Serving all Ontario residents

In-person and virtual appointments available

Serving all Ontario residents

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Meet Your Team

Our dedicated team at FFEW is led by our founder, Dr. Zia Lakdawalla, a clinical psychologist committed to children’s emotional health and wellness. Alongside Dr. Lakdawalla, we have a diverse group of professionals, including registered psychotherapists and social workers, each bringing unique expertise and a passion for supporting families. Our team provides a comprehensive range of services, from early intervention to parent and child emotional regulation support.  We are united by our goal to create a supportive and nurturing environment, empowering families to build resilience and achieve emotional well-being. Get in touch with us to discover how we can help your family thrive.

Dr. Zia Lakdawalla - Foundations for Emotional Wellness

Dr. Zia Lakdawalla

C.Psych.

Director, Child Psychologist

Foundations For Emotional Wellness | Ola Obaro

Ola Obaro

MA, RP, CCC.

Registered Psychotherapist

Foundations For Emotional Wellness | Jaydon Frid

Jaydon Frid

M.S.W., R.S.W.

Registered Social Worker

Bronwyn Ueberholz

Simren Kanwal

M.S.W, R.S.W

Registered Social Worker

Foundations For Emotional Wellness | Kerry Levoir Lally

Cassandra Harmsen

M.A., Ph.D Candidate

Clinical Therapist

Tiffany_Knight

Tiffany Knight

Administrative Assistant
Intake Coordinator

Bronwyn Ueberholz

Bronwyn Ueberholz

Intake Coordinator

Our team is here to support you with the tools, strategies,
and compassionate care necessary
for your family’s emotional health journey.

How do I start the process of working
with a therapist at FFEW?

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 are your fees?

Our fees are within the recommended rate by the Ontario Psychological Association, and vary depending on the nature of the service required. We offer a free initial telephone consultation, where we will discuss fees, and payment methods with you.

Are therapy and assessments covered by insurance?
Although psychological services are not covered by OHIP, they are covered by most extended health insurance plans. I will provide a receipt that can be submitted to your insurance company or claimed for tax deduction purposes. I encourage prospective clients to check whether they have extended health coverage and to which type of services it may apply.
Are sessions confidential?

Your privacy and confidentiality are of the utmost importance. Your identity and personal information will be kept strictly confidential, meaning that no information can be shared with others without explicit consent from you. There are certain exceptions to confidentiality according to Ontario law, and these will be fully discussed with you during your first session.

How do I know if you can help me?

We treat and assess children, adolescents, and families with a wide array of mental health problems. Prior to beginning treatment, we 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.