Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Ottawa, ON
First Step Men's Therapy - (In-Person/Online)
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, ASAT, EMDR
3 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2P
Disconnected. Isolated. Broken. Hopeless. Powerless. Stuck. Many men we work with tell us this is how they feel. You may be struggling with anxiety, anger, depression, shame, guilt, grief, sadness, trauma, or depression - and struggle with an addiction (sex/porn/alcohol/marijuana/video games/gambling/fantasy) or underlying thoughts, beliefs, and feelings you have held since childhood. Relationships with those you care about, including the one with yourself, may have been impacted by your behaviours. Ready to take the first step? Prêt à faire le premier pas? Suivis/ services thérapeutiques offerts en français.
Disconnected. Isolated. Broken. Hopeless. Powerless. Stuck. Many men we work with tell us this is how they feel. You may be struggling with anxiety, anger, depression, shame, guilt, grief, sadness, trauma, or depression - and struggle with an addiction (sex/porn/alcohol/marijuana/video games/gambling/fantasy) or underlying thoughts, beliefs, and feelings you have held since childhood. Relationships with those you care about, including the one with yourself, may have been impacted by your behaviours. Ready to take the first step? Prêt à faire le premier pas? Suivis/ services thérapeutiques offerts en français.
Feeling stuck or disconnected from your usual self? Life is a journey, and sometimes we encounter obstacles along the way. My collaborative approach to therapy is led with empathy and compassion to help you navigate these obstacles. As a team, we can navigate your experiences and develop coping strategies that are aligned with your values. I focus care on the individual as a whole. I will help you cope with stress, ADHD symptoms, perfectionism, burnout, people pleasing, overwhelming emotions, low self-esteem and/or grieve. I am passionate about help you find meaning again and make lifestyle changes based on your values and beliefs.
Feeling stuck or disconnected from your usual self? Life is a journey, and sometimes we encounter obstacles along the way. My collaborative approach to therapy is led with empathy and compassion to help you navigate these obstacles. As a team, we can navigate your experiences and develop coping strategies that are aligned with your values. I focus care on the individual as a whole. I will help you cope with stress, ADHD symptoms, perfectionism, burnout, people pleasing, overwhelming emotions, low self-esteem and/or grieve. I am passionate about help you find meaning again and make lifestyle changes based on your values and beliefs.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist providing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress. My approach is authentic and empathetic, fostering a supportive environment where clients can build resilience and develop effective coping strategies. With formal training in psychiatric settings, I have worked extensively with individuals in high-stress professions, including public safety professionals and other demanding fields. I understand the pressures that come with these roles and tailor treatment to address your specific mental health needs.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist providing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress. My approach is authentic and empathetic, fostering a supportive environment where clients can build resilience and develop effective coping strategies. With formal training in psychiatric settings, I have worked extensively with individuals in high-stress professions, including public safety professionals and other demanding fields. I understand the pressures that come with these roles and tailor treatment to address your specific mental health needs.
Hi, my name is Erika Davies, I work with Dis-abeled people with a special passion for physical Dis-ability and Neuro divergence, this includes supporting care givers. I also love working with children and youth, and with adults at the intersection of Dis-ability sex and relationships. I became a social worker for so many reasons. Firstly, I think the honesty of therapy is so special. It’s a place where we have permission to unmask and be present. My passion as a helper comes from my lived experiences. I am Queer, neurodivergent and live with a semi-visible Dis-ability. I coped with these experiences as a teen through drug use.
Hi, my name is Erika Davies, I work with Dis-abeled people with a special passion for physical Dis-ability and Neuro divergence, this includes supporting care givers. I also love working with children and youth, and with adults at the intersection of Dis-ability sex and relationships. I became a social worker for so many reasons. Firstly, I think the honesty of therapy is so special. It’s a place where we have permission to unmask and be present. My passion as a helper comes from my lived experiences. I am Queer, neurodivergent and live with a semi-visible Dis-ability. I coped with these experiences as a teen through drug use.
My name is Rand Al-Houssan (she/her). I am the founder and service provider at Mindful Map Counselling Services, with nearly a decade of experience as a psychotherapist in various mental health settings. My specialized training, diverse portfolio, and multi-cultural competency offers unique insight into many types of struggles affecting children, youth and adults. I completed advanced education and training at internationally recognized institutions, and I actively undertake ongoing professional development. I help my clients to process their emotions, gain clarity, and find balance.
My name is Rand Al-Houssan (she/her). I am the founder and service provider at Mindful Map Counselling Services, with nearly a decade of experience as a psychotherapist in various mental health settings. My specialized training, diverse portfolio, and multi-cultural competency offers unique insight into many types of struggles affecting children, youth and adults. I completed advanced education and training at internationally recognized institutions, and I actively undertake ongoing professional development. I help my clients to process their emotions, gain clarity, and find balance.
I am Omushkego Cree/First Nation Social Worker offering counseling/psychotherapy for Indigenous people (16 years old and older). I offer virtual, and telephone counselling in Ontario. I am a licensed social worker and counselor in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. If you are in need of talking to someone who is compassionate, has a great sense of humour and has lived experience as an Indigenous person (on and off reserve), I am here for you.
I am Omushkego Cree/First Nation Social Worker offering counseling/psychotherapy for Indigenous people (16 years old and older). I offer virtual, and telephone counselling in Ontario. I am a licensed social worker and counselor in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. If you are in need of talking to someone who is compassionate, has a great sense of humour and has lived experience as an Indigenous person (on and off reserve), I am here for you.
Sometimes life just feels off, or you just feel exhausted. Whether you're facing relationship bumps, life changes, anxiety, or that stuck feeling - sharing your story takes courage. I bring my full humanness to our time together and invite you to do the same. I’ll laugh, listen, reflect, and provide a safe space for you to explore. I'm here to listen and support you in reconnecting with your strengths, gaining self-compassion, and feeling empowered. I work with individuals and couples looking for someone to listen, collaborate with them on moving forwards, and navigate life’s complexities with compassion, curiosity, and care.
Sometimes life just feels off, or you just feel exhausted. Whether you're facing relationship bumps, life changes, anxiety, or that stuck feeling - sharing your story takes courage. I bring my full humanness to our time together and invite you to do the same. I’ll laugh, listen, reflect, and provide a safe space for you to explore. I'm here to listen and support you in reconnecting with your strengths, gaining self-compassion, and feeling empowered. I work with individuals and couples looking for someone to listen, collaborate with them on moving forwards, and navigate life’s complexities with compassion, curiosity, and care.
Do you feel lost, or as though you don’t know what you’re doing? Are you seeking help with challenges in your personal and professional life? Do you want support but don’t know where to start? Life is a roller-coaster full of ups and downs, and we all need relief from the bumpy ride to find and maintain clarity. During this process, I will guide you in a confidential and judgment-free safe space. Whether you feel confused, afraid, excited, overwhelmed, or curious, we will work together to dig deep and ensure your needs are addressed efficiently and effectively.
Do you feel lost, or as though you don’t know what you’re doing? Are you seeking help with challenges in your personal and professional life? Do you want support but don’t know where to start? Life is a roller-coaster full of ups and downs, and we all need relief from the bumpy ride to find and maintain clarity. During this process, I will guide you in a confidential and judgment-free safe space. Whether you feel confused, afraid, excited, overwhelmed, or curious, we will work together to dig deep and ensure your needs are addressed efficiently and effectively.
You’re successful on the outside — but inside, you’re running on fumes.
You’ve worked hard to build a good life, yet lately, it feels like you’re constantly juggling too much: work, family, relationships, expectations. You keep showing up, but you rarely feel present. Even when you rest, your mind doesn’t stop.
It’s not that you’re ungrateful or broken — you’re just tired of holding everything together.
I'm a Registered Social Worker and Certified Leadership & Performance Coach, and for nearly two decades I’ve helped professionals, caregivers, and leaders navigate burnout, anxiety, self-doubt, and life transitions.
You’re successful on the outside — but inside, you’re running on fumes.
You’ve worked hard to build a good life, yet lately, it feels like you’re constantly juggling too much: work, family, relationships, expectations. You keep showing up, but you rarely feel present. Even when you rest, your mind doesn’t stop.
It’s not that you’re ungrateful or broken — you’re just tired of holding everything together.
I'm a Registered Social Worker and Certified Leadership & Performance Coach, and for nearly two decades I’ve helped professionals, caregivers, and leaders navigate burnout, anxiety, self-doubt, and life transitions.
Growing up as a queer teen in a world that felt rigidly defined by heteronormative expectations, I often felt like an outsider. I tried to fit into spaces that weren’t ready to embrace difference—places that struggled to hold the unique, the unconventional, the untraditional. At times, I felt angry, misunderstood, scared, and profoundly alone. Even my first experience with therapy left me feeling disconnected—it was cold, clinical, and impersonal. Everything I now strive not to be.
Growing up as a queer teen in a world that felt rigidly defined by heteronormative expectations, I often felt like an outsider. I tried to fit into spaces that weren’t ready to embrace difference—places that struggled to hold the unique, the unconventional, the untraditional. At times, I felt angry, misunderstood, scared, and profoundly alone. Even my first experience with therapy left me feeling disconnected—it was cold, clinical, and impersonal. Everything I now strive not to be.
I'm trained in holistic body-mind practices (Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Hakomi, and Mindfulness).
Perhaps you’re here because life feels heavy — grief, anxiety, stress, or the quiet exhaustion of holding it all together on the outside while feeling overwhelmed within. You might feel disconnected from yourself or others. Or weighed down by experiences that continue to show up as anxiety, shame, numbness, or fatigue. You don’t have to carry this alone. This can be a place to pause, set some of that weight down, and begin to breathe a little easier.
I'm trained in holistic body-mind practices (Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Hakomi, and Mindfulness).
Perhaps you’re here because life feels heavy — grief, anxiety, stress, or the quiet exhaustion of holding it all together on the outside while feeling overwhelmed within. You might feel disconnected from yourself or others. Or weighed down by experiences that continue to show up as anxiety, shame, numbness, or fatigue. You don’t have to carry this alone. This can be a place to pause, set some of that weight down, and begin to breathe a little easier.
High-conflict separation often leaves people feeling overwhelmed, emotionally dysregulated, and unsure how to protect themselves or their children. Many are navigating divorce from a narcissistic or high-conflict partner while trying to co-parent, make clear decisions, and stay grounded. They may feel gaslit, exhausted or constantly reactive. Their goal is stability, clarity, emotional safety, and a structured path forward—especially when communication feels volatile or one-sided.
High-conflict separation often leaves people feeling overwhelmed, emotionally dysregulated, and unsure how to protect themselves or their children. Many are navigating divorce from a narcissistic or high-conflict partner while trying to co-parent, make clear decisions, and stay grounded. They may feel gaslit, exhausted or constantly reactive. Their goal is stability, clarity, emotional safety, and a structured path forward—especially when communication feels volatile or one-sided.
Are you struggling with pregnancy, postpartum, or parenting challenges? Living with chronic pain or injury after a motor vehicle accident? Supporting a loved one through illness or feeling burned out from caregiving? Is your work-life balance out of control, leaving you overwhelmed and disconnected? You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Therapy can help you manage anxiety, grief, and the emotional toll of physical recovery. With the right support, you can reconnect with strength, resilience, and peace. I am accepting new clients in English and French!
Are you struggling with pregnancy, postpartum, or parenting challenges? Living with chronic pain or injury after a motor vehicle accident? Supporting a loved one through illness or feeling burned out from caregiving? Is your work-life balance out of control, leaving you overwhelmed and disconnected? You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Therapy can help you manage anxiety, grief, and the emotional toll of physical recovery. With the right support, you can reconnect with strength, resilience, and peace. I am accepting new clients in English and French!
Life can present many challenges and difficulties. It's tough to experience stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and burnout. Yet, it's often when facing these difficulties that we discover our strengths, resiliency, and capacity for growth. You have made the courageous step towards seeking counselling. I’d be honoured to support your journey towards healing and self-discovery. Together we can help you gain further self-awareness, develop coping strategies, alleviate the negative impact of past experiences, and create positive changes for your well-being and life.
Life can present many challenges and difficulties. It's tough to experience stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and burnout. Yet, it's often when facing these difficulties that we discover our strengths, resiliency, and capacity for growth. You have made the courageous step towards seeking counselling. I’d be honoured to support your journey towards healing and self-discovery. Together we can help you gain further self-awareness, develop coping strategies, alleviate the negative impact of past experiences, and create positive changes for your well-being and life.
Know that I am ready to listen to you and understand whatever brought you here. I aim to provide a compassionate space for people to explore their experiences, confront their problems, and dare to change. I welcome people of all backgrounds. Particularly, I specialize in supporting individuals from the BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI, and non-monogamous communities (e.g. polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, open relationships).
Know that I am ready to listen to you and understand whatever brought you here. I aim to provide a compassionate space for people to explore their experiences, confront their problems, and dare to change. I welcome people of all backgrounds. Particularly, I specialize in supporting individuals from the BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI, and non-monogamous communities (e.g. polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, open relationships).
Chaque personne est unique par sa personnalité, son vécu, ses défis et ses rêves ; et chaque personne doit être respectée dans son unicité. Lorsque l’on traverse une période difficile de notre vie, il est possible que l’on se sente coincé(e), seul(e) et sans espoir. C’est dans ces moments précis qu’un soutien psychologique et professionnel pourrait être une solution à considérer. Comme thérapeute, je serai attentive à vos besoins et à vos buts. Je prendrai le temps d’évaluer votre problématique et de vous recommander un plan de traitement qui correspond réellement à votre situation et à vos objectifs.
Chaque personne est unique par sa personnalité, son vécu, ses défis et ses rêves ; et chaque personne doit être respectée dans son unicité. Lorsque l’on traverse une période difficile de notre vie, il est possible que l’on se sente coincé(e), seul(e) et sans espoir. C’est dans ces moments précis qu’un soutien psychologique et professionnel pourrait être une solution à considérer. Comme thérapeute, je serai attentive à vos besoins et à vos buts. Je prendrai le temps d’évaluer votre problématique et de vous recommander un plan de traitement qui correspond réellement à votre situation et à vos objectifs.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based practices, and trauma-informed care to help you build insight, resilience, and emotional balance.
Hello and welcome. I’m a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) based in Ontario. I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.
I work with children, youth, young adults, and older adults who may be navigating challenges such as anxiety, trauma, ADHD, depression, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions. I also have experience supporting military families, Indigenous peoples, and individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based practices, and trauma-informed care to help you build insight, resilience, and emotional balance.
Hello and welcome. I’m a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) based in Ontario. I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.
I work with children, youth, young adults, and older adults who may be navigating challenges such as anxiety, trauma, ADHD, depression, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions. I also have experience supporting military families, Indigenous peoples, and individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
How to find hope? If you are feeling STUCK, engaging in therapy can help get moving again. You have encountered your own challenges in life. This may act as a BARRIER to you living an adaptive, HAPPY, and JOYFUL life. You are not alone when you find yourself stuck, empty, anxious, or wondering why you’re not happier. I believe you can rediscover yourself AND find the meaning you have been searching for. I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental, and empathic space for my clients.
How to find hope? If you are feeling STUCK, engaging in therapy can help get moving again. You have encountered your own challenges in life. This may act as a BARRIER to you living an adaptive, HAPPY, and JOYFUL life. You are not alone when you find yourself stuck, empty, anxious, or wondering why you’re not happier. I believe you can rediscover yourself AND find the meaning you have been searching for. I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental, and empathic space for my clients.
With 11 years of university training, I hold an MSc in Psychiatry (McGill), an MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology (U of Ottawa). My work is rooted in trauma-informed care, shaped by early experience in shelters and correctional settings. My doctoral research focused on attachment and couple relationships, and I have advanced training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder. I also specialize in psychodiagnostic and adult ADHD assessments. I offer therapy and assessment through a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, neurodiversity- and LGBTQIA+-affirming lens, grounded in intersectional awareness.
With 11 years of university training, I hold an MSc in Psychiatry (McGill), an MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology (U of Ottawa). My work is rooted in trauma-informed care, shaped by early experience in shelters and correctional settings. My doctoral research focused on attachment and couple relationships, and I have advanced training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder. I also specialize in psychodiagnostic and adult ADHD assessments. I offer therapy and assessment through a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, neurodiversity- and LGBTQIA+-affirming lens, grounded in intersectional awareness.
I’m a clinical psychologist who supports adults through the messiness of being human, whether that means anxiety, grief, relationship struggles, or finding your sense of self again. I offer both psychotherapy and psychodiagnostic assessments, including ADHD and autism evaluation. I’m especially drawn to working with individuals who carry the impact of early relational trauma — including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, and experiences of abandonment. I draw on research about how our relationships shape us, how emotions guide us, and how the brain can rewire itself, even after painful experiences.
I’m a clinical psychologist who supports adults through the messiness of being human, whether that means anxiety, grief, relationship struggles, or finding your sense of self again. I offer both psychotherapy and psychodiagnostic assessments, including ADHD and autism evaluation. I’m especially drawn to working with individuals who carry the impact of early relational trauma — including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, and experiences of abandonment. I draw on research about how our relationships shape us, how emotions guide us, and how the brain can rewire itself, even after painful experiences.
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How does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy work?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy originated in the work of John Kabat-Zinn of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He developed mindfulness-based stress reduction, which is a technique found in yoga and meditation. MBCT is a combination of this type of stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy; it essentially quiets emotional distress through mindfulness, utilizing proper breathing and meditation. These techniques aim to bring the individual into the present moment when in a state of distress.
When do I know if I need treatment with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
If an individual’s mind is filled with emotional distress and general negativity, the person may feel trapped. A mindfulness-based cognitive therapist can help a person change their thinking patterns as well as their behaviour through calm acceptance and compassion. This therapy can provide an individual with the coping skills needed for a healthier and more constructive life.
What should I expect from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
This therapy often takes place in group sessions. A therapist will work with the group as well as with each individual. Meditation and breathing exercises are core practices that aim to invite inquiry and discovery into a person’s troubled mental state. The objective is to identify and lessen negative thoughts and behaviours and move toward optimal health and productivity. The individual will see life in a more realistic way. This therapy is supportive, accepting, and warm.
Is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy effective?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is evidence-based and effective. One study found that people with major depressive disorder have benefitted from this type of therapy; the person accepts their distressed thoughts and also moves into healthier patterns of thinking. This therapy also aims to move an individual away from automatic negative responses. This type of therapy can bring a person lifelong change, with higher levels of satisfaction, less stress, as well as positive emotional and behavioural habits.