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individual therapy in ottawa:
a path to personal growth and lasting change

At Lacasse Counselling, individual therapy is an opportunity for profound self-exploration and growth. Whether you are facing emotional, behavioural, or relational challenges, our individual therapy in Ottawa is designed to help you understand and address the deeper issues that impact your psychological and emotional well-being. We are committed to providing a compassionate, secure environment where you can gain insight into your inner world, develop self-awareness, and foster long-lasting, positive change.

At Lacasse Counselling, we understand that your emotional and psychological well-being isn’t just about what you’re experiencing on the surface. It’s shaped by deeper emotional patterns, past experiences, and internal dynamics that influence how you relate to yourself and the world. Our individual therapy is grounded in Self-in-Relationship Psychotherapy (SIRP), where we work together to explore and understand these underlying influences on your life. In individual therapy, the focus is on your internal world - your emotions, thoughts, past experiences, and the unconscious patterns that may be affecting your sense of self and well-being. By exploring your emotional landscape and gaining insight into your unique experiences, we help you connect with the deeper aspects of yourself that influence how you move through life.

What sets our approach apart is the emphasis on your personal and intrapsychic development. Through this process, you gain a greater understanding of the emotional patterns and unconscious dynamics that shape your responses to life’s challenges. As you develop this insight, you can create meaningful change in how you relate to yourself and others, fostering emotional balance and resilience. This inner growth is key to making lasting transformations, not just in how you feel but in how you live.

 

When personal development happens from the inside out, the change is more profound and lasting. By better understanding yourself, you can navigate life with greater clarity, self-compassion, and confidence. Our aim is to help you achieve long-term change, allowing you to thrive with a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional fulfillment.​

 

At Lacasse Counselling, our approach to individual therapy is designed to guide you through a comprehensive and flexible journey of personal growth and transformation. We recognize that meaningful change is rarely a straight path, so our process unfolds through key phases that you may revisit as new insights and challenges arise. Each phase builds on the last, but the journey is not linear - sometimes, the deeper work requires returning to earlier stages as you gain more awareness. From understanding your inner world to integrating lasting changes into your daily life, this approach helps you develop a deeper connection with yourself, fostering greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and a more fulfilling life.​

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phase 1:

problem definition


At the start of therapy, we focus on identifying the key issues that have brought you here. Whether it’s dealing with emotional distress, behaviours that feel out of your control, or struggles in your relationships, this phase is about gaining clarity. We’ll talk in-depth about what’s going on in your life, how long it’s been affecting you, and the specific ways it’s impacting your day-to-day experience. During this phase, y​ou might start to realize that some of your current struggles run deeper than you initially thought, and that’s okay. Defining the problem is the first step. Together, we’ll set clear goals for therapy, which will guide us in the work ahead.

 

phase 2:

exploration


Once we’ve defined the issues, we begin to explore. This phase is about uncovering the hidden dynamics that may be driving your emotional or behavioural patterns. It’s not always easy, but it’s an important part of the process. We’ll look at how your past experiences, including early relationships and significant life events that might be connected to what you're going through now. This is often the phase where clients begin to recognize that unresolved emotional experiences from the past are still shaping how they feel, think, and behave today. During exploration, we’ll dig into the roots of these patterns, whether it’s unmet needs from childhood, experiences that were never fully processed, or long-held beliefs about yourself or others. It’s a deep dive into your emotional world, and while it may feel overwhelming at times, it’s also where we begin to unravel the knots that keep you stuck.

 

phase 3:

insight awareness


As we continue exploring, something powerful starts to happen - you begin to connect the dots between your past and present. In this phase, insight emerges. You start to see how the patterns and defenses you’ve developed, often unconsciously, are tied to earlier life experiences. Maybe you notice how your current feelings of anxiety or frustration stem from unresolved experiences with your caregivers or significant relationships. You might realize that certain coping mechanisms you’ve relied on, like avoidance or self-criticism, were once protective but are now limiting your growth. Insight awareness is a turning point - it’s where you truly start to understand why you operate the way you do. This new understanding provides the foundation for change, offering clarity about what has been holding you back and opening the door to new possibilities.​

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phase 4:

commitment


With this newfound insight, you’re invited to make a commitment to yourself, to the process, and to the change you want to see. This phase isn’t just about saying, "I want to change," but about deeply engaging with the process of transformation. You’ll begin to recognize that change takes effort, and this phase helps you prepare emotionally and psychologically for the challenges ahead. You may start to feel a renewed sense of hope and motivation as you commit to facing old wounds, letting go of outdated patterns, and making room for something new. This is the stage where you start to own the process, understanding that while it won’t always be easy, the work you’re doing in therapy will lead to real, meaningful change in your life.

 

phase 5:

action


Now we move into the phase of action. This is where the internal work starts to show up in your external world. In our sessions, we’ll use experiential interventions that help you engage with your emotions in new ways. Techniques like Gestalt exercises, imagery, and working with the dynamics between us (called transference and countertransference) allow us to go beyond talking and into experiencing change. You’ll likely feel shifts during these sessions - moments where things click or where you access emotions that have been difficult to reach. Outside of therapy, this is your time to practice. You’ll be encouraged to apply what you’re learning in real life, whether that means setting boundaries, speaking up for yourself, or trying out new ways of relating to others. This phase is about taking the insight and understanding you’ve gained and putting it into action, allowing you to break free from old, limiting patterns. The process may feel both exciting and challenging - after all, you’re stepping into new territory - but it’s also where the most growth happens.

 

phase 6:

consolidation and integration


As you continue practicing new behaviours and ways of thinking, these changes start to feel more natural and integrated into your everyday life. In this phase, the shifts you’ve made become more solidified - no longer something you have to think about consciously but part of who you are. The emotional and behavioural changes we’ve worked on together begin to feel like second nature, and you start to see the results of your hard work: greater self-awareness, deeper emotional resilience, and healthier relationships with others. Consolidation is about making sure these changes stick and become a lasting part of your life. It’s the phase where the growth you’ve experienced in therapy really takes root, allowing you to carry it forward with confidence.

 

phase 7:

 completion 


Eventually, our work together will come to a close, but therapy doesn’t end abruptly. The completion phase is a time to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished, to review the growth you’ve experienced, and to ensure you’re equipped to continue on your own. We’ll discuss any feelings that come up around the end of therapy - whether it’s gratitude, sadness, or uncertainty - and work through them together. This phase is about empowering you to trust in the changes you’ve made, knowing that you have the tools to maintain your progress long after therapy has ended. And remember, therapy is always an option in the future if you need support along the way.

why choose our services?

 

 — Tailored to Your Needs:  We recognize that every individual’s journey is unique. Our therapists collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific goals, challenges, and emotional needs.

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 — Depth and Insight:  Focusing on more than just managing symptoms, our psychodynamic approach allows you to explore the deeper emotional and psychological factors affecting your life. This exploration helps you gain meaningful insight and long-term personal growth.

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 — Experienced Therapists:  Our team consists of trained therapists committed to continuous professional development. They engage in ongoing supervision and learning, ensuring they remain at the forefront of therapeutic practices.

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 — Safe and Inclusive Environment:  We provide a confidential and non-judgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Our therapists are here to support you every step of the way, empowering you to work through challenges at your own pace.

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 — Convenient Location and Online Therapy:  Located in the heart of Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood, our practice is easily accessible. For those who prefer or need remote access, we offer secure online therapy sessions, providing flexibility and convenience while maintaining high-quality care.

areas of practice

Our individual therapy services are designed to support you in navigating a wide range of emotional, behavioural, relational, and psychological challenges, including but not limited to:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma

  • Relationship difficulties

  • Grief and loss

  • Stress management

  • Self-esteem and identity issues

  • Life transitions​
     

Whether you're seeking relief from specific symptoms or are looking for deeper personal growth, our individual therapy services provide a path toward greater understanding, emotional healing, and well-being.

take the first step towards personal growth

If you're ready to begin your journey towards self-discovery and lasting change, Lacasse Counselling is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards living a more fulfilling and authentic life.

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