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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

You’ve spent years being strong for others—minimizing your pain, keeping the peace, and telling yourself it wasn’t “that bad.” But something inside you knows it’s time for change. You’re ready to be seen—not just for your struggles, but for your strength, your story, and your capacity to heal.

I’m Almarine Thomas, a Registered Psychotherapist (MACP, RP, BSW, RSW), and I help teens (14+), adults, couples, and families navigate the complex terrain of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. My clients often feel unseen or unheard in their relationships, disconnected from their emotions, or overwhelmed by life transitions. They’re seeking clarity, connection, and a deeper understanding of themselves.

My journey has taught me that life unfolds in unpredictable ways—and that growth often comes from taking chances and the most uncertain moments. That’s why I meet each client with openness, respect, and a deep commitment to their healing. I believe therapy is not just about solving problems—it’s about creating space for transformation.

With extensive training in over a dozen therapeutic modalities—including DBT, CBT, TFCBT, EFT, DDP and Narrative Therapy—I tailor each session to your unique needs and goals. I also offer faith-based therapy for those navigating spiritual or Christian concerns, and I’m committed to culturally sensitive, anti-oppressive practices.

Whether we’re working through emotional regulation, attachment wounds, or communication challenges, I offer a safe and supportive environment where you can reconnect with your values, strengthen your relationships, and rediscover your sense of self.

If you’re ready to be seen, supported, and empowered, I invite you to reach out. Your story matters—and I’d be honoured to walk with you.

You’ve spent years being strong for others—minimizing your pain, keeping the peace, and telling y... Read More

Psychometrist & Registered Psychotherapist; Specialist in Psychological Assessment, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and work with the LGBTQ2s+ community.

My work with clients ages 16-65 involves helping them to discover their psychological needs and strengths, and helping them reconnect with who they want to be so that they can make progress on the path to the life they want.

I understand how challenging it can be to feel disconnected from the person we want to be. Together, we will work through uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, and overcome unhelpful behaviours by learning new ways to relate to our suffering and care for ourselves.

Psychometrist & Registered Psychotherapist; Specialist in Psychological Assessment, Acceptanc... 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

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

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

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

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

“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

Senior Clinician and Non-Equity Supervising Partner, Ottawa River Integrative Mental Health

Hi, I’m David Hesidence, a Registered Psychotherapist. I believe that healing begins in a space where we are met with respect, compassion, and understanding — not judgment. My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that every person deserves to be seen and heard as they are, and that reaching out for support is an act of courage and hope.

For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals facing many different kinds of challenges — depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and the often-complex experiences of substance use. I know how much stigma and misunderstanding can surround these issues. But I also know, both professionally and personally, that struggle does not define a person’s worth.

As someone with over 30 years of continuous sobriety and lived experience in recovery, I come to this work with deep empathy. I don’t believe in labeling people as “defective” or “lacking willpower.” I believe in your inherent strength, your capacity for change, and your right to be met with kindness.

My clinical focus includes working with individuals who are navigating mental health concerns, substance use issues, or both. I have a special interest in supporting those whose experiences cross between these two worlds — individuals who too often encounter systems of care that treat these issues separately. In my practice, I embrace the importance of addressing mental health and substance use together, seeing the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

I also work with family members and loved ones who are concerned about someone in their life who may be struggling. I believe that families play an important role in the journey of healing, and I offer support to help build motivation, foster understanding, and strengthen connection.

Above all, I strive to create a therapeutic relationship that feels safe, collaborative, and hopeful. If you are ready to begin this work — or even just curious about what support could look like — I would be honored to meet you where you are.

Senior Clinician and Non-Equity Supervising Partner, Ottawa River Integrative Mental Health Hi, ... Read More