Individual Psychotherapy in Ottawa
 

Understanding Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy provides a confidential space to better understand yourself, reduce emotional distress, and make meaningful changes in your life.
Through structured conversation and reflection, therapy can help you manage mood, strengthen coping strategies, and build healthier patterns in relationships, work, and daily functioning.

At Wellness Psychology Services, we offer individual psychotherapy for adults and teens — tailored to your goals, preferences, and circumstances. Sessions are available in-person in Ottawa or virtually across Ontario.

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When Therapy May Help

People often begin therapy when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward.
You might recognize yourself in some of these experiences:

• Ongoing anxiety, worry, or rumination

• Low mood, loss of motivation, or self-criticism

• Stress, burnout, or difficulty balancing responsibilities

• Perfectionism or high self-expectations

• Challenges with focus, procrastination, or self-discipline

• Relationship or communication difficulties

• Life transitions (career change, relocation, separation, grief)

• A sense of disconnection, emptiness, or lack of purpose

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people use psychotherapy to understand themselves better, develop insight, and strengthen emotional resilience.

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Our Therapeutic Approach

Our approach is client-centered, rooted in the Rogerian principles of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. This foundation is applied through evidence-based methods to support growth and healing. An integrative approach allows us to adapt to your unique needs by combining research -supported tools that match you and your circumstances:

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What to Expect in Therapy

Before starting therapy, a free consultation with Dr. Gates is available to answer your questions. If you choose to proceed, the therapy process begins with an initial session to discuss your concerns and goals. 

Typical structure:

1. Initial sessions: sometimes it is helpful to complete a brief assessment (1 to 3 sessions) with questionnaires, feedback, and treatment planning. This helps to determine what you're concerned about, to set goals for change, and to discuss the approach.

2. Questionnaires/forms: these can be completed online and at home. This will help you and your therapist develop a stronger understanding of your symptoms and functioning. 

3. Ongoing sessions: meet regularly (usually weekly or bi-weekly) to explore experiences and develop skills. Each session lasts 50 minutes. Goals are periodically revisited and change evaluated. Therapy can range from brief to long-term depending on your needs, but most commonly ranges from 6 to 15 sessions. 

4. Closing and future planning: ensure continuity and reinforce strategies for ongoing wellbeing.

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Benefits of Psychotherapy:

• Gain perspective and insight into personal patterns

• Reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms

• Improve self-esteem and confidence

• Develop healthier coping skills and relationships

• Build motivation and clarity about next steps

• Feel more grounded, balanced, and self-directed

 

Get Started

Therapy can be a valuable step toward understanding yourself and creating lasting change.
We offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your goals and determine whether our approach is a good fit.

 

 

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