Dr. Mari Shanahan Somerville, PhD, C.Psych, is in supervised practice at GPS under supervision by Dr. Deanna Drahovzal . Dr. Shanahan Somerville approaches therapy with the belief that the human mind is both powerful and adaptable. Each person experiences the world through a unique lens shaped by past experiences. While these experiences cannot be changed, the ways we understand and respond to them can evolve. Even when it may feel difficult, it is possible to develop new, more adaptive ways of relating to ourselves, others, and the world around us. Dr. Shanahan Somerville views therapy as an opportunity to cultivate self-direction and inner capacity, approaching oneself with compassion, curiosity, and resilience while exploring meaningful change. Dr. Shanahan Somerville holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Concordia University and has worked with individuals across the lifespan in a range of settings, including private practice, community mental health in both Indigenous and urban settings, a school board, and the Allan Memorial Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) . This breadth of experience has reinforced her belief that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. She practices from an integrative framework, grounded primarily in psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapies, and incorporates elements of third-wave cognitive behavioural approaches and mindful self-compassion. Central to Dr. Shanahan Somerville’s work is a deep respect for each client’s individual pace. She recognizes that trust develops over time and is committed to creating a space where clients feel safe to explore their inner world in a way that feels manageable and secure. She strives to meet clients where they are, offering a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where their voice and perspective remain at the center of the work. Beginning therapy is a meaningful and often courageous step. Dr. Shanahan Somerville would be honoured to support you in this process as you work toward greater understanding, growth, and well-being.

Your relationship’s health influences your personal health and the quality of your life. That is why Dr. Lucas Walters focuses on couples therapy here at GPS. Dr. Walters completed his undergraduate studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He then moved to Ottawa to complete his Ph.D. and a residency in Kingston, Ontario. These programs are both accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association. Dr. Walters has trained across large mental health hospitals (i.e., The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Providence Care Hospital, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), community centres, and private practices. He is now completing supervised practice here at GPS with Dr. Deanna Drahovzal . Dr. Walters focuses on two areas in his clinical work: couples therapy and neurodevelopmental differences. These skillsets help him work with a wide range of couples and tailor services to match how each member of the partnership learns or processes information What defines Dr. Walters’s clinical work? Well, he describes himself as a curious, open, and active clinician. His clinical approach often draws from Emotion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He uses evidence-based approaches with a sex-positive lens to make couples therapy less intimidating and more impactful for his clients. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Walters is a published academic author and has received support for his work through academic awards, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. His research covers topics such as sexual function, sexual health education, and theories around sexual attraction. Going forward, he is excited to be publishing more of his work with adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Ask him more about how his research informs his clinical practice!

Dr. Drahovzal provides psychotherapy and assessment services to children, adults, couples, and families at Gilmour Psychological Services® in Ottawa.

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.

Dr. Dargie maintains a client-centered, evidence-based, sex-positive, LGBTQ-positive approach to psychotherapy. She provides individual and couple therapy to Anglophone adults experiencing a wide variety of challenges and circumstances

Dr. Murray provides assessment and treatment to adults and seniors. She uses a number of evidence-based treatments to address client’s needs and the challenges that they are facing. Dr. Murray works collaboratively with clients to identify their goals and guide them towards making positive and lasting changes in their life. Her main goal is to help clients identify their individual strengths and overcome barriers that may be preventing them from feeling content and fulfilled.

As a Clinical and Health Psychologist, Dr. Davies believes in promoting wellness and resilience, both mentally and physically. She works with adults and adolescents. Her primary approach to therapy is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a type of treatment that has been extensively supported by research showing it to be highly effective for treating a wide variety of mental health concerns. This approach is complemented with other evidence-based tools and techniques such as mindfulness, self-compassion, acceptance and resilience building to better tailor her approach to an individual’s needs.