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 focussed 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.
Allan also works relationally. Mental health problems always affect those around us, so in therapy it is important to take others into consideration, whether it is family, friends, the workplace, or an athletic team. He can help with relational problems, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and mental illness.
CASSANDRA CARTER
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Cassandra holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and previously completed her Honours undergraduate degree in Psychology, with a concentration in Developmental Psychology. Cassandra grew up in the Ottawa Valley and appreciates being able to provide mental health services to the communities near her hometown, Chapeau QC.
Cassandra believes that therapy should be tailored to each individual’s needs. She sees therapy as a collaborative process, ensuring that people are well-informed and able to have their say, with guidance. Cassandra strives to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all with a non-judgemental and empathetic stance. She views feelings, thoughts, and behaviours as interconnected influencing daily functioning. Her common approaches to therapy include Cognitive-Behavioural, Dialectical Behavioural, Mindfulness-based, and Solution-focused.
NATHANIEL ANDREW
Master's Student
Nathaniel has a Bachelor's in psychology and is currently completing his Master's degree in counselling. He has worked extensively with developmentally challenged children and adults, and conducted research on understanding the role of narcissism in personality.
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
Master's Student
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 currently completing 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.”