Treatment Interventions
Psychotherapy in Ottawa
Professional, evidence-based psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families. Our registered psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers provide compassionate, individualized care to support meaningful and lasting change.
Understanding Psychotherapy
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process between a trained therapist and a client, focused on understanding and addressing emotional, behavioural, and relational difficulties. Through structured conversation and evidence-based techniques, therapy provides a safe space to explore concerns, develop new perspectives, and build practical skills for daily life.
At Stradwick Clinic, our Ottawa-based therapists draw from a range of established therapeutic modalities to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific mental health concern or looking to better understand yourself and your relationships, psychotherapy offers a structured path toward meaningful change.
Our clinical team includes registered psychologists, registered psychotherapists, and registered social workers, all of whom are regulated by their respective Ontario colleges and maintain active, evidence-informed practices.
Who Is Psychotherapy For?
Who We Help
We provide psychotherapy services across the lifespan, recognizing that each person’s experience and therapeutic needs are unique.
Adults
Whether you’re navigating a life transition, managing ongoing stress, or seeking support for a specific mental health concern, psychotherapy offers a structured space to process experiences and develop lasting strategies. Our therapists work with adults across a wide range of presenting concerns.
Children & Adolescents
Young people often benefit from therapeutic approaches adapted to their developmental stage. Our clinicians use age-appropriate methods—including play-based and creative techniques—to help children and teens build emotional skills, navigate social challenges, and process difficult experiences.
Couples & Families
Relational difficulties can affect every area of life. Psychotherapy for couples and families focuses on improving communication, resolving conflict, and strengthening connection within the relationships that matter most.
Common concerns we support: Anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, stress management, burnout, and emotional regulation. If you’re unsure whether your concern is something we can help with, we encourage you to reach out.
What Therapy Involves
The Process
Our therapeutic process is designed to be collaborative, transparent, and responsive to your evolving needs throughout treatment.
Initial Consultation
Your first session focuses on understanding your concerns, personal history, and what you hope to achieve. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and determine whether our approach feels like the right fit.
Collaborative Goal Setting
Together with your therapist, you’ll identify specific goals for therapy. These may evolve over time, but establishing a shared direction helps ensure that sessions remain focused and meaningful.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Your therapist draws from established, research-supported approaches tailored to your unique needs. This may include cognitive-behavioural, emotion-focused, narrative, or other modalities depending on your goals and presentation.
Skill Building & Insight
Through guided conversation, experiential exercises, and reflection, you develop practical skills and deeper understanding of the patterns that contribute to your difficulties.
Progress Review
At regular intervals, you and your therapist review progress toward your goals. This ensures therapy remains relevant and allows for adjustments to the approach as needed.
Integration & Closing
As you approach your goals, sessions focus on consolidating gains, developing strategies for maintaining progress, and planning for the transition out of regular therapy.
“Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about understanding what you need to move forward.”
What to Expect & Session Format
Your Experience
Session Format
Psychotherapy sessions are typically 50 minutes in length and held weekly, though frequency may be adjusted based on your needs and preferences. Sessions are available in person at our Ottawa clinics. The structure of each session varies depending on your goals and the therapeutic approach being used.
- Individual sessions: 50 minutes
- Couples and family sessions: 60–80 minutes
- Frequency: Typically weekly, adjusted to your needs
- Location: In-person at our Ottawa clinics
What You Can Expect
A confidential, non-judgmental space to explore your concerns
Evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific needs
Practical strategies you can apply between sessions
Regular check-ins on your progress and goals
Collaboration with other providers when appropriate
Flexibility to adjust the approach as your needs evolve
How Psychotherapy Helps
Benefits of Therapy
Psychotherapy supports change across multiple areas of life, offering both immediate relief and lasting personal growth.
Emotional Regulation
Psychotherapy helps you understand and manage difficult emotions more effectively. Rather than being overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, or anger, you develop skills to respond to emotional experiences with greater awareness and flexibility.
Behavioural Change
Many people seek therapy to change patterns that are no longer serving them—whether that involves avoidance, procrastination, substance use, or relationship dynamics. Therapy provides structured support for lasting behavioural change.
Relational Improvement
Therapy can help you understand how early experiences shape current relationships. With greater self-awareness and improved communication skills, many clients experience meaningful improvements in their personal and professional relationships.
Self-Understanding
Beyond symptom relief, psychotherapy offers an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of yourself—your values, needs, and patterns. This self-knowledge supports more intentional decision-making and a stronger sense of personal direction.
Therapeutic Modalities We Offer
Related Services
Depending on your needs, your therapist may draw from or recommend one of these specialized approaches.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A structured, goal-oriented approach that addresses unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.
Learn More
Play Therapy
A developmentally appropriate therapeutic approach for children using play as the primary medium.
Learn More
Sandtray Therapy
An expressive therapeutic approach using miniature figures and sand to explore inner experiences.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Psychotherapy provided by psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers is not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health insurance plans through employers or private carriers include coverage for psychological services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm your specific benefits.
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, psychotherapy typically refers to a more in-depth, evidence-based approach to treating psychological difficulties. Counselling may focus more on specific situational concerns or short-term support. At Stradwick Clinic, our therapists are trained in established therapeutic modalities and tailor their approach to each client’s needs.
The duration of therapy varies depending on your goals, the nature of your concerns, and how you respond to treatment. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy over 8–12 sessions, while others find longer-term work more helpful. Your therapist will discuss expected timelines during your initial sessions.
Psychotherapy can be helpful if you’re experiencing emotional distress, relationship difficulties, behavioural patterns you’d like to change, or if you simply want to understand yourself better. If you’re unsure, an initial consultation can help determine whether therapy is a good fit for your needs.
We understand that cost can be a barrier to accessing mental health support. Some of our therapists offer reduced-fee sessions for clients experiencing financial hardship. Please contact us directly to discuss options and availability.
Many extended health benefit plans cover psychotherapy provided by registered psychologists or registered psychotherapists. We provide receipts that can be submitted to your insurance provider for reimbursement. We recommend confirming your coverage details before booking.
Our team is trained in a range of evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), emotion-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and others. Your therapist will recommend an approach based on your specific concerns and goals, and may integrate techniques from multiple modalities when appropriate.
Ready to Begin Psychotherapy?
Taking the first step can feel daunting, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to help you find the right therapist and approach for your needs.
Contact us to learn more about our psychotherapy services, availability, and fees.