LISA ZEMANOVICH, M.S.W, R.S.W.

Lisa Zemanovich earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McGill University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. Prior to beginning private practice, Lisa worked within various multi-disciplinary teams in Psychiatry. She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families with a variety of mental health-related issues, including, depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, OCD, phobias and somatization. Prior to beginning her Masters, she worked at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Montreal. During her Masters she completed her internships at Women’s College Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children. During her first internship, she gained training in trauma by working with adults who had experienced childhood interpersonal trauma. Throughout her second internship, she worked in both the inpatient and outpatient units providing support to individuals who were diagnosed with various health and mental health conditions. Subsequent to finishing her training as part of her Masters, Lisa has been working in private practice at the clinic since 2017.

Lisa’s therapeutic approach is client-centred, eclectic and strength-based. Furthermore, she utilizes a trauma-informed lens and evidence-based practices when working with clients. Lisa also uses an integrated therapeutic approach, which draws on cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, relational psychotherapies, and mindfulness. Through a CBT lens, she helps clients self-explore how past experiences are affecting current cognitions, feelings and behaviour in order to create cognitive restructuring and shifts in behavioural patterns. Lastly, she is keen on fostering a non-judgemental, empathetic and collaborative relationship with clients in order to establish trust and create a safe space. She believes this is crucial in order to establish a strong therapeutic alliance, which is one of the key components for a successful therapeutic outcome.