Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Therapists in Ottawa, ON

Carla Barbosa

Carla Barbosa

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

I’m a bilingual psychotherapist (English | Portuguese) offering LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent-affirming therapy for adults navigating autism, ADHD, burnout, and identity exploration. I integrate compassion, cultural awareness, and evidence-based care to help clients feel seen and empowered across life’s transitions.

Tanja Ivic

Tanja Ivic

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

*Accepting new virtual clients across Ontario, supporting teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction patterns, identity and life transitions.

Sanja Dejanovic, RP PhD

Sanja Dejanovic, RP PhD

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Hi there! I'm Sanja. I support people seeking individual and couple or relational therapy. Here to assist you to move through difficult, challenging, or stress inducing experiences. We will work collaboratively to make sense of how past happenings impact your present while growing your capacity to navigate situations and relationships.

Mehek Somani

Mehek Somani

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Hi there! I'm Mehek. I'm glad you're here! I specialize in burnout, stress, people-pleasing, self-esteem and relationship issues, intergenerational trauma for POC and immigrant communities. Using an emotionally focused, attachment-based, IFS, DBT, trauma informed and culturally sensitive approaches, I offer online therapy across Ontario (Mon-Wed).

Mara Behan

Mara Behan

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I help couples and individuals find growth, healing, and stronger connections. Using evidence-based and individualized approaches, I support those struggling with women's health concerns (e.g., pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause), relationship concerns (e.g., resentment, infidelity), and life transitions (e.g., separation/divorce, parenting). I offer a free 15-minute consultation!

Yasmin Rombola-Bacchus

Yasmin Rombola-Bacchus

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Picture a road map through counselling therapy to find more meaningful connections with yourself & others, gaining more confidence & peace. Picture finding yourself again, a greater love for yourself & your life. Imagine a transformed you and a better future. In my practice, you will be provided with a safe & caring environment. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life!

Annie Szalkai

Annie Szalkai

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

I work with adults from diverse backgrounds, supporting those navigating anxiety, stress, and self-esteem challenges. My approach is client-centred and integrative, drawing from CBT, ACT, EFIT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and more to meet each person’s unique needs.

Mala Dorai

Mala Dorai

Therapist Intern

Virtual

I offer a collaborative, trauma-informed therapy space for adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, neurodivergence (including ADHD/autism), grief, and life transitions. Grounded in neuroscience and cultural humility, my work integrates mind, body, and environment, with gentle structure, practical tools, and care for meaningful growth.

Erika Szabo

Erika Szabo

Registered Social Service Worker, Psychotherapist

Virtual

My name is Erika. I'm a white, cis-gender queer woman with lived experience of complex trauma. I work from a person-centered, relational, and anti-oppressive lens and embody this in the work I do! Whether you're interested in meditation, art making, somatics, or simply an empathic ear, I will hold space for you in whatever way you need. BOOKING OPEN in-person and online across Ontario.

Zarifa Andani

Zarifa Andani

MPCC-P, RTC-C

Virtual

This work isn’t about fixing your parts—it’s about helping you feel more like your whole self again. We can work together to slow down, get curious, and listen deeply. Our internal body wisdom is an integral source of information that speaks more significantly than words. Real change is possible when ALL of you feels safe enough to be seen and supported, just as you are.

Denise Smith

Denise Smith

Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW

Virtual

Are you feeling overwhelmed and anxious with balancing work, relationships and/or parenting? Maybe you’re feeling unmotivated, disconnected from yourself and your loved ones and find your mood up and down. You might be struggling with a big life decision or change. It can be difficult to know how to move forward. I’ve been there and I understand how stressful it can be.

Khysandra Lee

Khysandra Lee

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Erin Ibrahim

Erin Ibrahim

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, EMDR, ADHD-CCSP, BA

Virtual

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship stress, self-esteem struggles, or just feeling stuck, we can work through it together. Pulling from a variety of frameworks to instead suit your unique needs instead of making it feel one-size-fits-all, I have interest in anxiety, depression, relationships, attachment, neurodiversity, and self-esteem. I look forward to connecting!

Donnica Campbell

Donnica Campbell

Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist

Virtual

Beginning therapy can feel like a vulnerable step, and it can also open the door to greater grounding, clarity, and self-connection. I work from a trauma-informed and inclusive approach. Together, we’ll explore what healing looks like for you, at a pace that feels supportive, and work toward feeling more connected, empowered, and well.

Connie Coda

Connie Coda

Registered Nurse Psychotherapist, Certified Nurse Psychotherapist

Virtual

Connie is a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist and Certified Nurse Psychotherapist offering virtual therapy to individuals aged 16 and up across Ontario. She supports clients coping with chronic illness, anxiety, grief (including pet loss), stress, and life transitions, using a compassionate and collaborative approach.

Katherine Koplov

Katherine Koplov

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

A second-generation psychotherapist with lived experience as an immigrant, corporate leader, and survivor of relational trauma, I bring a compassionate, culturally attuned, and trauma-informed lens. My integrative approach draws on Mindfulness, Somatic Therapy, EFT, IFS, Polyvagal-informed approaches, Narrative Therapy, DBT, CBT, and SFBT to foster meaningful and lasting change.

DeRoux Jones

DeRoux Jones

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

I’m DeRoux Jones, a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario with a Master of Counselling Psychology specializing in Marriage & Family Therapy. I serve individuals, couples, and families, helping with anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, and Christian counselling. My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and client-centered, creating a safe space for growth and healing.

Nikki Ward

Nikki Ward

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Therapist & Clinic Owner at Electric City Wellness Accepting new clients both In-Person in Peterborough & Virtually throughout Ontario! Offering FREE 20-minute consultations!

Maytal Oziel

Maytal Oziel

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

Maytal Oziel is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) based in Ontario, Canada. Before transitioning to psychotherapy, she spent 20+ years working as a certified teacher, where she developed a deep appreciation for the ways we grow, learn, and navigate challenges throughout our lives.

Myroslava Stadnyk

Myroslava Stadnyk

Registered Psychotherapist (RP)

Virtual

Registered Psychotherapist & Practice Owner at Stadnyk Therapy. Accepting new clients - in-person in Koreatown (near Christie Pits) in Toronto and virtually across Ontario. Book a FREE 15-minute consultation to get started!

How do therapists in Ottawa, ON compare?

Number of therapists listed

80

Average years in practice

5.2 Years

Currently accepting new clients

99 %

Therapists in Ottawa, ON who prioritize treating:

71% Anxiety
54% Relationship Issues
42% Trauma and PTSD
41% Depression
36% Emotional Dysregulation
36% Self Esteem
32% ADHD
28% Stress

How therapists see their clients

4% In Person & Online
96% Online Only

Top therapy approaches used in Ottawa, ON:

100% Dialectical Behaviour (DBT)
82% Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
69% Trauma Focused
66% Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
59% Strength-Based
59% Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
58% Person-Centered
51% Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Frequently Asked Questions About Dialectical Behaviour (DBT)

What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?

DBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), particularly for individuals experiencing intense emotional pain and self-harm or suicidal behaviour. DBT is built around four core skill sets: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Its name reflects the core dialectic at its heart — balancing acceptance of yourself as you are with commitment to change.

Who can benefit from DBT?

While DBT was initially developed for BPD, it is now used effectively for a wide range of conditions involving emotional dysregulation, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, substance use disorders, and self-harm. DBT is appropriate for both adolescents and adults. DBT skills are also valuable for people who do not have a diagnosed condition but struggle with managing intense emotions or interpersonal conflict.

What does full DBT treatment involve?

Comprehensive DBT typically involves weekly individual therapy sessions, a weekly DBT skills training group (similar to a class where skills are taught and practised), between-session phone coaching for crisis support, and a therapist consultation team. However, many therapists offer "DBT-informed" or adapted DBT that incorporates the skills framework within individual therapy, without the full group component — particularly when comprehensive DBT programs are not available in your area.

What are the four core DBT skill modules?

The four DBT skill areas are: Mindfulness (observing the present moment without judgment, the foundation of all other skills); Distress Tolerance (surviving crises without making things worse); Emotional Regulation (understanding and managing intense emotions); and Interpersonal Effectiveness (navigating relationships, setting limits, and maintaining self-respect). These skills are taught systematically and practised both in sessions and in daily life.

How long does DBT treatment take?

Standard comprehensive DBT runs for approximately one year, covering the full skills curriculum over multiple cycles. DBT-informed individual therapy may be shorter — typically 6 months to a year — depending on the presenting concerns and goals. Progress in DBT is strongly associated with actively practising skills outside of sessions, not just learning them in session. Your therapist will help you apply skills to real situations in your daily life.