Administrative team
Sheri Trozzo
Virtual Administrator
As our Virtual Administrator, Sheri is often the first point of contact at our clinic. With over 25 years of customer service experience in a self employment capacity, 6.5 year in Mental Health Office Management, combined with business management and office administration training, Sheri’s goal is to ensure a stress free and smooth scheduling experience as well as facilitating a clear line of communication between our clients and our clinicians.
Psychotherapists
Rabieh Abou Rahal, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) (he/him)
Clinical Psychotherapist - Virtual availability
Currently accepting individual, couples, and sex therapy clients (ages 12+)
I believe each person is on their own unique journey that is often presented with a collection of different opportunities and challenges. My goal is to walk alongside my clients to support them on their journey; towards a path of meaningful change. I am passionate about creating a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental space where people can be their authentic selves. I value preserving this space where people may feel comfortable exploring their journey with me and expressing their thoughts and emotions.
I utilize an integrative approach that is informed by Narrative, Emotionally-Focused, and Solution-Focused therapy. I am drawn to these approaches as they allow for exploration of the client's story and how their experience has impacted them. I believe that people exhibit great strength and determination during challenging times and allowing for exploration of this internal strength can lead to meaningful growth.
I work collaboratively with my clients in order to identify their needs and work towards their goals. I also am open to adapting the therapeutic experience to each client and their unique journey. I have experience working with individuals and couples. My interests and experience providing counselling include grief, romantic relationship conflict, life transitions, anxiety, depression, anger concerns, medical concerns, and trauma.
I am a Qualifying Psychotherapist and have completed a Master's Degree in Counselling and Spirituality with a Concentration in Couple and Family Counselling at Saint Paul University. I also hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Carleton University. In terms of hobbies, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing/watching sports, and the outdoors. I am happy to chat to see whether we would be a good fit.
Rabieh is currently working under the supervision of Shannon Lawless RP, RMFT-S.
Hinnab Adil, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist- Virtual practice
I believe that our body and mind have an intrinsic ability for healing but sometimes need some gentle nurturing and guidance. Providing a compassionate and safe space, my goal is to connect with and empower my clients towards well-being, personal growth, self-compassion, and healthy relationships.
I help clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, and trauma, using a person-centered approach and an array of frameworks (CBT, Narrative Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Attachment-focused, and Trauma-focused therapies). I strongly believe in the uniqueness of each client, in their values and ideologies, and therefore use a culturally sensitive approach to my work.
Prior to joining this team, I supported individuals in varying degrees of distress or crisis, experiencing suicidal ideation, abuse/violence, mental or physical illness, bereavement, addictions, sexuality and interpersonal problems, youth-related issues, and unemployment.
I am a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and have a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) designation with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I have completed my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I also hold a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management from Ryerson University and have fifteen years of corporate industry experience.
Hinnab is proficient in English, Urdu, and Hindi.
Hinnab is currently working under the supervision of Shannon Lawless RP, RMFT-S.
Julie Dagenais, Registered Psychotherapist (she/her/elle)
Associate Psychotherapist - Virtual and In-person sessions
Currently accepting individual, couples, and sex therapy clients (18+)
Even in my youth, I have been passionate about sexual health education, demonstrated in choice to perform skits about safer sex in a theatre troupe and traveling cross-country to advocate for reproductive rights, I believe that sexuality is a central aspect of being human. I aim to provide a safe space within the psychotherapeutic process to explore themes such as intimacy, pleasure, identity, sexual dysfunction, and shame, to name a few.
Prior to joining this practice, I have garnered experience as a clinical intern in the private practice of a clinical sexologist and psychotherapist in Gatineau. I have taken various courses, trainings and completed self-directed learning in sexuality studies and sex therapy. I have over six years experience working within community mental health services with individuals and couples. I am experienced working with individuals living with anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. I am happy to work in conjunction with your other health care providers to ensure quality and continuity of care for your whole being. I provide trauma-informed care. I am 2SLGBTQ+ allied and believe in health at every size. I ground my work in the approaches of Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I offer a psychotherapy service that is goal-oriented, that balances gentleness and accountability. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I obtained a Maîtrise en arts counselling et spiritualité (Master of Arts in Counselling and Spirituality), with a concentration in Couples Counselling at Saint Paul University.
Julie offers psychotherapy in both French and English.
Julie is approved for direct billing with Veterans Affairs Canada (Blue Cross).
Julie has availability for daytime and Saturday sessions. In-person sessions Thursday and Saturday between 9am and 2 pm.
Taylor Davidson, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP (she/they)
Clinical Psychotherapist- Hybrid practice (virtual and in office)
My psychotherapy practice is anchored in normalizing and validating. With a grounding in somatic approaches and Emotionally Focused Therapy, I accompany clients through stressful life events and emotional challenges, as well as relational and personal issues. I work with individuals, couples and polyamorous relationships (including queer folks and non-romantic relationship configurations). Within relationships, I hope to help each partner understand their own and their partner's experience better, so each feels seen and appreciated for who they are. My focus is on helping clients find a state of calm and reassurance, so they can proceed through challenging situations with less panic and a better understanding of themselves.
I help many clients who suffer from depression and anxiety, who are dealing with grief, or managing stressful life events. I have experience working with pregnancy loss, peri and post-natal mental health, as well as couples, family and sex therapy approaches.
I'm a Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist, I have completed my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I am happy to chat to see if we would be a good fit.
Taylor is currently working under the direct supervision of Shannon Lawless RP, RMFT-S.
Rana Musa, Registered Psychotherapist (she/her)
Associate Psychotherapist - Virtual and In-person sessions
I believe that we all experience challenges and yet through insight, compassion and action we are able to grow and transform. I offer clients a safe space through my warm, non-judgmental, caring and person-centered stance. I work from an integrative and collaborative approach drawing on various counselling theories based on clients’ needs and goals. My approach is primarily informed by Attachment, Psychodynamic, Systemic, Existential and Narrative Theories. I work with clients to build coping and resiliency while exploring sources of distress to confidently confront life’s struggles. I integrate cultural sensitivity that takes into consideration clients’ marginalized identities and the complexity this may add-should clients wish to explore and incorporate this into counselling. I have worked with individuals wanting to heal from a traumatic past or finding their path, and couples feeling stuck in dysfunction or wanting to heal from infidelity.
I have worked in community organizations as part of various community programs to support clients from different walks of life and backgrounds. My training and practice includes spirituality should clients wish to integrate that into therapy. I have completed comprehensive basic training in Eye Movement Desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and I continue to develop my learning and practice to better support clients on their journey. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I graduated from Saint Paul University with a Master of Arts in Counselling and Spirituality and a concentration in Couples Counselling.
Rana offers psychotherapy in both Arabic and English.
Joelle Willett, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) (she/her)
Clinical Psychotherapist - Virtual and In-Office availability
Currently accepting individual, couples, and sex therapy clients (18+)
I am passionate about creating a safe and open space for people to explore and address themes of importance to them. I believe everyone should have a place to discuss what is important to them in a warm, welcoming and empathetic environment, free from judgement. My interest lies in sex therapy, and I desire to cultivate a safe space for clients to discuss and explore their sexuality and sex lives freely.
I am drawn to using narrative and emotion focused therapy approaches through a systemic lens that allows people to connect with themselves and others to discuss their story. I work from a client-centered stance that is led by curiosity – I am open to tailoring the therapeutic experience to each client and honoring their individuality.
I have experience in supporting clients facing depression, anxiety, negative thinking, low self-esteem, romantic relationship concerns, familial concerns, fear of rejection and abandonment, life transitions, those facing medical concerns, and those facing sexual concerns.
Before joining the team at SL Psychotherapy and Wellness, I completed an undergraduate degree in psychology, where I completed a thesis reviewing microaggressions faced by LGBTQ+ youth. I have completed a master's degree in Counselling and Spirituality with a focus on individuals, couples and families through Saint Paul University. I am currently taking training on complex trauma to expand my skillset. In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors, spending time with friends, and dancing.
Joelle is approved for direct billing with Veterans Affairs Canada (Blue Cross).
Joelle is currently working under the direct supervision of Shannon Lawless RP, RMFT-S.
Maria Yakovlev, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP (she/her)
Clinical Psychotherapist- Hybrid practice (virtual and in office)
Our struggles in life feel heavier and can be compounded by trying to navigate them alone. When we need help the most, having someone at your side who supports you can lighten the load. I am humbled to offer a listening ear and to be a person around whom many do not hesitate to be themselves and are comfortable sharing their deepest thoughts and struggles. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity for self-discovery and growth. Working with my clients at SL Psychotherapy and Wellness, my goal is to offer a space for clients to feel accepted, appreciated, and inspired. A place where clients and I can safely reflect together on their needs, fears, and doubts and turn them into strengths, goals, and achievements. As a bicultural person myself, I have a particular interest in working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. As a Canadian Armed Forces member, I am also interested in supporting veterans and military families who seek support for relationship and workplace anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma.
Before joining the SL Psychotherapy and Wellness team, I have worked as a youth leader, mentor, and coach with the Canadian Cadet Organization, and have volunteered with children with disabilities through SWAM Ottawa. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from the University of Ottawa. I am a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and have a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) designation with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I have completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree at Yorkville University and am looking forward to applying my skills in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectic Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and the Gottman Method – among others – in a clinical setting. I hope to use my experience, empathy, and objectivity to illuminate new possibilities and walk alongside you as you make meaningful change.
Additional Training:
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1 and 2
• Intensive DBT Certification Course, PESI Continued Education
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, LivingWorks
• Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
Maria is proficient in English, with conversational Russian and Hebrew.
Maria is currently working under the direct supervision of Shannon Lawless RP, RMFT-S.
Shannon Lawless, Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist-Supervisor (she/her)
Clinical Director/Practice Owner
I am a relationship therapist specializing in individual, couples, family and sex therapy, and maintain a private practice in Ottawa West (Kanata). In this section you can learn a little about me, my training, and my research.
Education
I hold a Bachelor degree in Psychology from the University of Ottawa, and a Master of Science degree in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph. I have also had additional training to be able to specialize in Sex Therapy. I strongly believe in continuing education and regularly seek out additional training through conferences and workshops.
Additional Training
I strive to continue my education through all means available to me. Often, I will seek out additional training through regular perusal of academic journals, conducting my own research, and attending workshops and conferences. Some of the notable workshops that inform my clinical work are listed below:
- Somatic Experiencing - Beginning I , II and III (Cohort of 2022-2025)
- Dennis Windego - Journeying with the felt sense and the medicine wheel
- Arielle Schwartz - Complex Trauma Certification Training
- Tammy Nelson - Moving past the trauma of betrayal and infidelity
- Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certification Training
- Advanced Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma
- AAMFT/OAMFT Approved Supervision course - 30 Hours and reflection paper
- Certified Yoga Instructor - Yoga Alliance
- Elliot Connie - Solution Building Couples Therapy
- Jill Freedman - Listening, witnessing and intimate relationships: Using narrative therapy in working with couples
- Best Practices in Treating Youth with Substance Use Problems
- Michael Stone - Living an intimate life: exploring the existential dimension in clinical work
- Barry McCarthy - Rekindling Desire: assessment, treatment and relapse prevention of sexual dysfunction
- Esther Perel - Attachment, Intimacy and Sexuality in Individual and Couples Therapy
- Lalita Salins - Sandtray-Worldplay: An Introduction
- Bruce Perry – Neurobiology and the Traumatized Child
- Collaborative Problem Solving Training - Tier I and Tier II intensive training
- The Winds of Change Narrative Conference
- Liana Lowenstein - Creative interventions with children who have experienced sexual abuse
- Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) Training
- Integrating attachment and Narrative Approaches in the Trauma Healing Process
- Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1: A Research Based Approach
- Kaethe Weingarten: Fostering Resilience in our Clients and Ourselves
- Dan Hughes: Building the Bonds of Attachment
- Intensive Sex Therapy training and Sex Attitude Reassessment (Audited again in 2021)
- ASIST Suicide Intervention Training
Professional Associations
I am affiliated with a number of professional associations. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (registration number: 0001588) and a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and Approved Supervisor with the Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (membership # 2017672).
I am an Associate Member of the Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario (ASTO) - previously BESTCO.
I was elected as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and served in this role from January 2017 to December 2019.
Presentations and Research Contributions
I remain a long-standing member of the Optimal Sexual Experiences Research Team with the University of Ottawa. For more information on the research and group therapy options please see: http://www.optimalsexualexperiences.com
Kleinplatz, P.J., Paradis, N., Charest, M., Lawless, S., Neufeld, M., Neufeld, R., Pratt, D., Ménard, A.D. et al. (2018). From sexual desire discrepancies to desirable sex: Creating the optimal connection. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44 (5), 438–449
Kleinplatz, P.J., Paradis, N., Charest, M., Lawless, S., Neufeld, M., Neufeld, R., Pratt, D., Ménard, A.D. et al. (2018). From sexual desire discrepancies to desirable sex: Creating the optimal connection. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44 (5), 438–449
Kleinplatz, P. J., Paradis, N., Charest, M., Lawless, S., Neufeld, M., … Rosen, L. (2018). From sexual desire discrepancies to desirable sex: creating the optimal connection. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44 (5), 438–449.
Ménard, A.D., Kleinplatz, P.J., Rosen, L., Lawless, S., Paradis, N., Campbell, M., & Huber, J. (2015). Individual and relational contributors to optimal sexual experiences in older men and women. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 30(1), 78-93.
Personal Features
When I am not providing therapy, I enjoy reading, dancing, practicing/teaching yoga and spending time with family and friends.