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 LGBTQQ+ friendly and informed. We’re open Monday through Saturday and offer day and evening appointments. We offer counselling and psychotherapy services at 2 different Ottawa locations. Call us today and find out how speaking with experienced psychotherapists or social workers 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 offer support for Refugee Claimants.

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 Claimants.

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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Aya Abdulkarim

Adult and Couples Therapist BA, MACP, RP-Q

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

Location: 4019 Carling Ave, Suite 202, Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2A3 and Top Floor1194 Karn Pl, Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z2 (above Evans Medical Centre).

Languages Spoken: , عربى Arabic and English

Online and In person Appointments

Aya Abdulkarim is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) specializing in helping clients with anxiety, depression, life adjustments, and family relationship issues. Aya’s goal is to provide support and strategies to manage and overcome these challenges, ensuring that clients can navigate their difficulties with confidence and resilience. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages, including adults and young adults and is comfortable addressing various issues, such as stress and family dynamics. Aya offers her services in both English and Arabic, ensuring clients feel comfortable and understood in their preferred language.

Aya’s unique approach to therapy, which combines directness with compassion, tends to attract clients who are seeking growth and balance in their lives and relationships. This approach is particularly effective for young to middle-aged adults. Many of her clients appreciate her ability to relate to diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences, including new immigrants and refugees. Aya excels in situations involving significant life changes, emotional distress, and interpersonal conflicts, providing support during transitions and helping clients build resilience.

Aya is deeply committed to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel safe to explore their emotions and experiences. She firmly believes in the power of empathy, connection, and evidence-based practices to facilitate healing and growth. Aya’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment is aimed at helping clients achieve personal growth and find the tools they need to overcome their challenges.

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

Aisling

Aisling (Ash) Arts

BSW, MSW Youth, Adult, and Couples Therapist

Areas of Specialty: 15+ Youth, Adults, Couples, LGBTQ+, Life Transitions and Challenges, Grief and Loss, Substance Use, Self-Esteem and Personal Growth.

Location: Virtual or In-Person at 4019 Carling Ave, Suite 202

Language Spoken: English  

Aisling (Ash) Arts, she/her, is a Social Worker providing counselling services for youth, adults, and couples.  She specializes in fostering an affirming therapeutic space for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.  

Ash uses an emotionally focused, non-pathologizing approach to co-create a safe and comfortable environment for you to explore your goals, and create intervention plans in alignment with your needs and aspirations. Through compassionate, intentional active listening and reflection prompting, Ash will support you in identifying how to best support your emotional and psychological wellness. With experience working in community mental heath care and psychosocial rehabilitation, Ash offers support for a broad range of life challenges and changes for individuals and couples, including grief and loss, substance use, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, decision making, personal growth, career transitions, and more. 

Using a foundation of strengths-based, client-centred, holistic, and anti-oppressive theory, Ash integrates clinical principles and interventions from Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy to support you with your therapeutic goals and processes.  

Ash is most passionate about assisting individual clients and couples to claim a life full of joy, authenticity, empowerment, and connection. Together in sessions, Ash will help you navigate meaningful change, enhance your emotional and psychological wellbeing, and transform self-beliefs and behaviours that are no longer serving you into new patterns that align with your dreams.

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

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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.

Call today to book your appointment to speak with Comfort or leave a confidential message for Comfort. She is accepting new clients.

Rashida Collins

Rashida Collins

Adult Social Worker, MSW, RSW

Area of specialization: Indigenous Individuals, Anxiety, Depression, Refugee and Asylum Claimants 

Location: Virtual Appointments Thursday- Saturday

Rashida Collins is an experienced social worker.  She has worked in numerous organizations and hospitals in the Ottawa region for over 15 years.  She is very passionate about helping her clients break through barriers which prevent them from reaching their full potential. Rashida understands how cultural barriers and social structure impact individuals in their daily lives.

Call today to book your appointment for therapy or leave a confidential message for Rashida. She is 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 and Adult 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 Julia Vlaming, BScHonours, DVATI, CATA, CRPO. 

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, Refugee Claimants, 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

Child and Youth Therapist BA, MACP, R.P.

Areas of Specialty: Children and Teens, Emotional regulation, Stress management, Depression, Anxiety, Self-esteem, Family relationships, Trauma.

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

Appointments available: Monday – Thursday (afternoons & evenings) 

Bridgette is a Registered Psychotherapist who focuses on sessions that convey compassion and warmth to support clients in addressing their current challenges. She builds therapeutic alliances with children and youth through establishing trust, safety and understanding. Bridgette has worked for many years with children, youth, and parents of diverse populations in community, school and counselling settings. Bridgette utilizes many creative modalities of therapy to engage and support children and youth in the therapeutic process. The therapy Bridgette provides has a foundation in attachment-based research. Bridgette’s therapeutic approaches include the use of Play, Sandtray, Art, Cognitive-behavioural, Narrative, and Emotion-focused techniques.  

Bridgette recognizes counselling as a collaborative process between the therapist and their client, in which encouragement, validation and acceptance are pivotal for a client to feel supported. Bridgette understands that therapy can be a daunting process for children and youth, as well as their parents at times. Bridgette aims to make the therapeutic process as fulfilling as possible for all members of the family while maintaining the best-interest and confidentiality for the children or teen that is her client.  

Bridgette is committed to staying updated on well-researched therapeutic techniques that are demonstrated to be most beneficial when working with children, youth and parents.  

Bridgette provides services under the supervision of Sylvia Simonyi-Elmer, R.P. & Greg Hill, M.A., R.P., CCC .

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

Raphaelle Heureux

Raphaelle Heureux

Registered Psychotherapist, Mdiv. R.P.

Areas of specialty: Youth 15+, Young adult and Adult Individual Counselling, Refugee Claimants, 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.

Matea Kosar

Matea Kosar

Adult Therapist, MSW, RSW

Area of specialization: Adults, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, Postpartum Support, Refugee and Asylum Claimants

Location: Virtual Appointments Monday- Friday

With over a decade of experience working with diverse populations, Matea Kosar brings a unique perspective to her practice, shaped by her personal history. Having spent part of her childhood in a war zone and experiencing life as a refugee, Matea has a profound understanding of trauma and the challenges faced by refugees. Her own journey as an immigrant further enriches her empathy and insight into the hardships and challenges faced by refugee claimants and asylum seekers.

Matea is dedicated to supporting mothers through her volunteer work with Postpartum Support International, focusing on enhancing maternal well-being and fostering stronger bonds between mothers and their babies. She alo specializes in providing compassionate support to individuals who have experienced the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy or birth.

Call today to book your appointment for therapy or leave a confidential message for Matea. She is 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, Refugee Claimants, 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.  

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

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Anjali Prajapati

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

Areas of Specialty: Youth 8+ and adults, 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. 

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

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Olusegun Raji

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Areas of Specialty: Individual & couples counselling, Depression & Anxiety, Grief & loss, Separation & Divorce Support, Counselling, Marriage & Premarital Counselling, Step-Parenting Issues, Grief, End of Life Issues, Career Challenges, and Immigrant and Refugee Challenges.

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

Appointments Available: Tuesday – Thursday (Afternoon and Evenings) In person and Virtual Appointments

Olusegun Raji, is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with Ontario, currently pursuing a master’s in counselling psychology. With over two decades of experience, Olu has developed a deep passion for helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges, offering a supportive and empathetic space to explore emotional and psychological concerns. Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Olu specializes in relationship dynamics, helping clients strengthen connections, resolve conflicts, and foster healthier relationships.

Olu’s background as a Pastoral Care provider for over twenty years has refined his ability to provide guidance in various contexts, whether for individuals dealing with grief, families facing transitions, or couples recovering from infidelity or navigating separation. His approach emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration, empowering clients to find their path forward.

Additionally, Olu’s work on Canadian Armed Forces projects has broadened his understanding of the complexities faced by those dealing with trauma, PTSD, and stress-related issues. This unique combination of experience and skills allows him to offer a well-rounded approach to therapy, tailored to meet the diverse needs of his clients.

Olu provides his services under the supervision of Nataxja Cini (RSW) and is committed to using evidence-based techniques to foster healing and personal growth.

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

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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.  

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

Sheila

Sheila Struiksma

Adult Therapist, MSW, RSW

Area of Speciality: Adults 18 +. Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Refugee Claimants, Grief, and Insomnia

Location: Virtual appointments

Sheila knows that life has its challenges and that reaching out for help can be an overwhelming step to take. She has assisted adults (18+) to work through a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and insomnia. Her goal is to help you feel understood and supported throughout your time together. 

Sheila came to work in counseling later in life, which has provided her with a range of life and work experiences. She is trained in several therapeutic techniques, and primarily uses cognitive behavioural therapy to help you with making changes in your thoughts and feelings. She is guided by acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy in creating a positive, accepting, and non-judgemental space for you to talk about your challenges and difficulties. 

Sheila believes we all have internal strengths that we may forget or are hidden during difficult periods. Her role in therapy is to help you rediscover your superpowers, learn to manage your emotions, and help you seek clarity.

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

  

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.

Family-TherapyOttawa

Rachel Heimstra & Sindi Uneobika

Adult and Couples Social Workers

Areas of Specialty: Adult, Couples Counselling.

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

Language Spoken: English

Online & In person Appointments

 

Rachel and Sindi will be joining Family-Therapy in October 2024 as Social Workers. They will be working with clients virtual Appointments. They will be offering services for refugee claimants.

Stay tuned as we update their profiles soon.

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.