member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
Education
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - Ryerson University – Toronto
• Masters of Social Work (MSW) - Carleton University – Ottawa
• Certified Master Holistic Wellness Coach – International Association of Wellness Professionals – Wisconson - USA
• Mindfulness teacher certificate (in-progress) - Mindfulness Exercises school – San-Francisco – USA
• Bachelor in Science of Operations Research – Al-Mansour University College – Baghdad-Iraq