Services
How anxiety, mood and women's mental health show up together
Research on hormonal and reproductive transitions has increasingly shown how anxiety symptoms can shift in onset, intensity or presentation around the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and perimenopause. As a psychotherapist, I draw on this research to inform how I understand and work with clients — these aren't two separate concerns bundled together; they overlap far more often than not.
How this shows up
Two overlapping symptom areas, not two separate specialties
Clinical literature describes recurring “windows of vulnerability” — points across the reproductive lifespan when hormonal change is associated with heightened risk for anxiety. In practice, this means a client's worry, panic, or intrusive thoughts often can't be fully understood without also considering what's happening hormonally and relationally at that point in their life — and vice versa.
Symptom area
Anxiety
Patterns involving intrusive thoughts, avoidance, reassurance seeking, perfectionism, rumination, and difficulty tolerating uncertainty.
Symptom area
Reproductive & hormonal mental health
The emotional impact of pregnancy, postpartum experiences, sexuality, intimacy, relationship changes, body image, reproductive transitions, perimenopause and menopause — and how these intersect with anxiety, stress and identity.
Also part of my practice
Beyond these focus areas
My particular clinical focus is anxiety and reproductive and hormonal mental health — but that's not the entirety of who I see. I also work with individuals, couples and families on a broader range of concerns, across ages from preteens to elders.
Across the lifespan
Windows of vulnerability, stage by stage
These life stages often overlap and inform one another. Here's a sense of what commonly comes up at each point — not a strict sequence, but a way of naming what's often on people's minds when they reach out.
Pregnancy-related anxiety, intrusive thoughts, fears about birth or parenting, and adjusting to a changing body and identity.
Postpartum adjustment, intrusive thoughts, changes in relationships and sexuality, and the loss of a familiar sense of self.
New or intensified anxiety, mood shifts, sleep changes, and questions about identity and relationships as the body changes.
Changes in sexual desire and intimacy, body image, identity, and the emotional weight of a major life transition.
How sessions are structured
My approach is trauma-informed and collaborative, primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, compassion-focused strategies, and person-centred therapy according to what each client needs.
Together, we work toward practical, meaningful change while respecting your individual experiences, values, relationships, and stage of life.
Format & availability
- In-person sessions in Ottawa
- Virtual sessions available
- Weekdays and evenings, with in-person appointments also available Thursdays and Saturdays
- One-on-one therapy for teens and adults
Not sure if this is the right fit?
That's a completely reasonable question to bring to a first conversation. A brief consultation is a low-pressure way to talk through what you're experiencing and whether this approach makes sense for you.