Therapy Formats

In-Person

Populations

Children (6+)

Appointment Times

Daytime

Language

English

Working with Me

When you’ve been trying to manage something for a while, it can be exhausting to keep wondering why it isn’t getting better—or what you’re supposed to do next. You may know that something needs to change but feel unsure about where to begin.

My style is compassionate, engaged, and down-to-earth. I aim to create a space where you can speak openly, feel understood, and explore what is happening without judgment.

Therapy with me is about more than talking through your feelings. We will work together to understand what is keeping you stuck and turn that understanding into a practical plan. This may involve learning new skills, changing unhelpful patterns, strengthening your relationships, or finding more effective ways to respond to difficult situations.

Clients often leave sessions feeling less overwhelmed, clearer about what is happening, and more confident about what to do next.

Kelly Houlahan

Registered PsychotherapisT

Virtual

Couples

Teens

Evening

Areas of Focus

I support children (6+), teens, adults, parents, and couples.

Unless otherwise noted, I work with the following areas across ages 6–65:

● Anxiety, including panic, separation anxiety, phobias, social anxiety, and health anxiety
● Depression, grief, and life transitions
● Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (ages 12+)
● ADHD, attention difficulties
● Academic challenges
● Autism (ages 6–25)
● Emotional regulation, anger, and oppositional or behavioural concerns, including ODD
● Excessive screen use in children and teens
● Trauma, PTSD, attachment difficulties, and healing from past experiences
● Self-esteem, communication, assertiveness, and boundaries
● Family relationships and parenting challenges
● Workplace stress, burnout, and chronic pain (ages 18+)
● Couples therapy
● Gender identity exploration and related concerns

My Experience

I bring experience from private practice, school settings, community mental health, youth and family services, mentoring programs, and DBT skills groups. I have supported children, teens, adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioural concerns, relationship difficulties, and significant life transitions.

Much of my work has involved collaborating closely with parents, teachers, community organizations, and multidisciplinary teams. I also coordinated a mentoring program across seven schools, where I recruited, trained, and supported mentors in developing safe and positive relationships with young people. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of children within the broader context of their families, schools, relationships, and communities.

Working With Children, Teens, and Parents

Working with children and families is where my career in mental health began, and it remains a part of my work that I feel especially passionate about.

Parenting can involve a great deal of uncertainty—especially when you know your child is struggling but aren’t sure what else to try. Maybe you’ve tried different ways to help with big emotions, anxiety, attention, or behaviour, but nothing seems to stick. You may see all of your child’s potential and worry that these challenges are getting in their way. You may also wonder whether you’re responding in the right way and wish you had clearer strategies.

Needing support does not mean that you have done something wrong. Often, families simply need help understanding what may be underneath a child’s behaviour and finding approaches that are a better fit for that particular child.
Children and teens don’t always have the words to explain what they are experiencing. Depending on their age and interests, I may incorporate play, art, movement, games, and conversation to help them feel comfortable and express themselves naturally. I help children and teens understand their emotions, recognize their strengths, and develop skills they can use at home, at school, and in their relationships.

I also collaborate with parents so that you feel included and supported. Together, we can develop practical strategies that help you respond with greater confidence, strengthen your relationship with your child, and feel less alone in figuring out what to do next.

Adults

Weekend

Couples Therapy

A relationship does not need to be in crisis for couples therapy to be helpful. Some couples want support navigating a transition, strengthening their communication, or feeling closer and more intentional in their relationship. Others may be caught in the same arguments, struggling to repair after hurt, or feeling more like roommates than partners.

I provide a balanced and respectful space where both partners can feel heard. Drawing from the Gottman Method and attachment-based approaches, I help couples understand the patterns shaping their relationship, communicate more effectively, and respond to one another with greater openness and care.

Together, we can identify unhelpful cycles, rebuild understanding, and develop practical ways of communicating and connecting.

My Approach

My therapeutic approach draws from:

● Attachment-Based Therapy
● Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
● Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
● Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
● Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
● Mindfulness-based approaches
● The Gottman Method for couples

Some people benefit most from practical strategies they can begin using right away. Others need time and space to understand their emotions and experiences more deeply. Many benefit from a combination of both. I adapt our work to your needs, goals, and pace.

Outside of Therapy

After spending the past 20 years on the West Coast, I’m happy to call Ottawa home again.

Outside of work, I can usually be found searching for a sweet treat, singing along to a musical, or spending time with my beagle, Reuben—like the sandwich.

Professional Affiliation and Education

● Registered Psychotherapist, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
● Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
● Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Victoria
● Gottman Method Couples Therapy Training (Levels 1 and 2)

Kelly is currently accepting new clients.