Dr. Parnian Pajouhandeh, Ph.D., C. Psych.
Dr. Parnian Pajouhandeh is a registered psychologist practicing in the areas of clinical, counselling, and rehabilitation psychology. She has a Ph. D. degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto and is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Dr. Pajouhandeh has over twenty-five years of experience in psychological assessment and treatment as well as mental health research. She has worked and trained in a number of diverse practice settings including community-based mental health agencies, hospitals, university counselling centres, and private practices.
Dr. Pajouhandeh has been the director of North Durham Professional Counsellors for 18 years, a practice serving the community of Port Perry, Uxbridge and surrounding regions in Durham over the past three decades. She works with several associates trained to provide psychological and counselling services to adults, couples, children, and adolescents, and families.
Dr. Pajouhandeh provides psychological services to individuals with a wide range of emotional and mental health concerns. She has a special interest in rehabilitation psychology and women’s health issues and has worked extensively with individuals facing chronic pain or illnesses, depression and anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression, and health anxiety.
Dr. Parnian Pajouhandeh
Ph.D., C. Psych.
Dr. Pajouhandeh’s approach to therapy draws from several therapeutic modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral, Client-Centered, Interpersonal, and Solution-Focused Therapies. She also incorporates mindfulness techniques particularly in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Her approach is collaborative, empathic, and tailored to individual goals and needs.
Katherine Michel, M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Katherine Michel is a certified member of the OACCPP (Ontario Association of Counselors, Consultants, Psychometrists, and Psychotherapists) and the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario. She has worked in the community through hospital-based services in the areas of clinical and rehabilitation psychology for more than twenty years.
Kathy provides psychotherapy to individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression that are related to relational conflicts, parenting demands, grief and loss, chronic pain, injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents and sexual abuse. She also provides marital and couples therapy with the intent of helping her clients develop more constructive means of conflict management and negotiation skills in a safe environment.
Kathy provides therapy under the supervision of Dr. Parnian Pajouhandeh. She tends to use a cognitive-behavioural approach when appropriate with an appreciation for psychodynamic influences from early life experience. She is available at least two evenings weekly at the office.
Katherine Michel
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Jill Farrow, M.A., C. Psych. Assoc.
Jill Farrow, M.A., is a registered Psychological Associate practicing independently in the areas of counselling and clinical psychology. She has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Waterloo, Ontario and she is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Ms. Farrow has over 24 years of experience in psychological assessment and treatment. She has been trained and has worked in a University counselling centre, an employee assistance program, hospitals and private practices.
Ms. Farrow has been working independently in private practice for more than eleven years. She has been seeing clients at the North Durham Professional Counsellors for over three years. Ms. Farrow provides Psychological services to adults dealing with a wide range of emotional and mental health concerns. She has a special interest in depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, panic attacks, panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, trauma, sleep issues, stress management, relationship issues and grief.
Ms. Farrow offers approaches to treatment based on the needs of the client as determined by an initial assessment. These approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centred therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Sofia Dawoodjee, RN Psychotherapist, M.Ed.
Sofia Dawoodjee is a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario, specializing in the areas of mental health, counselling, assessment, medication management, and crisis intervention. She also has a Specialized Honours B.A. in Psychology from York University, and a Masters of Education for Counselling in Community Settings obtained from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.
Sofia Dawoodjee has over twenty years of nursing experience working in the field of mental health and addictions. She has worked with adults, geriatrics, children, adolescents, and teens in various clinical settings ranging from hospitals, schools, and community settings. She has also practiced as a counsellor for a non-for-profit organization.
Sofia has been with North Durham Professional Counsellors since the spring of 2017, and provides services to clients struggling with emotional and various mental health concerns under the direct supervision of Dr. Pajouhandeh. Sofia is also CBT trained, and often derives strategies from this therapy model along with a client-centred approach, and a brief solution focused model. Sofia has a special interest in working with teens and young adults aged 16 years and older to address and support emerging mood disorders and/or addiction concerns. Along with having extensive experience working with a wide spectrum of mental health concerns, Sofia is also a SafeTALK (Suicide Awareness for Everyone) trainer to help develop a suicide-safer community.
Dr. Debbie Reixach, Ph.D., C. Psych.
Dr. Debbie Reixach obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto in 2003 and became registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario in 2005.
Since 1991 she has practiced in the fields of counselling and psychology, treating and assessing a diverse range of issues presented by adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Reixach particularly enjoys working with adolescents and this interest is reflected in her doctoral thesis work that investigated treatability concerns for Young Offenders.
Dr. Reixach’s treatment approach is integrative in nature and largely draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Brainspotting, CPT and Systems-based Therapies.
She is experienced in addressing various mental health concerns that include: mood and anxiety disorders, attachment issues, relational difficulties, situational and developmental life transitions and trauma. Dr. Reixach has a strong interest in working with Indigenous clients and has received cultural safety training that allows her to provide culturally-informed care with Indigenous clients.
Dr. Greg Sweitzer, MSW, MA, Psy.D., C.Psych.
Dr. Sweitzer has trained in a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities including family therapy, psychodynamic therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, emotion-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and supportive therapy. His principal mode of treatment is cognitive-behavioural therapy; however, other therapeutic approaches are often integrated according to the patient’s needs. He has 40 years of professional experience, having trained, and worked first as a masters-level clinical social worker for 17 years before returning to school in 2003 to earn masters and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology. Doctor Sweitzer is registered as a clinical, counseling, and rehabilitation psychologist in the province of Ontario.
Dr. Greg Sweitzer
MSW, MA, Psy.D., C.Psych.
Karyn Dowdall MACP, RP (Qualifying)
Karyn is a graduate of Yorkville University’s Master of Counselling Psychology Program and bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Social Anthropology as well as Business Communications.
With post-graduate certificates in Addiction Studies from Mount Royal University as well as professional recovery coaching and addictions counselling certifications, Karyn specializes in working with clients with concurrent substance-use and mood disorders.
Karyn also incorporates her various wellness trainings into her therapeutic practice including Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and Mindfulness Teacher (Mindful Awareness Stabilization Training).
These interests fuel her appreciation for mindfulness-based approaches to mental health and wellness, as well as her passion for ongoing training in trauma-informed practices, third-wave Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy interventions.
In her spare time, Karyn enjoys listening to audiobooks and podcasts, long-distance running, yoga, and outdoor activities with her family and furry friends.
Karyn provides online, telephone and in-person psychotherapy
Karyn Dowdall MACP
RP (Qualifying)
Elizabeth Anne (Annalisa) Danowski, BA, DTATI, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
and Art Therapist
Annalisa Danowski is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Her approach to talk therapy integrates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, and mindfulness. She has extensive experience in working with adults in recovery from abuse and trauma, and supports clients with a range of mental health concerns such as: depression, anxiety, chronic pain, body image issues, life transitions, and addictions.
Annalisa is also an Art Therapist and Professional Member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). For clients interested in exploring their personal creative process as part of their journey of healing and growth, Annalisa offers a variety of art therapy options which can be used in combination with talk therapy. In 2013, Annalisa received an Ontario Victim Services Award of Distinction for art therapy projects with survivors of domestic violence in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Dr. Jean A. Saint-Cyr, BA, MA, PhD, C.Psych
Licensed #1665, 1983
Dr. Saint-Cyr has been in the mental health field since 1968 and is dually trained in Psychology (Clinical and Neuropsychology) as well as in Brain Research. After his academic career (Professor Emeritus in the Division of Neurosurgery at University of Toronto since 2009), he continues in his private practice doing assessments (diagnostic, medical-legal and insurance) as well as psychotherapy (solution-focussed, humanistic and psychodynamic with adults). His mother tongue is French and he can provide services (assessments from school-age to adulthood) as well as therapy in that language as well. He has an office in Port Perry, 175 North St., Unit 101, Port Perry ON L9L 1B7 (905-985-1130).
Dr. Jean A. Saint-Cyr
BA, MA, PhD, C.Psych
Emad Zahedi, B.A., M.A.C.P., C.C.C., RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Emad holds a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology, a Certificate in Clinical Hypnosis, has obtained his Level 1 & 2 Gottman Couples Training from the Gottman Institute and his Phase 1 & 2 Brainspotting Training from Brainspotting Trainings, LLC. With years of combined educational and professional experience in the field of mental health, he has become acutely aware of client-specific needs and is dedicated to using a holistic, collaborative, and tailored approach that places the client at the centre of their healing journey.
He has experience supporting clients with depression, anxiety, self-worth/self-esteem issues, high stress, interpersonal issues, grief, addiction, life/career transitions, anger, and trauma/PTSD. If you are seeking help with a concern that is not listed, please consider reaching out as he is always happy to listen. He is dedicated to serving individuals from diverse backgrounds and providing a safe and judgement-free space that allows for clients to freely speak their truth.
Recognizing the value of taking his clients’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being into account, he draws from a range of therapeutic modalities, including evidence-based ones such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Brainspotting, and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), as well as humanistic ones such as solution-focused therapy (SFT), narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and person-centred therapy (PCT), to offer an integrative approach to empowering you through your healing journey.
Emad Zahedi
B.A., M.A.C.P., C.C.C., RP
He is a compassionate and empathetic individual who is open to sharing his personal journey for the benefit of others and looks forward to working with you.
Emad is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
Alexandra Unitas
Registered Psychotherapist
Alexandra Unitas is a dedicated counsellor with North Durham Professional Counsellors. Her background in English Literature ignited a fascination with the power of stories—how they’re told, interpreted, and how they shape our understanding of ourselves and others. This naturally led her to therapy, where helping clients explore and reframe their personal narratives is central to healing.
Alexandra holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and specializes in supporting individuals through personal growth and emotional wellness. She skillfully guides clients facing challenges such as anxiety, breakups, childhood trauma, depression, emotional expression, emotion regulation, interpersonal challenges, life transitions, personal growth, relationship issues, self-discovery, self-regulation, shame/guilt, and stress. In her practice, she prioritizes creating a safe and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes.
Her approach integrates evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This combination offers a practical yet empathetic way to foster emotional expression and growth. Alexandra believes vulnerability is a strength, and she collaborates with clients to challenge unhelpful patterns and reconnect with what matters most. Through therapy, clients gain tools to manage anxiety, build self-confidence, improve relationships, and deepen their awareness of their values.
Driven by the belief that understanding emotions and developing new skills go hand in hand, Alexandra primarily works with those seeking to better understand themselves and their emotions. Recognizing the often confusing and challenging nature of figuring out identity and desires, she offers a friendly, non-judgmental space for open dialogue. Together, she helps clients explore their feelings, build practical coping tools, and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
Alexandra Unitas
Registered Psychotherapist
Dr. Parnian Pajouhandeh, Ph.D., C. Psych.
Dr. Parnian Pajouhandeh is a registered psychologist practicing in the areas of clinical, counselling, and rehabilitation psychology. She has a Ph. D. degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto and is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
Dr. Pajouhandeh has over twenty-five years of experience in psychological assessment and treatment as well as mental health research. She has worked and trained in a number of diverse practice settings including community-based mental health agencies, hospitals, university counselling centres, and private practices.
Dr. Pajouhandeh has been the director of North Durham Professional Counsellors for 18 years, a practice serving the community of Port Perry, Uxbridge and surrounding regions in Durham over the past three decades. She works with several associates trained to provide psychological and counselling services to adults, couples, children, and adolescents, and families.
Dr. Pajouhandeh provides psychological services to individuals with a wide range of emotional and mental health concerns. She has a special interest in rehabilitation psychology and women’s health issues and has worked extensively with individuals facing chronic pain or illnesses, depression and anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression, and health anxiety.
Dr. Pajouhandeh’s approach to therapy draws from several therapeutic modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral, Client-Centered, Interpersonal, and Solution-Focused Therapies. She also incorporates mindfulness techniques particularly in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Her approach is collaborative, empathic, and tailored to individual goals and needs.
Dr. Debbie Reixach, Ph.D., C. Psych.
Dr. Debbie Reixach obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto in 2003 and became registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario in 2005.
Since 1991 she has practiced in the fields of counselling and psychology, treating and assessing a diverse range of issues presented by adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Dr. Reixach particularly enjoys working with adolescents and this interest is reflected in her doctoral thesis work that investigated treatability concerns for Young Offenders.
Dr. Reixach’s treatment approach is integrative in nature and largely draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Brainspotting, CPT and Systems-based Therapies.
She is experienced in addressing various mental health concerns that include: mood and anxiety disorders, attachment issues, relational difficulties, situational and developmental life transitions and trauma. Dr. Reixach has a strong interest in working with indigenous clients and has received cultural safety training that allows her to provide culturally-informed care with indigenous clients.
Tanya Nye, OT Psychotherapist
Registered Occupational Therapist
Tanya Nye is a Registered Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) and follows the Standards to practice Psychotherapy.
Tanya holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa. She has clinical experience working with adults in a primary care setting dealing with a variety of physical, emotional and cognitive related concerns, has worked in a home care setting with older adults with goals of safety and productivity in later life, and also has experience assessing and treating individuals with injuries following motor vehicle accidents. Topics often discussed in therapy include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, stress, sleep issues, persistent or chronic pain, change in life/roles, and building self-care and relaxation/wellness into your daily life.
She has training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness and Meditation. She also has a keen interest in using nature and creativity in therapy with a special interest in music, song writing, and movement to aid in becoming aware of and understanding emotions and feelings.
Tanya will approach each client holistically to strive to understand their strengths and challenges, and any environmental concerns that might impact their daily life and work. She will collaborate with each individual to determine an approach that is best for their specific goals.
Jesse McCowan, Honours BSc, RP (Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
“Jesse is a Registered Psychotherapist with a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. She supports clients navigating cognitive, emotional, and behavioural challenges using an eclectic approach, blending modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness. She is currently expanding her practice through training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Equine-Assisted Therapy.
Topics often explored in therapy with Jesse include anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, sleep difficulties, sexuality, substance use, navigating life changes, and building coping skills, habits, routines, and wellness systems tailored to each individual. She has a special interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals, helping them develop strategies to thrive and build resilience in daily life. Before her clinical work, Jesse worked in the holistic wellness field with senior pets and horses and also has experience as an educator, supporting others in learning and applying wellness practices. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Behaviour, which included a strong focus on neuroscience, enhanced her observational skills and understanding of how the brain functions, cognition, and environment influence behaviour and wellbeing. Jesse is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Her naturally warm and attentive presence helps clients explore their inner experiences, build self-awareness, and develop practical tools for emotional regulation, personal growth, and sustainable wellness.”
Jesse McCowan
Honours BSc, RP (Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Melissa Post
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Melissa is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who brings a calm, attentive presence and a thoughtful curiosity about each person’s lived experience into her clinical work. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University and Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Before entering private practice, Melissa supported adolescents and young adults in community mental health and rehabilitation settings. Her experience supporting high-needs youth populations shaped her commitment to meeting people where they are. Melissa enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and couples at all phases of their relationship.
Melissa supports clients with a wide range of concerns, including emotion regulation concerns, addiction, interpersonal trauma, anxiety, and depression. She is especially drawn to helping people better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and build a sense of balance and meaning in their lives.
Melissa integrates a variety of evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. At the heart of her work is the belief that meaningful change begins in a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported.
Melissa Post
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)