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). Michael's level of skill, training, and experience allow him to use the respected Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Michael is qualified to work with both individuals and couples and also has specialized trauma training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing techniques). In addition to his psychology qualifications, Michael is a Bible college graduate and also has earned a B.A. degree in theology from St. Paul University. This blend of expertise in both psychology and theology gives him the ability to understand the unique challenges of the Christian population, and how to combine the knowledge of these two fields of study in order to bring healing to his clients. 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.
Echo (Zhaohong)
Counsellor
Echo (Zhaohong) holds an M.A. in Counselling psychology from Yorkville University. She is a certified (Qualifying) member of College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (Registration Number 14293) and stands as a professional member of Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Echo obtained over thirty years of professional experiences in leading mentoring individuals in a broad range of public, private and non-for-profit organizations in Canada, China, United States and Europe.
As a committed lifetime-learner with diverse experiences to support humanitarian causes, Echo works with clients facing stress, life transition and mental health challenges by applying Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), she integrates CBT with mindfulness, thought stopping, cognitive restructuring techniques to help clients achieve their goals. Echo also believes Adlerian theory to help clients recognize how the early childhood events, individual experiences and circumstances could prevent them from developing normal degrees of social interest and lifestyles, she provides psychoeducation and counseling to help clients to find suitable ways to restructure their thoughts and behaviors to communicate their needs and desires to others without blaming and criticizing.
