Person-Centered Therapists in Ottawa, ON

I am a Registered Psychotherapist with a passion for working with neurodivergent folks. As someone who only came to understand my own neurodivergency in my late 20s, I am all too familiar with the often-unique trials and tribulations that can arise throughout the lives of neurodivergent people (in addition to the often exceptional capabilities that can be a huge advantage in many facets of life!). I typically work with those struggling with general and social anxiety, depression, screen addiction, task avoidance, acquired brain injury, and/or self-advocacy.

My name is Nadine Simard. I am a registered psychotherapist (CRPO), under supervision of a Psychologist. I am genuine, caring, and compassionate, and I like to provide a safe therapeutic space to nurture my client’s unique strengths and aspirations. I offer emotionally focused therapy for individual and for couple, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I have also completed Gottman Level 1 training. I use a holistic approach to best meet each unique individual’s needs. I believe in empowering my clients in finding the right approach to promote positive change and achieve a healthier life.

As a Black therapist who immigrated from West Africa, I am dedicated to offering culturally sensitive and affirming therapy to individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color (BIPOC) communities, as well as those identifying as visible minorities. My practice is centered around navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, and substance use, and commitment to honoring the diverse cultural backgrounds of my clients. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where teenagers, young adults, and young professionals can explore their mental health concerns with an deep appreciation for their unique experiences.

Grief counselling is my specialty. The death of a loved one is so hard and no-one prepares you for what grief looks like. I work collaboratively, at your pace, providing a safe non-judgmental space for clients to be heard and to support you in drawing upon your own strengths in order to mourn well. My professional experiences stem from working as a Social Worker and a Therapist for over 25 years in hospice palliative care, community organizations, and in private practice. I also provide counselling for those caring for a loved one at the end of life.

My practice is focused on empowering clients to make informed decisions about their own change while providing a compassionate and supportive space. As a person-centered therapist, I seek to enhance one’s quality of life and encourage clients to create their own solutions to situations as they define them; inviting new ways of thinking without imposing one’s own views and to emphasize and allow personal choice and control over one’s own problems while also exploring personal goals and values. I believe humans have the capacity to enhance self-efficacy, confidence, and one’s own belief that they can achieve their goals.

In therapy, I use an integrative approach in the care of each of my clients. I employ a person-centered approach with elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), emotion-focused, psychoanalytic, positive psychology, and self-compassion. Clients will be encouraged to achieve their goals and utilize their strengths throughout the therapeutic process.

I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) accepting new clients. I aim to support and empower folks of all identities on their unique journey, focusing on personal goals like developing coping skills and processing trauma. This can include exploring relationships, anxiety, depression, grief, meaning-making, spirituality/religion, sexuality, shame, and guilt. I offer a safe, compassionate, open space for you to explore without judgement.

I strive to support clients in meeting their goals, building upon their coping skills, and processing their trauma in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space. Through trauma-informed, person-centered practice, our sessions would put you in the driver’s seat of your own journey to healing and growth. My integrative framework is adapted to suit the needs and presenting issues of each client I meet with, in order to support you with an approach that works best for you and your specific goals, presenting issues, and needs. It is important to me that you feel supported in a way that is significant to you.

My approach is person centered, holistic and supportive. It is based on a belief that every person has the unique potential to discover and develop their own inner resources and strengths. Our time together will provide you with a safe and collaborative space within which you may explore your life challenges, the changes you may wish to make that can lead towards greater personal insight, growth and wholeness. ​

Welcome! If you’re a high-functioning individual looking for help in navigating the complexities of life, you’ve come to the right place. Dealing with big feelings that impact your self-esteem, relationships, and stress levels can be a lot to manage on your own. All while staying on top of work, school, personal and social responsibilities. I’m passionate about providing empathetic support to those wrestling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other emotional regulation issues.

At one time or another, the cliché that sometimes you just need a little help applies to us all. Unsure where to seek support? I would be happy to connect with you and help get you started on the path to better mental and emotional wellness. My focus is in supporting people with mental health issues within our diverse community. I offer psychotherapy services to adults and adolescents struggling with severe and persistent mental illness (Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety and Depression to name a few), substance use disorders, emotional dysregulation, domestic abuse, and involved with the criminal justice system.

We are all capable of growth. Is it time to uncover your deeper self and goals within an authentic, non-judgemental therapeutic relationship? Our sacred capacity evolves through the practice of self-compassion. It fosters our natural ability to make desired changes in our life. Together, let's uncover your unique values and strengths to work through life's challenging experiences. I've been there too! As Carl Rogers says "Life is about being and becoming". To me, this represents our ability to work with our past, current and future self. Acknowledging and witnessing your own story creates a deeper self-awareness.

Accepting Virtual New Clients. It’s common to experience insecurity, fear, and doubt in life and in relationships. Sometimes it’s our past that is affecting us, or we may just be encountering a tricky time in our lives. If you’re struggling with these things, therapy can be a helpful avenue to gain support, healing, and new perspectives to help get un-stuck. In therapy, I like to help give a voice to parts of yourself which may be in pain, and help you find sources of strength within yourself. I believe that you are more than your struggles, and that you have the capacity to create growth and change for yourself.

As a Psychotherapist, I strive to provide a safe, judgement-free, compassionate and growth-focused space for my clients, where their voices can be heard and encouragement is given to explore new ways of relating to difficult thoughts, feelings, memories and experiences. I have 14 years of extensive experience working with children, teenagers and adults facing diverse challenges including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal ideation. As a Queer therapist, I am passionate about working with fellow Queer/2SLGBTQ+ folks and allies, and love supporting clients throughout their identity journey.

I acknowledge that starting therapy is a big step and takes courage. I believe that everyone is capable of change and striving towards wellness. I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and compassionate space for clients to begin their healing journey. Goals are determined collaboratively to help clients recognize and explore their internal experiences through self-compassion. I strive to empower all my clients and build a supportive and encouraging therapeutic relationship.

Integrative therapy for adult clients combining Humanistic, Mindfulness-Based, Person Centered, Solution-Focused and Cognitive-Behavioral approaches ( CBT).

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.

Taking the first step in your self-healing journey can be so difficult, but I am so glad that you are here! Whether you have tried therapy in the past, or this is your first time, I welcome you. Collaboratively, through a person-centered and strength-based approach, I seek to support and navigate life’s greatest stressors and hurdles with you in a way that meets you where you are at. Changes in life can cause us to feel distant and disconnected from ourselves, or from our relationships. This can lead to low sex-drive or libido, and poor communication, causing recurring and frequent disagreements. I want to support you in

Life has its challenging moments, and sometimes those challenging moments are more intense than usual or last longer than we’d like. Over time, this may impact your mood, your energy, your relationships, your decisions, your behaviour and your health. Perhaps you’ve noticed yourself having more conflicts in your relationships, longing for a deeper connection and more intimacy with your partner, struggling to find meaning in what you do, or generally, losing a sense of self. If any of this resonates with you and you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, I’m here to help. You don’t have to go through it alone.