Marlene Best

Marlene provides psychological services to adult individuals and couples experiencing a wide range of concerns. Her areas of special interest include relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, trauma, burnout, self-esteem issues, grief and bereavement, adult development, transitions of adult life, and spirituality.

Marlene uses an integrated approach to psychotherapy based on her training and experience with Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), interpersonal, experiential, and cognitive-behavioural therapy approaches. She works collaboratively with each client to develop an individualized therapeutic program that integrates approaches most suitable for the client. Marlene believes in the inner resources of each individual and helps clients to reconnect to and/or develop these inner strengths. She endeavours to integrate scientific knowledge and a warm, compassionate therapeutic relationship to help individuals and couples meet their personal needs and goals.

Marlene graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She is a registered member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She has provided therapy at OCFI since 2003. She also gained clinical experience working at the Centre for Psychological Services at the University of Ottawa, the Marital and Family Therapy Clinic at the Civic Hospital, the Royal Ottawa Hospital, and the Elizabeth Bruyére Centre, treating a wide range of clients who were experiencing problems including relationship difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, schizophrenia, and issues related to the dying and grieving process. Marlene was awarded the Pierre Laberge Prize for the most oustanding PH.D thesis in the Humaities at the University of Ottawa in 2003. Her research focused on premature termination from psychotherapy.

Marlene is a certified EFT Trainer and Supervisor. She is also a Clinical Professor at the University of Ottawa, where she provides clinical supervision to Ph.D. students in the Clinical Psychology Program. She won the student-nominated award for excellence in clinical supervision in 2016.

Marlene maintains memberships in national and international professional organizations. She participates in continuing education programs through conferences, workshops, ensuring provision of the best and effective services to her clients.