Anxiety therapy
Stop surviving your days. Start living them.
Anxiety therapy provides real, lasting relief when worry and fear have taken over your daily life. If you find yourself trapped in cycles of overthinking, constant tension, or avoiding situations that used to feel manageable, I can help. My practice in Ottawa, ON offers both online and in-person sessions designed to get to the root of your anxiety and help you reclaim your sense of calm.
Working with a therapist who understands anxiety makes all the difference. Anxiety therapy is not about learning to white-knuckle your way through life or simply managing symptoms forever. It is about understanding why your nervous system is stuck on high alert and giving it what it needs to settle. I bring a grounded, confident approach to this work, and I am comfortable working with clients whose anxiety feels severe or complicated.
That tightness in your chest has a story. Let's listen to it.
Understanding Your Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural protective response, but problems arise when that system becomes overactive. Your brain starts treating everyday situations like threats, leaving you exhausted, on edge, and increasingly limited in what feels safe.
Many clients describe feeling like they are waiting for something bad to happen. They experience racing thoughts, physical tension, sleep problems, or an inability to relax even when nothing is wrong. These experiences are real, and they respond well to the right treatment.
The tricky part is that anxiety often convinces you to avoid whatever frightens you. While avoidance brings temporary relief, it actually strengthens anxiety over time. Breaking this cycle is central to the work we will do together.
My Approach
I do not believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. What works for one person may not work for another, and I take time to understand your specific situation before recommending a path forward. My approach draws from several evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, CBT, Somatic Therapies, and IFS.
EMDR helps your brain reprocess experiences that keep your nervous system stuck in alarm mode. Many anxiety symptoms are rooted in past events that left a lasting imprint, and EMDR allows those experiences to be processed so they no longer drive your current reactions.
CBT addresses the thought patterns that amplify worry and fear. You will learn to recognize when your mind is catastrophizing or overestimating danger, and develop more balanced ways of thinking.
Somatic Therapies work directly with the physical symptoms of anxiety. If your anxiety shows up as chest tightness, shallow breathing, or chronic tension, somatic work helps you regulate your nervous system from the body up.
IFS views anxiety as arising from protective parts of your psyche that took on their roles for good reasons. By developing a compassionate relationship with these parts, lasting change becomes possible.
I will recommend the approach or combination that fits your specific needs. We will adjust as we go based on what actually helps.
What to Expect
Our work begins with an initial consultation where we discuss your current challenges, your history, and your goals. This is also your chance to ask questions and see if we are a good fit.
From there, I develop a personalized treatment plan. Sessions typically combine processing past experiences, building practical skills, and developing new ways of relating to anxious thoughts and sensations. We move at a pace that works for you.
I work with clients ages 10 and up and adapt my approach based on developmental stage and individual needs.
What would it feel like to trust yourself again?
Signs Anxiety Therapy Could Help
You might benefit from working together if you experience persistent worry that is hard to control, physical symptoms like muscle tension or fatigue without clear medical cause, difficulty sleeping due to racing thoughts, avoidance of situations because of fear, panic symptoms, social fears that limit your opportunities, perfectionism as a way of managing underlying anxiety, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or a sense that your world has become smaller because of what you avoid.
If any of this sounds familiar, reaching out is worth it. Anxiety responds very well to treatment, and seeking support is a sign of strength.
Anxiety tells you to prepare. Healing teaches you to live.
Online and In-Person Sessions
I offer both online and in-person appointments in Ottawa, ON. Some clients prefer the convenience of online sessions, while others find in-person work more grounding. Many use a combination. We can discuss what works best for your situation.
Working With Complex Cases
I have extensive experience with clients who present with severe or complicated anxiety. If you have been told your situation is too challenging, or if previous therapy has not worked, I welcome the opportunity to help. I bring a confident, optimistic presence to this work and maintain belief in your capacity for healing even when the path is not immediately clear.
Taking the First Step
If you are ready to explore anxiety therapy, I encourage you to reach out for an initial consultation. We will discuss your concerns, your history, and what you hope to achieve. For scheduling and availability, please contact me directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Therapy
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If anxiety affects your daily life, relationships, or wellbeing, therapy is worth exploring. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from support.
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Duration varies based on your situation and goals. Some clients see significant improvement within months, while others benefit from longer work. We assess progress regularly.
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EMDR adds a processing component that helps your brain update its responses at a deeper level, often producing faster and more lasting results than talk therapy alone.
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Yes. Generalized anxiety often has roots that become visible through careful exploration. We will work together to understand your patterns.
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Sessions vary based on where we are in treatment. They might include processing specific experiences, building coping skills, or working with beliefs and body sensations.
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Some fluctuation is common early on. I help you develop tools for managing this, and we pace our work to keep you within a manageable range.
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Work with children and teens often involves more creative and movement-based approaches. I involve parents as appropriate.
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Yes. Previous approaches may not have been the right fit. My integrative method increases the likelihood of finding what works for you.
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You do not need to know this beforehand. After our initial assessment, I recommend an approach tailored to your situation.
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Both are effective. Online offers convenience, while in-person can feel more grounding. Many clients appreciate having both options.