OPEN CENTRE RESOURCES
Philippa Klein PSW
Founder and Counselling Therapist
I firmly believe that connection through family, community or intimate partners is the stabilizing force that allows us to feel safe, happy and strong in our lives. There are times when these connections are broken, or we find we are simply not able to maintain good quality relationships. Therapy is a safe place in which we can explore our family histories, look at current relationships and selves and tackle the very human fears of loneliness, isolation and esteem.
I welcome everyone to my practice. My aim is to create a secure therapeutic relationship with my clients regardless of gender, background, age or sexual orientation.
I have spent years working with cancer patients and in bereavement. Through this, I have gained inspiration and appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit in times of crisis. I have learned strength is best accessed through support and community. There are times in our busy society that this support is hard to find, and that friends and family are not enough. This is where therapy can help. A therapeutic space is one where we can feel safe and supported in talking about our fears and or worries.
I like working within the family dynamic and am open to how I conceptualize family and relationships. I have experience working with straight and queer populations. I welcome traditional and non-traditional (including non-monogamous) configurations. I am an empathetic listener, but I also provide a guided and structured approach to life’s challenges. I use a multi disciplinary approach which is informed by Solutions Based Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, Systems Theory and Mindfulness.
I founded the Open Centre in the hope to create an environment of integrative health care where a diversity of populations could feel welcome and supported. I am so proud of the team we have collected. There is a depth of knowledge and experience in our practitioners that opens up a space for healing in body, mind and spirit. The Open Centre Welcomes you!
I can be reached at philopencentre@gmail.com
Megann Ayotte - MSW Social Worker
I am a social worker specializing in mental health and individual counselling. I draw on a variety of therapeutic techniques to help people better understand difficult feelings or experiences, improve their quality of life, and develop self-compassion. I work from an understanding of systemic oppressions and how they can be perpetuated within the mental health care system; it is for this reason that I do this work with great respect for clients’ rights, as well as their needs. My goal is to provide trauma-informed care that creates a safer space in which clients can express themselves and that gently challenges them to begin the healing process. I can be contacted at m.ayotte.psw@gmail.com
Lori Isaif, MSc, OT Psychotherapist
Lori Isaif obtained a BScA from Concordia University and a MScA in occupational therapy from McGill University. During her studies, she interned at the traumatic brain injury (TBI) unit at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), at the Chiang Mai Woman’s Correctional Institution and at the Suang Prung Psychiatric Hospital in Thailand. Internationally, she focused on cultural diversity and inclusiveness. Here, she operated re-integration programs for prisoners and patients with chronic pain, addictions and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Upon graduating, she became a member of the Order of Occupational Therapists of Quebec. After additional training at the Beck Institute in Philadelphia for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and at the Anna Freud centre in London for mentalization-based therapy (MBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), she obtained her psychotherapy license and became a member of the Order of Psychologists of Quebec. Her training also includes addiction counselling, mindfulness, motivational interviewing (MI), structured relapse prevention (SRP), projective expression, sensory stimulation, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic therapy.
Ms. Isaif has experience working in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings in the public and private sectors. She works both as an individual therapist and a facilitator of dialectical behavioral therapy informed and psychodynamic process groups.
Ms. Isaif became a private OT psychotherapist practitioner in January of 2013. She works with individuals struggling with a variety of challenges, including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addictions, emotional dysregulation, crisis management, personality disorders, self-harm and anger management.Lori can be reached at lori.isaif@mail.mcgill.ca
Lasha Shaw Korchynski- Psychotherapist
I offer professional, confidential, and client-centered psychotherapy services . I am a licensed c.o. (OCCOQ) and a registered psychotherapist with the Order of Psychologists of Quebec.My specialty is helping people to develop self-awareness and emotional self-regulation skills so that they can cope with difficult feelings or situations and live happier and more fulfilling lives.You can find out more about me and my work, and if you would like to introduce yourself, ask a question, or to book an appointment, get in touch
Val Rosser MSW, TS, PDt- Counselling Therapist
I am a licensed social worker, who specializes in helping individuals improve their mental health. As your counsellor, I would explore, in partnership with you, the internal, situational, and systemic factors that are affecting your well-being. I would then work with you to develop insight into changes that you might choose to make to improve your quality of life. I am person-centered and humanistic in my approach, so I would be supportive and receptive with you throughout our work together, and I would offer you a safer emotional space in which to explore your strengths and challenges.I believe that you have agency over your own healing process and growth, and I would do my best to respect your wisdom and self-knowledge at all times. In my experience, this approach helps to create a nurturing relationship in which a mutual building of understanding and insight can flourish.I have experience working with individuals facing various forms of marginalization and oppression, and all my services are queer and trans-friendly. I am also a body-positive Registered Dietitian, and could support you as you explore your relationship to food, eating, and body image. (Some insurance plans may cover social worker and/or dietitian services. Please check with your provider.)
I can be contacted by email at: valjrosser@gmail.com.
Erica Lane – Licensed Counsellor
I am a licensed counsellor in Montreal, Quebec and I specialize in providing individual therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. As a therapist, I work to empower my clients to live a life in accordance with their values, overcome difficulties, and gain self-awareness and insight while building resilience. We work together through the framework of cognitive behavioral therapy to build the client’s toolbox of skills to help them manage their thoughts and behaviors. I aim to provide accessible and affordable services to all people. I can be reached at (438) 320-8478
Dr. Marcel Parent – PhD Philosophy & Religion (or PhD Philosophical Therapist)
“Life is no different than nirvana, Nirvana no different than life; The Buddha never taught Anyone anything.”
Nagarjuna (2nd c. Buddhist philosopher
I am a Doctor of Philosophy who has been exploring philosophical and religious approaches to subjectivity for over twenty-five years. I offer Philosophical Therapy as an approach to better fulfilment in the world.
Philosophical Therapy, both a stand-alone psychoeducational approach, but also complimentary to traditional psychotherapeutic and psychodynamic interventions, focuses its work around theoretical or philosophical perspectives to allow a client to explore the world they inhabit in different, inspiring and sometimes challenging ways.
For people who sometimes come to an impasse within traditional therapy, philosophical therapy allows for a deeper engagement with intellectual framings of the world around us, and a variety of inspirations for moving forward positively in life. I bring to the discussion an expertise in European thought, including Existentialism, French Theory (especially Michel Foucault), and hermeneutics. I am also well-versed in social and political ethical theory, mainly feminism, postcolonialism and queer theory. Finally, I may be most robustly familiar with Asian traditions, including Buddhist, Hindu and Daoist philosophy and religion. I find a variable approach where we explore a number of intellectual perspectives to find the best fit to particular issue to be very effective.
The approach I take is relevant for a wide variety of people, and I focus especially with those who want an exploratory approach to life’s problems and opportunities. I am also well-versed in certain areas: nonmonogamy, masculinity, queerness, Othering, existential or spiritual crises. contact me at: marcel.rene.parent@gmail.com or 514-502-7741
“The main interest in life and work is to become someone else that you were not in the beginning.” – Michel Foucault
Alia Raad, Clinical Psychologist
Alia is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, member of the “Ordre des psychologues du Québec”. She holds a Professional Master degree in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology as well as a Bachelor degree in Clinical Psychology. She speaks fluently English, French and Arabic and has participated in several internships involving adults and children in different milieus until she took up her private practice. Alia has had experience with various topics such as mental health, stress, lifestyle difficulties, addictions, substance use issues and problems associated with physical conditions, marital and
family relationships troubles, eating disorders, mood disorders and anxiety; with an emphasis in all forms of grief processes. She draws from her extensive training in psychodynamics, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based psychotherapy to provide personalized care. All the sessions are conducted in a safe space allowing emotional explorations in an inclusive, accepting and forbearing environment.
Contact Info: alia.a.raad@gmail.com
Yasmine Suzanne Sikender, MSW
I’m a bilingual social worker who works with adults experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, loss and grief. I blend empathy with a holistic and strengths-based approach leading to an increase in resilience and well-being. My interventions are tailored to be culturally sensitive and I provide a safe and supportive environment while creating a trusting relationship with you. My professional experience in disability management also provides me with clinical skills regarding workplace health.
Contact info: yasmine.sikender@gmail.com
Bodyworkers
Osteopaths
Michelle Sands DO - Osteopath
Michelle has worked for 15 years as a yoga teacher and Pilates instructor, where she specialized in working with clients with chronic pain, injuries and illness. This love of movement and meditative practice forms the foundation of her work as an osteopath. She believes deeply in the intelligence of the human body and works with care and respect for each of her clients. Michelle completed her B.SC. in Applied Zoology at McGill University in 2000, before pursuing her studies at the College d'Études Ostéopathique de Montréal. She has completed specialized courses in the areas of pregnancy, pediatrics, geriatrics, chronic pain and endocranial spasms. You can contact Michelle at michelle@michellesands.com
Marina Pano, B.Sc, M.T, D.O
D.OMarina obtained a B.Sc in Exercise , with a specialization in Athletic Therapy at Concordia University , since then she continued to study Naturopathy and ART (Active Release Techniques ). She studied Osteopathy at the Sutherland Academy in Oakville and at L’Academie D’Osteopathie de Montreal de Montreal.Using an integrative approach to wellness, lifestyle, nutrition , biomechanics and prevention and treatment of injuries is how she helps her patients .Marina works with a vast types of individuals raging from professional athletes , as well as everyone else who walks into her office. Working in collaboration with other health and medical and fitness consultants , to ensure her patients get the best possible treatment and
follow up care. She is presently completing her training in Life Coaching and Theta Healing, adding this knowledge to her skills in order to help integrate the psychological or
mind -body connection to her practice. She can be reached at marinapano@gmail.com
Massage Therapists and Energy Workers
Lorena Lombardi - Massage Therapist Mindfulness Coach
I have training and experience in a diversified set of fields. Influence from all of these fields has led me to create a unique, unconventional, and compassionate practice as a mindfulness coach. My work considers the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.I obtained certification as a yoga teacher in 2009 and have been teaching size adapted yoga in English and French ever since. Influenced by this training and experience, I have developed a mindful movement training program to help people of all sizes and physical abilities achieve greater comfort with their bodies. In 2016, I completed a Curvy Yoga certification as well.I also obtained a certification in Bach flower remedies in 2011, which allows me to help people deal with the wide array of emotions that come up in the various circumstances of their lives.
Furthermore, I have been practicing oracle card reading and tarot since my youth and have been undergoing serious mediumship training since 2011. I have therefore developed great skills that allow me to communicate with spirits and other entities that can help people feel connected to loved ones that have passed on, or receive new insight that can help them make decisions about their lives.
Through my experience working with LGBTQ+ and feminist organizations, I have gained extensive knowledge of local community resources and have shown a high aptitude for peer support. My values, centered on anti-oppression and intersectionality, are expressed in my work and guide my own personal development as well as my compassion toward others. I can be reached at coach@lorenalombardi.com
Helen Moutogolis LMT Cht Naturotherapist
Helena Moutoglis is a Mind - Body- Spirit Specialist which is certified as a Holistic Naturopath / NaturoTherapist -QC LMT Masso Therapist - QC Certif. Hypnotherapy Consultant - Holistic Intuitive & Energy Therapist having numerous yrs of education & hands on experience in various Modalities / Therapies / Techniques around the world. Integrating all these aspects to better tailor each session on an individual and personal basis. She looks forward to meeting and discussing all the ways in which to offer you an exceptional and unforgettable Session. Caring for your Well Being !!! Heart and Soul
You can contact her at 514-212-6252
Raven Taylor - Massage Therapist
Raven’s comforting, gentle and reassuring massage approach is complimented by her caring intuitive touch. She works with Reiki, Kinetic Swedish, and Ayurvedic massage techniques, and draws from a decade of practical experience using bodywork to heal the effects of stress, anxiety, and trauma. She is dedicated to a gentle, pain reducing approach with heart, flow and intention. She loves to work with movers and shakers, creators and music makers. You can contact Raven at 514-880-8488 or bodyworkandmassagebooking.as.me/
Dawn Upfold -Energy Therapist
Dawn Upfold is an Energy Therapist, Life Coach and professional Tarot reader who helps clients release emotional and belief blockages so they can live with more emotional freedom and joy.
A Reiki Grandmaster (Usui Fam Rei lineage), she’s also certified in Tibetan Healing practices, Quantum Touch and Life Coaching. She has a BA (Honours Project) in Communication Studies from Concordia University.
Dawn created and runs the Open Centre’s popular “Tarot du Jour” event. She combines her knowledge of Tarot, intuition and proactive coaching approach in a unique style to provide an excellent alternative exploration of situations that empowers clients.
When you’re blocked on an emotional or physical level, energy healing can help you release the blockage, whether you’re looking for simple stress relief or dealing with conditions including PTSD. When you have questions about what’s going on in your life and need to explore possibilities, a Tarot reading can help clarify your options. When you feel blocked from meeting your goals, Life Coaching sessions can help you work through your obstacles.
Dawn is a proud member of the Open Centre’s team of integrative therapists helping clients live their best life. Contact her for a free consultation for any of her skills at 514-700-4550, and to book an appointment at the Open Centre please visit :http://www.wisdomfire.ca