Ongoing Recovery for a Fulfilling Life

We carefully evaluate all cases to ensure the most appropriate service for each patient.

Dr. Eyal Bodenstein

Meet Dr. Eyal Bodenstein

Dr. Eyal Bodenstein is a registered psychologist. He has comprehensive experience in the assessment and treatment of a wide variety of difficulties. He also provides assessment and treatment of driving phobia, in conjunction with a qualified driving instructor. In addition, he has experience with both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric populations.

Dr. Bodenstein has also worked with numerous patients who have been affected as a result of work-related accidents or motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). Treatment is primarily cognitive-behavioural in nature, although various other modalities are employed as well. Dr. Bodenstein is also certified in the use of hypnosis.

Moreover, Dr. Bodenstein has extensive experience in the psychological assessment and treatment of the geriatric/aging population (considered 55 years and older). More specifically, he deals with psychotherapy for issues in aging, differential diagnosis between depression and dementia, behavioural management and consultation for families, and retirement residences and nursing homes. Psychological assessment and treatment are offered on an individual or group basis and to families.

Meet Dr. Evangeline Castronuevo-Ruga

Dr. Evangeline Castronuevo-Ruga is an internationally-trained psychologist with over 20 years of experience in academic and non-government organization (NGO) settings and specialized knowledge in mental health, counselling/psychotherapy, assessment, learning facilitation, research, and design and delivery of services for diverse settings.

Dr. Castronuevo-Ruga completed her M.A. in Psychology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of the Philippines. She was a faculty member and chair of the Psychology Department at De La Salle University-Dasmarinas in Cavite. She was also a counsellor and later director of the university’s Student Wellness Center. Prior to working in the academe, Dr. Castronuevo-Ruga provided counselling for women experiencing domestic violence at the NGO Kababaihan Laban sa Karahasan (Women Against Violence) Foundation, Inc. She also worked at another NGO, the Women and Children Internal Refugees Assistance Center, supporting women and children who were displaced by armed conflict.

Approach to Therapy:

Dr. Castronuevo-Ruga’s approach to therapy draws on Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), solution-focused/brief therapies, mindfulness, and 2SLGBTQIA affirmative approaches. She believes in the inherent goodness and uniqueness of individuals and their capacity for growth and development given appropriate help and support, within an accepting and non-judgmental environment. Knowing that clients are the experts and the best “agents of change” in their own lives, she prefers to support individuals from a non-directive, strengths-based, and anti-oppressive stance. She strives to see individuals within their specific social, historical, cultural, economic situations as well as their interpersonal and familial contexts. This allows individuals a safe space in which to fully experience themselves--to feel, make sense of, and re-weave, if needed, their own personal stories.

What She Can Help With:

Dr. Castronuevo-Ruga supports clients experiencing relationship and life adjustment difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, women’s issues, aging issues, and 2SLGBTQIA+ issues.

Memberships:

Dr. Castronuevo-Ruga is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She is a member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). She is also a registered psychologist with the Professional Regulations Commission of the Philippines.

Prior to moving to Canada, Dr. Castronuevo-Ruga was an active member of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), particularly with the Clinical Psychology Division; and was a pioneering member of the PAP LGBT-Special Interest Group. She has also been with the Pambansang Samahan sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino (PSSP) or the National Association of Filipino Psychologists. She has presented research and facilitated workshops in these organizations and at international conferences on topics focused on gender and sexuality and how they relate to mental health issues.