Individual therapy in Ottawa
A regular hour with one therapist, for adults dealing with anxiety, low mood, stress at work or a big change in their life.
Overview
Individual therapy gives you a regular, private hour to talk through what is weighing on you. Your first session is mostly about getting to know you and what you want from therapy. After that, you and your therapist agree on how often to meet and what to work on. Our therapists draw on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and other approaches they have trained in, and they explain each one in plain words before you start.
- 50-minute sessions
- In person in Westboro or by secure video
- Evening sessions Monday to Thursday
- Receipt emailed after each session
- Sliding scale spots each month
Your first session
You do not need to prepare anything. Here is what usually happens in the first hour.
Getting to know you
Your therapist asks what brings you in, what you have tried and what you want to be different. You share as much as you want.
The approach, in plain words
Your therapist explains how they work. CBT looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and actions. ACT helps you make room for hard feelings and act on what matters to you.
A plan you agree on
You decide together how often to meet and what to work on first. Most clients start weekly, then move to every two weeks.
Clients often come to us with
- Worry or panic that gets in the way of work or sleep
- Low mood that has lasted weeks
- Burnout and stress at work
- A move, a new baby, a diagnosis or another big change
- Questions about relationships, family or identity
Not on the list? Ask on your first call. If we are not the right fit, we will suggest someone who is.
Who you could see
Read each therapist's training and approaches on the about page.
Maren CastellanosRegistered Psychotherapist
Maren opened Larchmere in 2019. She sees adults dealing with anxiety, stress at work and big changes such as a move or a new baby. She likes to agree on a small, practical goal in the first few sessions.
Célia BrassardRegistered Psychotherapist
Célia works with adults after the death of someone close, a pregnancy loss or a divorce. Some clients see her for a few weeks around an anniversary. Others meet with her for a year or more.
Wren TakahashiRegistered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Wren sees adults in person and by video, mostly in the evening. As a qualifying registrant, Wren meets with a clinical supervisor each week. Sessions with Wren cost less.
Questions about individual therapy
Ask anything else on your first call. It is free and takes about 15 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what you want to work on. Some clients come for six to eight sessions. Others come for a year or more. You can stop at any time.
Can I choose my therapist?
Yes. Read the profiles and ask for someone by name, or tell us on your first call what you are looking for and we will suggest a fit.
Is therapy covered by my health plan?
Many extended health plans cover sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist. Check your plan's yearly maximum and whether it covers psychotherapy before your first session.
What should I do if I am in crisis?
We cannot offer crisis support between sessions. Call or text 9-8-8 at any time. In Ottawa, you can also call the Distress Centre at 613-238-3311. If you are in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.