Anxiety Therapists in Ottawa, ON
Chris Pankewich
Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
My therapeutic approach is collaborative and non-directive, partnering with you to develop a customized toolkit that includes conceptual frameworks, practical skills, and a solid knowledge base. This toolkit is designed to enhance your quality of life, help you overcome obstacles, and achieve your personal and professional goals.
Lester Vega
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I offer psychotherapy rooted in both psychodynamic and Jungian approaches for adults living with the lasting impact of early adversity, complex trauma, and attachment wounds. Together we explore anxiety, burnout, relationship patterns, grief, shame, spirituality, and dreams at a pace that fits your nervous system. I provide secure online therapy across Ontario and a free 30‑minute consultation.
Laura Lockhart
Registered Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist
Laura is a trauma-focused psychotherapist using an integrative approach that blends psychodynamic, somatic, experiential, and parts work. She supports anxiety, depression, and attachment trauma. Neurodivergent affirming and 2SLGBTQIA+ allied, she offers direct, compassionate therapy and integrates psychedelic-informed care and equine-assisted psychotherapy when appropriate.
Caroline D Souza
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with over six years of experience supporting individuals across hospital, school, community, and outpatient mental health settings. I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can slow down, feel genuinely heard, and explore your experiences without judgment.
Monica Natalia
Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying
Do you constantly judge yourself harshly and worry about how others perceive you? You’re someone who puts everyone else first, making sure the people around you are comfortable and happy. Yet even with all that effort, you still feel anxious, overwhelmed, and never “good enough.” You may hold back from changing because you fear conflict, disappointment, or losing the people you care about. But d…
Katharine De Santos
Registered Psychotherapist
Healthy Minds Psychotherapy was founded in 2018 with the mission of providing psychotherapeutic care to individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering resilience in each person and our community as a whole.
Crystal Wiens
Psychotherapist
As a therapist, I generally draw on an eclectic therapeutic approach grounded in evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy. I have an empathetic, genuine, non-judgmental approach. The therapeutic relationship and rapport are essential to the success of psychotherapy.
Masood Suliman
Registered Psychotherapist
As a Registered Psychotherapist and the founder of Ripple Effect Counselling & Psychotherapy in Hintonburg, Ottawa, I provide a safe space for healing and growth. I hold an MA in Counselling Psychology and utilize trauma-informed approaches, including Somatic Experiencing and EMDR. Together, we can work through life's challenges and create meaningful, lasting change.
Maya Awad
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), ADHD-SP, HBSc (she, her)
Accepting NEW clients - Are you feeling overwhelmed or like you’re carrying a lot on your own? Feel like you're doing everything you’re “supposed to do,” but something still doesn’t feel right? Have a desire to better understand your thoughts, emotions, or patterns, work on building confidence or self-esteem, or find support for your relationship?
Vanessa Leggio
MSW, RSW
Hello! I’m Vanessa, a couples therapist and trauma therapist. With both personal and professional experience, I’m dedicated to creating a safe space for healing and growth. I work with couples to rebuild trust, intimacy, and connection. For couples or individuals who are struggling with trauma, I use EMDR, a powerful and effective therapy that has helped many overcome and grow from trauma.
Sarah Flanagan
Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
Whether you're navigating the emotional complexities of infertility, struggling with self-worth, processing grief, feeling lost in a life transition, or disconnected in your relationships, you are not alone, and you don't have to go through it alone. I strive to create a collaborative, non-judgmental space where you can show up as you are and where we can make sense of things together.
Nadine Cortez
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, ADHD-SP, EMDR, HBSc
I take a trauma- and culturally-informed approach that pulling Narrative, Attachment and Emotionally Focused, EMDR, Narrative, and IFS therapy, but I ensure flexibility in how this applies to your goals. I have interest in mood & stress, immigration, identity & self-esteem, trauma, ADHD, and relationships. Walk & Talk (outdoor) therapy available in Windsor.
Nora Shapiro
Registered Psychotherapist
I'm a psychotherapist offering services both in-person (Toronto) and virtual (across Ontario). My focus areas include depression, anxiety, meaning, identity, relationship/family issues, values & ambitions, LGBTQ2IA+ mental health, gender, ADHD, and creativity & artistic practice. We can work to open new perspectives, build resilience, and create meaningful change for a more fulfilling life.
Li Li
Registered Psychotherapist
Li offers relational psychoanalytic and trauma-focused somatic/EMDR/IFS therapy, to support clients in communities such as immigrants, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent (ADHD), and professionals, whose experiences resonate with her own life journey the most. She holds a compassionate, culturally attuned space where clients can explore how early wounds, cultural expectations, and identity intersect.
Mike Thibodeau
Registered Clinical Psychologist (PhD)
Dr. Michel (Mike) Thibodeau has helped over a hundred adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety-related disorders. He offers efficient treatment using cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure and response prevention guided by current research on best practices. His pragmatic skills-based approach is paired with a collaborative therapeutic style to promote lasting changes.
Sydney Tricand
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Are you navigating the tender seasons of family building, pregnancy, postpartum, or early parenthood? You might feel overwhelmed, unlike yourself, or wonder if you’re experiencing postpartum anxiety or depression. A tough birth, NICU stay, feeding issues, or grief may have shaken your sense of self, body, or relationships. Are you hoping to feel more seen and understood in this vulnerable time?
Ummehani Rehmani
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” – Dr. Seuss This quote has stayed with me since childhood. It reminds me that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and supported—no matter their age, background, or story. Hi, I’m Ummi (short for Ummehani), and I work with individuals, children, and couples navigating the complex emotions that come with change, identity, and disconnection. I bring ove…
Valery Vengerov
Registered Psychotherapist
To those who have taken the courageous step of seeking out a therapist, I want to express my deep admiration and respect. Embarking on this journey takes tremendous willingness and courage, and I commend you for prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being. You are already demonstrating incredible strength, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Laura Clarke
Registered Psychotherapist
I’m a registered psychotherapist supporting individuals who feel stuck in patterns of self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or disconnection in their relationships. My approach is warm, grounded, and conversational - integrating Narrative Therapy, EFT, Somatic, and Trauma-Informed practices to nurture safety, awareness, and sustainable change. Complimentary consultations available.
Mark Coates
Neuropsychologist
My clinical practice focuses on identifying possible neuropsychological difficulties and helping clients to better understand their individual cognitive profile. In doing so, clients often gain insight into their daily functioning and learn ways to adapt to any limitations that might exist.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety
What is an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive fear or worry that is disproportionate to the situation and significantly interferes with daily life. They are the most common mental health condition in Canada, affecting approximately 1 in 4 Canadians at some point in their lives. Unlike ordinary nervousness, anxiety disorders do not resolve on their own without support.
What types of anxiety disorders does therapy treat?
Therapists treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia, health anxiety, and separation anxiety. Each has distinct features — for example, GAD involves pervasive worry across many areas, while panic disorder centres on recurring unexpected panic attacks. A therapist will assess your specific presentation before recommending a treatment approach.
Which therapy approaches are most effective for anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence base for anxiety disorders and is widely considered the gold-standard treatment. Other effective approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), exposure-based therapies, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and EMDR for anxiety rooted in past trauma. Your therapist will tailor the approach to your specific presentation.
Do I need medication to treat anxiety?
Therapy alone — particularly CBT — is highly effective for most anxiety disorders and produces lasting change by addressing underlying thought and behaviour patterns. Some people benefit from combining therapy with medication such as SSRIs or SNRIs, especially when symptoms are severe. This decision is best made in consultation with your therapist and a physician or psychiatrist.
How long does therapy for anxiety typically take?
Most people with anxiety disorders see meaningful improvement within 12–20 weekly sessions of CBT. Specific phobias and panic disorder often respond faster, sometimes within 6–12 sessions. The timeline depends on the severity of your anxiety, any co-occurring conditions, and how consistently you practise skills between sessions.
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