Dr. Gowthorpe’s team provides individual (adults, teens and children), couple therapy, and family therapy for a wide range of issues. She is passionate about the well-being of her clients and the entire team provides compassionate, professional therapy – we value the opportunity to work with people and the confidence they show in us. In addition to counselling services, she, along with her professional team, offers custody assessment, mediation services, parenting capacity assessment and parenting plans. Dr. Gowthorpe, RSW offers clinical consultation and expert opinion in the area of child welfare, adolescent therapy, custody and access and clinically managed access.
All team members are educated in trauma and research-based treatments.
Dr. Gowthorpe holds a Doctorate in Social Work from University of Toronto and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from McGill University. Dr. Gowthorpe is a former Regional Director for the Ontario Association of Social Workers. She has taught at Carleton University and provides guest lectures to academic classes and business organizations. She is seen at local and national events and Canadian and U.S. television.
Alyssa is excited to provide client-centered therapy for individuals, couples and families, informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy(EMDR), and Mindfulness. She provides trauma-informed practice that emphasizes meeting clients where they are at in their journey towards personal growth and healing. Alyssa offers support to individuals in crisis, grief/bereavement, or those experiencing or have a loved one experiencing addictions/substance misuse. Alyssa joined Gowthorpe Therapists after 13 years of experience with vulnerable families and children. She specializes in assisting clients to find solutions, improve communication, and develop healthy life practices. Alyssa has expertise in working with children and adolescents, while coaching parents and caregivers. She enjoys supporting individuals prenatally and in the post-partum journey. Alyssa obtained her undergraduate degree from Trent University and her Masters of Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University. She is also certified in Drug and Alcohol Treatment. Alyssa is a Registered Social Worker and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Kristen has extensive experience in the child welfare system and has been working with children and families since 1995. Kristen’s areas of clinical expertise include general coping and stress management, parent and child conflict, emotion regulation, and co-parenting conflict. Kristen is a trained Voice of the Child report practitioner. Additionally, Kristen has expertise in assessing parenting capacity and parenting plans (Section 30 assessments) and offers reconciliation counselling to facilitate sustainable parenting arrangements that maintain the child’s best interest as the guiding principle. Kristen’s practice is client-centered and informed by the principles of mindfulness. She uses strategies from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy and is informed by current findings in the neuroscience of mental health. Kristen has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Carleton University and a Master of Social Work Degree from Memorial University. She is a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Works, a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers, and a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
With a wealth of experience in clinical and organizational management, Sharlene has overseen programs for high-risk youth and residential facilities, as well as championed child advocacy. Her expertise extends to expert consultation and forensic assessment, particularly in high-conflict separation and divorce cases. Sharlene holds a Master of Social Work from York University and a Master of Law (Family Law) degree from Queen’s University. With a strong academic background and 20 plus years of practical experience, she offers evidence-based, trauma informed therapy from a CBT, DBT. ACT and Mindfulness Based approach.
Sharlene has a proven track record, having worked as a Regional Clinical Supervisor for the Ministry of the Attorney General, Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL). She also served on the clinical panel of the OCL from 2007 until her relocation to Newfoundland in 2022. She has also worked as a social worker at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre, in internal medicine, in-patient psychiatry, pediatric oncology, and early psychosis intervention. Her skills are well-suited to supporting individuals and families with complex needs.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sharlene is an adventurer at heart. She has conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and explored the world extensively. Moreover, she is deeply engaged in her community, both locally and globally, and currently holds the position of Governance Chair for the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children.
Josh is a Registered Social Worker and holds a Bachelor and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Carleton University. Josh began his social work career at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) assisting families and children - specifically in the area of complex medical needs and the associated stressors. Josh values self-determination and strives to meet each individual where they are at, regarding them as the experts in their own journey. Josh is pleased to provide support in grief and loss, trauma, and, anxiety and depression. He provides individual and family support. Josh clinically draws from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness and Solutions-Focused interventions. Josh is also employed with Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board where he supports youth with complex needs.
Lindsay is a compassionate Registered Social Worker with a Master’s Degree from the University of Toronto. With over 9 years of counselling expertise, Lindsay employs a holistic, trauma-informed approach to empower individuals and couples. Specializing in aiding military members and their families, Lindsay guides clients through past trauma with empathy and skill. She adeptly addresses anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and parenting concerns, offering tailored support. Lindsay’s passion extends to assisting parents of children with special needs. Utilizing evidence-based techniques like EMDR and CBT, Lindsay believes counselling is a deserved journey towards healing.
Jade brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice, offering an array of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to provide client-centered care in the most supportive and non-judgmental manner. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies & Law and Society, alongside Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees, all from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As a military spouse, Jade has gained diverse clinical experiences in the field of social work, ranging from working in emergency rooms and inpatient mental health treatment to psychosocial rehabilitation and multidisciplinary clinics. She has also worked on several Canadian Armed Forces Bases across Canada, currently serving at 8 Wing Trenton Mental Health Services. Jade's passion and focus in treatment encompass depression, relational difficulties, combat trauma, women’s issues, and first responders. Rest assured, Jade is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, ensuring that her practice adheres to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
Natasha is a dedicated social worker offering a comprehensive range of mental health therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and a rich array of Indigenous therapies. Nataha holds a B.A. in Psychology (Carleton University), a BSW (Toronto Metropolitan University), and is finalizing her MSW at Wilfrid Laurier University, graduating in July 2024.
With a professional history including focus on well-being of Indigenous communities, both at Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services and as a research assistant on Shane Young’s research surrounding Qualipu Mi'kmaq First Nation identity and relations, Natasha has acquired training in NVCI, Feather Carriers, ASIST, and has completed programs on Indigenous histories and realities through First Nation University and Queen's University certificate programming.
Natasha integrates cultural practices and ceremonies like sweat lodge ceremonies, smudging, drumming, and storytelling, along with traditional healing practices. She also employs Talking Circles, Land-Based Therapy, Two-Eyed Seeing approaches, and Art Therapy, using traditional arts and crafts as therapeutic tools. This unique combination of methodologies enables Natasha to offer a comprehensive support system tailored to the diverse needs of her clients, blending empathy and effectiveness with a holistic approach to mental health and well-being for individuals, families and groups.
Krista holds a Master’s Degree from University of Essex in Psychoanalytic Studies (Freudian Concentration), and a Masters Degree from Brock University in Applied Disability Studies. She is currently a Qualifying Psychotherapist, completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University). For the past 12 years, Krista has worked in developmental services with neurodivergent adults with mental health diagnoses and as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst with a focus on challenging behaviour. Krista uses a client-centred approach based on empathy and trust, through modalities that include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She is experienced in assisting individuals through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, self-esteem, and identity.
Play is essential for children's understanding of their world, and Amy uses toys to help them process experiences. She supports adolescents by addressing feelings of isolation during their transition, employing relational methods to manage their challenges and emotions. Amy's work with adults involves emotionally-focused therapy, identifying unmet attachment needs that affect their emotions and relationships. Central to her practice is the belief in the transformative power of compassionate witnessing, which fosters validation and safety, fundamentally changing how individuals relate to themselves and others.
Rebecca Brant, MSW, RSW holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Carleton University. Her areas of experience include Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Indigenous Issues (therapy with women, children, and youth from a holistic and trauma-informed approach), crisis intervention, children in care, IPV and domestic violence, intergenerational trauma, and grief and adjustment. She consistently works from a trauma-informed perspective with therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Solution-Based Therapy to address mental health concerns, such as, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Rebecca is a Mohawk woman and a Registered Social Worker with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Anastasia is a Registered Social Worker specializing in building emotional resilience across the lifespan. Anastasia earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour and then went on to complete a Master of Social Work. Anastasia provides therapy to individuals, couples, children, youth and families using evidence-based, trauma-informed therapy. She has completed extensive training in Play Therapy with a special interest in attachment and trauma. Additional therapeutic modalities include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectal Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy and EMDR. Utilizing an individualized approach, Anastasia applies these therapeutic techniques to support individuals, couples and families in overcoming adversity stemming from anxiety, depression, grief, parenting challenges, emotional dysregulation, traumatic experiences, and addressing challenging life experiences.
Gauhar Shariff has over 13 years of experience helping individuals and couples overcome life’s challenges. He believes that each individual is unique with their own set of issues, needs and goals. His aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can freely express themselves , share concerns and work towards self-discovery, growth and their goals. He provides a non-judgmental space where one can explore thoughts and feelings, gain insight into behaviors and develop new strategies for coping and growing.
His approach to therapy is integrative and draws from a variety of evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Psycho-Education. He also incorporates Psychodynamic theories into his work, which can help uncover unconscious patterns that may be contributing to current difficulties.
His ultimate goal is to help you lead a more fulfilling and satisfying life. He believes that therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth and change, and that he is honored to be a part of your journey.
Outside of Mental Health, Gauhar enjoys Golfing, tennis, skiing, and dancing. He engages in these activities as much as possible to achieve work-life balance which he believes is paramount to optimal personal mental health.
Gauhar is pleased to provide therapy in English, English, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi
Santina is a Registered Psychotherapist with over 6 years of experience working with children and families in a variety of different clinical settings. She possesses an Honors Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Child, Youth and Family Studies from the University of Guelph, a diploma from McMaster University in Child Life Studies and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. Santina specializes in Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Grief and Bereavement for children and youth. She is passionate about not only working with children and youth, but also their families to meet them at the level they are at to best support them. Santina utilizes a variety of play techniques to help children and youth feel comfortable and open to engaging in the therapy process. When working with clients, Santina uses numerous strategies and techniques from several therapeutic approaches including: Solution-focused Therapy (SFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Santina has worked with a variety of mental health and life concerns affecting both youth and adults including but not limited to; anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, divorce and separation, military deployment and separation, families experiencing PTSD, grief, behavioural concerns, bullying, and hospitalization (including diagnosis and procedure explanation, preparation and coping techniques). On a personal note, Santina enjoys an active lifestyle, spending quality time with friends and family, hiking, and traveling.
Rajesh Ramnath is a seasoned health practitioner with over 25 years of experience spanning various healing modalities. Trained in Ayurvedic medicine, he holds a Master's in Health Services Research and Epidemiology from Cornell University, complementing his expertise in public health. Specializing in cardiac rehabilitation with an MSc from Liverpool University, he integrates osteopathy for physical well-being. Rajesh's holistic approach extends to psychotherapy, blending Ayurvedic practices and mindfulness. He holds a Master's in Yoga and a fellowship in Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, reflecting his commitment to integrative healing. Passionate about holistic wellness, Rajesh continues to explore new avenues, combining ancient wisdom with modern science for holistic healing.
Danielle provides evidence-based, client-centered, trauma-informed therapy for individuals, couples and families. Danielle obtained her MSW from Windsor University. She is experienced in the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focussed Therapy. Danielle has experience working with clients who present with anxiety, borderline personality disorder, childhood abuse/trauma, depression, PTSD, cPTSD, self-harm, suicidal ideation, stress and self-confidence/esteem. She has experience working with marginalized populations and specializes in working with clients who are part of the LGBTQ2IA+ community.
Clients will quickly recognize Krista Shortt as the person who ensures they have all the information needed to make their experience welcoming and informed. Krista joined the team several years ago, transitioning from the esthetics industry. When not at work, Krista enjoys health and fitness along with her husband, Paul and three daughters.
Alysha welcomes all clients with professionalism and kindness.
With a background in client service in the health industry, Alysha is accustomed to ensuring clients have the best administrative experience when working with Gowthorpe Therapists. Alysha brings an infectious personality with energy and positivity to the team and client experience.
Eric is responsible for overseeing financial management in the practice. An avid adventurer and environmentalist, Eric spends free time travelling, biking and diving.
Mediators and conflict specialists
Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Dr. Rowe is a clinical and forensic psychologist who is the founder of Haven Forensic Mental Health Clinic located in Kingston, Ontario. He has conducted forensic risk assessments for thirty years in both the adult and youth correctional systems and has consulted for federal, provincial, and international governments on the risk management of various forensic populations. Dr. Rowe is trained to conduct a variety of family court related evaluations including parenting capacity assessments and parenting plan evaluations and has been qualified as an expert in both criminal and family court systems. His clinical practice includes the comprehensive assessment of adolescent and adult clinical populations as well as interventions utilizing CBT or DBT modes of therapy. Research interests currently include; examining the utility of applying an RNR model to family court interventions, psychopathy and its impact on parenting, and lying and deception detection in court ordered proceedings.
Jane Howlett, BSW, LLB has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Western Ontario, and a law degree from Queens University. These complimentary degrees have provided her with a unique perspective from which to practice family law. She credits her education and experience as being instrumental in assisting her in understanding the particular needs of family law clients.
While living in Ottawa, while her children were younger, Jane was formally trained as a family law mediator, and she practiced exclusively as a mediator before moving to the Belleville area more than ten years ago. Whether supporting clients by providing more traditional family law litigation services or working more collaboratively, she is a strong proponent of alternative dispute resolution processes and, in particular, mediation.
Jane's education and extensive experience has resulted in her often being asked to share her knowledge and experience with others in the field, both in Belleville and in Kingston. Jane has mentored local high school law students and taught professional ethics and responsibility at the paralegal program at Loyalist College.
Jane is currently employed as senior legal counsel with the local children's aid society, but her belief in the value of mediation has moved her to continue to support separating and divorcing adults in resolving their family law issues through mediation.
Sophie is completing her Master in Social Works at the University of Denver, she have a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph. Sophie is committed to environmental, social justice and corporate social responsibility. Sophie supports client relations through social media, while assisting with office logistics.
Luc is completing his Bachelor in Psychology at the University of Toronto. Luc is constantly searching for new ways to problem-solve and the next adventure. Committed to sustainable living, Luc assists with Website management and team technical support.
In January 2024, Gowthorpe Therapists lost a good friend and compassionate clinician. Many lives were made better for having spent time in Charlene's company. In Charlene’s spirit, “Just go. Go see all the beauty in the world".