Anxiety Therapists in Ottawa, ON
Elliott McLarnon
Registered Psychotherapist
My name is Elliott, a Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto, Ontario. I practice from the Humanistic perspective, which emphasizes that (believe it or not) clients know what is best for themselves – not the therapist. With curiosity, an open-mind, and a non-judgmental stance, my hope is to help you reconnect with the most authentic parts of yourself.
Carol Alexander
Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
I work with adults, children, and families, providing client-centred, attachment-focused interventions. My work is based on attachment theory. My area of focus in supporting families involves strengthening the parent-child relationship. I coach parents to parent in a way that provides insight into their child's inner world while gaining an empathetic approach to traditional discipline strategies.
Brittany Peddle
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I work with individuals who are looking to overcome their trauma by learning healthier coping skills and more helpful resources, and who want to do deeper processing work to resolve and release trauma in order to let go of the past and move forward in life. I offer both support and solutions, using a client-centered approach utilizing DBT, ACT, EMDR, Somatic Therapy and other modalities.
Varshini Skantharajah
Registered Psychotherapist
Mariana Lafrance
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Are you struggling with being human in our modern world? If you've found your way here, it's likely that you're feeling uncomfortable and stuck and that you're getting ready to do something about it... even if it's terrifying. You sense there's something more to you than what you've experienced thus far, and the way forward is muddied.
Mandeep Lalli
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stuck? Maybe something feels wrong? I help people navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and relationship struggles, with culturally sensitive care that honours your full background, including pressures others may miss. As a South Asian therapist who spent 15 years in the corporate world, I bring lived experience and real-world context to therapy.
Shayesteh Zarieh
Registered Psychotherapist
Let’s be honest—starting therapy isn’t always a bold, empowered choice. Sometimes it’s a quiet, messy, or reluctant one. Maybe you’re simply tired of pretending everything’s fine. This space is for the parts of you that don’t have to be impressive, productive, or put-together. The parts that are unsure, grieving, angry, numb, or just curious about what else is possible.
Jen Chan
RP (Qualifying), MACP (InP), BBA
I’m Jen, a therapist-in-training offering a safe, client-centred space to navigate anxiety, depression, burnout, cultural identity, relationships, parenting, workplace stress, and youth challenges. My integrative approach blends Person-Centred, ACT, EFT, and mindfulness-based, yoga- and somatic-informed practices.
Nadine Evans
Registered Psychotherapist
Clinical director and psychotherapist of Impart Therapy, a practice focused on providing support for ADHD and PMDD, anxiety, grief, depression, stress, trauma, and Autism/ASD. We provide accessible and affordable care, using a variety of modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, solution-focused therapy, and humanistic therapy, offering couples counselling, and individual therapy.
Naim Assemani
Therapist
Life is full of challenges. While many of these challenges are part of the personal development and growth, others can generate stress, anxiety, and distress. It’s a relief to know that you don’t have to face all these difficulties alone, that most of these difficulties are treatable, and can even be cured especially when treated early enough.
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.
Matthew Pitts
Registered Psychotherapist
I work with individuals and couples, focusing on areas like anxiety, relationship conflict, career stress, and recurring interpersonal patterns. My approach is collaborative, reflective, compassionate, and direct when helpful. Drawing from experience in family law, finance, marriage, and parenthood, I help clients navigate conflict, stress, and personal growth.
Michelle Strazzeri
Master of Social Work (M.S.W, R.S.W) -Social Worker/ Psychotherapist
For 9 years I have worked with individuals, couples and families on a wide variety of issues including communication breakdown, trauma, abuse, accident, injury, addictions, depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns. I understand that change is difficult, and it is hard to take the first step in seeking out therapy support. I know it takes courage to start this process.
Samantha Szirmak
Registered Psychotherapist
It takes incredible courage to seek help whether you are currently hurting, overwhelmed, or searching to get to know yourself better. As your therapist, I am honoured to provide a safe space for you to tell your story, open your heart, and guide you towards the growth and change you seek. In a caring, supportive, and non-judgmental environment, we can navigate this journey together.
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.
Matteo Castelli
Registered Psychotherapist & Counsellor
Matteo Castelli has over 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy, group education, counselor training, and mental health advocacy. With an educational background including a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, he brings both academic knowledge and practical experience to his work with clients.
Arianne Nicole Palmares
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Hi, I’m Arianne. I’m glad you’re here. I believe everyone deserves therapy access, regardless of background or identity. As a first-generation immigrant, I combine lived experience with clinical training to create a safe and brave space where you can be seen, heard, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want.
Miranda Tilley
Registered Psychotherapist
An experienced therapist with a background in childcare (former ECE) with a focus on helping children, teens, youth, adults, and families navigate mental health challenges. Specializing in ADHD and related issues, including PMDD, menstrual issues, anxiety, and executive functioning struggles.
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.
Jason Lavery
Registered Psychotherapist
I am happy to work with an extensive range of clients and organize my practice around providing Client-Centred Therapy grounded in empirically-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have lived experience as a first responder and am passionate about addressing the unique challenges associated with fulfilling such roles.
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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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