Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Ottawa, ON
See all counsellors in Ottawa
Melissa Philpott
Registered Social Worker, MSW,, RSW
Verified
Verified
I use a range of different therapies and have training in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy,
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My work is guided by curiosity, connection and is rooted in values of authentic collaboration. My therapeutic foundations are rooted within relational, client-directed, strengths perspective, trauma-informed, feminist and structural frameworks. With a deep sense of compassion and respect, I seek to create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space that facilitates self-awareness, healing and growth. Together, we can begin to tease apart the adaptive approaches to dealing with and moving through life you've grown accustomed to, and begin to untangle patterns that are serving you, and patterns you may be interested in moving beyond.
Ottawa, ON K1P
& Online

Pegah Jamshidi
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
If you struggle to manage intense emotions, get through distressing situations or maintain stable relationships, then
Dialectical
Behaviour Therapy (
DBT
) may be suitable for you. It is a treatment best suited for problems related to emotion dysregulation (including borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, aggression, substance use, eating disorder, self-harm and suicidal behaviour). I offer both individual sessions and group, or both combined. Contact me and we can decide which model fits your needs best. Please visit: https://www.nurturedmindpsychotherapy.com to read more about
DBT
, program pricing, and to register.
Ottawa, ON K1Z
& Online

Alexis Martel-Lamothe
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
My primary therapeutic approaches include using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and elements of
Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy (
DBT
).
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or panic it can feel overwhelming and sometimes debilitating. I aim to create a safe environment which allows you to work through these struggles and grow in your own way. I am passionate about working with women, teens, adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, and athletes, and I welcome all who wish to improve their overall mental well-being. Some of my areas of interest include helping those who are struggling with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, panic disorder, identity exploration, and confidence/self-esteem building.

Jennifer Munroe
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I also incorporate cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and
dialectical
behavioural therapy (
DBT
) to support direct skill building and perspective taking.
I am passionate about supporting children, youth and their families who may be experiencing a wide range of concerns, and I also provide services for adults in some circumstances. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify what brings them purpose and joy, and to identify the strengths that will support them on their journey to reach their identified goals. I challenge myself to create an open, safe, and humble therapeutic space that is both trauma-informed and anti-oppressive.

Sarah Mather
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Accepting New Clients! I support teens, young adults and families. Many of my clients identify as “super feelers” (as do I!). We feel things deeply, which can be overwhelming at times! I have specialized training in emotion regulation and eating disorders (
Dialectical
Behavioural Therapy and Emotion Focussed Family Therapy) .
Ottawa, ON K2H
& Online
Not accepting new clients

Myriam Bouchard
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
In my practice, I use person-centered and solution-focused approaches as well as cognitive behavioural therapy and
dialectical
behavioural therapy.
I am a registered social worker and mental health psychotherapist who is fluently bilingual in both English and French. My areas of expertise include: Addiction, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem, Assertiveness and Personality Disorders.

Dr. Judy Makinen
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified
Verified
My primary therapeutic approach is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) but I also have experience with other evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT),
Dialectical
Behavioural Therapy (
DBT
), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
I have worked in a variety of settings and provided the highest quality care to adolescents, adults (including seniors), couples, and families. As a certified EFT marital and family therapist, I have extensive clinical experience in helping couples bring closure to incidents (i.e., attachment injuries) that have damaged their relationship bond. My expertise with couples also extends to distressed families as well as individuals wanting to recover from traumatic incidents.
Waitlist for new clients

Dr. Heather Schultz Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified
Verified
She primarily uses third wave approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness, while integrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (
DBT
) interventions.
Dr. Heather Schultz received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Toledo in 2020. She completed her residency at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, and recently completed her supervised practice year providing psychological services in a private practice clinic in the Ottawa area. She has received training in a variety of clinical settings including hospitals, community mental health centres, forensic sites, and private practice.

Sundus Jan
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Welcome! As your therapist, I am committed to supporting you in understanding your needs to make positive changes in your life through identifying space for growth and healing, insight, practical tools and empowering you to reconnect with your strengths. Together, we will achieve this by creating a path aligned with your values and principles. I am a trauma-informed practitioner and therefore resonate with modalities crucial for processing, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,
Dialectical
Behaviour Therapy, Internal Family systems, & Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (incorporating polyvagal theory & mindfulness).

Mélissa Lafrance
Registered Psychotherapist, MÉd, RP, CCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My approach is client centred, I use evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, tailored to your individual needs, such as: CBT,
DBT
, ACT, Compassion focused therapy, Mindfulness, etc.
I specialize in mental health for Medical Students, Pre-Med Students, Residents, Doctors, Nurses and other healthcare professionals. As a psychotherapist with many years of experience working at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, I am passionate about helping you prioritize your mental health and well-being. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment and develop the tools you need to thrive both in your personal and professional life.

Jillian Everett
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MACP, RPQ
Verified
Verified
I view each person as unique individuals that are shared by their experiences, and utilize a trauma informed, anti-oppressive approach with CBT and
DBT
techniques.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS - NO WAIT-LIST - Hi! My name is Jill and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I am passionate about helping teenagers and adults through issues such as anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, relationships/communication, trauma, mood disorders, or any struggle they may experience. Through identifying the underlying causes of the issues being faced, clients can realize their strengths and adjust their approach to situations and relationships. The first step to change and healing is finding the right fit for someone to talk to, and I would love to help you through your journey.
15 Second Videos
Alexis Martel-Lamothe
Jillian Everett
Alison Lefebvre
Melisa Arias-Valenzuela
Nereah Felix
Siovone Rene Bourgeois
Rasheeda Wright
Joshua Giroux
Kris Cormier
Third Wave Psychotherapy
Martha Njoku
Kerri Stone
Jenny-Lee Brunet
Amélie Vézina
Jane Cunningham
Rhonda Marshall
Jennifer Cieslak
Bev Fredborg
Lea Joy Friesen
Yasmin Goldie
Morgan Purdy
Daniela Ramos
April Pater
Taryn Zeger
Cassandra Tenneriello
Sue Top
Alice Susannah Lurie
Amanda Ruthman
Maxim Morozkin
First Step Men's Therapy (Indiv./Couples)
Susan Ward
Marie-Claude Flibotte
Kayla Spicer
Allison Tugwell
Jessica Ng
Christie Lim
Anna Seifried
Triello Counselling Services
Francesca Dattilo
Carrie Anne Hojnoski
Mackenzie Bacon
Chantal Riel
Jenn May Nelson
Grafted Branches
Shauna Daly
Child In Mind
Michael Holuj
Katrina Tarkowski
Renew Neurotherapy
Taylor MacIntosh

Alison Lefebvre
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, MSc
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I use a combination of CBT,
dialectical
behavior therapy (
DBT
) and mindful self-compassion techniques.
Hello and welcome! Do you find it easier being kind to others than yourself? You're not alone. A lot of us experience a lack of self-kindness. Mindful self-compassion teaches us to treat ourselves with the same care and understanding we would have for a friend having a difficult time. A lack of self-compassion can show up as perfectionism, constantly striving to be better. Even if we achieve our high standards, we feel let down. This can lead to the feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth often experienced by high achievers. Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s possible to change these patterns if you're ready.

Sophie Liljedahl
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Based on principals and strategies from
DBT
and CBT, I work to create sustainable change that is focused upon becoming fully engaged and present in all valued aspects of life.
I treat issues that are principally related to difficulties with emotion regulation. When an individual is persistently distressed it becomes increasingly challenging for that person to be present for life in the current moment. This is especially the case when one comes to rely upon escape strategies in order to cope, such as behaviours that have addictive potential. When we are not able to be mindfully present, all aspects of our lives suffer.

YourTherapist Psychotherapy and Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
YourTherapist Psychotherapy and Counselling is a specialized mental health clinic that provides evidence-based, compassionate, and affordable mental health services across Ontario. Our highly skilled psychotherapists have been extensively trained to treat a variety of mental illnesses with interventions that are personalized to each client’s needs, including psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS),
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (
DBT
), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Interventions to individuals, couples, and families.

Geoff Pross
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q), CCC
Verified
Verified
My training in multiple modalities, CBT,
DBT
, addictions, mindfulness and more means there's science behind the rapport.
My clients are looking to lead a balanced life with the perspective and tools to face challenges with resilience and optimism. Anxiety, depression, compulsive thoughts or addictions might be getting in the way of relationship or life goals. My clients are hoping to find practical problem solving in their sessions with me but also build bigger picture thinking and perhaps even get into the big philosophical questions that are a part of making life feel worth living. They value a genuine, human experience with an open-minded, culturally sensitive supporter, that allows them to tap into their own resources for long term well-being.

Charlotte MacKenzie
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including: Attachment Based Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Self Compassion,
Dialectical
Behavioural Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Currently accepting adult clients. In individual therapy, I work with adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety and burnout as well as self-esteem difficulties. I aim to create a nonjudgmental, empathic, shame-free therapeutic space where you may feel safe to express yourself fully and to explore challenging thoughts, emotions, behaviours and relationships. I am comfortable working with individuals from all socio-cultural backgrounds (i.e. race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation).

Hayley Maynard
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I often work from an emotionally focused lens and offer a
DBT
(
dialectical
behavioral therapy) informed approach, focusing on building distress tolerance, so we have the tools and foundation to work through the difficult parts of life.
You may find yourself here because you are looking for some guidance, support, or help. My aim is to provide a safe, warm, and supportive environment for you to examine and recover from any stress, grief, or trauma in your life. I work from a trauma informed lens, acknowledging that life experiences shape who we are and the way we experience the world. I focus on harm reduction, aiming to increase safety, and help build coping skills that can replace patterns that no longer serve you. Exploring why we do things, and what we might be able to do instead, is often easier with company, and I would be honored to join you on your journey.
Waitlist for new clients

Melisa Arias-Valenzuela
Psychologist, CPsych, PhD
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I am trained in evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, CFT and
DBT
-ED.
I am a clinical psychologist licensed in Ontario and I hold a doctoral degree in Psychology (Ph.D./Psy.D.) from the Université du Québec à Montréal. I provide psychological assessments and psychotherapy at my clinic, Uprise Psychology & Wellness, to adults and teens suffering from eating disorders and body image concerns, as well as adults struggling with perinatal mental health difficulties, including postpartum depression, birth trauma, pregnancy loss and infertility. I also have experience working with people suffering from Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Trauma-Related Disorders as well as other difficulties.

Isabeau Welter
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I use a trauma informed practice with modalities like
Dialectical
Behavioural and Narrative Therapy.
The idea of change can be overwhelming and exhausting to imagine. I am passionate about helping and working alongside people who are invested in their wellbeing and seeking growth and change, even though you might not know how. We often learn various ways of adapting to and surviving our experiences. Eventually we might reach a place where we want to thrive and build connection and meaning in our lives. This shift is something that I am passionate about supporting people in creating. That can look like both internal and external change as well as exploration of what led us there to begin with.

Magda Georgescu
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I use a trauma informed therapeutic approach employing techniques of Compassion Focused Therapy,
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy to assist you in your journey of healing and growth.
I specialize in therapy for narcissistic abuse! Do you feel confused, doubt yourself and question your needs? Do you feel dismissed, invalidated, and uncared for in one or more of your important relationships? Are your feelings negated, minimized and you make yourself small to accommodate the other person’s unreasonable demands? You may be on the receiving end of a narcissistic abuse. Narcissistic abuse can lead to anxiety, depression and pervasive feelings of shame and self blame. Misuse of substances is often a maladaptive coping mechanism in the attempt to deal with constant emotional abuse, gaslighting and manipulation.
See more therapy options for
Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Counsellors
Who is DBT for?
DBT is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.
Why do people need DBT?
The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behaviour and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.
What happens in DBT?
Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behaviour, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
How long does DBT last?
Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioural change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behaviour; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.