Online Counselling for Ottawa

As a social work trained psychotherapist (Ontario) with over a decade of private practice experience, I hope to bring an open and accepting mind to a wide variety of clientele. Finding a good fit in a therapist is so hard, especially if it is your first time reaching out for help. It can be daunting. To me a good therapeutic space is one in which trust and compassion can be established, where a person can feel both supported and sometimes gently challenged, and where a relationship is created in which one can feel not only heard, but also understood.

Would you like to shine new light on your life story in order to heal and to feel empowered? Could you use a little guidance to continue growing, maturing and thriving? At StoryTime Counselling, we work together to build on your inner resources and create the story you want to live. Untold and unheard, your story may be troubling your mind, heart and body. As you unlock past, present and future concerns, you can find your true voice, feel a sense of freedom and be the hero in your story.

Clients engaging in therapy with me can expect to feel valued. I listen to my clients’ successes and challenges and help clients capitalize on their strengths. I also treasure my clients’ background and culture. In the first session, I will listen to your stories and use current research and assessment tools to help with diagnosis. Collaboratively, we will set treatment goals and a treatment plan. Whether you are coming to treat mood, stress, or personality, or to learn how to deal with life’s difficult transitions, I will tailor the treatment plan to match your personality and goals.

Challenges and obstacles are a part of life, but no one will experience a challenge in the same way as another. My goal is to help individuals and couples understand what is happening for them to help them achieve their goals and thrive. Relationships are a key focus in my practice.

I offer a warm, relational, depth-oriented approach to individuals looking for help with existential concerns, anxiety, and avoidance. I am also available for couples work using an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) framework, particularly around infidelity. I am accepting new clients as of May 2024.

Since 2001, I have supported individuals and couples to deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, work place stress, burnout, sexual and relationship and self-esteem issues, and existential issues related to meaning and purpose. I can help you deal with couple problems (e.g., intimacy, communication), repair your relationship after injuries, such as affairs or betrayals, and improve your sex life. I have presented at national conferences and published book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles in the area of couples and sex therapy. I can support you to build a more, secure resilient self and strengthen your relationships.

Being an adult human is already hard, adding mental health struggles, trauma and unhealthy relationship patterns on top of that can be overwhelming. You are not alone. I work with couples and individuals who struggle with relationship issues, trauma, depression, self-esteem challenges and anxiety. In couples therapy I will be able to guide you through improving your communication, resolving conflict and breaking free from your old relationship patterns. My goal is to help you navigate life's hardships through a compassionate lens so you can begin living your best life.

Life can wear us down. Sometimes we’re in pain, sometimes the ones we love are hurting and sometimes we hurt each other. It can be hard to find our way to peace and connection.

My philosophy is Existential, meaning that we are free and therefore responsible for our choices, We are the authors of our lives, and we design the pathways we follow. My basic premise is that we are not victims of circumstance because, to a large extent, we are what we choose to be. Life is a cycle of transitions and experiences, presenting opportunities and challenges. Often the most important life lessons comes from our suffering. My aim is to assist people to develop their meaning and purpose, by encouraging them to explore options, in order to achieve a more meaningful existence.

I am a Ph.D. Registered Psychotherapist practicing at, and directing, Ottawa Psychotherapy Center (ottawapsychotherapycenter.com). I use evidence-based interventions to resolve difficulties in the now, while promoting growth overall. I see myself make the most meaningful contributions in Crisis & Trauma, which first called me to the profession over a decade ago, and for advancing Self-Growth & Self-Development through emotional, relational, professional, somatic, spiritual, or sexual focus. I also research, teach & train so that I, too, can continue to grow.

Life can be tough and our inner struggles can become overwhelming. Navigating the depths of our own distress may be a daunting task. Luckily, we don't have to be alone. I provide therapy to adolescents, adults, seniors and couples from all backgrounds, in an environment that is open, safe and judgement-free. I have experience working with a range of issues: PTSD and trauma, depression/anxiety, self-esteem, substance use, relationship issues and more. Learn more about my approach to therapy, office locations, other FAQs through my website.

Whether you are struggling at work, at home, internally, or all-of-the-above, therapy can help you find wellness and develop resilience against negative thoughts, burnout, and stress. My first goal is that you feel heard in a safe space, void of judgement, and my second goal is to be your partner in your healing and self development. I welcome new clients who have never considered therapy before and those who are still looking for the right therapist. I also work with couples and families, as I am passionate about family dynamics, personal vs cultural dynamics, and strong communcations.

Life's transitions and emotional pains can be profoundly challenging to navigate. If you're currently in the midst of such a journey, please know that you're not alone. I'm here to extend a hand of support, offering a safe haven where your experiences are met with understanding, empathy, and respect. My commitment to creating a non-judgmental, compassionate, and culturally sensitive environment means that you can freely explore your thoughts and feelings, finding solace and growth on your unique path towards healing.

Find a soft resting place here. Sometimes we need space to make sense of our experiences. Life transitions, such as parenting, relationship changes, profound loss, or unexpected roadblocks are a chance to pause, reflect and understand our experiences in order to walk forward with confidence and grace. I enjoy working with parents adjusting to parenthood, and couples navigating their relationship in parenthood. For some, spirituality is important. I am adept at holding space to work through mental health challenges within and amidst this lens.

Are you looking for more calm and understanding? Improving your relationship with self can help foster greater safety and health, and inadvertently, allow for more calm and understanding. Therapy is intended to help you better navigate life’s inevitable challenges – uncertainties, transitions, and hurts – with greater care and intentionality. We do this by looking at your strengths, your values, working with your emotions, finding more helpful perspectives, and by growing your self-compassion and self-confidence.

Disconnected. Broken. Hopeless. Powerless. Stuck. Many men tell me this is how they feel in our first session. Taking the first step to make change in your life and accept support can sometimes feel the most challenging and overwhelming. As a male therapist, I have learned that working with men requires a focus on practical solutions, a safe and comfortable environment, a therapist who understands the unique personal and societal challenges men face, an emphasis on self-compassion and self-acceptance, and a willingness to address underlying issues. Book a free 20-minute consultation. Click the "website" button to start your journey.

Accepting New Clients! As someone who has been to counselling myself, I understand how comforting it is to have a supportive person to talk to about anxiety and life's challenges. Whether you're facing a variety of problems, feeling swamped by a big life event, or anything else, I'm here to offer help. We can partner up to help you overcome your struggles, to guide you towards a life where you no-longer feel constricted by what you're going through. I'm a solution-focused therapist, meaning I will work to get you to a place where you no-longer require therapy.

In my over 14 years of experience as a counsellor it has been my privilege to conduct over 10,000 sessions with clients, teens and adults, in English and Spanish. I work with individuals to develop better coping skills and find ways to grow from the inside out, and feel stronger. With couples in building or renovating the foundation of their relationship. With family members in gaining a better understanding of their dynamics, supporting one another and working through specific situations. I also offer group therapy as collaborative spaces for learning strategies, overcoming common challenges and work in achieving shared goals.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, stress, relationship issues or any one of many other life challenges, I offer a supportive space in which you'll feel safe sharing your greatest challenges, free of any judgment. We’ll work together to find an approach that best addresses your concerns, and fits with your values and lifestyle.