Meet Dr. Guthrie

Dr. Shasha Oosthuizen completed her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. She is a professional member of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) and the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA). Dr. Oosthuizen completed her training in Ontario and has worked in diverse clinical settings, including private practice, hospitals, and universities.

At Lakeview Psychology, she is currently a clinical psychologist working under the supervision of Dr. Andrea Guthrie, C. Psych., in which she provides therapy for adults with a wide range of concerns. Dr. Oosthuizen provides intervention services for clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and past or present relationship difficulties. She also supports clients dealing with trauma or PTSD and grief or loss, such as a relationship break-up, divorce, grief of a loved one, and the loss of a pet. Dr. Oosthuizen has extensive experience helping clients with life adjustment difficulties (e.g., starting college/university, relocation, retirement), occupational stress, and burnout. She has been trained in various treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic, attachment-based, relational, dialectical-behavioural, and emotion-focused therapies. Dr. Oosthuizen believes in tailoring treatment to fit individuals’ unique goals and needs, ensuring a personalized approach to therapy.

Dr. Oosthuizen believes everyone is doing their best to navigate life’s challenges, but sometimes, extra support is needed to feel better. She sees psychotherapy as a type of self-care and believes self-care is crucial for our wellness. Dr. Oosthuizen provides a safe, nonjudgmental, and authentic space for clients to explore their experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Her goal is to help clients cultivate self-compassion, which she believes is critical to achieving psychological well-being.

Leah obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor of Education from York University, and her Master of Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School in Toronto. She is working toward registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) as a Psychological Associate under the supervision of Dr. Guthrie.

Leah taught in the local school board for 17 years and then worked in private practice providing psychological services to remote indigenous communities across Ontario, Nunavut, and Québec. Her experiences in both teaching and private practice gave her a strong understanding of the uniqueness of each person and the importance of tailoring treatment to each client’s individual strengths and needs. She uses a strengths-based approach and has worked with a variety of individuals with a variety of presenting needs, including Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, ASD, ODD, grief and loss, trauma, and learning problems.

Leah believes that everyone does the best they can with the resources they have and she is passionate about helping others to recognize resources within and around them. In working with clients, she maintains a gentle, honest, and empathetic approach.

Cristina Radic is currently completing her Doctor of Psychology degree at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). She has completed her final year of clinical residency training in private practice and has worked previously in various settings, including universities, immigration & refugee services, and was a training lead with the Psychology Training Clinic.

At Lakeview Psychology, she works as a therapist under the direct supervision of Dr. Andrea Guthrie, C. Psych. She sees adults facing a wide range of mental health concerns. She offers a private, non-judgmental, and creative space to explore and process your specific experiences. During the initial session, she will use a collaborative approach to identify your goals for therapy. As you describe your present concerns and share important aspects of your history, we will develop a tailored therapeutic plan to work towards your goals, alleviate symptoms, and cultivate personal growth.

She uses an integrative approach to practice that combines theories of human psychological development with an understanding of affects/emotions and neuroscience research to help address your current difficulties. She has specific experience working with clients dealing with relationship issues, anxiety, grief, depression and complex childhood trauma. Life can sometimes be challenging, and she believes that there is a way forward through accessing the skills and strengths you already hold, in addition to developing new ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing life.

Somayyeh completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A., Honours) in Psychology from the University of Waterloo in 2014, followed by a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto in 2020. She is currently in the last year of her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. At Lakeview Psychology, Somayyeh works under the supervision of Dr. Andrea Guthrie, C. Psych. She has gained extensive training and experience in psychological treatment and assessments in various clinical settings, including hospital, university, and private practice. As an integrative psychotherapist, Somayyeh’s approach combines elements from different therapeutic modalities, including Emotiona-Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), client-centered therapy, attachment-based psychotherapy, and psychodynamic therapy.

With eight years of extensive training and experience across various settings working with diverse populations, she is confident in her ability to provide a safe and accepting environment for collaborative exploration. In this therapeutic space, she will have an opportunity to gain understanding of your internal experiences while developing healthy coping skills that promote growth. In her clinical practice, Somayyeh provides a confidential and secure environment for addressing mental health symptoms and concerns openly. She assists individuals in overcoming distressing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, complex trauma, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. Additionally, she works with those coping with grief and loss, adjusting to health-related conditions or other life events, and navigating interpersonal difficulties. She is equipped to help manage various emotional challenges, including anger, shame, guilt, fear, and other overwhelming emotions affecting well-being. Furthermore, Somayyeh offers support for clients facing parenting challenges, marital issues, stress management difficulties, and low self-esteem concerns. She provides services in both English and Persian to accommodate individuals who prefer either language.

Jessica is member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and is currently under the supervision of Dr. Guthrie. She has worked in the area of Psychology since 2007 and has experience in risk prevention/management, teaching/training, and psychotherapy.

In addition to her formal education, Jessica has received further training in grief and loss, DBT, group therapy, behaviour therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and trauma-focused therapy. Jessica has experience working with individuals, and groups; counselling a variety of issues including, relationship management, anxiety, depression, OCD, anger management, self-esteem, grief and loss, trauma, and a variety of other life transitional issues. In addition, Jessica has over ten years experience supporting individuals with a dual diagnosis, learning difficulties, and personality complexities such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, Autism and Tourette’s syndrome. 

In addition to private practice, Jessica works for a non profit agency. As a psychotherapist, she provides authentic, empathetic, non-judgmental, insightful support as she journeys with her clients through a variety of challenges they face.

Magda Leus completed a Master of Social Psychology from Poland and a Master of Psychology in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She is currently a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (Qualifying) and is under the supervision of Dr. Guthrie.

Magda embraces an integrative approach, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic modalities. In the therapeutic process, Magda engages in a collaborative journey with her clients, assuming the roles of both guide and compassionate companion. This approach allows individuals to navigate their progress at their own pace while identifying patterns that may benefit from change. Magda firmly believes in the power of facilitated exploration, enabling clients to gain insights, comprehend the nature of their challenges, and adopt a new perspective.

With an empathetic lens, Magda empowers clients to take ownership, unravel barriers obstructing personal growth, and transform obstacles into stepping stones toward a more harmonious life. Her focus lies in establishing a meaningful connection, and she adopts a direct yet warm approach.

Magda’s unique professional background equips her with an understanding of cross-cultural differences and the complexities associated with this. She has a special interest in working with the adult children of alcoholics, dysfunctional family dynamics and issues related to parentification.

Brittany obtained her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) She is currently under the supervision of Dr. Guthrie

Brittany has a passion for helping individuals overcome challenges and reach their full potential. She integrates several evidence-based approaches in her practice, including emotion-focused, cognitive behavioural, narrative, and solution-focused. These techniques allow Brittany to tailor her approach to each individual’s unique needs and goals, empowering clients to find their own solutions and narratives. Brittany creates a safe and supportive space for clients from all walks of life to explore their experiences and emotions. With a focus on building resilience and promoting self-awareness, Brittany helps clients develop the skills and perspectives necessary for a fulfilling and meaningful life. Whether you are struggling with a specific issue (such as trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, etc.) or simply seeking personal growth, Brittany is committed to supporting you on your journey.

In 1994, Dr. Kneer obtained his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a minor in counseling from the University of Arizona. During this time, he published research on Fuzzy Trace Theory and children’s memory development with his mentor Dr. Charles Brainerd. Dr. Kneer has assessed over 2,000 individuals (preschool age through adults) both privately and with various agencies, school districts, and post-secondary institutions. 

Dr. Kneer’s passion is in working with individuals and students to successfully ascertain what their cognitive strengths and weaknesses are as well as their emotional needs. He has experience in evaluating for behavioural problems, learning disabilities, ADHD, as well as various autism spectrum and emotional disorders.   

Although most of Ryan’s past experience was as a K-12 salaried school psychologist, he also headed the Quality Assurance Program at the Northern Ontario Assessment and Resource Centre. He continues to teach at Laurentian University part-time as a professor of Fundamentals of Psychometrics and Psychology of Education.            

Lise is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and has been working in the field for over 20 years. She has conducted parent workshops such as ‘1234 Parents!’ and ‘Nobody’s Perfec’t as well facilitated various programs such as ‘School’s Cool’ and early learning preschool programs. As a Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) provider, Lise enjoys supporting families in her community. She has a great passion for children and believes that every child matters and that children are our future. Providing opportunities for them to grow into confident, capable and resilient individuals is something that is near and dear to her heart. Lise chaired and co-chaired her local Neighborhood Community Team committee in Sudbury for 2 years. She is currently enrolled in Stuart Shanker’s Self-Reg course through the MEHRIT Centre. In the last few years, Lise has had the opportunity to provide psycho-educational assessments further adding to her passion of supporting families in providing tools for success. At Lakeview Psychology, she works alongside Dr. Kneer to provide comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations.