Cultural Adaptation

Cultural Adaptation Counselling Ottawa

Cultural adaptation is the ability of individuals to overcome changes in their natural and social environments. It is common for individuals to experience certain challenges following relocating from regions or countries with cultures different from where they are from or used to. 


Examples of cultural adaptation include shifts in: 

  • Customs and traditions 
  • Celebrations and holidays 
  • Language
  • Clothing styles 
  • Diet


Cultural adaptation is important because it helps ease the transition to the new environment through increased participation and a sense of ownership over their new lifestyle. A psychologist can help individuals struggling with adapting to cultural changes by identifying the key challenges and developing strategies to overcome them.

Gilmour Psychologists with Expertise in Cultural Adaptation

Contact Gilmour Psychological Services® in Ottawa to schedule a consultation with a psychologist who has an expertise in cultural adaptation.

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February 11, 2026
Brandin is a PhD candidate therapist (soon to be Supervised Practice) working under the supervision of Dr. Deanna Drahovzal . He completed his clinical internship at the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Psychological Services and Research (CPSR) . He has obtained a Master of Arts degree in clinical psychology and is currently in the process of obtaining his PhD through the University of Windsor . His research focuses on sexual violence prevention. Brandin’s clinical experience includes working in private practice and university clinic settings where he provided individual therapy as well as psychodiagnostic and psychoeducational assessments for adults. He has experience working with mood and anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma-related disorders. Brandin’s approach to therapy is integrative, drawing from evidence-based approaches including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) , brief psychodynamic psychotherapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) . Brandin prioritizes building a warm and trusting therapeutic relationship through which clients can begin to work toward their goals. We are very excited to have Brandin on our team here at GPS. Dr. Deanna Drahovzal is his primary supervisor and Dr. Emma Dargie is his secondary supervisor.
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September 9, 2022
Dr. Drahovzal provides psychotherapy and assessment services to children, adults, couples, and families at Gilmour Psychological Services® in Ottawa.
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September 5, 2022
Dr. Zahradnik provides psychodiagnostic assessment and psychotherapeutic services to both adolescents and adults.
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August 30, 2022
Dr. Miller’s theoretical orientation integrates interpersonal, cognitive behavioural, schema-focused and mindfulness-based approaches in helping clients develop an increased awareness of the factors that cause and maintain their difficulties. She guides them towards achieving their goals and making positive changes in their lives.
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August 2, 2021
Dr. Dellouche welcomes French and English-speaking patients. She works with adults and seniors. She offers treatment for a wide range of issues. Her main areas of interest include anxiety, vulnerability to overwhelming or intense emotions, interpersonal issues, trauma, eating disorders and experiences of growth through adverse life events.
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July 28, 2021
Dr. Jacques considers it an honour to journey alongside individuals in their desire to experience emotional health, create life change, and rediscover a hope-filled vision for their lives. Dr. Jacques’ primary therapeutic approach integrates cognitive, behavioral, emotion-focused, and psychodynamic theories. Dr. Jacques works to provide a collaborative, safe, and warm therapeutic relationship, keeping the client’s goals at the forefront of the treatment plan.