Our Team

Dr. Jennifer L. Newby, C. Psych.

Clinical Psychologist

Working with Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Dr. Newby began her undergraduate education specializing in Psychology and Teacher Education. Dr. Newby is passionate about psycho-educational assessment and intervention and is certified with the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. She has over 10 years of experience in conducting psycho-educational evaluation.

In her Master's and Doctoral training in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Newby made several significant empirical contributions to the field of Personality Psychology, and more specifically in investigating personality characteristics such as Competitiveness and Perfectionism. She maintains her passion for scientifically-supported methods and emphasis on empirical evidence in assessment and therapy.

Dr. Newby assesses and treats individuals with the following presenting difficulties and diagnostic presentations.

Assessment:

Learning/psychoeducational
Attention and executive functioning problems
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Giftedness
Psychological (psycho-diagnostic) for difficulties listed

Treatment:

Depression and mood-related problems
Bipolar disorder and cyclical mood challenges
Perfectionism
Competitiveness
Anxiety
Panic
Phobias
School and work-related stress
Interpersonal stress
Body image
Low self-esteem
Adjustment to major life changes

Dr. Newby works collaboratively with patients to determine and meet their needs on an individual basis tailored to their clinical symptoms. She incorporates a variety of therapeutic styles into her work (e.g., supportive, mindfulness, DBT, solution-focused, ACT, emotionally-focused, behavioural activation), but her primary therapeutic orientation is best described as cognitive-behavioural (CBT). Dr. Newby has a strong basis in assessment and her case formulation and treatment are informed by evidence-based practice, meaning they are grounded in sound and effective science, research, and theory. Dr. Newby works to provide clients with a nurturing, collaborative, light-hearted, and accepting atmosphere.

Dr. Newby is passionate about psychological research and is often involved in research collaborations. Her primary area of research is personality psychology, perfectionism, and competitiveness. Dr. Newby is a voluntary member of several organizations including the Canadian Psychological Association, the Ontario Psychological Association, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Association for Psychological Science, the Ottawa Academy of Psychology, and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology.

Dr. Newby has been awarded numerous Provincial and National scholarships and has over 15 peer-reviewed publications, articles, book chapters, national, and international conference presentations. Dr. Newby continues her professional development through regular supervision, conferences, and keeping current with scientific and clinical literature.

Jennifer Neufeld, M.A., RP, CCC

Registered Psychotherapist

Working with Children (12+), Adolescents, and Adults

Jennifer is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC). She has completed a B.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences and in Psychology, possesses an advanced diploma in Behavioural Sciences, and an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa. She has worked for 10+ years with students in the post-secondary environment in various roles, including 7 years as a psychotherapist at the University of Ottawa.

Jennifer's therapeutic approach is collaborative, authentic, 2SLGBTQ+ positive, trauma-informed, and rooted in empathy and non-judgement.

Jennifer incorporates various evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches into sessions to find the best fit for your individual needs, goals, and values. Therapeutic inspiration is drawn from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), mindfulness and self-compassion theories, and attachment theory.

Jennifer has extensive experience supporting individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem and self-confidence issues, school and work stress, relationship issues, family issues and parenting, neurodiversity, and adjustments/life transitions. She also offers parenting and family support.

Jennifer is an experienced workshop facilitator and has facilitated workshops on anxiety, self-esteem, procrastination, perfectionism, neurodiversity, organization strategies, and mindfulness. She is a certified SafeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) trainer and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. She has conducted research on web-based mental health awareness and knowledge exchange, as well as mental health awareness and prevention strategies for elementary school educators supporting children and youth with mental health issues in their classrooms.

Jennifer offers psychotherapy for individuals and families dealing with the following difficulties:

Treatment:

Adjustments to major life transitions
Anxiety, panic, and fears
Attention and concentration issues
Burnout
Coping strategies
Depression and mood-related issues
Emotional dysregulation
Grief
Parenting support
Perfectionism
Procrastination
Relationship issues
School and work related issues
Self-esteem
Stress

Alexandra Matheson, HBA, BEd, OCT, M.A. Candidate, RP (Qualifying)

Psychometrist

Working under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Newby, C.Psych. with Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Alexandra began her career as a certified teacher and has extensive experience working with children and adolescents for nearly a decade.

Alexandra received her Honours Bachelor of Arts (specialization in psychology) and Bachelor of Education (specialization at the primary and junior levels) from Lakehead University. Alexandra is currently a candidate of Yorkville University’s Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology program.

Alexandra has extensive experience facilitating and scoring educational and mental health assessments. As a former educator, she understands the challenges many clients experience in an educational setting and recognizes that they may feel anxious or ambivalent when being tested. Alexandra's educational and mental health background makes her adept at motivating clients, keeping them on task, and developing a rapport with them that fosters feelings of comfort and calmness.

Katie Lawrence, M.Sc., M. Psych.

Clinical Resident

Working under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer L. Newby, C. Psych. with Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Katie obtained her Bachelor’s degree from McGill University where she majored in Psychology and completed a double-minor in Behavioural Science and Political Science while earning recognition as a Dean’s Honour List recipient. Katie subsequently completed her Master of Science degree in Psychology at Queen’s University where she was recognized as an Academic All-Canadian. Most recently, Katie completed her Master of Psychology degree at the Adler Graduate Professional School. Currently, Katie is in the process of completing her Post-Master’s Work Experience in accordance with the College of Psychologists of Ontario’s registration requirements.

Under the supervision of Dr. Newby, Katie provides assessment and counselling services utilizing a variety of therapeutic styles including Cognitive-Behavioural, Dialectical Behavioural, and mindfulness. Katie prioritizes fostering a welcoming and non-judgmental environment in which clients feel empowered to collaborate and share openly.

Throughout the course of Katie’s post-secondary education, she has investigated numerous research topics including: relationships; attitudes and persuasion; stress; affiliation and prosociality. Katie’s research has been presented at international conferences such as the annual Society for Personality and Social Psychology Convention. Additionally, Katie is a registered member of both the Canadian Psychological Association and the Ontario Psychological Association.

Dr. Beth-Anne Van Noppen, MD, CCFP

Consulting Physician

Dr. Van Noppen completed her medical training and family medicine certification through the University of Ottawa in 1996. She spent many years homeschooling her four children, one of whom has a learning disability, and another who has ADHD. Through this experience, she became fascinated with how children learn and with the particular struggles of those with a learning challenge or ADHD. This led her to get more training in the area of ADHD and learning disabilities, through the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. She now has a focused practice dedicated to assessing and treating children, adolescence and young adults with ADHD and their co-morbidities.

Sarah

Administrator

In addition to providing administrative support at Psychology West, Sarah is a Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga Teacher, Postpartum Doula, and Birth Coach. Sarah is also the Founder and Creator of Mama Awakened Yoga + Collective.