Nereah Felix

Psychotherapist & Clinical Psychology Candidate

This page is a glimpse into my journey—academically, clinically, in research, and beyond. It’s a space where my passion for learning, growth, and connection comes to life. I’m a lover of good food, great music, and all the experiences that make life meaningful.

© Nereah Felix. All rights reserved.

Personal

I’m someone who thrives on creativity, connection, and experience. By day, I’m deeply immersed in the world of psychotherapy, research, and clinical work, but outside of that, I’m all about music, storytelling, and adventure.As a singer-songwriter, I find inspiration in live music and festivals—nothing beats the energy of a crowd coming together for a shared experience. Whether I’m performing, writing, or soaking in a set at Coachella, music is at the heart of how I connect with the world.I’m also an animal lover to my core—my fur babies are my greatest treasures. When I’m not making music or diving into my work, you’ll probably find me spending time with them, exploring new places, or dabbling in acting—another creative outlet that lets me step into different perspectives and tell stories in a whole new way.This space is a reflection of all the pieces that make me who I am—mental health, music, creativity, and the joy of experiencing life to the fullest.

Clinical Work

I co-founded Catharsis Psychology and Psychotherapy in 2020 with a close friend after completing our master’s degrees. From the start, our goal was to create a space where marginalized communities, particularly people of colour, could heal from trauma and access mental health care that truly understands their experiences. The name "Catharsis" reflects the emotional release and transformation that comes from deep self-awareness—a process we strive to foster in every client.My therapeutic approach is primarily psychodynamic, with training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help individuals process trauma in meaningful ways. Over the years, I have worked with individuals (teens and adults), couples, and groups, and I’m now expanding my practice to include psychoeducational and ADHD assessments.Once I complete my PhD, my goal is to specialize in autism and ADHD assessments for youth of colour, as well as deepen my expertise in psychedelic-assisted therapies for adults while continuing to advance my EMDR practice.

I earned my BA in Honours Psychology from the University of Ottawa, graduating summa cum laude—a testament to the hard work and perseverance it took to balance multiple jobs, research labs, and a deep commitment to my future in psychology.I went on to complete my MA in Counselling Psychology at uOttawa before pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. My research focuses on multicultural competence in therapy, with my dissertation examining Non-Indigenous Therapists’ Lived Experiences of Gaps and Challenges in their Multicultural Competencies when Working with Indigenous Clients. My passion lies in supporting marginalized communities and ensuring culturally responsive mental health care.Throughout my training, I have gained extensive experience in both psychotherapy and psychological assessment through practicums at Carleton University, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), and Kanata Psychology, a private practice setting. I am currently completing my internship with NORPIC in Sioux Lookout, where I serve as a resident psychologist in the developmental stream, further expanding my expertise in psychological assessment and intervention.Looking ahead, my goal is to specialize in psychological assessments for youth, particularly in the areas of ADHD and autism, with a focus on providing accessible and culturally informed evaluations for underserved communities.

Creations

Beyond psychology, music has always been a core part of my life. I’m a musician and performer, and my band, Lucid Dreaming, allows me to express creativity in a completely different way. Much like therapy, music is a form of storytelling—an outlet for processing emotions, connecting with others, and making sense of the world.This connection between music and psychology makes life feel richer, deeper, and more meaningful to me. It’s also what led me to create The Being BLK Journal, a guided self-reflection journal designed specifically for Black women. This project was born out of a desire to provide a space for healing, self-discovery, and empowerment, recognizing the unique challenges that Black women navigate in their personal and professional lives.The journal blends intentional prompts, affirmations, and reflective exercises, encouraging Black women to prioritize their mental well-being, embrace self-care, and honor their personal growth journeys. It serves as a tool for deepening self-awareness while centering joy, resilience, and community—aspects of healing that are often overlooked but deeply necessary.For me, psychology, music, and creativity are all deeply connected. Whether through therapy, music, or writing, my passion lies in creating spaces where people can explore their emotions, express themselves fully, and connect with their inner world in transformative ways.