Ms. Julie Ayad graduated with highest distinction from McMaster University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour specializing in Mental Health. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Medaille University in Buffalo, New York, where she is currently in the process of completing her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and is in her pre-doctoral internship year.
Ms. Ayad has experience working with anxiety-based disorders (GAD, Social Anxiety, OCD), mood disorders and stress reactions (PTSD), personality disorders, adjustment disorders, relationship distress, workplace stress, self-esteem issues, and grief. Ms. Ayad also has experience in conducting comprehensive psychological assessments with children and teens. Her detailed reports integrate her findings and provide holistic recommendations to improve her clients’ overall well-being and academic performance.
Ms. Ayad operates from an integrative perspective primarily using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and aspects of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness techniques, and insight-oriented approaches such as Psychodynamic Therapy. Ms. Ayad works under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Lohnes and Dr. Jean Dennis during her pre-doctoral internship year.
Ms. Ayad brings warmth and compassion to her work with clients. She connects with clients, puts them at ease, and works collaboratively, at the client’s pace, to help them feel less anxious, happier and have a greater sense of well-being.
