OUR SPECIALISTS

OUR MISSION

At Udynamics our mission is to provide support to individuals and families through counselling, education and mentorship. We strive to be a genuine and authentic service removing unnecessary barriers and obstacles to accessing services. We strive to provide a high-quality of service through professionalism and integrity in our work. We utilize a holistic approach in our treatment and programming and respect the beliefs, dignity of each individual.

Doug Amouzouvi BSC BN RN

Director of Mental Health & Addictions Services | Therapist

In Person & Online Sessions | Life can be difficult and overwhelming even at the best of times. Reaching out for support can help bring clarity and meaning to your situation and provide you with the support you need during these times. I want you to live the satisfying and meaningful life you deserve free from guilt, shame, anxiety and depression. I view treatment holistically and through a trauma-informed lens. I use a strength based approach so that you understand you are valuable and have unique gifts and abilities to share with the world.

I want you to know you are not alone. Your story and your journey are very important, and made you who you are today. You will encounter resistance when trying to make positive changes in your life, but we can use your fear and resistance as a compass which will help guide you to become the person you are intended to be.

For over 10 years, my specialty has been helping individuals, couples and families with conflict and addictions related issues. I believe anything is possible when you feel safe and supported. You are exactly where you are supposed to be at this very moment. You can do it! I am available days and evenings, in person and virtually.

Giselle Bernardo MSW RSW

Therapist 

In Person & Online Sessions | Embarking on this path called life is not always what we may perceive to be. There are twists, turns, and bumps that deter us in this journey may seem all so overwhelming and ambiguous. Sometimes it may take a few steps back to move a few steps forward. Seeking therapy is a steppingstone towards challenging those moments where we may feel lost in our journey.
I would love to help you along your path in a supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment. I believe we all have a story to tell!

Giselle has been working in the areas of mental health, geriatrics, and developmental disabilities for 14 years. She is a registered social worker (RSW). She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) in 2007 and her Master’s Degree in Social work (MSW) in 2015, both from the University of Manitoba. She had the opportunity to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups at New Directions in areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, and inter-generational patterns of conflict.

She is passionate about mindfulness-based practice, disability, and cross-cultural awareness. She utilizes diverse approaches in therapy including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), narrative therapy, solution-focused and strength-based approaches

Sonia Nasri MSW RSW

Therapist 

In Person & Online Sessions | It takes courage not to be discouraged especially when life gets hard and not matter how much we do, it may feel like that it is never good enough. I have gone through many difficult times in my life, but I have also learned that our experiences do not define our worth nor they determine our future. If you allow me to learn more about your story and your unique needs, I will help you develop new perspectives, build self-compassion while also celebrating your gifts!

I am a registered Social Worker (B.S.W) and a Master of Social Work (M.S.W) candidate at the University of Manitoba. For many years, I worked with immigrants and refugees that have experienced complex trauma, PTSD, grief, and loss while I also provided crisis counselling, psychoeducation, case management and group facilitation to children and families.

Together, we can explore and collaborate on therapeutic goals that matter to you and that will promote wellness in your life. Some of my areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), play and arts therapy, psychoeducation, culturally sensitive practices, compassion-focused and attachment-based therapies.

I believe in caring and helping each other and I would be honored to support you at the best of my abilities. I am looking forward to meeting you!

Gillian Sidon MSW RSW

Clinical Specialist | Therapist 

Online Sessions | Hi, I am so glad our paths have crossed. I believe that we all have the answers within our inner selves and are doing the best we can with what we know at any given time. Our inner world helps us understand what’s going on in our minds and bodies that’s invisible to the eye. I believe in a person-guided practice where I support/guide you to discover your authentic self. If you are ready to start exploring your inner world I would be honoured to walk alongside you.

I provide mental health services to adults & youth. I utilize a variety of different evidence-based interventions as I believe everyone is unique and deserves a service tailored to their needs. I specialize in providing Brainspotting Therapy (which is a newer alternative to EMDR), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Relationships are important to me and I know the therapeutic relationship can take time. I want you to feel like I am a good fit for you. Can’t wait to chat!

Pamela Bell BSW RSW

Therapist | Behaviour Consultant

In Person & Online Sessions | As a Metis Registered Social Worker I have a passion for mental health. I specialize in anxiety and depression in adults, as well as children and youth with various behavioural challenges and emotional regulation work.

I have a wealth of personal experiences, growing up in the inner city of Winnipeg with my Grandparents. I also spent 7 years in child welfare as a front line worker, foster licensing worker, adoption worker, and Manager. I can empathize on multiple levels with struggles individuals and families face. I bring love and compassion into each encounter with genuineness.  I work from a solution focused/strengths approach. I believe that each client and family has the ability to solve their own problems and sometimes just need some guidance and tools to move forward. I believe that each person and or family that crosses my path is for a reason and we can work on your journey together.

I started my career as a big sister in 1997, then completed my child and youth care counselling diploma with honors (behavioural focus) in 2001. At that time, I  worked in various roles in group homes and locked units, and as a behavioural instructor for the child care association and school division as a behaviourist until I completed my social work degree in 2006 . Since then I have worked on various Masters of social work and management courses.

In 2013, I became a mother to my son and decided to create a better life work balance by going into private practice. I also provide consultations for non profit companies on program development and assist companies with supervision, and training. I have written various books on anger management, divorce, separation (not published).

I look forward to assisting you on your journey

Darcie Verfaillie BN, RN, ACCP

Therapist

In Person & Online Sessions | Available Days, Evenings & Weekends| Showing up for yourself is a brave first step and you are worth it. Something is preventing you from living your best, most intentionally fulfilled life. You recognize something needs to change and you would like to understand the root cause of your anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic disease; to make some lasting positive changes. You are not alone; it would be my privilege to accompany you on your journey to wellness and support you in achieving your goals.

I achieved a certificate in Applied Counselling from the University of Manitoba in 2021, became a certified yoga instructor in 2022 and USUI reiki practitioner in 2023. I incorporate the knowledge I have gained to provide a balanced holistic approach to well-being.

I value fostering a relationship with you to promote healing and wellness. I believe in the holistic principles that mental, emotional, social, biological, and spiritual dimensions are interconnected and fit together to form a complete and unique person.

I use a person – centered approach, guiding you through the process of uncovering and embracing the strengths, solutions, and resilience you already own to make lasting positive change you desire. I collaboratively incorporate additional theories and modalities including mindfulness and meditation based on how you choose to navigate the path to your well-being.

I promote an inclusively safe space for you to share your story, explore your truth and work toward your vision of wellness. A space where you can express the uncomfortable and messy bits free of judgement, knowing that what you share is received with an empathetic appreciation.

Fiona Smith M.Ed. B.A.(Adv)

Therapist

Online Sessions | When we find ourselves weighed down or paralyzed with problems, challenges, secrets, achievements, or complications that come up in our day, work, relationships (of any kind), or life in general – where do we turn to be unburdened? Kind and knowledgeable, I am accepting new clients. Congratulations on taking your first steps. You are here!

I help folx with personal, workplace, or intergenerational trauma, stress, painful experiences, and difficulties from your past – as well as ways to manage depression, anxiety, grief, addictions, insomnia, chronic illness, disability (if you’ve had it for a while or recently acquired it), or find yourself building a new identity.
You, your experiences, and your story matter.

I am a former firefighter, first responder & 911 dispatcher with lived experience(s) of LGBTQ+ & CSA; and currently, I am accepting new clients.

Aimee Schwager BSW RSW

Therapist 

Online Sessions | I strive to provide a safe, open and non-judgemental environment in sessions and interactions. I understand how nerve-racking and uncertain seeking services can be. I try to eliminate these barriers by making your experience as comfortable and safe as possible. I’m grateful to hear your story, help you flourish, support and guide you along your healing journey.

Having experienced a significant amount of adversity in my own life, I understand the healing journey from the inside out. I foster authenticity, humility, and integrity in my practice. 

My therapeutic approaches include holistic, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, decolonized, anti-oppressive, empowerment, strengths-based and client-centered care. I have a diverse range of formal and informal education, training, and experiences in mental health, addictions, and social work. I’m continually learning and growing with ongoing professional development, mentorship, and research.

I’m available for individual, family and group therapy, coaching, mentorship, resource navigation, professional development, and psychoeducation opportunities. I’m available to work with adults, children, and adolescents.

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques in practice tailored to each individual’s unique journey. Some examples of evidence-based techniques include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Play therapy, Expressive Arts therapy, Trauma work, Psychoeducation, Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, Cultural practices, Motivational Interviewing, Talk therapy, games, nature, crafting, cooking/baking, to name a few.

Some examples of experiences I work with include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, relapse prevention, recovery management, loneliness and isolation, parenting, family conflict, behavioral issues, self-esteem and body image, school experiences (preschool, elementary, middle, high school, university/college), life transitions, cultural identity, coping skills, burn-out, stress management, suicidality, emotional awareness, and regulation, negative self-talk, thinking traps, domestic violence and abuse, LGBTQ2S+* experiences, newcomer experiences, chronic pain and illnesses, anger, resource navigation, career coaching and skill building, interpersonal communication, relationships, borderline personality disorder, learning and developmental disabilities, etc.

If you have any questions or inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to chatting with you! Take good care! 

Amber Dittberner ACCP

Addictions Counsellor

In Person & Online Sessions | I am committed to improve the lives of those living with addiction in a non-judging environment. Using goal setting to achieve recovery with a counsellor who has achieved recovery themself.

I have over 9 years of sobriety from alcohol, I am a member of a 12 step program, and have been active in service work. I am a member & on the board of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and have my Applied Counselling Certificate from the University of Manitoba specializing in Addictions (having completed courses at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba).

People of all ages and backgrounds experience problems with addictions, and they can make positive changes. I can help clients by providing tools for assessment, working through the 12 steps with them, maintain accountability, and use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to pave the road to recovery. I can provide client centred services such as; Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model, Levels of Involvement, Stages of Change, Motivational Interviewing, and Co-occurring Disorders Initiative.

Kristyna Fagerstrom Castro B.A, CYC

Action Therapist

In Person Sessions | Kristyna is an experienced Child and Youth Care worker having worked with youth and children in various capacities such as Education, Justice, and Managed Care. Helping youth create art has always been a tool Kristyna has used to teach youth on how to express themselves and practice self-care. Art is also a way Kristyna practices self-care and is a hobby she is very passionate about ever since she was very young.

Aya Ryan El-Alawi OT

Clinical Specialist | Therapist

Not Currently Accepting Clients | Aya is skilled in working with a variety of clients from children to seniors in a holistic sense. She is a creative and enthusiastic therapist who easily builds rapport with her clients and their families. Aya believes in the power of connection and aims to always create a positive space. She provides a sense of safety, build regulation and trust through a therapeutic relationship.

Aya has specialized training in areas of attachment and Trauma and uses a body-based, sensory-enriched and an occupation-based approach through a trauma-informed lens. She utilizes diverse approaches in therapy including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, play and arts therapy with children, psychoeducation, culturally sensitive practices, compassion-focused, narrative therapy, and strength-based approaches. Occupational Therapy is provided for children, adolescents and adults to enhance resilience to stress and increase people’s ability to engage in their life.

Treatment is primarily guided by attachment and sensory-based theories and utilizes the client and family to help identify goals, strengths and facilitate growth. Aya’s interests and passion include working with children/youth and adults who have experienced attachment trauma, struggling with complex mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder as well as neuro-developmental and sensory processing disorders across the lifespan.

Together, Aya will support your child with their sensory/ behavioural needs to help them learn to interpret their body cues, respond to their needs and self-regulation. At the same time, you’ll develop strategies for home and school environments that make life easier and more fun!

Aya graduated with her Masters of Occupational Therapy Degree from The University of Manitoba in 2017, after completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology. She has worked in Long-Term Care and Community Mental Health. She is able to see clients in-person and virtually for late afternoons and evenings appointments, and on the weekends if desired.

Ashley Pharazyn

Health Coach

In Person & Online Sessions | Ashley Pharazyn graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition as a holistic health coach in 2013. Since then she has been helping clients navigate digestive issues and find their hormonal rhythm. Through her business, My Quaint Traditions she teaches fermentation and cooking classes across Manitoba.

Bio-individuality means that we are all individual people with individual needs. A healing plan is not one size fits all, every body has different needs. While working with clients she will help add in healing foods and remove foods that cause inflammation and damage to the digestive system and body. Ashley has overcome her own health issues including candida overgrowth, leaky gut and chronic eczema and is passionate about helping others find their health.

As well as working with clients Ashley offers a number of hands-on cooking classes including, fermented foods, fermented drinks, hormone health, glowing skin, good fats snack class, and more.

As a health coach, I assess my client’s lifestyle, address health concerns, and then work with the client to make behavioral, nutritional, and other changes in order to promote better health and wellness.

Tracy Amouzouvi

Executive Director

Meet Tracy, a dedicated and driven Executive Director with over 30 years experience in the mental health field. She has a passion for helping people and has made it her life’s work to improve the lives of those struggling with mental health and addiction challenges. Tracy has extensive knowledge and expertise and has worked in variety of roles in crisis work, mental health and as a program manager.

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