Meet our Team
Elim Counselling Services is non-profit Christian Counselling service located in Ottawa, Canada. Our primary goal is to help people cope with and overcome life’s challenges. Although Elim incorporates psychological techniques and interventions used in other clinical settings, Elim counsellors are also trained in understanding spiritual issues which are often raised by clients. At Elim, we believe that a person’s faith in God can be a vital asset in accomplishing therapeutic goals. This approach is not unique to Elim; many of the most successful programs such as the 12 step Gamblers Anonymous program and the Alcoholic Anonymous Program have cited belief in a higher power as one of their key steps in overcoming addiction.
Counselling at Elim meets the professional requirements necessary for certification by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). As such we are not only able to offer professional service of the highest quality but also adhere to the ethical standards specified by CCPA.
About the Director
Michael Hart, M.A., C.C.C, R.P.
Michael is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and holds the Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, reflecting his extensive training and expertise. He is qualified to work with individuals and couples and is specially trained in trauma therapy, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
In addition to his psychological credentials, Michael is a Bible college graduate with a B.A. in Theology from St. Paul University. He is the author of the widely acclaimed book The Transformed Life, which integrates psychological principles with Biblical insights. This unique combination of expertise enables Michael to address the distinct challenges faced by the Christian community, offering a holistic approach to healing.
In 2015 Michael Hart was awarded the prestigious Private Practitioner of the Year Award by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, Private Practitioner Chapter.
Selma Lamprecht
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist
Selma holds an M.A. in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, a B.A. Honours in Psychology and a B.A. in Social Work. She is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (Registration Number 800251).
Selma has years of counselling experience and a range of expertise working with adult individuals and couples. She has spoken at conferences, seminars, and workshops in Ottawa and the surrounding area. As a believer in Christ, Selma is not only knowledgeable about clinical matters, but also has a strong understanding of the Christian values, and understands the unique nature of mental health issues in the Christian context.
Xavier Sawyers
Registered Psychotherapist(Qualifying)
Xavier Sawyers is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Mental Health from Carleton University. Her educational background provides a strong foundation in understanding the connection between the brain, emotions, and behaviour, allowing her to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.
Xavier is passionate about walking alongside adolescents and adults as they navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional difficulties. She strives to create a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their healing journey. Believing that every person has inherent worth and resilience, Xavier works collaboratively with clients to help them gain insight, develop healthy coping strategies, and move toward meaningful and lasting change.
As a Christian therapist, Xavier is honoured to integrate faith into the counselling process for clients who desire it. She recognizes that healing often involves emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth, and thoughtfully incorporates biblical principles into therapy while respecting each client's individual beliefs, values, and goals.
Her practice is grounded in trauma-informed, person-centred care and draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy. Xavier tailors each session to the unique needs of the individual, combining evidence-based interventions with empathy, collaboration, and genuine care to support clients in achieving their therapeutic goals.
Jennifer L. Morency
Registered Psychotherapist
Jennifer L. Morency is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She is trilingual—fluent in English, French, and Creole—and holds a Master’s degree in Counselling and Spirituality from Saint Paul University. The goal of this program is to integrate psychological theory with a deep understanding of the human spirit, fostering both emotional and spiritual well-being.
Jennifer offers a compassionate and empathic approach that combines warmth, sensitivity, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. She works with individuals, couples, and families, supporting them in navigating challenges, strengthening relationships, and promoting personal growth.
Her practice integrates faith-based principles for those who wish to include spirituality in their healing journey. Jennifer’s faith-integrated counseling approach blends spiritual insight with psychological understanding, providing clients with a holistic path to well-being.
She draws from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), tailoring each session to meet the unique needs and goals of her clients.
