Sophia El Ouazzani

Sophia is an occupational therapist specializing in mental health for adult clients. She supports people who are going through a period in which anxiety, mood issues, stress, or other challenges are making daily life, work, or school more difficult. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. She takes the time to understand each person’s situation, background, and priorities in order to guide them toward concrete and meaningful changes.

 Sophia holds a professional master’s degree in occupational therapy from McGill University (2016) and has several years of clinical experience in mental health and psychosocial rehabilitation. Her approach to occupational therapy focuses on understanding how the challenges a person faces manifest in their daily life: energy levels, motivation, organization, lifestyle habits, relationships, work, school, or participation in meaningful activities. She then works with the individual to develop realistic strategies tailored to their situation to facilitate a gradual resumption of activities and a better work-life balance. Sophia also has expertise in social and vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work programs. She supports individuals in the gradual resumption of their professional roles, the management of their energy and capabilities, and the development of strategies that facilitate a realistic and sustainable return to work. Her practice is grounded in a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach that is sensitive to traumatic experiences. She also has specific expertise in intercultural mental health and adaptation in the context of immigration. Her clinical experience working with immigrants and asylum seekers, combined with her doctoral research on the cultural appropriateness of mental health rehabilitation practices, leads her to consider, in her interventions, the influence of culture, migration history, family, and social environment on daily participation and well-being. In her work, Sophia places great importance on creating a therapeutic relationship based on active listening, trust, and collaboration. She wants each person to feel welcomed as they are, without judgment and at their own pace. Together, they seek to better understand the challenges faced and to develop concrete strategies that will gradually help restore a more balanced, fulfilling, and meaningful daily life.

Quebec Order of Occupational Therapists (OEQ)