Foundations for emotional Wellness
Our Team
Led by Dr. Zia Lakdawalla, a clinical psychologist with an unwavering commitment to children’s emotional health and wellness. With expertise in early intervention, parent regulation, child emotional regulation, and caregiver wellness, our team is well-equipped to help your family foster resilience and emotional well-being. At FFEW, we believe in taking a preventive and proactive approach, providing the tools, strategies, and support necessary to create a healthy emotional environment for your child. Get to know us better, and see why we are the right choice for your family’s emotional health journey.

Dr. Zia Lakdawalla,
C.Psych.
Director, Child Psychologist
Dr. Zia Lakdawalla is a registered clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children, adolescent, and parents. Dr. Zia’s goal is to help clients cope with uncomfortable feelings, improve relationships, and increase competency and efficacy in managing the demands of each new stage of development.

Ola Obaro,
MA, RP (Q), CCC.
Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying
Ola Obaro is a Certified Canadian Counsellor who has been dedicated to empowering children and parents for many years. As the former director for Children and Youth in Care at WJS, in Nanaimo BC, Ola’s work is based on the early relationships between parent and child, as well as how the brain influences behaviour. Ola makes a special effort to understand the challenges that young people and parents face today, to see them for who they are and to let them share through connection, their stories, and what they need to succeed.

Jaydon Frid,
M.S.W., R.S.W.
Registered Social Worker

Jessica Tsang,
MA.
Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying
Jessica Tsang is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a strong commitment to strengthening the connections between children, adolescents, and their caregivers. Her approach centers on the importance of understanding and validating the emotions and experiences of both caregivers and children, with the aim of effectively addressing challenges and fostering resilience. She has training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), relational models of therapy, and attachment-based therapies.

Kerry Levoir Lally,
BBA.
Intake Coordinator
Kerry Levoir Lally embarked on her professional journey after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. She spent five years in the Finance department at Bell Canada, after which she sought to gain investment experience. Kerry moved to Bermuda to work as a Fund Accountant and successfully earned her status as a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst.
Working with Dr. Zia
There are the most frequently asked questions regarding my working with patients. If you have any other questions, contact me.
What are Dr. Zia's fees?
My fees are within the recommended rate by the Ontario Psychological Association, and vary depending on the nature of the service required. I offer a free initial telephone consultation, where I will discuss fees, and payment methods with you.
Are therapy and assessments covered by insurance?
Are sessions confidential?
How do I know if you can help me?
I treat and assess children, adolescents, and families with a wide array of mental health problems. Prior to beginning treatment, I offer a free initial telephone consultation to discuss your reasons for seeking treatment, as well as any questions or concerns you may have, in order to determine suitability for treatment.
Do I need a referral?
You may contact FFEW directly to arrange a consultation or appointment for assessment or treatment. No professional referral is required. To book an appointment or enquire further about my services please contact the clinic.
I’m a health professional and would like to refer one of my patients. Can I speak to a clinician about suitability of the referral?
You may contact me directly to arrange a consultation or appointment for assessment or treatment. No professional referral is required. To book an appointment or enquire further about my services please contact the clinic.
Is there a waitlist for treatment?
I aim to connect with clients within 4-5 business days of initial contact In times of high demand, we do hold a waitlist, however, I have several options that may be beneficial to support your family while you wait. Please contact the clinic to learn about available options. Please note that a waitlist may exist for specific groups between cycles.
How do I start the process of working with Dr. Zia?
The best way to begin is to schedule an intake call. During this free 10-minute call, I will inquire about your needs and any symptoms you may be experiencing. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and to find out more about treatment options and current availability at the clinic.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, psychotherapist, and social worker?
Professionals who provide psychotherapy include psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and psychotherapists.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors that typically focus on the diagnosis and biological treatment of mental health problems. They provide medication to clients to assist with mood stabilization and management of symptoms. Psychiatrists often work within hospital programs. For many clients, they are an integral part of the treatment team.
Psychologists attend graduate school in psychology and have typically completed a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in the field, which spans approximately 7 to 9 years at the graduate level. In graduate school, they are required to study and create psychological research. Upon graduation, they are eligible to register with the College of Psychologists, but must complete a minimum of one year of ‘supervised practice.’ During this year, psychologists complete 3 comprehensive examinations and have a minimum of 1500 hours of practice overseen by a senior psychologist. Psychologists are legally able to diagnose mental health conditions, and they often use psychometric testing to assess clients and determine accurate diagnoses. Other mental health clinicians frequently refer to psychologists for extensive testing and psychotherapy.
Social workers attend graduate school and earn a Master’s of Social Work degree, which typically takes two years, following which they are eligible to complete examinations and register with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers of Ontario. They do not diagnose mental health conditions, though they are trained to provide psychotherapy. Social workers are often employed in hospital settings and support patients in connecting to community services. In private practice settings, many social workers provide therapy to individuals, couples, and groups.
Psychotherapists have varied education in the field of therapeutic intervention and are required to have a minimum of 360 hours of post-university education in the field of psychotherapy. Psychotherapists typically have Master’s degrees in counselling or education, though this may not be required. They do not diagnose mental health conditions. Psychotherapists are trained to provide psychotherapy and often work in a variety of settings.
While the training of these professionals differs, it is important to remember that mental health clinicians often receive much additional training beyond their schooling. A clinician’s ability to support individuals with their goals isn’t necessarily best determined solely by their academic training, but rather by both their education and their clinical experience combined.