Dr. Evangeline Castronuevo-Ruga, PhD
Psychologist (Supervised Practice)
She/her
I am 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.
I have completed my M.A. in Psychology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and my Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of the Philippines. I was a faculty member and chair of the Psychology Department at De La Salle University-Dasmarinas in Cavite and I was also a counsellor and later director of the university’s Student Wellness Center. Prior to working in the academe, I provided counselling for women experiencing domestic violence at the NGO Kababaihan Laban sa Karahasan (Women Against Violence) Foundation, Inc. I have 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
My approach to therapy draws on Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), solution-focused/brief therapies, mindfulness, and 2SLGBTQIA+ affirmative approaches. I believe in the inherent goodness and uniqueness of individuals and our 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, I prefer to support individuals from a non-directive, strengths-based, and anti-oppressive stance and I strive 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 I Can Help With
I support clients experiencing relationship and life adjustment difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, women’s issues, and 2SLGBTQIA+ issues.
Memberships
I am registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). I am also a registered psychologist with the Professional Regulations Commission of the Philippines.
Prior to moving to Canada, I 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. I have also been with the Pambansang Samahan sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino (PSSP) or the National Association of Filipino Psychologists. I have 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.
Languages
English, Tagalog
Contact Us
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EmotionMatters Psychology 