Catherine Walmsley
Therapist, RP-Q
Who do I see? Youth ages 12+ and adults.
What concerns do I work with? Anxiety/depression, grief, emotional flooding, ADHD, OCD, existential crises, PTSD, mood disorders, and beyond.
If you’re interested in working together, you can book a Free Consultation or Intake session.
My Approach
Welcome! I believe in the power of transformation and the capacity to rewrite our narratives. I view the counselling process as alchemy of the mind, and I find great honour in helping others in this process. I see myself as compassionate and open-minded, guided by my curiosity, love for learning, and desire to reduce suffering in the world. I embrace both my reserved and energetic sides, often tapping into both parts during sessions, and I encourage a space where your authentic self can be expressed alongside mine.
No matter what you bring to the process, we’ll tailor the treatment plan to be of best service to your unique life and experiences. I am curious about the underlying beliefs that drive your daily life, and offer a space for enhancing your self-awareness and emotional growth. I have worked with individuals struggling with anxiety and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-esteem issues, and life transitions.
I work from a trauma-informed lens and use many evidence-based modalities, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Brainspotting, and somatic experiencing therapy (SE). I have also incorporated art, music, and embodied movement into my practice, with an openness to exploring how your creative interests can be used in sessions.
I'm personally interested in yogic philosophy, and my practice involves honouring the inner wisdom that we all hold within. I also find value in tapping into what is unseen or unsaid, by working with unconscious processes, dreams, intuitive knowledge, and spiritual guidance. I’m grateful to work with pre-teens, teenagers, and adults in my chosen home of Ottawa. Whether it’s a traditional talk therapy approach to counselling or a more alternative approach, I would be honoured to walk alongside you on your life path!