Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Ottawa, ON
See all counsellors in Ottawa
Aurela (Ela) Vangjeli
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
My specialty is helping people with lived experiences of childhood
trauma
, sexual abuse, and anxiety.
You cannot do it alone and no one can do it for you" P.L. You may have noticed that your mood fluctuates between feeling anxious and/or depressed. And you don't know how to navigate or interrupt this cycle. Life is nudging you towards seeking support because at times holding it all by yourself feels like too much. In therapy with me, you will feel heard, and understood. You will learn what is overwhelming your internal system (thoughts, feelings and experiences in the body) and be able to move towards regulation, ease and balance. I bring a sense of curiosity and compassion and empower you to lead with courage and confidence.

Sara Bringas
Psychological Associate, MA, CPsych, Assoc
Verified
Verified
Sara provides psychological treatment and specializes in working with adults seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, stress,
trauma
, grief, major life transitions, personal growth, relationship difficulties, chronic pain and health issues, particularly oncology patients. She has extensive training experiences in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Counselling and Life Coaching, among others.

Nereah Felix
Registered Psychotherapist, MA , RP(Qua)
Verified
15 Endorsed
Verified
15 Endorsed
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.

Eleanore Altman (She Her Elle)
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, RMFT-S
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Hello! I am an LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapist and couple and family therapist in the Ottawa area. I offer therapy to youth, parents, couples, and families from a systemic, anti-oppressive and
trauma
-informed perspective. I am happy to offer both in-person and telephone sessions depending on your preference, and I have the option of an in-office cat for those who would like to have an animal present in their therapy session.

Jeff Shepherd
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
Clients often seek my services for help with anxiety, depression, stress, past
trauma
/abuse, men's issues and relationship concerns.
Experiencing a lot of stress/anxiety? Having a hard time overcoming your past? Therapy can help. I’m a kind, passionate and experienced counsellor based in Ottawa offering psychotherapy to adult individuals. My goal is to help you get curious about what’s getting in the way of your mental health, and to find clarity, acceptance and motivation to start feeling better. My work is
trauma
-informed and you can expect to feel safe, accepted and empowered in session. Visit my website for a video about me, what to expect in session, and how to book.
Not accepting new clients

Lauren Scarsella (Not Accepting New Clients)
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC, SEP
Verified
Verified
I have been extensively trained in several areas, such as, developmental
trauma
, C-
PTSD
, body oriented therapy, interpersonal neuroscience and attachment theory.
Life is a series of relationships. We cultivate them with others, our environment, culture and with our ever changing and evolving selves. Countless things happen along the way that interrupt our ability to live freely in our relationships. My life's passion is to help you cultivate more satisfying connections in your life. This may start out with the relationship you have with yourself or with others in your life. I endeavour to support you to connect to the fullness of your experience and embody your anger, grief & love. I have a particular interest in working with other therapists and clients looking to go deeper personally.
Not accepting new clients

Catherine Anne Kilbride
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, OCT, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Trauma
-informed therapy involves working with parts of the brain that can't be accessed through talk therapy alone.
I accompany clients from a place of compassion, creativity, warmth, and humour as they move from the wounds of interpersonal, systemic, and intergenerational
trauma
(e.g., neglect, identity-based violence, childhood or intimate partner violence, premature death) towards fulfilling lives rooted in posttraumatic growth. In addition to working with clients who have experienced
trauma
and its related effects, I also work with clients who identify as experiencing stress (including anxiety disorders), sadness or depression, persistent guilt and shame, life transitions, grief, and existential questions related to life purpose and identity.
Waitlist for new clients

Krista Shackleford-Lye
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, MEd, RP(Q)
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I help folks connect more compassionately with themselves, with others, and with a larger sense of meaning in life. You might be struggling with high anxiety that won’t let you rest, or depression that’s keeping you “stuck”. You might be experiencing a difficult life transition, and unsure how to move forward. You might be unhappy with your substance use, or feeling like unresolved
trauma
is keeping you on a emotional roller-coaster. I also work extensively with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities and their families. Whatever is happening in your life, we can work on it together.

2Beinflow Neurofeedback Services - Chris Peacock
MHA
I am passionate about working with clients who are seeking to improve their sleep, energy, focus and attention and/or who would like to experience less reactivity, racing thoughts, or panic attacks. People who deal with anxiety, high stress levels,
PTSD
, are recovering from concussion, or children or adults who have ADHD, autism or learning disabilities are the clients I see the most. Following a series of sessions, it is very rewarding to see the frequency, intensity or duration of symptoms subside and clients more able to access and use tools such as mindfulness, meditation or yoga in order to manage day to day stresses.

Cassandra Tenneriello
MACP, RP, CCC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I have over six years of experience working with individuals of all ages who are faced with
trauma
, addiction, sexual assault, and intergenerational
trauma
.
It takes great courage to begin taking steps towards starting therapy. As your therapist, I will walk alongside you on your therapeutic journey. My initial goal is to create a safe and compassionate environment for you to begin your healing process. From experience, all clients are unique, and my priority is to mould my therapeutic approach to suit your individual needs and goals. I use a strength-based, client-centred and collaborative approach meeting you where you are in your journey and empowering you to achieve growth.

Frances Fitzgibbon
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA, RP
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
I am one of the few Psychotherapists in Canada certified in Reconsolidation Therapy, a highly effective
trauma
treatment for
PTSD
and Adjustment Disorder.
I help people regulate emotions and have enriching relationships with themselves and others. Struggles with self esteem & confidence, navigating interpersonal relationships, anxiety & stress, finding relief from
PTSD
&
trauma
are some of the areas I work with. I also help those who feel confused with their work or life path. You are unique, and your therapy should reflect this. I tailor sessions to your distinct needs! What makes me different as a therapist? I am refreshingly active and creative in session. My clients feel heard, seen, and appreciated as I am always present with them. I also interject humour therapeutically.

Aisley McCarthy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q)
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Or maybe you have experienced childhood
trauma
and family issues that have affected and shaped how you move through the world.
Accepting New Clients - Hello and welcome, my name is Aisley! If you are reading this you are likely considering therapy, and I can appreciate how difficult it can be to know where to begin or to find the right therapist. I work with individuals and couples aged 16 and above and offer both in person and virtual sessions. I want to help my clients get back to themselves or learn more about who they are and/or wish to be. I emphasize working collaboratively with clients and prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship to establish a secure base to work from together.
Waitlist for new clients

Jennifer Brown
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My objective in therapy is to foster strength and resilience in my clients so that they feel empowered to set and meet goals as part of a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental, and encouraging therapeutic alliance. I provide
trauma
-informed psychotherapy services to individuals who are experiencing issues relating to (but not limited to) past traumatic events, abuse, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, mood or panic disorders, and chronic illness/pain. I work with youth, adults, and seniors and have also worked a great deal with the single-mother community.

Michaela Rachael Clermont
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, EMDR, RP(Q)
Verified
Verified
Virtual and in-person sessions avail. At MRC, our team of therapists offer clients an informal and nonjudgmental atmosphere where self-change is possible, regardless of how stuck they may feel. We work with children, teens, adults and couples to overcome mental health difficulties and life challenges including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression,
PTSD
/
trauma
, and grief. We offer a unique client-centered approach and our passionate about working with clients as they navigate various stressors including school/social conflicts, occupational injuries, and interpersonal relationships. Student rate avail.

Alanna Beitner
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Together we can process
trauma
, work through depression, learn strategies to manage anxiety, tackle relationship difficulties, enhance self-esteem and explore other things that might get in the way of living a fulfilling life.
Welcome, I'm glad you're here. I believe we all have the capacity to create change in our lives and this is your first step. Whether you are an individual or a couple and have one goal or many, we will work with them at your own pace. As we are all unique, I work from a person-centred and
trauma
-informed approach. How we think about ourselves and others can sometimes hold us back from living a fulfilled life aligned with our values. Let's work together so you can begin to feel empowered and move towards wellness. I will meet you where you are today, collaborate with you and walk along side you as you begin your healing journey.
Not accepting new clients

Jenn May Nelson
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, BA, MA, RP
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have 20 years of clinical counselling experience in the areas of chronic pain, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, emotion regulation,
trauma
,
post-traumatic stress
disorder, mental health, addictions, hoarding, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender diversity and borderline personality disorder.
“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” (C.S. Lewis) My therapeutic presence is warm, non-judgmental, genuine and relaxed. I blend creativity, knowledge, professional training and experience. Sessions are collaborative in nature. You will bring your wisdom, life experiences, values, strengths, vulnerabilities, concerns and challenges. I aspire to help you heal, promote growth, find balance and experience self-acceptance.

Krista Helman
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I specialize in areas such as
trauma
, relationships, and behavioural issues, and offer individual sessions and workshops. I'm a Registered Social Worker, EMDR Certified Therapist, and Safe and Sound Protocol Provider (SSP). I'm also the Co-Director of West Ottawa Wellness, and a Trainer and Consultant with the Crisis and
Trauma
Resource Institute.
Ottawa, ON K2H
& Online

Lisa O'Grady
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, D:IET, D:VATI, CCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Along with offering treatment for anxiety (excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, health worries,
trauma
,
PTSD
), depression and insomnia, I also offer creative and expressive therapies for those struggling to express themselves with words or prefer creative approaches.
Immediate appointments available! Feeling overwhelmed by things everyone else seems to do easily? Avoiding doing things you want to do? Caught on a roller coaster of anger, sadness or shame? Are your relationships suffering? Has the "problem" taken over your life? Feeling stuck and confused about what to do or how to find help? I can help you figure out what's keeping the "problem" going and what your next steps might be. If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, I can help you get things back on track.
Not accepting new clients

Natalie Feldman
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Hi there, I’m Natalie. I’m glad that you found your way to my profile. As a licensed mental health clinician, I work with a range of clients, including teens and adults who are experiencing difficult emotions, life transitions, interpersonal and relationship challenges, and questions related to identity growth and development. I am especially passionate about working with those who have experienced
trauma and PTSD
, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. My counselling approach is grounded in self-compassion, which encourages kindness towards oneself, and the understanding that difficult times are not a sign of personal failure.

Triello Counselling Services
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Our therapists have experience working with individuals of all ages (12 +) supporting anxiety, depression,
trauma
, self-esteem, and other obstacles that present themselves at all stages of life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, sad or stressed? Perhaps, you are unsure about how you are feeling? Wherever you currently may find yourself, Triello Counselling Services offers counselling and psychotherapy to support your individual needs. We understand that it takes great courage to begin taking steps towards starting therapy, and we are here to walk alongside you on your therapeutic journey. Our initial goal is to create a safe and compassionate environment for you to begin your healing process. We believe all clients are unique, and our priority is to mould our therapeutic approach to suit your individual needs and goals.
See more therapy options for Ottawa
Trauma and PTSD Counsellors
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.