I firmly believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to overcome their unique challenges and shine in their lives. I am compassionate, warm, non-judgmental, and accepting; and provide a safe space that is just that! I ensure each and every person safe to be open, authentic, and true to themselves throughout their therapeutic journey.

I am passionate about fostering mental well-being in individuals, children, youth, and families. Whether you are a concerned parent navigating your child or youth’s challenges in emotion regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, or depression, or a teenager experiencing these challenges, in addition to seeking to discover your identity during this transformative period, or a family having difficulty with relationship dynamics and parenting hurdles, I am here to offer empathetic support and help navigate the journey toward positive change.

I hold an Honours B.A. with a double major in Psychology and Child and Youth Studies, showcasing my commitment to a well-rounded understanding of my field, and my passion to work with this population. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s in counselling psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University. Additionally, I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

While adopting a client-centered approach, I prioritize unique perspectives, experiences, and autonomy, in a judgement free space. While also providing unconditional acceptance and support. I believe that by providing a warm and empathetic therapeutic relationship, I can help you towards your personal growth, self-discovery, and sense of worth. I integrate techniques from other evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, emotion-focused therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and compassion and mindfulness-based therapies.

I provide in-person or virtual services and am located in Ottawa. Please feel free to connect with me via email at shanel@actionpsychotherapy.com. I am excited to embark on this transformative journey with you!

I firmly believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to overcome their unique challeng... Read More

Maria believes that we all have coping abilities that have helped us to get to where we are now. Sometimes assistance is needed to develop these abilities so we can move forward in our lives joyfully. In a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment she assists clients in sharing their story. Through a combination of evidence based therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT), and elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she enables clients to identify limiting beliefs and outmoded coping mechanisms that may be standing in their way to a more joyful and fulfilling life. Maria is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and brings over 20 years of experience working in the organizational psychology field, she is passionate and dedicated to helping individuals build richer more rewarding lives. Having graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Law, Maria went on to work in the leadership development field alongside organizational psychologists. Here she developed her coaching and technical skills. During her tenure in leadership development and organizational psychology, Maria gained an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the importance of an individual’s mindset in determining their success. She supportively fosters the idea that you get more of what you focus on, both in her personal and professional life.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” ~ Aristotle

Maria believes that we all have coping abilities that have helped us to get to where we are now. ... Read More

Alex offers a safe, warm, and welcoming space, where you will walk away knowing you are cared about. No matter who we are, we all go through struggles; whether it is anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal issues, or self-doubt. Alex will work with you to navigate your life and help you live the life you want to live. He recognizes that life can feel like an uphill battle at times, and it can be vulnerable to put yourself out there. The accountability to acknowledge that you’re struggling and you must do something to help change your life is the hardest thing to do in many ways.

Alex will walk alongside you and act as a guide with evidence-based approaches to help you better understand your life experiences, strengths, and inner resources you possess or can develop. Alex is described as empathetic, understanding, a good listener, collaborative, humorous at times, and authentic in his work with clients. Alex approaches the therapeutic relationship from a deep understanding and appreciation that you are the expert in your own life; his mission is to help guide you to improve your life, make sure that you feel heard and collaborate with you on your treatment plan.

Alex uses a variety of evidence-based approaches centered around his core professional values: acceptance, client-centered, and strengths-based. Alex enjoys working with adults, teens (12+), and couples in these areas: anxiety, depression, grief/bereavement/loss, anger, chronic pain, trauma, parenting, relationships, work, mens’ issues, life transitions, and existential crises.

Alex offers a safe, warm, and welcoming space, where you will walk away knowing you are cared abo... Read More

I’ve dedicated my career to helping people struggling with trauma and depression for the past 15 years. Many people hide their unresolved trauma; burying the pain deep down inside.Trying to run away. But no matter how hard you try to ‘move on’, the past keeps showing up. In your relationships, thoughts, and your actions. Bringing with it a wave of shame, guilt and despair. I believe one of the bravest things you can do is acknowledge that something needs to change. There is no getting around the fact that starting off in psychotherapy can be a bit intimidating. I offer a warm and compassionate environment for you to share your story. I use evidence-based therapies to inform my approach like Prolonged Exposure Therapy, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy. Feel free to contact me to ask me any questions about what you are looking for.

I’ve dedicated my career to helping people struggling with trauma and depression for the past 15 ... Read More

Karen J. Coe Ph.D. brings insight, expertise and empathy to the assessment process. As a result of a significant life-changing accident she underwent multiple spine surgeries and rehabilitation over several years. She understands the feelings of vulnerability, anxiety, and depression with the loss of control over predictable outcomes. The ACT tools and framework were essential to her coping with prolonged disability particularly physical limitations and chronic pain. She benefited from the ACT tools and the skills of psychological flexibility for lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Coe’s personal values and professional training guide her passion for providing evidence-based effective mental health tools for the management of resilience, emotional self-regulation, anxiety, and depression for optimal wellness.

As a proud member of a military family with roots in Ottawa, she has focused her assessment and therapy skills working with MVA clients as well as individuals dealing with anxiety, depression and trauma. Dr. Coe’s passion for building client resilience and successful coping skills supports the successful attainment of healthy outcomes such as return to work or improved mental health for daily living. Dr. Coe is passionate about supporting clients to achieve optimal performance for their success at work and at home.Karen’s interest in cognitive strategies and stress management for optimal performance has been a foundation for her work in many areas.

Continue reading Dr. Coe is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Ontario and Alberta and experienced BCIA board-certified in Neurofeedback. She graduated with her Ph.D. from the University of Calgary, and also holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a focus on Cognitive Psychology. Dr. Coe is a member of the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback as well as Ontario and Alberta Provincial Psychological Associations. She is trained in assessment, diagnosis, and psychological treatment and workplace mental health training, as well as individual, cognitive-behavioural and mental health interventions (relaxation training, pain management, mood regulation/management techniques, and behaviour change counselling). Dr. Coe has completed Neurofeedback/EEG brainwave and biofeedback training with leading North American experts. Her training in biofeedback technologies, as well as QEEG, EEG Neurofeedback training, is based on evidenced-based research validated methods.

“Psychological flexibility is the ability to adapt to a situation with awareness, openness, and focus to take effective action, guided by your values”

— Russ Harris, The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living.

Karen J. Coe Ph.D. brings insight, expertise and empathy to the assessment process. As a result o... Read More