Shalem’s counselling clinic, based in Hamilton, continues to get busier as the demand for our services increase. We appreciate the opportunity to care for the many individuals, couples and families that reach out to us for support.

Of course, this increased demand requires growth on our end. We decided to add two new positions to our counselling team this fall. We are thrilled with how broad our staff has become, with many psychotherapists and social workers who have a wide array of gifts and experience available to serve our clients.

One area of the clinic that is expanding is our Attachment Program. This program focuses on providing specialized therapy to help children who have experienced neglect or trauma develop the ability to form healthy attachment relationships with their caregivers. We’re very pleased that Amelia Rana is joining our team. She comes to us after having worked for several years at a Family Health Team and brings a passion and much training in this important area of attachment work. She will be working in the role part-time, on site two days a week. Welcome Amelia!

The clinic has also added a full-time psychotherapy position. We are so pleased that Shawn Groen, who has worked on our team for several years in a part-time capacity, is transitioning to be with us five days a week. Shawn provides general psychotherapy services and also has expertise in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. We continue to receive great feedback from both staff and clients about Shawn’s gentle approach and ability to collaborate.

Another change this fall is the addition of Linda Gould to our team. She comes to us from Providence Theological Seminar and is filling the role of psychotherapy intern until the spring. Linda brings a wealth of experience and wisdom in the area of wellness and relationships, and we are so pleased to have her voice in our group.

Another piece of good news is that Tampa Allen is staying on as one of our therapists at Redeemer University College in Ancaster. Her role is to support the student body through the Counselling Assistance Plan for Students (CAPS). Tampa has been a strong addition to our team this past year, and we are so grateful to have her presence on campus with the students. Thanks Tampa!

Last but not least, we were thrilled to have Dr. Anthony Carr join our agency this past spring. A Christian psychiatrist with many decades of wisdom and experience both in practice and in teaching, Tony has become a wonderful support to the staff, making himself regularly available to offer consultation. Thanks so much for all your many contributions, Tony!

We continue to be grateful for the opportunity to support the broader Hamilton community with such a great team of psychotherapists, social workers and mental heath care providers.

Jennifer Bowen, M.Div., RMFT, is the Clinical Director of Shalem Mental Health Network’s Counselling Services.