MEET THE TEAM
ALLAN STUDD
M.Div., RP, RMFT
Priest (Anglican Church of Canada), pastor, counsellor, military chaplain, Veteran, and ultimately psychotherapist; Allan has been in the counselling field most of his life. As a parish priest, he worked widely with couples who came to him to be married in the Church. In the military, his work focused on couples and families who were often in crisis. Upon release from the military, he accepted the offer of “retraining” and took a two-year Post Master’s program in Marriage and Family Therapy in Kitchener, ON.
As a Registered Psychotherapist and a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist, Allan works with couples, families and individuals. He believes that society gives us labels based on gender, age, colour of our skin, nationality, religious affiliation, profession, ability, etc. These labels often do not fit very comfortably. Allan works with people to help them explore their own stories which are sometimes lying forgotten in memory. People make meaning in their lives by uncovering these stories. They are the experts on their own experiences. By means of a therapeutic conversation Allan helps people to explore their stories and make meaning of their experiences. Society tells us that we are the problem. Allan believes the opposite. People are not the problem – the problem is the problem. In these ways, a richly described story emerges that helps the person stand in a different part of their identity than the problem-saturated part of it.
All good things must come to an end, however. Allan has announced his intention to retire at the end of April 2025. After a lifetime of working in the counselling field, and now creeping toward his mid-70s, it is time to slow down and take time for himself and his family. He is happy to leave behind a group of fully trained Registered Psychotherapists at Trinity Down Counselling Services, individuals who love living here in the Bonnechere Valley and the Madawaska Highlands, and who understand our lifestyle. Allan is no longer taking on new clients, focusing instead on supervision and training of one last practicum student.
NATHANIEL ANDREW
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Nathaniel has a Bachelor's in psychology and Master's in counselling. He has worked extensively with developmentally challenged children and adults, and conducted research on understanding the role of narcissism in personality.
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Nathaniel believes in a multifaceted approach to therapy, utilizing cognitive, narrative, existential, and many other therapeutic options to fit the specific needs of each client. He emphasizes the importance of learning stress management and self-care techniques to promote mindfulness. He also focuses on recognizing external influences on mood and behaviour, leading to greater self-awareness and conscientiousness.
REBECCA POFF
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Rebecca has completed an Honours undergraduate degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies, a Master of Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Education. She is recently completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Rebecca grew up in the Ottawa Valley and has enjoyed working with children and adolescents as a classroom teacher for over 20 years. Rebecca is delighted to now be able to offer counselling and mental health services in her local area.
Rebecca believes in an eclectic approach to counselling and therapy, collaborating with each client to meet their needs, goals and aspirations. Working from a humanistic orientation, Rebecca supports the mutual creation of respect-based relationships, and values a safe and non-judgemental environment. In her work with clients, Rebecca draws upon narrative therapy, short term solution focused therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and other approaches as guided by client needs and goals.
Rebecca believes in the words of musical poet Leonard Cohen, “There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
JADE PARKS
Master's Student
Jade came to live in the Ottawa Valley after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Concordia University of Edmonton. Though she grew up in Alberta, after having had the privilege of connecting with many people in the community through her job with Mental Health Services, she has come to feel that the Valley is her true home. Jade considers her five years working in community-based and clinical mental health settings as invaluable experience for her journey toward completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree. Her experience and education have taught her the importance of honouring a person-centred, empathetic, and trauma-informed approach.
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As Jade develops her capacities in psychotherapy, she offers an eclectic approach tailored to the needs and strengths of each individual. As she continues to grow and learn, Jade has found interest in working with couples and families, and a passion for connecting with others: walking alongside them in their experiences.