As a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist, I provide therapy for a wide variety of concerns, including (but not limited to):
- Anxiety
- Attachment Concerns/Disruptions
- Behavioural Problems
- Depression
- Emotion regulation (e.g., anger)
- Parenting Support & Strategies
- Relationship difficulties
- School or Work Difficulties/Stressors
- Self-harm
- Trauma
- Youth Who Engage in Sexual Offending Behaviour (Sexual Behaviour Assessments)
Abby Doner, MSW, Registered Social Worker
Graduated Carleton (BSW) & University of Waterloo (MSW)
APPROACH
For me, therapy is a safe place where two brains and two perspectives come together to process the difficulties that life throws our way (and at times, there can be many!). I aim to provide a welcoming, safe, relaxed, and “free from judgment” therapeutic space where we can explore life’s good, bad, and ugly moments together. Therapy should be a place where you are met with empathy and understanding, and your voice feels heard. It is important that this is your experience while we work together, drawing from your strengths, creating goals, processing hardships, and exploring your inner thoughts and feelings. I use an eclectic approach to therapy and can tailor different modalities/evidence-based practices to fit your unique needs. Some of the main modalities I use in my practice are Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I am looking forward to walking alongside you on this journey together.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
As an Ottawa Valley local, I am thankful to provide mental health support to those in the community I grew up in and continue to call home. I am a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers. I completed my undergraduate degree in Social Work at Carleton University and graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours). During my undergraduate career, I completed two practicums that provided me with hands-on learning and highlighted the impact that the Social Determinants of Health (Ex. Age, Gender, Economic Status, Education, etc.) have on our lives.
Once I graduated, the Valley called me home and I immediately began working as a Family and Child Therapist and Clinical Manager at the Phoenix Centre for Families and Children. Throughout my thirteen years at the Phoenix Centre, I have gained invaluable training and frontline experience. My work at Phoenix included interdisciplinary team collaboration, therapy with children, youth, and families, and the supervision of clinicians and clinical services. Since transitioning from the Phoenix Centre, I have expanded my professional experience by taking on the role of Accessibility Counsellor at Algonquin College. In this position, I provide academic accommodation and support students in navigating disability-related barriers to learning.
Ongoing education is essential to me, I completed a Master of Social Work Program at The University of Waterloo & Renison College University in 2022. During this program, I completed a practicum with the Petawawa Centennial Health Centre, working alongside patients sixteen and older. Although my Phoenix Centre experience provided me with the privilege to work alongside adults/parents/caregivers as an extension of their children, this practicum experience provided me with frontline experience to further deepen my practice with adults.
My current role as the Accessibility Counsellor, allows me the opportunity to apply a strong disability-informed lens to my work, advocating for equitable access and empowering individuals to overcome barriers. Having knowledge and expertise in both child and adult mental health, alongside experience in disability counselling and advocacy, enables me to provide comprehensive, inclusive, and impactful support across diverse populations and needs.