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You Hold Everything, But Who Holds You?

You’re the steady one in a family shaped by high-stakes moments and emotional intensity. A mom, a caregiver, and a quiet crisis manager your days blur between responsibility and exhaustion. You crave ease, not because you’re weak, but because burnout has stripped joy from the everyday. In a first responder household, the pressure rarely lets up. But what about your needs?

As a therapist with a Master of Social Work from Carleton University and specialized training in CBT and complex trauma, I help clients like you navigate parenting stress, workplace overwhelm, and the silent strain of being “the one who holds it all together.” My approach is gentle, practical, and embodied. Together, we’ll rewrite the narrative that tells you rest isn’t allowed.

You’re not asking for too much, you’re finally asking for yourself. Let’s begin.

Parenting in a First Responders’ household is an emotional battlefield, where you often carry the unseen wounds of secondhand trauma while navigating the chaos of tantrums, school lunches, and quiet, unspoken pain. It’s exhausting. It’s overwhelming. And sometimes, it feels like you’re silently suffocating, longing for a moment to breathe, to find a spark of calm amidst the storm, to reconnect with your true self. You deserve so much more than just survival. You deserve to feel alive, loved, and whole again.

That’s why I’m here, to walk with you on a journey of healing, grounded in trauma-informed care that honors your experiences. Through the combined power of CBT, nervous system regulation, and genuine compassion, I dedicate myself to helping you rediscover peace within. With a Master’s in Social Work from Carleton University and specialized training in complex trauma, I passionately support those battling the relentless weight of parenting fatigue, workplace stress, and emotional exhaustion. I have a deep understanding of the unique struggles faced by First Responders and their families. Those caught between courage and vulnerability, strength and suffering. My work isn’t about fixing you; it’s about gently unearthing what’s been buried deep inside allowing you to feel, to heal, and to finally let go of what no longer serves you.

You’ve carried this burden alone for too long. Let’s lighten that load together.

You Hold Everything, But Who Holds You? You’re the steady one in a family shaped by high-stakes ... Read More

Meet Randy Stevens, RP (Qualifying) Psychotherapist (Supervised Practice) Supervised by Senior Clinician David Hesidence, MS, RP

I believe that healing happens when we feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. As someone who has walked my own recovery journey, I know firsthand the strength it takes to face life’s challenges — and the courage it takes to reach out for support. My passion as a therapist is to stand alongside you as you navigate your own path toward well-being, resilience, and self-leadership.

In my work, I bring not only professional training but also the wisdom that comes from lived experience. Whether you are struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, or the weight of perfectionism and performance pressure, I understand the terrain because I’ve been there too. As the father of an elite-level athlete, I also understand the unique demands and emotional challenges that can come with high performance, leadership roles, and managing expectations — both internal and external.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), with additional inspiration from Buddhist psychology and mindfulness-based methods. These approaches help us work together to create space between you and the struggles that may feel like they define you — so you can reconnect with the deeper values, strengths, and clarity that have always been part of who you are.

I recognize that no two people walk the same path. That’s why I tailor our work to your individual story, offering a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can explore the patterns that keep you stuck and build the tools you need for long-term growth and freedom.

It takes real strength to show up for yourself in this way. If you’re ready to begin, I would be honored to walk alongside you.

Meet Randy Stevens, RP (Qualifying) Psychotherapist (Supervised Practice) Supervised by Senior Cl... Read More

Please welcome our new Child and Adolescent Clinician Sunehra Arif MA who is available to offer psychological assessments and counselling to children and adolescents ages 6-16 supervised by Dr Kimberly Sogge C.Psych.  

Sunehra’s supervisor Dr Sogge began her career as a director of Cild, Adolescent and Family Mental Health at the Clara Martin Center in Vermont and has worked as a paediatric and family psychologist at Peterborough Regional Hospital and Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Sunehra has immediate availability for child and adolescent assessment starting in July 2025.  

To book with her now call 613-656-3331 or see link in bio or our website

https://ottawariverintegrative.com

More about Sunehra: I help children and teens navigate emotions, school stress, and feelings of being different. I focus on building connection, helping them feel heard and understood. I also offer assessments to better understand how they learn and process the world, guiding decisions at school and home. My goal is to support both children and families, helping everyone move forward with confidence and compassion.

Please welcome our new Child and Adolescent Clinician Sunehra Arif MA who is available to offer p... Read More

C.Psych.Assoc. (Supervised Practice)

M.S. Clinical Psychology (Government College University Lahore, Pakistan)

I am here to support you as you change your life.

I offer warm, evidence-based psychological care tailored treatment to your individual needs. I focus on empowerment through education, building resilience, and offering the tools necessary to manage mental health issues effectively. My goal is to help you understand your challenges, gain control over your life, and work toward sustainable, positive changes. I create a compassionate environment where you will feel supported as you navigate your mental health journey.

Education and Experience: I am a Registered Psychological Associate (Supervised Practice), with comprehensive experience working in hospitals, government organizations, and educational settings. I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Government College University Lahore, with expertise in therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Behavior Modification. Additionally, I am incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles and techniques into my supervised clinical practice. I am skilled in psychological assessments and have provided therapy for issues like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, anger management, self-esteem, phobias, stress, and schizophrenia. I also conduct personality and intelligence assessments and provide psychoeducational evaluations. In addition, I support students with academic, relational, and psychological challenges, and provide psychoeducation and counseling to families of psychotic patients. Fluent in English, Urdu, and Punjabi, I enjoy working with diverse cultural groups.

As a Psychological Associate, I’m fascinated by how small changes in the mind can lead to big transformations. Outside of work, I enjoy reading psychology research, spending time with family, and challenging my mind with puzzles and brain games.

C.Psych.Assoc. (Supervised Practice) M.S. Clinical Psychology (Government College University Lah... Read More

Hello, I’m Dr. Tripti Jaiswal, a clinical psychologist with a deep passion for supporting adults through life’s challenges toward greater ease, balance, and well-being. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or stress, navigating the complexities of trauma, or simply longing to feel more grounded and present in your life, I am here to offer a space where you can feel truly heard, understood, and supported.

I believe that therapy works best when it feels like a collaboration — a safe, respectful relationship where we explore not only the struggles that bring you here, but also the strengths, values, and hopes that can guide your healing. My approach is integrative, weaving together evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and mindfulness-based techniques. With each person I work with, I tailor our sessions to meet your unique needs — because I know that no two journeys are alike.

My work is informed by both clinical psychology and positive psychology, grounded in science yet centered on compassion. I hold a Ph.D. from Panjab University in India, and I am honored to bring a multicultural lens to my practice. For many clients — especially those living between cultures, juggling personal and professional demands, or seeking a sense of belonging — I offer an approach that respects complexity and celebrates resilience.

In addition to my clinical work, my experience spans roles as a private practice psychologist, assistant professor, corporate research analyst, and volunteer mental health provider during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. These diverse experiences have deepened my understanding of the many ways people suffer — and the many ways they heal.

I am fluent in both English and Hindi, which allows me to offer therapy in the language that feels most natural and comfortable for you.

If you are ready to take the next step toward healing, clarity, and self-discovery, I would be honored to walk alongside you. Together, we can create the space for meaningful change and build the tools you need to move forward with strength and confidence.

Dr. Tripti Jaiswal is practicing under the supervision of Dr. Kimberly Sogge, C.Psych., Founder and Lead Doctoral-level Clinician at Ottawa River Integrative Mental Health.

Hello, I’m Dr. Tripti Jaiswal, a clinical psychologist with a deep passion for supporting adults ... Read More

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Hello, I’m Dr. Olga Gale. I’m a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario — but more importantly, I’m someone who cares deeply about the people I work with and the stories they carry.

I know that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable. Whether you are navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, health challenges, relationship struggles, or simply feeling stuck, I believe that healing begins when we feel truly seen, heard, and understood. My role is to offer a space where you can show up as you are — without judgment — and where together, we can explore what you need to feel more whole, more grounded, and more connected to the life you want to live.

My training has taken me from York University in Toronto to the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, where I earned my Master’s and Doctor of Psychology degrees. I completed an APA-accredited internship at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., followed by additional psychotherapy training at the Alanson White Institute in New York City. I am also listed with the National Register of Health Care Providers in Psychology.

Over the past decade, I’ve supported clients through both therapy and comprehensive assessments, including psychological and neuropsychological evaluations. In therapy, I work with individuals and couples using an integrative approach informed by humanistic and psychodynamic principles — meaning I focus on the whole person, not just the problem. Every person’s experience is different, so I tailor my work to meet your unique needs, drawing on evidence-based practices with warmth, curiosity, and compassion.

My greatest hope is that through our work together, you will feel empowered to meet life’s challenges with greater clarity, self-kindness, and resilience. If you feel ready to begin this process, I would be honored to support you on your journey.

Hello, I’m Dr. Olga Gale. I’m a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist registered w... Read More

Meet Alison Patrick, MSW, RSW Psychotherapist | Clinical Social Worker

I believe that healing happens in the presence of respect, authenticity, and compassion. Whether you are navigating grief, loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, or simply longing to reconnect with your sense of self, I offer a calm, steady space where all parts of your experience are welcome.

In my work, I am here to support your journey toward self-leadership — the ability to meet life’s joys and sorrows with clarity, strength, and care for both yourself and the web of relationships that surround you. I believe that therapy offers the possibility of not just surviving life’s hardest moments, but also living with greater freedom, choice, and self-trust.

Over the past several decades, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families in many stages of life and loss — including work in child protection, adoption services, and women’s health. One of the most formative experiences of my career was my time at the Morgentaler Clinics in Ottawa and Edmonton, where I supported people in making deeply personal decisions about pregnancy and reproductive health. I also bring specialized training in hospice and end-of-life care, with a focus on supporting individuals who are dying and their loved ones through the profound transitions of that journey.

My approach is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a gentle and powerful way of working with the inner system of “parts” that we all carry — the protective parts, the wounded parts, and the wise, compassionate Self that can hold them all with care. I am actively involved in the IFS Ottawa professional community and continue my training and consultation in this model with IFS lead trainer Dr. Risa Adams.

It would be my privilege to accompany you as you navigate whatever season of life you find yourself in — whether that means tending to grief, healing relational wounds, or stepping more fully into the life you long to live. If you feel ready to begin, I look forward to connecting with you.

Meet Alison Patrick, MSW, RSW Psychotherapist | Clinical Social Worker I believe that healing ha... Read More

Sometimes life can be challenging; sometimes those challenges can be overwhelming. Entering therapy is a critical step to regaining control and directing your life back onto your chosen path. I provide my clients with a safe and non-judgemental space to examine their lives, and start on the journey back to a healthier, more satisfactory way of living. This is a collaborative effort; my job is not to tell you what to do, but to help guide the discovery of what will work best for you.

I provide counselling and psychotherapy for adults and couples experiencing psychological, emotional, and relationship distress. Common difficulties are anxiety, depression, stress, communication problems, grief and loss, trauma, and existential issues regarding creating meaning in one’s life. These issues can cause impairment at work, school, and in our day-to-day interactions with other people, or make you feel “stuck” and unable to move your life forward in a way that is authentic, healthy, and congruent with your values. I am comfortable working with people of diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds, as well as people in the LGBTQQ2SIA+ community. My experience includes assessment and treatment in hospital inpatient as well as outpatient populations, community mental health, and private practice. I have experience with psychodiagnostic assessment, sex and couples therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy for anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, and trauma therapy for members of the RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces. I take an integrative approach to therapy, and my therapeutic modalities include cognitive-behavioural (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic, and existential/humanistic. When working with couples, I focus of issues of emotional connection and communication, and my treatment approach is informed by the research of John Gottman. As therapy progresses, we will check in together to ensure our approach is working and modify if necessary. I am currently providing services at Ottawa River Integrated Mental Health under the supervision of Dr. Paul Grunberg, C. Psych., and Dr. Kimberly Sogge, C. Psych.

Sometimes life can be challenging; sometimes those challenges can be overwhelming. Entering thera... Read More

Hello, I’m Yastika Kamboj — a gentle, compassionate presence dedicated to walking alongside you as you navigate life’s challenges and move toward healing, growth, and greater self-understanding.

I know that reaching out for support takes courage. My intention is to offer a safe, respectful space where you can feel seen, heard, and accepted just as you are — while also being gently supported toward the changes you long for.

My approach to therapy is rooted in evidence-based, compassion-focused practices. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), weaving these together in a way that honors your unique experiences, values, and goals. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, low mood, self-criticism, body image concerns, relationship difficulties, or life transitions, my focus is on supporting you in building a kinder relationship with yourself and with the world around you.

I also provide psychological assessments to help bring clarity and understanding to the challenges you may be facing.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from McGill University and have clinical experience across private practice, college mental health, and university counselling settings. Currently, I am honored to be practicing as a Third Wave Psychology Fellow and Psychologist Supervised Therapist under the mentorship of Dr. Kimberly Sogge, as I complete my registration as a psychological associate with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

If you are ready to begin this journey toward greater ease, self-compassion, and well-being, I would be honored to support you.

Hello, I’m Yastika Kamboj — a gentle, compassionate presence dedicated to walking alongside you a... Read More

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the trap of trying to be ‘good enough’ by being perfect, endlessly giving or pushing through your anxiety, I want you to know- you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to stay this way.

I know this because I’ve lived it. There was a time when I thought the only way to be okay was to meet everyone’s needs, silence my own, and keep striving. But all that striving left me anxious, burnt out, and far from the person I truly was inside. It wasn’t until I slowed down and got curious about the parts of me working so hard to keep me safe that things began to shift.

I believe that healing happens at your own pace. I offer a space where nothing needs to be rushed or fixed- where we can move gently with curiosity and care. My approach is grounded in deep listening, compassion and respect for your inner wisdom, I aim to create a therapeutic relationships where you feel truly seen, never judged, and supported in exploring even the most tender parts of yourself.

I specialize in working with individuals impacted by relational trauma- the kind that quietly shapes how we show up in relationships and in the world. Many of those that I work with arrive in therapy feeling depleted, self-critical, and stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. I am a trained Mindful Self Compassion teacher, and I integrate this with Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and other trauma informed approaches to gently support people in reconnecting with their most authentic selves. If you’re feeling ready to reconnect with yourself in a more authentic, deeper way, lets begin that conversation.

I hold a Master of Social work from Lakehead University and have over 15 years experiences as a Social Service Work educator, where I have had the privilege of supporting and mentoring future helping professionals. My clinical training includes designation as a Clinical Traumatologist from the Traumatology Institute of Canada. I am also a trained Mindful Self Compassion Teacher through the Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion. I have advanced training in EMDR for Complex trauma and have completed Level 1 IFS (IFS Institute). I have been a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers in good standing for 25 years.

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the trap of trying to be ‘good enough’ by being perfect, ... Read More

Sometimes we can get caught in the spiral of our thoughts; at times we stand at the edge of the spiral, noticing but not quite believing what our inner critic has to say, and other times we just downfall, hitting the bottom with a hard thump, unsure how we’ll climb back out again. Our patterns of thinking are shaped by our experiences, our beliefs about ourselves, and the world around us. These naturally effect how we feel, and the behaviours we engage with. If you’re feeling exhausted by trying but never quite finding a way out of the spiral, you’re not alone, and it’s not easy. But there is hope, thanks to a little thing we like to call neuroplasticity -our brain’s incredible ability to transform and change. With therapy, practice, and a ton of self-compassion, we can get there.

I hold a Master’s degree of Educational Counselling from the University of Ottawa. My career path thus far has led me to work in college and university settings, within a medical rehabilitation clinic treating clients with complex care needs, and eventually in private practice. My work in private practice has enabled me to gain experience with a variety of mental health concerns, including, but not limited to, trauma, grief, interpersonal challenges, anxiety and depression. Recently, I obtained additional training and certification in perinatal mental health (everything from fertility challenges, to pregnancy, birth, postpartum and beyond), to address the unique challenges that can arise during this season of life.

My therapeutic approach is strongly influenced by third wave psychotherapy, which includes Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Having also trained in Psychodynamic psychotherapy, I often pull from this approach to help clients develop greater self-awareness and understanding. With over a decade of experience, I offer a safe space for clients, where we can work together to explore your thoughts, emotions, and patterns of coping/functioning that may no longer be serving you. I believe healing happens through feeling and connecting with others in a deep, meaningful way. That is why I strive to offer a warm, compassionate, and non-judgemental approach to clients, where they can feel seen, understood, and cared for. The diversity and richness of my career as a therapist so far, has enabled me to walk alongside many clients and witness their bravery in sharing their stories. I consider myself immensely privileged to share a part of their journey through healing.

If reading this has resonated with you and has ignited a sense of hope for change in bringing you closer to yourself and the life you imagine, I am more than happy to connect with you. I am fluent in both English and French, enabling me to provide therapy in your preferred language.

Sometimes we can get caught in the spiral of our thoughts; at times we stand at the edge of the s... Read More

I’m Laura Brouillette, an RP qualifying therapist therapist dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate the complex landscapes of their emotional lives. Currently, I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and completing my M.A. in Counselling and Spirituality at Saint Paul University. I am supervised at Ottawa River Integrative by David Hesidence.

My approach is relationally-focused, meaning we will explore how you relate to yourself, others, and the world around you. This helps to provide a framework to understand the beliefs and patterns that shape your relationships and emotional experiences. Very often, healing happens through meaningful relationships that help us reconnect with ourselves. My aim is to provide this safe space, where you can safely explore your inner world, so that the relationship we cultivate between us works to promote transformation and healing.

If you’ve ever tried to “out-think” your problems, you are not alone. I believe that as humans, we are not just minds but whole, embodied beings who need physical, emotional, and relational care. Because of this, true change does not reside solely in the thinking mind. Whether you find yourself stuck in rumination, feel depressed or overwhelmed, have trouble trusting yourself, or feel disconnected from your emotions, I will help you explore what’s beneath the surface. Together, we will get to know all parts of you with loving acceptance and curiosity, creating the space for personal growth and deeper understanding.

To achieve this, I draw on a blend of therapeutic modalities that can help you access deeper layers of yourself. These include Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These approaches allow us to explore your internal world in a holistic and compassionate way, as well as help you determine who you want to be and where you want to direct your energy.

In working with couples, I integrate Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and elements of PACT Therapy (The Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) to help partners learn to connect as a unified “we,” rather than two separate individuals with competing interests. This work is powerful, as it helps couples understand each other on a deeper level, communicate with greater attunement, and develop healthier patterns of relating. Couples can expect to explore their shared values and define the relationship they want to create together. Through practical exercises and ongoing learning, I help partners build the tools needed to handle stress, triggers, and conflict as a team. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals and couples to cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships—both with themselves and each other.

Whether you are navigating individual challenges or working through relational struggles, I offer a compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental space to support you on your journey toward healing, growth, and integration of all parts of yourself.

I’m Laura Brouillette, an RP qualifying therapist therapist dedicated to helping individuals and ... Read More

“In any given moment, we have two options, to step forward into growth or to step back into safety” - Abraham Maslow

I feel most truly myself when I am exploring, whether it is paddling a canoe in backwoods Algonquin Park, walking a pilgrimage in Japan, or learning how to navigate the landscape of the human mind. I am a firm believer in living life as an adventure, and there is a kind of grace that comes when we take the risk to move out of our comfort zones, confront our fears, and take ownership of the way our story is going to unfold next. It is in moments of profound stillness, deepest emotions and scariest choices that we tap into the expansiveness of our potential. I see therapy as a stepping stone for growth, and self-awareness as an essential component of an adventurous life.

As a career coach for two decades, I inspired my clients to take control of their professional path, whether by seeking a new job, competing for a promotion, or pursuing a radical change. I was motivated to complete my master’s degree in counselling psychology out of a desire to help people find meaning and direction in all areas of their life. Sometimes this involves healing lingering wounds, sometimes it involves finding a path forward through major life transitions, sometimes it is involves getting unstuck from ways of being that are no longer working. My treatment approach is eclectic and integrative, and I see myself as your companion and collaborator in your healing process. I offer you presence, insight and compassion, and the specialized tools such as Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy that help you do the deep work of self discovery. You set the pace, the mile-markers and the direction for your transformation.

“In any given moment, we have two options, to step forward into growth or to step back into safet... Read More

I am a Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist (RP-Q) currently completing my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. My approach focuses on helping clients understand the underlying causes of mental and emotional imbalance in their lives. Together, we then identify the tools and strategies best suited to support meaningful change and promote a greater sense of balance moving forward.

I work with adolescents (12+) and adults navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, and the kind of inner conflict that comes from trying to meet external expectations while staying true to yourself. My clients often show up feeling disconnected from their own emotions, unsure how to ask for support, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them.

I’ve walked through my own difficult seasons—losing parents early, managing the fallout of substance use and panic disorder in the family, and leading a business where decisions impacted real people’s lives. These experiences help me meet my clients with compassion, patience, and a sense of grounded perspective. I listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and help you map out a way forward that feels authentic and achievable.

In sessions, I use evidence-based strategies from CBT, ACT, DBT, and mindfulness, but I also believe in bringing humour and flexibility to the process. My goal is to help you make sense of what’s going on internally, and support you in making meaningful change.

If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just ready to talk, let’s start there. You don’t have to do it alone.

I am a Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist (RP-Q) currently completing my Master’s degree in Co... Read More