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What Starting Therapy in Ottawa Actually Looks Like
Starting therapy in Ottawa can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to have questions before you reach out. Uncertainty about what to expect, whether a therapist will judge you, or what you’ll even say in a first session, these are the kinds of things we hear all the time. At Resiliency Clinic, we work with a range of evidence-based approaches and our focus is always on meeting you where you are.
These are reasonable things to wonder. And they are exactly the kinds of questions we want to address before you arrive. At Resiliency Clinic, we focus on meeting the client where they are. We work with adults across Ottawa and virtually throughout Ontario and Quebec. Whether you are navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship stress, or something harder to name, here is what you can genuinely expect when you start working with us.
Connecting To A Therapist
To get started, you can reach out via our booking form. If you need help selecting a therapist, we are happy to help. Michelle Sorensen, registered clinical psychologist and founder of Resiliency Clinic, personally reviews every new client request and the notes you include, and uses that information to match you with the therapist best suited to your needs and goals. We also offer a free 15-minute consultation if you would like to get a sense of fit before committing to a full session.
When you are connected to your therapist, you will receive detailed information on how to find us, the parking (it’s free!), and the setup of the clinic. We love our space and most people find it very soothing and inviting. These are not the cold therapy offices you see in some movies and shows.
The First Session Is About Getting to Know You
The first session, whether virtual or in-person, is really just a conversation.
Our therapists start by gathering your story: what has been feeling hard, what brought you to us, and a bit of background about where you have been. You do not need to arrive with the right words or a clear sense of what you need. You are the expert on your own life. We bring the clinical framework; you bring yourself.
If you cry through the whole session, that is okay. If you find it difficult to open up and need us to lead the way, that is okay too. There is no performance here, and no pressure to have it all figured out before you walk in.
Therapy That Works Around Your Life
The length of therapy and frequency of sessions varies, but it will always be focused on what you want and need. Sometimes due to time or finances, clients cannot meet as often as they would like, so we will work together to find a frequency that works for you. We also offer sliding scale fees and access to supervised intern therapists at reduced rates, so cost does not have to be a barrier to getting support.
At times, we hear feedback from clients who cancelled a session and then thought they waited too long to book again because they were worried about not being welcomed back or feeling awkward because they were not in touch. We have an open door policy and know there are many reasons why people take breaks. As therapists, we are trained not to personalize and make it about us, so never hesitate to reach out for another period of therapy or a “booster session”!
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you are starting therapy in Ottawa for the first time or returning after a break, we are here. There is no judgment about the time in between.
Life is messy, imperfect, and rarely easy. You do not have to figure it out on your own.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation | Meet Our Therapists
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional mental health support. If you are in crisis, please contact a qualified mental health professional or call 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7 across Canada).
