Sleep or Insomnia Therapists in Ottawa, ON
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.
Robbie Woods
Psychologist
Some of your experiences that shaped who you are today might now be causing difficulties in your life. Recognizing this is a major sign of great insight and personal strength, and I greatly admire your curiosity of exploring this in therapy. As a psychologist, I provide a safe and secure setting so that you feel hopeful and empowered to go on this journey that brings positive changes in your life.
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.
Salima Jadavji
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CHyp™
I support high-functioning professionals and caregivers who feel exhausted, anxious, or disconnected beneath the surface. Using a trauma-informed, collaborative approach, I help you move beyond coping toward steadiness and self-trust. Email [email protected] to book a free consultation and see if we’re a fit.
Bethany Richer
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who works with individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, emotional regulation, school stress, sleep difficulties, relationship concerns and more. I aim to create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and understood, and where therapy moves at a pace that feels right for them.
Kristina Founk
Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist, Counselling Therapist
Hi! I’m Kristina, and I specialize in guiding individuals through the challenges of anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks. I am an ARCH registered clinical hypnotherapist with specialized training in supporting individuals with PTSD/CPTSD. I would be honoured to help you achieve lasting relief through the transformative power of hypnotherapy. Together, we'll embark on a journey towards inner peac...
Karine Côté
Psychologist
For all of us, life is full of surprises and sometimes it can be marked by major challenges. Since psychotherapy requires a lot of courage to open up to a stranger, choosing a therapist is an important step in the process of working through life’s challenges. I am pleased to present a summary of my experiences and interests in clinical psychology and look forward to working together with you.
Lisa Dolson
Registered Psychotherapist
Lisa understands that life’s challenges can feel overwhelming — and that reaching out for support is a meaningful first step. Whether you're feeling stuck, exhausted, or seeking greater clarity and balance, she provides a compassionate and grounded space where healing and growth can begin. If you're ready to explore what’s possible, Lisa welcomes you to connect and begin your journey forward.
How do therapists in Ottawa, ON compare?
Number of therapists listed
Average years in practice
Currently accepting new clients
Therapists in Ottawa, ON who prioritize treating:
How therapists see their clients
Top therapy approaches used in Ottawa, ON:
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep or Insomnia
How does therapy help with insomnia?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line recommended treatment for chronic insomnia — ahead of sleep medication — according to clinical guidelines in Canada, the United States, and Europe. CBT-I addresses the thoughts and behaviours that perpetuate insomnia even after an initial trigger has resolved. Unlike sleep medication, which manages symptoms temporarily, CBT-I produces lasting changes by retraining the brain-body sleep system. Most people complete CBT-I in 4–8 sessions and maintain improvements long after treatment ends.
What does CBT-I involve?
CBT-I has several core components. Sleep restriction therapy — temporarily limiting time in bed to match actual sleep time — is often the most impactful element; it consolidates sleep and strengthens the drive to sleep. Stimulus control rebuilds the mental association between bed and sleep (rather than wakefulness, worry, or screens). Cognitive restructuring addresses catastrophic thoughts about sleep loss. Sleep hygiene education provides foundation-level habits. Relaxation training manages the physiological arousal that interferes with sleep. Your therapist will tailor the combination to your specific pattern.
Can I do CBT-I while still taking sleep medication?
Yes — CBT-I and sleep medication can be used concurrently, and for many people this is the initial approach. CBT-I can also be used specifically to help people gradually taper off sleep medication they have come to rely on. Changes to medication should always be discussed with your prescribing physician, not managed independently. Your therapist and physician can work together to time the CBT-I work and any medication changes effectively.
What if my insomnia is caused by anxiety or depression?
Insomnia very commonly co-occurs with anxiety and depression — and the relationship runs in both directions. Poor sleep worsens anxiety and depression; anxiety and depression make sleep harder. Research shows that treating insomnia directly, even when anxiety or depression is present, improves both sleep and mental health outcomes. CBT-I adapted for comorbid anxiety or depression is effective, and many therapists treating anxiety or depression integrate sleep work as part of the overall treatment plan.
Is sleep therapy effective for all types of sleep problems?
CBT-I is specifically designed for chronic insomnia — difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, occurring at least three nights per week for three or more months. It is less applicable to sleep disorders with a different mechanism, such as sleep apnea (which requires medical assessment and CPAP therapy), restless legs syndrome, or narcolepsy. A therapist conducting a sleep assessment will identify whether your sleep difficulties are best addressed by CBT-I, referral for medical investigation, or a combination.
