Emotional Dysregulation Therapists in Ottawa, ON
Kelsie Kinsella
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapy (Qualifying) who offers a safe, nonjudgmental virtual space where we can explore your concerns, deepen self-awareness, and work toward meaningful change all from the comfort of your own home. I work with those aged 16+ and believe therapy is about understanding your story, reclaiming your strengths, and creating a life that aligns with your values.
Ashley Toogood
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA, BA (she, her)
I enjoy holding space for my clients and engaging in individual therapy sessions with people aged 14+ of all genders and sexualities. I offer a place for individuals to discuss their emotions and grow from surviving to thriving. I take pride in walking with you down whatever path you are on. I have particular experience in working with stress, anxiety, and burnout, offering a listening ear.
Kristy Brosz, MSW, RCSW
Registered Clinical Social Worker/Mental Health Therapist
*Chronic Illness/Rare Disease Therapist & Trauma/Grief Specialist* Kristy's practice focuses on the intersection between trauma and grief/loss. Kristy has a special interest in the areas of trauma, grief/loss, rare/chronic illness, palliative care, and adoption/foster/kinship care.
Stephanie Myles
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Most of us will encounter a difficulty at some point in our lives that we cannot overcome alone. It may come as a sudden, life changing event that transforms the way we see our lives into a Before and After. In any case, we all endure some type of pain from which we must heal. Healing does not always mean going back to what we were; rather, it can involve becoming something new.
Geneviève Fontaine
Registered Psychotherapist
Hi, I'm Geneviève! I offer individual counselling and psychotherapy for adults. My approach to therapy is guided by the belief that every individual deserves meaningful human connection: to be seen, to be heard, and to be acknowledged. As a queer therapist, my role is to provide guidance, support, and practical tools that empower individuals to make choices that enhance their well-being.
Michael Peddle
Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Certified IFS Therapist
Since 2011, I’ve supported clients through trauma and attachment wounds using IFS as my core approach. I integrate EMDR, SFBT, and evidence-based techniques to help people heal burdens, strengthen inner safety, and reconnect with their most grounded, empowered selves.
Erika Szabo
Registered Social Service Worker, Psychotherapist
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.
Khysandra Lee
Registered Psychotherapist
Alli Ewacha
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Julia Guerra
Therapist
Life can delight us with the most unexpected gifts and offer some rather challenging situations. These burdens of life do not need to be carried alone, and therapy may offer a supportive journey to create, nourish and maintain the values which you hold dear. I feel privileged to accompany you on a path of self-discovery and healing, and I thank you for entrusting me with your wellbeing.
Jialin (Sherry) Yang
Intern Associate Therapist
Hi there! I'm Jialin Yang, or you can call me Sherry! An Associate Therapist offering low-cost virtual counselling services cross-Canada under the supervision, I support youth and adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, stress, identity struggles, and perfectionism.
Mehek Somani
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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–Fri) and Walk & Talk sessions in Oakville on Saturdays.
Aleks Milosevic
Psychologist
I admire you for being willing and open to look honestly at yourself, and for reaching out for professional support after you’ve tried to deal with things as best as you could on your own. I look forward to being part of your journey toward improving your self and your relationships!
Alexander Vasilovsky
Psychologist
Therapy can provide opportunities to reflect on the aspects of your life you’d like to change, as well as to explore new ways of seeing and being seen, of connecting and responding to yourself and others. This sort of change can expose us to feeling vulnerable, so I commend you on your courage to consider this next step.
Stacey Sanderson
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, Subject Matter Expert
I am Subject Matter Expert in complex, relational trauma, narcissism and high conflict divorce. If you are in a toxic relationship, I can help you navigate the process while learning the powerful boundaries and strategy you need to get to the next chapter in your life feeling confident and empowered. I will help you understand the attachment patterns that are keeping you stuck.
Justine Little
Registered Social Worker
Do you feel like you're stuck in old patterns? Are you always zoning out or in crisis mode? Do you struggle to connect with your body and aren't quite sure what it means to feel your feelings? Would you prefer to work with a queer therapist with experience supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks and who is committed to integrating social justice into therapeutic work?
Megan Gauthier
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
*Accepting new client in-person in Guelph and virtually across Ontario* Therapy for people who struggle with self-doubt, overthinking, and repeating painful relationship patterns.
Johanna Benoit
Registered Psychotherapist
NIHB provider, specializing in CPTSD and trauma, perinatal grief and loss, PTSD, anxiety, depression and borderline personality disorder.
Jessica Blair
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW (she, her)
Struggling with anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm? I offer virtual DBT and trauma-informed therapy for adults across Ontario. Compassionate, structured care for BPD, complex trauma, and more. Individual sessions, DBT groups, and full DBT packages available. Learn more at jessicablair.ca.
Mackenzie Fournier
Registered Psychotherapist
Hi, I’m Mackenzie! I’m a Psychotherapist who loves keeping therapy real, down-to-earth, and practical. I help people untangle patterns around anxiety, food, and self-trust using tools grounded in science. In sessions, I bring my authentic self—you can expect a mix of support, guidance, and maybe a little humour when it feels right—so we can tackle challenges together without the extra pressure.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Emotional Dysregulation
What is emotional dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulty managing the intensity, duration, or expression of emotions in ways that are appropriate to the situation. This may look like emotions that feel overwhelming or unpredictable, rapid shifts in mood, explosive anger, prolonged despair, difficulty calming down after being upset, or the use of harmful coping strategies (such as self-harm or substance use) to manage emotional pain. It is not a character flaw but a learnable skill — the nervous system's ability to regulate can be developed at any age.
What conditions are associated with emotional dysregulation?
Emotional dysregulation is a central feature of several conditions: Borderline Personality Disorder (where it is often most intense), PTSD and complex trauma (where the nervous system is chronically dysregulated), ADHD (where impulsivity and emotional reactivity are core features), autism spectrum conditions, mood disorders, and anxiety. It also occurs independently of a diagnosable condition — many people with significant early adverse experiences develop dysregulation without meeting criteria for any formal diagnosis.
What therapy approaches help with emotional dysregulation?
DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) is the most specialized and evidence-based approach for emotional dysregulation — it explicitly teaches four modules of skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. ACT builds psychological flexibility — the ability to experience difficult emotions without being ruled by them. Trauma-focused therapies address the dysregulation that stems from unresolved trauma. Somatic approaches work with the body's role in emotional regulation. Many therapists integrate elements of all of these.
What is the connection between early trauma and emotional dysregulation?
Children develop the capacity to regulate emotions in large part through co-regulation with attuned caregivers — being soothed when distressed, having emotions named and validated, and experiencing a predictable, safe environment. When early caregiving was inconsistent, frightening, or absent, the nervous system does not fully develop these self-regulation capacities. This is not a permanent deficit: trauma-informed therapy, skills training, and the regulatory experience of a consistent therapeutic relationship can build regulatory capacity even decades after childhood.
How long does treatment for emotional dysregulation take?
Building emotional regulation capacity is often longer-term work, particularly when dysregulation is rooted in early trauma or characterizes a personality pattern. A full DBT program typically runs 6 months to a year with weekly individual therapy and a weekly skills group. More focused DBT-informed skills work can be shorter. Many people notice meaningful improvement within the first few months as they begin applying concrete skills, with deeper stabilization occurring over the following year or more.
