Refugees, Newcomers, Survivors of Torture and Immigration Reports

I have extensive experience working with refugees who have fled violence, been tortured, or been prosecuted.

If you have experienced trauma, including female genital mutilation, partner violence, political, religious, and war-related tortures, sexual and gender identity issues (LGBTQI+) and gender-based violence, I can help you process those horrific experiences therapeutically.

The process of counselling and psychotherapy may be new to you, but they can help you process traumatic experiences and improve your overall quality of life.

I also provide mental health assessments to support refugee claims, appeals, Pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) and Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications. I am trained to provide these assessments.

Additionally, I attend IRB hearings to support you during this stressful process.

All services are free of charge if you qualify for Interim Federal Health Plans.

Find Us

Book an Appointment

Mego Nerses Trauma Psychotherapist

Experience You Can Count On

About MEGO NERSES

I am an Ottawa-based Registered Psychotherapist. I have a full-time private practice. In the past, I worked in social service agencies for many years. I offer individual, relationship, and sex therapy in English, Arabic, and Armenian to adults 18+. I do not work with minors.

In 2011, I earned a master’s degree in Counselling from the University of Ottawa. I am a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario (CRPO#001132) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. In addition, I am a Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA#3058). The focus of my clinical training is on sexuality, sex therapy, and trauma/PTSD. Since 2013, I have been teaching at Algonquin College as a seasonal professor. I teach courses in mental health and addiction.

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to publish in peer-reviewed articles and contributed chapters concerning counselling, coming out, and trauma specifically related to LGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers to Canada. I have presented numerous workshops and continue to present nationally and internationally on the mental health of LGBTQI+ and SOGIE refugees and asylum seekers.

In 2020, I launched my online learning platform to offer courses to clinicians who work with the refugee population. Learn more about my elearning platform at www.mnelearning.ca

Professional expertiseThrough the years, I have gained expertise in the field of mental health of refugees. I also have had trainings in trauma/PTSD therapy, relationship (Poly. Kink), sexuality, and sex therapy. I have participated in numerous training opportunities related to sex therapy, sexuality, gender identity, and trauma. I have also received training in conducting mental health assessments for refugees in the context of immigration courts through Division 56, Trauma Psychology, and Physicians for Human Rights, and the Global Institute of Forensic Research.I am LGBTQI+/poly/kink/CNM supportive therapist.Therapeutic approachesIn addition to Narrative Exposure Therapy for PTSD (NET), I have also trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD and Experiential Therapy and Focusing. I integrate social justice and Rights-based principles into my work as a trauma-informed therapist.

AwardsIn recognition of my dedication to helping LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers in Canada, I received the 2017 Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). AffiliationsI have an international affiliate membership with Division 56, Trauma Psychology, the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Global Institute of Forensic Research.

Let's have a chat

Facts about Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process. The therapist and the client must work together to reach the desired outcomes.
Research indicates that the quality of the therapeutic relationship between therapists and clients is the highest contributor to change, almost 40%. Therapy modality or approach contributes only 15% to change.
The quality of the client-therapist alliance is a reliable predictor of positive clinical outcomes independent of psychotherapeutic techniques and outcome measures (Ardito & Rabellino, 2011).
Psychotherapy has been shown to reduce the use of medications, consultations with primary-care physicians, length of inpatient stays, and general health care expenditures by 60% to 90% (Chiles, Lambert, & Hatch, 1999; Kraft, Puschner, Lambert, & Kordy, 2006).
Psychotherapy in conjunction with pharmaceutical treatment has been shown to be more enduring and effective in the long term than medication alone.
There are more than 100 psychotherapy approaches. Always make sure your therapist is using evidence-based psychotherapy.