OUR TEAM
John Marshall
Finance Manager
Dr. Stephanie Bot is the founder of the Forest Hill Centre (formerly Dr. Stephanie Bot and Associates). She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst in private practice in midtown Toronto since 1999. Her clinical practice focuses on the psychodynamic treatment of adults with trauma and relationship challenges as well as working with individuals who are dealing with workplace harassment and bullying. She believes in the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity with a supportive dynamic approach to treatment that is tailored to the unique presentation and experiences of each individual.
Dr. Bot is an advocate for workplace mental health and psychological safety through her work in her other business Workright (www.workright.ca). Workright’s programs and contribution to workplace mental health have been recognized and promoted with the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA), Human Resource Professional Association (HRPA) and Excellence Canada to name a few.
Dr. Bot innovated and developed the TICP 3yr Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program which obtained approval from the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (MTCU) as well as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She was also the primary driver of the creation and launch of the TICP Community Clinic serving over 100 individuals with affordable and accessible treatment.
She is a public speaker and presents papers at local and international conferences. She is also an author in peer reviewed journals, magazines and other publications. Recently she launched a new course on dating and relationships called Would You Date You? which can be found at wouldyoudateyou.ca. She oversees the group practice at the Forest Hill Centre.
Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Aram, PsyD earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from York University in Toronto, Ontario and her Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Aram has trained in a variety of universities, community mental health centers and private organizations with a consistent focus on social justice and diversity through an anti-oppressive lens. Her training has allowed her to develop specializations in working with adult survivors of trauma, LGBTQIA2S+ community, and college student populations, with expertise in treating: depression, anxiety, sex and intimacy issues, codependency, family conflict, personality disorders, body-image concerns, grief/loss, and difficult life transitions.
Dr. Aram’s approach to clinical practice is based on an appreciation of both the art and science of psychotherapy. She practices from a foundation of relational psychodynamic, interpersonal process, and existential frameworks, helping clients derive meaning from their repeated behavior patterns and complex emotional reactions, as well as deepen self-awareness and strengthen self-worth. She approaches her work with openness and admiration for each individual’s story, striving to form a therapeutic relationship that feels empowering and safe. Dr. Aram helps create a holistic picture for clients to gain insight into themselves and their relationships, while feeling greater acceptance and clarity about their lived experiences.
Dr. Aram is delighted to work collaboratively with her clients and create a uniquely tailored therapeutic experience utilizing her additional training in several evidence-based treatments: DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), as well as techniques from Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy and Narrative therapies. Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Aram enjoys being in nature, reading memoirs, and writing for the community.
Katherine Bear earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The University of Guelph, and her Master’s in Psychology from The New School for Social Research in New York. After completing her Master’s in Social Work at both New York University and York University, she has gone on to practice in a variety of clinical and community mental health settings. Her passion for collaboration and social justice has led to much training and skill development in a plethora of therapeutic modalities. She works with clients to ensure that they are receiving the care that works with their unique goals, and that they feel witnessed through their journey. Katherine uses a range of techniques including, Somatic Therapies, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy. She is an EMDR certified clinician and has recently completed her training in Internal Family Systems. She has lent her skillset to help clients, from youths to adults, who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, sex and intimacy challenges, and interpersonal relationship issues. Her background working with children and families allows for a curious, playful, and creative approach that enables the relational support youth can thrive in.
Katherine believes that there is power in how people shape their stories, and that we can derive meaning from their telling. She aims to support and guide her clients using a mind-body approach that cultivates more depth from their self-reflection and emotional processing. She approaches this work with openness and aims to create a safe and brave space where these stories are both held and heard.
Zuraida Dada is a seasoned psychologist with a focus on organisations and individual counselling. She works with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, life coaching, career coaching and return to work. She is committed to helping her clients identify their strengths while enhancing their resiliency and coping strategies so they can successfully manage and overcome the situations they are facing. Her interest is in supporting clients in building meaningful and fulfilling lives. She is action-oriented and solutions-focused in the context of a supportive and empathic therapeutic approach.
Zuraida has practiced as a psychologist for 19 years (in South Africa), for over 14 years (in Alberta), since 2021 (in Ontario) and since 2022 (in Nova Scotia). Her focus areas include counselling psychology and organizational/industrial psychology. She is currently completing her PhD in psychology with a focus on post-traumatic growth, resiliency and thriving. Zuraida is on the Council of the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Zuraida has received various professional awards and has been featured in articles and on podcasts. She is also a seasoned speaker and facilitator and has been the key-note speaker at various events.
Zuraida was born and raised in apartheid South Africa, and she shares the same Alma Maters as Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu and Winnie Mandela (the latter with whom she shared classes). She was also part of the first wave of Black/BIPOC intelligentsia in South Africa tasked with transforming the country from an autocracy to a democracy. She is a passionate advocate for social justice and has been active throughout her life and professional career to promote change including lobbying for changes to Canadian and South African legislation. She is fluent in two languages and has a working knowledge of five other languages. Her passions outside of her clinical and social justice work include travelling, the outdoors and fitness. She enjoys running marathons, hiking, snow shoeing, Latin music and dancing, cooking, gardening, watching movies, reading, listening to podcasts and DIY.
Amira Posner is an accomplished therapist with more than 15 years of experience. She has a Bachelor and Masters in Social Work and is registered with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She worked in diverse clinical settings until starting a private practice in 2007. Amira provides counselling for individuals, couples, and families. Amira works with clients struggling with infertility, anxiety, low self esteem, depression, feeling overwhelmed, negative thought processes, relationships, life transitions, and stress management. Amira utilizes a holistic approach to counselling that treats both the mind and helps to nurture the body. Amira developed and facilitates the Mind-Body Fertility Group at Mt. Sinai Hospital. She is also a certified hypnotherapist.
Robin Long has completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology and has over 15 years of experience working with individuals who have struggled with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, coping with past traumas, dieting, body image concerns and vocational dissatisfaction or workplace stress. She has worked with couples to repair/enhance their relationships, she is trained in EMDR and assists individuals in dealing with past traumas. She assists individuals in understanding their personality and figuring out a suitable career trajectory. She also helps people who struggle with dieting or body image issues and has run various types of support and psycho-educational groups, extensively written, lectured and published on the topic. She has authored a book titled, “The Laws of Gravity – Chronic Dieter’s Edition”.
Robin follows a Rogerian, client-centered approach to counselling: a safe atmosphere of genuineness, unconditional positive regard and empathy is provided. Under these conditions, clients can thrive, feel safe and issues are free to arise. The client dictates the pace. The process is centered around client needs. Robin specializes in testing and assessment, vocational testing and coaching. She works with individuals to assist them in obtaining the maximum amount of personal and professional satisfaction from their work and in dealing with workplace stress or trauma. She has worked extensively with organizations to ensure that candidates for employment are a good corporate fit prior to hiring. She has worked with individuals in senior level management roles to assist them in creating and executing a developmental plan.
As a vocational counsellor, Robin works closely with individuals to help them decide what career path to follow. Testing involves looking at an individual’s personality, interests, values, skills, and past work history. Clients are also given the opportunity to learn about and practice career information interviews, networking strategies and job interview skills. They may also be assisted in dealing with job stress, difficult work situations, and any personal issues that may affect their work experiences.
Donna Marshall earned a Masters in Counselling Psychology at Adler University in Chicago and Toronto. Presenting with a warm, supportive and non-judgemental approach, Donna draws on a number of treatment modalities such as psychodynamic, client centred, solution focused and CBT to best address the needs and aspirations of her clients. Donna counsels in the areas of stress, workplace harassment, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, abuse, trauma, work and home conflicts, loss, grief and life transitions. She enjoys working with young adults to find their way in the world through stressful and challenging situations. She provides her clients with both insight and practical skills and scripts to help them address challenging interpersonal situations at work and at home.
Donna supports Dr. Bot in providing clinical reports to lawyers, insurers, employers and others as well as consulting on workplace harassment and bullying. She helps those who have been bullied to gain healing, insight and learn assertiveness skills. And for those accused of harassing she helps them become more self aware and learn how to change their communication styles to become more respectful and enjoy more effective interpersonal relationships.
Donna is a sought after speaker in the areas of mental health, harassment and psychological safety in the workplace. She has published numerous articles on these subjects and is a frequent contributor to workplace webinars, interpersonal skills training and advisory services for employers to support a culture of respect in their workplaces.
Dr. Chayim Newman holds his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Yeshiva University. He completed his Residency at London Health Sciences Centre and has worked in numerous respected clinical settings including: New York Presbyterian Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, The Albert Ellis Institute and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He has studied mindfulness and meditation disciplines with several of this generation’s preeminent teachers and Dr. Newman regularly delivers lectures and seminars on meditation, mind-body health and well-being.
Dr. Newman’s clinical practice focuses on the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as other therapeutic modalities (ACT, Mindfulness, traditional psychotherapy) in the treatment of difficulties with anxiety and stress, mood and depression, addiction and substance use, relationships, coping with chronic or stress-related medical illness, and other psychological/emotional issues.
Additionally, Dr. Newman is involved in the development and implementation of stress-management and performance-enhancement programs for professionals in the corporate sector and the entertainment industry. He works extensively with performing artists and professional musicians, helping them to manage stress and mind-body health. In his spare time, Dr. Newman can often be found, surfboard in tow, cultivating his own mind-body health.
Dr. Elana Rosencrantz is a registered psychologist who completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The Washington School of Professional Psychology (Seattle, WA), from which she also received a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.
Dr. Rosencrantz provides therapy to children, adolescents and to adults in individual, couple and group settings. Her primary areas of clinical interest include anxiety disorders (such as social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder), depression, life transitions, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, and parenting skills and coaching.
Dr. Rosencrantz uses a combination of techniques that are tailored toward the client and their process towards healing. These modalities include EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), Lifespan Integration Therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), Mindfulness and relational therapies. She believes that each person has power to make changes in their life and uses the transformative nature of relationship to guide her work.
Dr. Wynsome Walker earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from McGill University, followed by her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. She completed her clinical internship and post-doctoral training at the KH Psychoanalytic Clinic in New York City in both Child and Adult specialties. Dr. Walker returned to her hometown of Toronto and has been a licensed Clinical Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario since 2005.
For the past 20 years, Dr. Walker has worked as a staff psychologist in the Early Childhood program at the Surrey Place Centre in Toronto. In this role she worked with young children and their families with suspected and diagnosed developmental disabilities. Additionally, she became the Director of Training for the Surrey Place Psychology Residency in 2014 and continues to provide supervision to doctoral and post-doctoral psychology trainees. Dr. Walker was recently elected to the national executive board of the Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs in 2023.
Dr. Walker’s clinical practice focuses on working with parents, and their children, from a psychodynamic perspective. She uses an integrative approach to treatment which draws from various theoretical models such as; Acceptance & Commitment Therapy; Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and psychodynamic play therapy. Dr. Walker believes every person, of every age, is capable of psychological growth towards a life of happiness and fulfillment.
Dr. Sara Zimmerman has been in practice as a Clinical and School psychologist for over 20 years. She trained in psychology at the University of Toronto (OISE), the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, and the Toronto Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis. She has worked with adults, adolescents and children in a variety of settings including community agencies, the Toronto District School Board, and private practice. At The Forest Hill Centre, Dr. Zimmerman works with adolescents and adults in psychodynamically oriented psychotherapy, addressing a range of issues such as depression and anxiety, stress/coping, struggles in relationships, parenting concerns, and work and school problems.
Dr. Zimmerman views psychotherapy as process of developing self-understanding. The intent is to lessen the psychological and emotional barriers that may contribute to individual suffering and interfere with one’s goals. Her style is warm and collaborative.