Dr. Sophie Duranceau
My therapeutic style is warm, genuine, and strengths-based. Together, we will work to identify your personal values, unique needs and treatment goals. We will then identify strategies that can help you move towards those goals while remaining true to yourself.
I practice using evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including Prolonged Exposure (PE) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I also often integrate motivational interviewing and emotion-focused principles in treatment. Regardless of the approach I use, I believe a compassionate therapeutic style is essential to create an environment where you can feel comfortable owning your personal life story. Although I work with individuals experiencing a variety of difficulties, much of my current focus and expertise is on working with first responders and their families or seniors.
Aside from private practice, I currently work as a part-time psychologist in the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre (ROMHC) Youth Psychiatry Program. I am involved in the training and supervision of doctoral students in clinical psychology from the University of Ottawa and psychology residents at ROMHC. During my training, I have gained experience with mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders across the lifespan through my training in outpatient community mental health programs, at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Depot Medical Treatment Centre, in a specialized military mental health clinic, on a medical burn unit, and in a geriatric psychiatry program.
In addition to my clinical work, I have a keen interest in research on the accessibility of mental health services for first responders. I was involved in the first national survey of mental health needs among Canadian public safety personnel (e.g., police, EMS, firefighters, correctional officers) and I continue to regularly collaborate with the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT).
Professional Memberships
- College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO)
- The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
- The Ontario Psychological Association (OPA)
Other Professional Contributions
- My research has been published in academic peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Anxiety Disorders, the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of Military Veteran and Family
Health. - I continue to inform my clinical practice by conducting research (e.g., program development and research) and presenting my research at national and international conferences.
- I continue my professional development through regular attendance at national and international workshops and conferences, and keeping up to date with the scientific and clinical literature.

Credentials
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Regina, 2018
- M.A. in Clinical Psychology, University of Regina, 2014
- B.A. (Honours) Psychology, Concordia University, 2011
- B.A. Relations Internationales & Droit International, Université du Québec à Montréal, 2008
Year Abroad: Tel Aviv University – Middle Eastern Studies - Certified BOS (Before Operational Stress) Clinician, 2019
Clinical Services for Adults (18+) and Seniors
- Depression
- Anxiety (Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety/Worry, Phobias)
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Operational Stress Injuries
- Stress management
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship/interpersonal concerns
- Life adjustment/transitions
- Grief/Loss