Merna Tawfik
Hamilton,ON
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate psychotherapist specializing in mood and anxiety disorders, grief, trauma, and developmental disorders. Expertise in providing an integritive approach utilizing various therapeutic modalities, such as CBT, DBT, EFT, IFS, Narrative, and SFT to create individualized treatment plans that support client progress. Known for building trusting client relationships and achieving positive mental health outcomes. Committed to promoting healing and growth through empathetic communication and support.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Psychotherapist
Healing Roots Therapy
Mississauga, ON
09.2025 - Current
- Creating individualized client treatment plans based on assessments and goals.
- Maintaining accurate and confidential client records in compliance with regulations using Jane software.
- Applying a holistic and integrative approach using evidence-based therapies, including CBT, EFT, ACT, Narrative, and IFS, along with trauma- and grief-informed approaches, to support client progress.
- Monitoring client progress throughout the course of treatment, and adjusting therapeutic approaches accordingly.
- Participating in professional development workshops to enhance therapeutic skills.
- Adhering to HIPAA confidentiality requirements by safeguarding files.
- Providing crisis intervention services when needed by accessing emergency mental health resources.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Intern
Healing Roots Therapy
Mississauga, Ontario
01.2025 - 08.2025
- Utilized Jane practice management software for clinical charting, including maintaining accurate client records, documenting progress notes, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with confidentiality and ethical standards.
- Fostered a safe, supportive therapeutic environment that promoted trust and open communication.
- Utilized different therapeutic interventions during sessions to help clients develop greater self-awareness and coping skills for managing stressors.
- Maintained detailed clinical records and documentation, ensuring accurate tracking of client progress and adherence to legal requirements.
- Built strong rapport with clients through active listening skills and empathic understanding of their experiences, fostering lasting therapeutic relationships.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, and adjusted treatment plans as necessary based on changing needs or circumstances.
- Referred clients to external resources for additional support.
Instructor Therapist
Spectacokids
Milton, Ontario
09.2024 - 07.2025
- Demonstrated proficiency in Jane software for charting, documentation, scheduling, and secure record management, as well as Ensora for data collection.
- Developed individualized therapeutic, social, academic, and developmental plans for students with developmental disabilities.
- Implemented engaging activities to enhance communication and social skills.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to monitor student progress regularly.
- Trained new staff on best practices in developmental therapy methods.
- Monitored client progress through regular check-ins with caregivers and teachers.
- Organized recreational activities that encouraged physical activity while promoting skill building and healthy interactions between peers.
Psychometrist
New Leaf Psychology
10.2023 - 05.2024
- Experience in Jane system for booking and charting system.
- Participated in WSIB and MVA assessments with psychologists to assist in the completion of forms.
- Conducted psychoeducational assessments for individuals with ADHD using standardized tools (WISC-V, WAIS-IV, WIAT-III, PPVT-5, EVT-3, CTOPP, CELF, WRAML, RCFT, VMI, CPT-3, KCPT-2, CATA, LEITER), including administration, scoring, interpretation, and comprehensive report writing with diagnoses and recommendations."
- Provided perceptive behavioural and test-setting observations to psychologists.
- Ensured reliable test results by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of psychometric tools and best practices.
- Collaborated with psychologists to develop tailored assessment strategies for clients.
- Ensured compliance with ethical standards and confidentiality protocols in assessments.
Research Assistant
Toronto Metropolitan Univeristy
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Co-authored a published research article entitled "Record, Recall, Reflect: A Qualitative Examination of Compassion Fatigue in Toronto Zoo Staff" and a knowledge mobilization.
- Supported research processes through precise data transcription
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Reviewed qualitative data and conducted thematic analysis to identify patterns, trends, and emerging themes.
- Verified theaccuracy of data by conducting quality assurance checks on collected materials.
- Collaborated with faculty to prepare research proposals and presentations.
Developmental Therapist
Oakwood Academy
03.2022 - 05.2023
- Administered and scored the ABLLS-R, AFLS, NDCR, and Denver model assessments to children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD and ASD).
- Developed an individualized treatment plan using the principles of Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based model for clients with developmental and mental
disorders, resulting in improved functioning and quality of life. - Collaborated with clients and families to develop realistic goals and objectives that focused
on increasing self-efficacy and autonomy. - Established trust and rapport with clients, creating an environment that allowed for open
and honest communication. - Maintained accurate client records, documenting progress toward goals, and providing essential information for team collaboration.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to promote peer interaction and support.
- Educated families on techniques to reinforce skills at home effectively.
Therapist
Shining Stars
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Implemented the principles of Applied Behaviour Therapy to teach children with ADHD and ASD positive behaviours.
- Developed and implemented evidence-based interventions that improved clients’ overall
mental health and well-being. - Evaluated clients’ progress through in-person and virtual sessions, providing feedback and
making necessary adjustments to treatment plans - Provided psychoeducation on topics such as stress management, anger management, parenting skills.
- Maintained accurate client records in compliance with privacy regulations.
- Conducted initial assessments of clients to determine presenting issues and develop treatment plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care.
Instructor Therapist
Beyond the Door
Mississauga, Ontario
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Developed individualized plans for children with developmental delays.
- Collaborated with families to support children's growth and learning.
- Conducted assessments to identify developmental milestones and needs.
- Implemented therapeutic strategies to enhance communication skills.
- Monitored progress and adjusted strategies based on child responses.
- Advocated for resources to support children's developmental needs.
- Advised parents on how best to address difficult behaviours exhibited by their children.
Education
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
Ontario08-2025
Developmental Studies
The International Council On Development &Learning
09-2022
Certificate, Neuro Change Method Practitioner
Neuro Change Institute
05-2022
Certificates in Seizure -
Epilepsy Foundation
03-2022
Certificate, Applied Behaviour Analysis
Autism Partnership Foundation
07-2021
Honours Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON04.2021
Skills
- ASIST training (2024)
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Therapeutic Rapport Building
- Integrative Therapy Techniques
- Client Progress Monitoring
- Confidentiality and Ethical Standards
- Client assessment
- Evidence-based therapy
- Safety and risk assessments
- Crisis intervention
- Effective communication
Affiliations
- Mental Health Certified Listener at BuddyHelp
- Child Life Health at The Hospital for the Sick Children
Certification
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) Registration (Licemse # 18461)
Additional Languages
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Registered Psychotherapist
Healing Roots Therapy
09.2025 - Current
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Intern
Healing Roots Therapy
01.2025 - 08.2025
Instructor Therapist
Spectacokids
09.2024 - 07.2025
Psychometrist
New Leaf Psychology
10.2023 - 05.2024
Research Assistant
Toronto Metropolitan Univeristy
06.2022 - 06.2023
Developmental Therapist
Oakwood Academy
03.2022 - 05.2023
Therapist
Shining Stars
01.2022 - 05.2022
Instructor Therapist
Beyond the Door
05.2021 - 12.2021
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
Developmental Studies
The International Council On Development &Learning
Certificate, Neuro Change Method Practitioner
Neuro Change Institute
Certificates in Seizure -
Epilepsy Foundation
Certificate, Applied Behaviour Analysis
Autism Partnership Foundation
Honours Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Guelph