Open Heart Psychotherapy

Finding the right therapist can feel like a big step, and knowing what to expect before your first visit makes a real difference. Open Heart Psychotherapy is a registered psychotherapy practice located at 370 Churchill Avenue North in Ottawa, Ontario, serving individuals across the city and throughout the province with both in-person and online appointments available.

The practice is led by Rachelle Viau, a registered psychotherapist whose approach centers on helping people reconnect with who they truly are. Her work draws on NARM, the NeuroAffective Relational Model, which is a specialized method for working through the lasting effects of childhood trauma and early relational wounds. This focus on developmental trauma shapes a thoughtful, body-aware style of therapy that goes beyond surface-level symptom management.

Rachelle also supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, burnout, and major life transitions. These are experiences that many people carry quietly for years before reaching out. The therapeutic space here is designed to feel safe enough to explore that kind of depth, with care that is genuinely personalized rather than one-size-fits-all.

For those new to therapy or returning after a break, Open Heart Psychotherapy offers a free initial consultation. This gives you a chance to ask questions, share a little about what you are going through, and get a sense of whether the fit feels right before committing to ongoing sessions. That first conversation is low pressure and entirely focused on you.

Ottawa's Westboro and surrounding neighborhoods are home to many working adults, families, and young professionals who often face the pressures of demanding careers, relationship changes, and the quiet weight of unresolved personal history. Whether you are coming in from nearby or connecting remotely from elsewhere in Ontario, access to this kind of compassionate mental health support is straightforward.

Sessions can be arranged online for anyone across Ontario, making it easier to prioritize mental wellness regardless of schedule or location. If you have been thinking about starting therapy, exploring trauma-informed care, or simply want to understand yourself a little better, reaching out to Open Heart Psychotherapy is a practical and meaningful place to begin.