Family Therapy in Strathroy, ON

As a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Canadian Counsellor, I have worked with individuals, couples, and families since 1993. My work employs cognitive behavioral and mindfulness therapy. I believe that we have an immense power to change our lives, and to overcome life's greatest challenges if we are self aware. Using an integrated model of therapeutic intervention which focuses on your strengths, we work together to increase your self awareness, help you identify options and choices so that you can work differently with the issue you face. Through self understanding and education, you become more resourceful in responding to life's challenges.

Dr. Otchet is a psychologist who works in private practice in London, Ontario. She sees adults presenting with a range of health and/or mental health concerns, including medical and/or psychological disability, acute and/or chronic pain, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and gender dysphoria. She has particular interests in adjustment to illness and injury, in trauma and resilience, and in coping with life transitions. She also has interest in working with first responders and their adult family members, as well as people who work in health care.

Many people have found themselves in the exact place you now find yourself – wondering if they should seek the guidance of a professional counsellor for personal, marital or family problems. Here are some of their uncomfortable self-reflections: “Tensions always hover over my relationship with my partner.” “I want to be a better parent.” “I do not look forward to going to work anymore.” “My partner and I keep getting stuck when we try to talk about our problems.” “I want to enjoy being a parent, but often I do not.” “I want to feel happiness and gratitude for my life and the people in it, but I cannot get there.”

Currently taking new clients! A new year is often a great time to make some much-needed changes. Perhaps you’re dealing with major life changes that you’re not sure how to navigate & could use some guidance. Or, maybe you’re struggling with anxiety, low self-worth, or with romantic or family relationships. Whatever the issue, I’ll teach you effective tools to help you cope, move forward, & get to where you WANT to be. Swearing, loud laughing, and joking are perfectly OK to do in sessions with me! We’ll do more than just talk; I regularly give homework to help you practice skills and learn more about yourself.

Relationships are at the core of feeling love and belonging. However, when our relationships are functioning poorly we can experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, or anger. In this space, we will explore how early life relationships shaped your attachment, communication, and conflict patterns to connect them to the impact they are having in your current life. From there, we can develop healthy new patterns. I also work with couples on their communication, boundaries, intimacy, meeting needs, and trust. Together you will learn to communicate safely and predictably and co-create your ideal intimate life.

I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults experiencing challenges with mental health diagnoses, developmental trauma, relationship difficulties, and interpersonal conflict. I am passionate about engaging others in meaningful conversations that empower them to lean into their challenges to learn ways to heal and take charge of their dreams, hopes, and goals. I strive to create a space for people to feel safety and security through a collaborative relationship wherein they tap into their resiliency and explore themselves.

I believe that every person has the innate ability to cope with the challenges in their lives, but sometimes experiences from the past make it difficult to tap into these abilities. I help folks who have experienced trauma or other overwhelming life stressors discover their inner strength and resiliency. When you are feeling stuck or disconnected from the life you want to lead, I hope to bring my warm presence, empathy, and genuine curiosity to help close the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed in your close relationships? Maybe you are noticing resentment or stress re-surfacing in arguments with your partner or you find yourself feeling guilt or shame after interacting with your parents or other loved ones. Navigating these feelings in our closest relationships can be intimidating and stressful. In every relationship, we crave emotional closeness… and we seek it out even if it harms us in some ways or feels unhealthy. Family, relationships, marriages… they are hard work. I am here to support you to find your own voice, and to find ways to make these relationships have a healthier impact.

Are you disappointed with how you are showing up in your relationship? Are you struggling to manage your emotions and often find yourself blowing up, shutting down, or fixing during conflict? Have you reached a breaking point in your relationship and are in the process of transitioning to being on your own? If you relate to this and notice some of these patterns in your relationship or are trying to understand how it all went wrong I am here. I want to help you learn more about yourself so you can better relate to others and communicate your needs from a grounded place so that you can break the cycle you find yourself stuck in.

Welcome! I'm a firm believer that therapy doesn't have to feel like a trip to the dentist. I specialize in awkward topics, it's important to me that our conversations feel like you're talking to a trusted friend. I help individuals, relationships (mono & ENM) as well as polycules & whole family units. I offer a compassion focused therapy model, often coupled with CBT strategies & dad jokes to help us work through the tough stuff. As an RN Psychotherapist, I not only know traditional psychotherapy techniques but I have knowledge in anatomy/physiology, medication management and I've taken specific education focused in sex therapy.

Accepting new clients. Do you feel stuck and are unsure about what you want in life? Or perhaps you know what you want but are afraid to take the steps you need to take because you are struggling with your own inner self confidence and self worth. Do you place too much emphasis on what other people think about you and not enough emphasis on what you think about yourself? You may be struggling with symptoms of depression and anxiety as a result of the stressors you are experiencing in life and need some clarity about what you really want and how to get there.

Are you having a hard time and need someone to chat with that can give you a different perspective on the struggles you are facing? Well look no further! I have a wealth of knowledge that I would love to share with you! As someone who knows what it is like to struggle, I know how hard it is to know where to start. It doesn't help that mainstream media is always suggesting a new way of healing. This can be very overwhelming and financially unattainable. This is where I come in! I am a great first step on your mental wellness journey! My lower price is intentional to be more inclusive for those who pay out of pocket.

There are often times in our lives that create challenges and stress. When we feel overwhelmed and unable to manage, there are professionals, like myself, who want to help you return to living your best possible life. Challenges that feel unmanageable may result in us feeling lost, sad, anxious, or alone. You may experience grief, loss, stress relating to responsibilities such as caring for others, or career changes. Whenever experiences like these arise, there are caring professionals here to help. It would be my pleasure to provide a safe space for you to reflect and learn how to successfully move forward and feel better.

Are you thinking of addressing childhood trauma or focusing on your mental health? Are you, or someone you care for, struggling with heightened anxiety or a diminished sense of life satisfaction? I extend an invitation to a warm, welcoming, and non-judgment space where we can collaboratively explore past and present concerns that may be impeding your progress towards achieving personal goals and leading the life you desire.

Hello! If you are in need of support and want someone to talk to about your mental health, then I am glad you've found me. I work with individuals as a person-centered therapist and value the importance of your lived experiences and perceptions. The pursuit of growth, self-awareness, and positive change is a shared goal. I have experience working with clients that experience depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship conflicts, trauma, and parenting difficulties. I will work with you to help gain insights into behaviour and thoughts, reinforce your strengths, and increase your ability to cope and to change.

Life will bring challenges and difficult times causing confusion, fear, anxiety, depression…and numbness. We also experience transitions and losses, not only through the death of people we love, but loss of our health, relationships, jobs. Maybe you are a Health Care Provider with moral injury as a result of your challenging work? Chronic stressors can bring up feelings of fear and a lack of belief that we can cope. Some events and relationships may leave deeper, traumatic wounds. Sometimes it just feels like it is all ‘too much’. Whatever challenge brings you here, together we can work with and process these feelings.

Accepting New Clients. Life is always changing and I am a firm believer that when you can make a human connection during life's challenges and changes it can make a significant difference. In my many years of providing counselling, it has been an honor to walk with people on their healing journey and assist in creating an empowering, validating, and supportive environment. I am committed to helping others and holding hope until they can hold it themselves. I possess extensive experience and knowledge working with trauma, sexual addiction, mental health, domestic violence, relationship issues, couples, and First Nation culture.

At certain times in our lives, we may feel like we are stuck. We struggle with maintaining our relationships at home or work, have difficulty meeting deadlines, or are unable to deal with the emotions of what is happening in the world. Counselling is a way to work through these issues. Here are a few other reasons why individuals and couples may seek counselling: reduced emotional and physical connection due to strained communication and increased conflict, infidelity, workplace conflict/bullying, recent separation or divorce, and an inability to find a suitable partner. These situations can cause immense pain.

Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained and not sure of what to do? You are not alone because most people experience psychological issues from time to time in life and need help in resolving these challenges. Seeking professional help is pertinent in attaining and maintaining optimal mental health. I utilize both long-term and brief interventions approach to meet clients’ unique needs. I perform comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to clients' needs. I work from a strength based, trauma informed framework, evidence-based practices and committed to an anti-oppressive approach.