Ottawa Therapists at Family Therapy

About Us

Trust the Ottawa Therapists at Family Therapy

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. Ottawa therapists & psychotherapists at Family-Therapy™ are here to support you when you seek help. We are independent therapists who offer a variety of therapy and counselling services including child and teen/youth therapy, family and step-family challenges, individual, and couple therapy issues. We are GBLTQQ+ friendly. We’re open Monday through Saturday and offer day and evening appointments. We offer counselling and psychotherapy services at 3 different Ottawa locations. Call us today and find out how speaking with a trained psychotherapist or social worker can help you, your children, your relationships, and your family.

Family-Therapy™ is accepting patients in person, online video conferencing or phone calls.

The only constant in life is change, and every change impacts our situations and our relationships in some way or another. While you may successfully navigate through many of life’s challenging situations, the professional therapists at Family-Therapy™ in Ottawa are here to help whenever you need extra support. As independent psychotherapists and social workers, we offer a variety of therapy and counselling services, including a child and teen therapy, family counselling, and individual and couples therapy. We now offer help for individuals and families struggling with addiction issues.

Meet our Team of Registered Therapists & Psychotherapists in Ottawa

Nataxja Cini

Nataxja Cini

Adult and Couples Therapist MSW, RSW

Areas of Specialty: Individual & Couples Counselling, Depression & Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Infidelity & recovering from an affair, Separation & Divorce Support, Counselling, Marriage & Premarital Counselling, Step-parenting Issues, PTSD Refugee Issues.

Location: 4019 Carling Ave, Suite 202 Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2A3

Online Appointments Monday – Thursday

Nataxja Cini, is a Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.). She works with adults to help them identify and overcome their current life challenges. She specializes in management of and issues related to anger, anxiety, family problems, separation, divorce, infidelity and severe depression. Nataxja can work with you in short-term or long-term therapy to help you achieve your life goals.

As an Emotional Focused Couples Therapist (EFT), Nataxja is passionate about assisting couples in reconnecting and strengthening their relationships. She has helped several couples to overcome the challenges they face in their relationship, together, or individually, especially after the discovery of an emotional or physical affair. As an EFT specialist, Nataxja creates an emotionally safe environment that encourages her clients to explore their vulnerabilities, fears, and concerns, before arriving at mutually agreeable long-term solutions.

Nataxja is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is proven to effectively treat traumatic stress or memories, PTSD and other adverse life experiences, such as car accidents or near-death experiences. If you are experiencing emotional trauma that is causing recurring nightmares, sleep disturbance, feelings of fear, guilt, shame, or even physical pain, Nataxja uses EMDR therapy to help in the healing process.

Nataxja provides for refugee claimants under the Interim Federal Health Plan. She provides an understanding ear, practical advise, and writes detailed case summaries for refugee claimants. Nataxja helps prepare refugee claimants mentally and emotionally for their refugee board hearing. She accompanies refugee claimants to their refugee board hearings.

Nataxja taught psychology and provided student counselling services at the Canadian National Institute of Health in Ottawa. She has also worked at the Royal Ottawa Hospital, Brockville Campus in their Dual Diagnosis Unit.

Nataxja offers supervision to placement students and new psychotherapists and social workers.

Call today to book your appointment with our Ottawa social worker, Nataxja. If you are a refugee, please call our receptionist and speak with her directly for more information.

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Comfort Baiye

Immigration Case Manager

Areas of Specialty: Immigration Case Manager


Location: 4019 Carling Ave, Suite 202

Online and in person appointments.

I am Comfort Baiye, and my journey to Canada in 2019 as an immigrant has been a transformative experience. Understanding the challenges that come with settling in a new environment, I decided to pursue a career in immigration. I successfully graduated with honors from Herzing College, specializing in Immigration Case Management.

My comprehensive training encompasses a deep understanding of immigration procedures, legal office administration, appeals, refugee claimant processes, documentation, office management, and effective client communications. As an Immigration Case Manager, I am equipped with the skills to navigate the complexities of immigration, ensuring a smooth process for individuals seeking a new chapter in Canada. I help refugee and asylum seekers organize and file their paperwork prior to their refugee board hearing. I can help you complete your Permeant Residency application following your successful refugee board hearing.

This journey is not just a career path for me, it’s a personal commitment to aiding others in their pursuit of a better life. I am passionate about utilizing my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of those navigating the immigration process. Together, let’s build bridges to new opportunities and brighter futures.

Please reach out and speak with me today. I am accepting new clients.

Marnie Colter

Marnie Colter

Youth and Adult Therapist CAC-II, R.P.

Areas of Specialty: Adolescents and adults, Substance abuse and addiction, behavioural and emotional issues, social skills, anger management, anxiety and depression, school issues and early intervention.


Location: 430 Hazeldean Rd. Suite 203, Ottawa

In Person and On Line Counselling

Appointments available Tuesday to Saturday

Marnie is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Certified Addiction Counsellor with 20+ years experience working in both individual and group settings. She is passionate about assisting adults and youth (12+) to understand and explore issues associated with a variety of mental health concerns. These include substance use and addiction, anxiety and depression, anger, communication skills, self esteem, stress and trauma.

Marnie integrates various techniques and alternate approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, Psycho-education and Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy with the intention of helping you feel empowered to make changes in your life. Marnie will support you in setting therapeutic goals and objectives that will enable you to explore past and/or present issues.

Marnie is a client-focussed therapist who provides an accepting, non-judgemental and caring environment for her clients by taking the time to build rapport and trust. She will work with you to provide sessions with an emphasis on equipping you with a variety of skills and strategies promoting health, change and resiliency.

Call today to book your appointment for therapy, or leave a confidential message for our Ottawa therapist, Marnie. She is currently accepting new clients.

Shelley Colter

Shelley Colter

Adult and Couples Therapist
CD1, M.A., R.P., RMFT TITC-TC

Areas of Specialty: PTSD, First Responders & Military, Couples, LGBTQ, Sexual/Gender Identity.


Location: 4019 Carling Ave, Suite 202, Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2A3.

Online and In person Appointments Tuesday and Thursday. Not accepting clients at this time

Shelley Colter, M.A, RP, RMFT, TITC-CT. is a is a Registered Psychotherapist and certified traumatologist, who works with individuals (16 years of age and older), couples and families in Ottawa and Kanata. She has over 20 years’ experience as an officer with the Canadian military in operational environments. Her therapeutic goal is to assist clients in being heard and validated, thus, empowering them to discover and develop their unique strengths for resolution of conflicts.

Shelley has a special interest in assisting current or retired military personnel, first responders and their families who have been affected by work related stress, personal trauma, PTSD, loss and grief. Having served for over two decades, Shelley understands the challenges associated with operations, deployment and reintegration into the family and community. She is a Veterans Representative for Veterans Affairs Canada Mental Health Treatment Review Committee

Shelley is compassionate about assisting individuals, couples or families to understand and explore issues associated with sexual and/or gender identity and related challenges they may face. She also works with trauma, including sexual trauma in childhood and adulthood, post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and anger.

Shelley provides services under the supervision of Shelley Briscoe-Dimock, Ph.D., RP, RMFT.

Shelley offers supervision to both qualifying registered psychotherapists and marriage and family therapists under CPRO and CAMFT requirements.

Call today to speak with Shelley regarding supervision. Shelley is not currently accepting new clients for therapy at the moment. 

Ashley Croke

Ashley Croke

Youth, Adult, and Couples Therapist , B.A., MACP, RP-Q

Areas of Specialty: Youth, ADHD, ASD, adults, couples.

Location: 4019 Carling Ave, Suite 202, Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2A3

I accompany clients through stressful life events and emotional challenges, as well as relational and personal issues.

I accompany clients through stressful life events and emotional challenges, as well as relational and personal issues. I work with individuals, couples, and youth. My focus is on helping clients find a state of calm and reassurance as they proceed through challenging situations. I help clients who are experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms or managing stressful life events. I have experience working with persons with disabilities and/or different neurotypes (ADHD, ASD) including late diagnosed persons with ADHD or ASD.

As an RP (Qualifying) I work with supervision. Currently for my couples work I am supervised by Sandra Martins, RP. 

Call today to book your appointment for therapy or leave a confidential message for Ashley. She is accepting new clients.

Gulzar Firashta

Gulzar Firashta

Youth, Adult, and Couples Therapist RSSW, R.P.

Areas of Specialty: Youth (16 and up), Adult Individual and Couples Counselling, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Issues, Grief & Loss, Relationship Issues, Sleep Issues, Behavioural issues, school challenges and early intervention.

Online appointments

Languages Spoken: ગુજરાતી Gujarati, हिन्दी Hindi, and اردو Urdu

Online Appointments

Appointments available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Day and Evening Appointments

Gulzar Firashta, MA, RP, RSSW, is a Registered Psychotherapist who works with individuals (16 years of age and older), couples and families conducting online sessions.  Her aim is to help individuals and couples to thrive and achieve success in the personal lives and intimate relationships. 

Gulzar uses a goal-oriented and collaborative approach in therapy with her clients. Gulzar’s active listening skills, empathy, and open-mindedness towards a variety of lifestyles and situations allow for a safe, and comfortable space for clients to work in collaboration with her to explore their issues. Together in therapy, you and your therapist will learn about unhelpful patterns which prevent you from reaching your goals.

In addition to being a psychotherapist, Gulzar, works within the school system and a community-based organization helping children and families with school challenges. Gulzar has experience working with youth with behavioural issues, individuals facing depression, anxiety, sleep issues, anger, grief, and loss, taking a holistic approach with care and affection.

Gulzar helps couples address conflict, loneliness and tension in their relationship. Couple counselling is helpful when one or both partners are missing the closeness/cherished feelings they once felt, feeling neglected, angry, resentful, lonely, controlled, criticized, arguing excessively or wounded by infidelity. She is certified in Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples and Gottman Method level 2 for couples counselling.

Gulzar’s aim is to foster a safe and understanding environment, enabling you to comfortably explore your past and present experiences and challenges. As your therapist, Gulzar creates a warm and accepting environment where you will feel heard and understood. She believes that every individual is able to shift present patterns that are causing them difficulty, and focuses on supporting them to feel empowered to make changes in their lives. With fluency in four different languages, Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, and English she understands that all individuals are diverse and require interventions that are catered towards everyone’s unique needs.

Call to today book your appointment with Gulzar or leave a confidential message for Gulzar with our receptionist. She is currently accepting new clients.

Bridgette Guindon

Bridgette Guindon

Youth, Adult, and Couples Therapist BA, MACP, R.P.

Areas of Specialty: Youth, Couples and Adults (10+), Managing emotions (depression, anxiety, anger), Building self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and Gender/Sexual identity. Available to work with d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Location: 4019 Carling Ave, Suite 202, Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2A3

Appointments available: Mondays and Wednesdays (days & evenings), Fridays and Saturdays (days)

Online and In person Appointments

Bridgette is a Registered Psychotherapist (RP-Q) who focuses on sessions that convey compassion and warmth to support clients in addressing their current challenges. She builds therapeutic alliances with clients through establishing trust, safety and understanding. Bridgette has worked for many years with children, youth, parents and vulnerable and diverse populations. In her work as a Child & Youth worker she has developed creative ways to engage and support children and youth in the therapeutic process. All through a lens of teamwork and relationship building to strengthen families so that they can tackle problems together. Bridgette has a significant understanding of the oppression and obstacles that d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals face after completing a minor in American Sign Language in her undergraduate degree.

Bridgette’s approach to therapy includes the use of cognitive-behavioural, narrative, attachment and emotion-focused work. She recognizes counselling as a collaborative process between therapists and their clients, in which encouragement, validation and acceptance are pivotal for clients to feel supported. Bridgette understands that therapy can be a daunting process and that it can be difficult for clients to prioritize themselves and find ways to create healthy boundaries in their personal lives, especially when it comes to the people they love and care for. Bridgette aims to make the therapeutic process as fulfilling as possible through empowering her clients in their relationships with themselves and others.

Call today to book your appointment for therapy or leave a confidential message for Bridgette.

Raphaelle Heureux

Raphaelle Heureux

Registered Psychotherapist, Mdiv. RP-Q

Areas of specialty: Youth 15+, Young adult and Adult Individual Counselling anxiety, depression, self-esteem, transition, loss and grief, and suicidal ideation

Location: Virtual Appointments Wednesday and Friday

Languages Spoken: French and English.

Raphaelle is a Registered Psychotherapist. Her approach to psychotherapy is based on the belief that our beliefs and thoughts impact the way we interpret life events as well as everything that surrounds us. Raphaelle believes everyone possesses inner resources and strengths to enable changes in their own life. Her goal is to help you find your inner resources, use your strengths, and find solutions that work with your beliefs and values.  Raphaelle can help you challenge your perspective, identify maladaptive stories, and help you create positive coping strategies that align with your values.

Raphaelle is a compassionate, open-minded, non-judgmental yet direct, and intentional psychotherapist. She connects well with people in difficult times and finds a ray of light in demanding situations. Raphaelle has experience with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, transition, loss and grief, and suicidal ideation. Raphaelle practices from an integrative perspective combining CBT, family system, narrative and EMDR (Eyes Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

Call today to book your appointment for therapy or leave a confidential message for Raphaelle. She is accepting new clients.

Nazir Hussain

Nazir Hussain

Adult and Couples Therapist RSW PhD

Areas of Specialty: Adult Individual and Couples Counselling, Depression, Mood & Anxiety, Behavioural Issues, Grief & Loss, Individual Anger Management and Emotion Regulation, Trauma, Self-Esteem and Self-Growth.

Location: Virtual only.

Languages Spoken: اردو Urdu, हिन्दी Hindi, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Punjabi, عربى Arabic, فارسی Farsi, and پښتو Pashto.

Online appointments Monday and Thursday

Dr. Nazir Hussain, is a registered Social Worker, M.A. RSW, PhD, and has 39 years of extensive counselling experience for trauma, mood disorders, grief, couples/relationship difficulties, addiction, work-related challenges, obsessive compulsions, depression, perfectionism, and much more. He has a PhD from England, where he practiced, researched, and published extensively on depression within diverse immigrant communities. 

Nazir understands that seeking therapy can be very challenging and overwhelming. He understands the shame, negative stigma, and connotations that comes with seeking therapy. He believes therapy can bring self-awareness, clarity, insight and empowerment to help connect you to your authentic self. His role as your therapist is to facilitate a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space using evidence base and therapeutic practices to meet your needs and understand your areas of difficulty. Together you and Nazir can explore new areas of yourself and your relationships to help restore harmony in your life

Nazir is multilingual speaking English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and Elementary Arabic, Persian/Farsi, Pushto. Dr. Nazir Hussain has lived and worked in Asia, Europe, and North America. Hi familiarity with divergent cultures and world views have enriched his abilities to offer unique help and perspective to his clients. He enjoys working with people of all ages, gender, class, races, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and lifestyles.

Nazir supports couples wanting to improve their communication and connection in their relationship. He understands that couples need to have a relationship which is built on trust, respect, intimacy, and cooperation. As your therapist, Nazir assess the strengths and weaknesses of your relationship, helps you identify the current problems, and together set goals for your therapy.

Nazir specializes in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focussed Therapy, Clinical hypnosis for PTSD and EMDR for trauma and PTSD.

Call today to book your appointment for therapy or leave a confidential message for Nazir. He is NOT accepting new clients.

Sandra Martins

Sandra Martins

Youth, Adult, and Couple Therapist M.A. R.P.

Areas of Specialty: Depression & Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Issues, Couple & Family Issues, Military Families, Anger Management.

Location: 4019 Carling Ave, Suite 202, Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2A3.

Online and In person Appointments Monday – Friday

Sandra Martins is a Registered Psychotherapist, M.A. RP, who works with individuals, couples, and families. She has experience working with individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, angry, grief and loss, and life transitions, whether in their personal lives or at work.

Sandra specializes in working with women and couples who are facing issues around pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. She also understands the distinctive challenges facing military families during deployment, relocation, and retirement.

Sandra is known to establish collaborative relationships and creating a safe and supportive environment while assisting clients on mental, emotional, and relational well-being. She provides services under the supervision of a licensed psychologist Augustine Meier, Ph.D., C. Psych and Shelley Briscoe-Dimock, Ph.D., RP, RMFT.

If life circumstances or past events are affecting your motivation, outlook or decisions, seek the help of a registered therapist such as Sandra.

Call today to book your appointment for therapy or leave a confidential message for Sandra.

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Melanie Parnell

18 + Adult Therapist MSW, RSW

Areas of Specialty:  18 + Adults, Anxiety, depression, disordered eating, mindful eating, body image, chronic pain, grief, loss, stress management, working with difficult emotions, insomnia, aging and caregiver burnout.

Location: 4019 Carling Ave., Suite 202. Ottawa, Ontario, K2K 2A3,

Melanie, MSW, RSW, comes to Family-Therapy after 25 years of experience working with individuals with health conditions and eldercare issues in a hospital setting. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience to help families cope with the dynamics of working with their elderly parents and family members. She can help you navigate the health care system for yourself, aging family members or family members with chronic health issues.

Melanie using CBT, mindfulness techniques, health coaching, and positive psychology to help you and your family overcome health challenges.

Melanie offers evening and Saturday in person and virtual appointments. She is accepting new clients today.  

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Anjali Prajapati

8 + Youth Adult Therapist , BA, MACP, RP-Q

Areas of Specialty: Youth 14+, adults and couples, Anxiety,  BIPOC, neurodivergent, depression, art therapy

Location: 4019 Carling Ave., Suite 202. Ottawa, Ontario, K2K 2A3

Anj believes that healing is a journey and creating a safe space for you to develop into your authentic self is an ongoing challenge in our busy society. As the child of South Asian immigrants, Anj has had to navigate the intersecting spaces of life in North America and the culture of her heritage. In dealing with her own mental health challenges, she has a unique perspective on the cultural barriers and stigmas that come into play as a member of the BIPOC community. 

Anj works with youth and young adults who are navigating life transitions, emotional challenges, and difficulties in creating their own identity. Anj has developed a passion to serve her community. She seeks to support you as you navigate between different cultural communities growing up or living in Canada.  

Anj provides a safe and supportive environment for you to explore and learn the different layers that make you, you. Anj approach to therapy is a combination of IFS, somatics, CBT and art therapy. Anj has a BSc in Neuroscience and combines her knowledge of organic science with counselling. She has a background in working neurodivergent individuals and strives to create safe spaces for ALL people. 

Anj is accepting new clients today.  

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Amita Risbud

Registered Social Worker, MSW, Psychotherapist

Areas of Specialty: 18 + Adults, Anxiety, BIPOC, depression, refugee claimants, neurodivergent, domestic violence

Location: Virtual appointments

Amita Risbud is an experienced Registered Social Worker (MSW), Psychotherapist who has supported clients with trauma, mood disorders (anxiety, depression), grief and loss, PTSD, relationship discords, abuse, domestic violence as well as adult ADHD. As an immigrant herself, she completely understands the various cultural biases and the emotional roller coasters newcomers may face in Canada. She has supported refugees, newcomers, and international students explore some of the transitional challenges of moving to a new country. She has extensively worked with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds including individuals from marginalized, racialized, low-income communities and various equity-seeking groups (eg: BIPOC).  

While providing you with a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and non-judgemental space, Amita will find the best therapeutic approach to help you achieve your life goals, focus on empowering your mind, and begin a journey on a path toward positive growth. Her practice is grounded in a strength-based, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed approach, which is infused with warmth, empathy, and compassion. She offers services in English, Hindi, Marathi, and Urdu, providing a culturally diverse and language-specific experience while integrating principles of CBT, DBT, EFT, ACT, and mindfulness in her practice. 
 
If you are looking for a therapist who identifies as a Person of Colour, is trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive, Amita would be glad to support you in your healing journey.  Amita is accepting new clients today.  

Alex Vance

Alex Vance

Adult and Couples Therapist M.A. R.P.

Areas of Specialty: Young adult and Adult Individual Counselling; Couples’ Counselling.

Location: 4019 Carling Ave, Suite 202, Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2A3

Online & In person Appointments Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Alex is a Registered Psychotherapist. His approach to psychotherapy is based in the belief that we, as people, possess the strength and resources necessary to make positive, helpful changes in our lives. Alex’s goal is to help his clients develop solutions to the problems life can present, building resilience and coping skills, reconnecting with their values, and thinking critically (and compassionately) about their own distress processes. In other words: to develop their own compassionate inner-therapist.

Alex strives to create a space with his clients that is collaborative, accepting, non-judgemental, and authentic. Alex can help you learn to tune in and truly listen to yourself, accompanying you on your journey of self-growth as you find out more about who you are. Alex works with adults and young adults and has experience working with a variety of issues, including: mental health-related disability, depression, anxiety, grief, developmental disorders such as ADD/ADH, trauma, and substance abuse. Alex practices from an integrative perspective, combining behavioural (CBT, REBT), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and existential approaches.

In his work with couples, Alex draws primarily from Sue Johnson’s EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy) framework, which aims to help couples recognize their self-defeating patterns, and re-establish their compassionate, understanding connection to each other. Alex has a client-centered view on the therapist-client relationship and prioritizes connecting with his clients through empathy, genuineness, and warmth

Call today to book your appointment with Alex or leave a confidential message for Alex with our receptionist. He is currently accepting new couple clients.

Take the first step by calling us today. Our dedicated psychotherapists in
Ottawa want to help you.

Confidential and Empathetic Counselling

Family-Therapy’s family counselling services in Ottawa, Nepean, and Kanata aim to help you and your families cope with a wide range of complex challenges. Seek timely help and resolve difficult situations by discussing them with a trained professional therapist. We work with refugee claimants and Military members and their families. For more information about our services or to set up an appointment, please call 613-287-3799 or email us. Doctors, Therapists, and Lawyers can fax us at 1-613-777-4975.