At Ottawa Psychotherapy Services (OPS), we understand that for Veterans, finding a therapist who "gets it" is half the battle. You shouldn't have to spend your first three sessions explaining military ranks, acronyms, or the reality of deployment culture.

We have built a clinical environment specifically tailored to the needs of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans. Here is how we ensure you receive the highest standard of care:

1. The "Veteran-to-Veteran" Connection 

We actively hire therapists who have served. We believe that shared experience creates a foundation of safety and trust that accelerates recovery. Our team includes:

• Shelley Colter: CAF Veteran (20+ years).

• Yan St-Louis: CAF Veteran (25+ years).

• Barb Pierce: CAF Veteran.

• Michael Power: CAF Veteran.

2. Expert Supervision and Oversight 

Our Director of Veteran's Services, Dwight Thompson (MSW, Clinical Traumatologist), along with Shelley Colter (RP, Clinical Traumatologist), play a vital role in supervision and training, so that our Associates have the support required to provide excellence in mental health services. Shelley and Dwight actively supervise the work of our associates, consulting on complex cases and ensuring that every Veteran client benefits from our years of expertise in trauma and military health. You are not just getting a therapist; you are getting a clinical team led by certified trauma experts in the field.

3. Monthly Training and Evidence-Based Care 

Trauma treatment is evolving, and so are we. Our team participates in monthly training and supervision to stay sharp on the most effective modalities for PTSD and CPTSD, including:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

• Prolonged Exposure (PE)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM)

• Psychosocial Impacts of the Transition Process for CAF Members

• Family and Social Care for Veterans and their families

4. Specialized Support for Families 

We know the mission impacts the home front. We have therapists including Sandra Martins and Valerie Lemieux-Lloyd (Veteran's spouses) who are dedicated to supporting the spouses, children, and parents who navigate life alongside their Veterans.

Get the Support You Earned. 

To be matched with a clinician who understands your service, please contact us today.

Email: info@ottawapsychotherapyservices.ca