Bettina Kraus

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Intern

Bettina is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Intern completing her Master of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of Ottawa. Her approach is warm, empathetic and person-centred, with a focus on equality, social justice and creating spaces where clients feel heard, respected and validated.

Bettina recognizes that our experiences are shaped not only by our individual circumstances, but also by the systems, relationships and communities around us. She supports clients through a range of life transitions, including parenthood, relocation, career changes, caregiving, and other common and not-so-common experiences.

Bettina works with children, teens, adult individuals and families. Her therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to each client, drawing on a range of approaches based on their needs, concerns and individual way of being.

Bettina brings many years of experience in social services, including work as a Child and Youth Counsellor. Since 2004, she has worked with various federal public service departments, including but not limited to: CIRNAC, National Defence, and Veterans Affairs Canada. Married to a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran, she has personally experienced multiple career transitions and relocations over the past 20-plus years. These experiences inform her commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive space that fosters cultural humility, where clients can safely explore their experiences in ways that feel right for them. Bettina has an acute awareness of both life and social inequalities and is open to welcoming people from diverse communities.

Areas of Competence

 Anxiety & depression

 Neurodiversity (specifically ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorder)

 Learning Disabilities

 Self-esteem, self-understanding & self-growth

 Childhood cancer and its impact on the person & family

 End of Life

 Grief & Loss

 Motherhood & parenting

 Life & career transitions

 Career & workplace challenges

 Exploring spirituality, meaning & purpose

 Supporting military, RCMP, First Responders, Veterans & their families

 Relocation

 Trauma and PTSD