Biographical Information

Dr. Shemain attended York University, in Toronto, where she obtained her undergraduate degree. She, then, moved to Northern California and earned her Master’s degree and Doctorate from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) in Alameda. Dr. Shemain worked in a variety of clinical settings in the Bay Area, which taught her a great deal about treatment and cultural diversity. She moved back to Ontario to complete her Pre-doctoral and Post-doctoral internships at Grand River Hospital. She was hired by Grand River Hospital and specialized in Eating Disorders. After becoming a parent, Dr. Shemain decided to pursue a part-time private practice, which she has thoroughly enjoyed now for 14 years. 

As a Psychologist, Dr. Shemain considers it a privilege to work with individuals and families since she recognizes that the information shared in therapy is private, personal, and is often challenging to expose for numerous reasons.  Embarrassment and shame often keep people from sharing painful experiences.  Keeping it to oneself, however, can become a burden that grows overtime, making it more difficult to cope and function in life. ​ Therapy is one way to share that burden, in a confidential and objective context, so that resolution and healing may be possible.

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Dr. Shemain's goal as a psychologist is to always be sensitive to the clients’ pace so that issues are dealt with when clients are ready.  They set the agenda while Dr. Shemain's role is to balance support offered with an optimal level of challenging the client, so that they are empowered to move out of their comfort zone, and see things from a different vantage point. Treatment has been successful when a client can gain insight into his/herself and effect positive changes in his/her life.