Dr. Sophie Duranceau

PhD, C.Psych
On Extended Leave - Clinical Psychologist

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
CONTACT
2039 Robertson Road, Suite 403
Nepean, Ontario, K2H 8R2
613-695-0900
© 2015 DR. LAURA A. NICHOLS, PH.D., C. PSYCH.