You don't have to figure life out alone.

Therapy that meets you where you are.

Are you feeling stuck in painful patterns, overwhelmed by your emotions, or exhausted from holding everything together? I offer a safe, down-to-earth space to slow down, get curious, and start moving toward something that feels more like you.

Does any of this sound familiar ?

  • Your relationships keep following the same painful cycle.

Maybe you push people away before they can leave, or stay long past when you should. These patterns usually start long before the relationship in front of you and that's exactly where we'll look.

  • There's a voice that says you're not good enough.

That voice usually isn't yours originally. It got handed to you somewhere along the way - in childhood, in past relationships, in experiences that left a mark. We can trace it back and start to loosen its grip.

  • Your emotions feel bigger than the moment.

When a small thing sets off a wave you can't control, it's exhausting and isolating. You're not "too much." Your nervous system learned to respond this way for a reason, and it can learn something different.

  • You've been holding it together on the outside.

High-functioning doesn't mean okay. If you've built a life that looks fine while quietly struggling underneath, you don't have to keep pretending. There's room here to just be honest about where you actually are.

These patterns make sense when you understand where they come from. And here's what I want you to know: understanding them is actually the beginning of changing them. Therapy won't erase your history but it can change the hold it has on you. Many clients find that even small moments of clarity or relief early in the process start to shift things in a way that sticks. That's what we're working toward together.

Meet Your Therapist

Serena Welsh, RP (Qualifying)

From a very young age, I was the friend who listened, helped think things through, and genuinely wanted to show up for those around me. That pull toward understanding people never went away, and eventually it led me here.I came to this work with more than a textbook understanding of what my clients bring into session. I have my own lived experience with depression, anxiety, and the kinds of early environments that shape how we see ourselves and relate to others. That background informs how I show up for clients, with a lot of genuine empathy, and without judgment.My favourite moments in this work are when something clicks: when we can trace a reaction, a pattern, or a belief back to where it actually started. That kind of understanding doesn't fix everything overnight, but it tends to change things in a way that sticks.If you're nervous about starting, here's what I want you to know: the first few sessions are just about getting to know each other. We build at a pace that feels right for you. Clients tend to describe me as warm, low-key, and easy to talk to. I'll take it!I know how much it matters to work with someone who is genuinely equipped for the complexity of what you're carrying. I have completed trainings in the following theories/modalities: EMDR, Brainspotting (Phase 1), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) through approved continuing education providers.

Where we start

The first couple of sessions are focused on getting to know each other and covering the practical groundwork (consent, background, and history). We build safety and comfort together first, then we can start the work.

How I work

I don't follow a single script. Drawing from DBT, attachment theory, EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, and other approaches, we figure out together what actually resonates with you and build from there.

What we're working toward

While we will collaborate on identifying goals together, many clients seek a clearer understanding of why they feel and react the way they do. We will incorporate practical tools to start shifting the patterns that are keeping you stuck.

Have Questions?

I have answers!

Elira – Therapy FAQ
How do I start therapy? +
I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation with me through the Contact page. From there, if it feels like a good therapeutic fit, we will schedule a first session.
What happens in the first session? +
In our first session, we will review your intake form and go over the important details of starting therapy. My goal in the first few sessions is to get to know you and ensure we build a strong therapeutic relationship before we dig into the hard stuff.
How long does therapy last? +
This can vary depending on goals, frequency of sessions, and personal experiences. Some clients come for a few months, others longer. I make my best attempt to tailor your treatment plan to your needs.
What therapy methods do you use? +
I pull from different modalities, but foundationally am rooted in a trauma-informed approach. I may use DBT, EMDR, or psychodynamic methods in session, unless another modality is specifically requested.
When will I see results? +
Progress looks different for everyone! We will outline your goals and work toward making tangible, realistic changes in day-to-day life.
Are your services covered by insurance? Do you direct bill? +
Many insurance providers do cover the services of Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying), however, I recommend confirming with your provider for certainty. Unfortunately, I'm not able to offer direct billing at this time.
Do you have in-person availability? +
I do! I'm pleased to offer in-person services in centretown Ottawa, Ontario. Alternatively, I provide virtual sessions to clients across Ontario.
How much are sessions? Do you offer a sliding scale or low cost services? +
My rate for individual clients is $145 and my rate for couples' is $160. I am happy to offer sliding scale rates starting at $70. We can determine a comfortable session rate for your financial circumstances during a free consultation.
How long are sessions? +
Sessions are scheduled for 50 minutes. The last ten minutes of the hour are used for clinical note-taking or sending homework items. Occasionally, we may spend a few extra minutes together to wrap up and center ourselves before concluding.
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In Person or Virtual

Services

Areas of Focus

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

  • Bipolar Disorder (Type I or II)

  • Trauma

  • Relationship Concerns

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Identity Exploration

Populations Served

  • Teens

  • Adults

  • Couples

  • The 2SLGBTQIA+ community

Approaches Used

Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

Psychodynamic Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

You may have been here before and left feeling unseen.

For people with a diagnosis or traits of BPD or Bipolar, finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. The emotional intensity, the relational complexity, the way symptoms can be misread or pathologized... These things can make therapy feel alienating rather than healing.The intensity isn't a character flaw. It's a pattern with a history, and it makes complete sense when you understand where it comes from.My approach is grounded in both clinical training and lived understanding of what these experiences actually feel like from the inside. Working together, we can start to make sense of the intensity, find moments of stability and relief, and build a relationship with yourself that feels a little less like a battle. This is a space where the full version of you is welcome and where real change is possible.

Ready

to Begin?

Reach out using the form below or send me an email. Every message is read with care, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible within 48 hours.

Hours & Location

Prefer to talk in person? Let’s find a time that works for you.

Located within the Ontario Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre (OCP) offices.Suite 1000 - 190 O'Connor St.
Ottawa, ON
K2P 1T6Sundays - 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Tuesdays - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursdays - 5pm - 9pmIn-person & virtual sessions are available.

"We are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, and we can be healed in relationship." — Harville Hendrix