Services
Anxiety, OCD and reproductive mental health are more connected than they look
Reproductive psychiatry — a growing subspecialty focused on the mental health effects of hormonal and reproductive transitions — has increasingly documented how anxiety and OCD symptoms can shift in onset, intensity or presentation around the menstrual cycle, fertility treatment, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and perimenopause. These aren't two separate practice areas bundled together; they overlap clinically far more often than not.
How this shows up
Two overlapping symptom areas, not two separate specialties
Clinical literature describes recurring “windows of vulnerability” — points across the reproductive lifespan when hormonal change is associated with heightened risk for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. In practice, this means a client's intrusive thoughts, panic, or checking behaviours often can't be fully understood without also considering what's happening hormonally and relationally at that point in their life — and vice versa.
Symptom area
Anxiety & OCD
Patterns involving intrusive thoughts, avoidance, reassurance seeking, perfectionism, checking, rumination, and difficulty tolerating uncertainty. Where it fits your goals and history, this can include gradual, collaborative exposure-based work.
Symptom area
Reproductive & hormonal mental health
The emotional impact of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum experiences, sexuality, intimacy, relationship changes, body image, reproductive transitions, perimenopause and menopause — and how these intersect with anxiety, stress and identity.
Also part of my practice
Beyond these focus areas
My particular clinical focus is anxiety, OCD, and reproductive and hormonal mental health — but that's not the entirety of who I see. I also work with clients whose concerns sit outside these areas.
Across the lifespan
Windows of vulnerability, not a checklist
These life stages often overlap and inform one another, and research links each one to measurable shifts in anxiety and OCD risk. Here's a sense of what commonly comes up at each point — not a strict sequence, but a way of naming what's often on people's minds when they reach out.
Grief and uncertainty during fertility challenges or treatment, the strain it can place on a relationship, and the anxiety of waiting.
Pregnancy-related anxiety, intrusive thoughts, fears about birth or parenting, and adjusting to a changing body and identity.
Postpartum adjustment, intrusive thoughts, changes in relationships and sexuality, and the loss of a familiar sense of self.
New or intensified anxiety, mood shifts, sleep changes, and questions about identity and relationships as the body changes.
Changes in sexual desire and intimacy, body image, identity, and the emotional weight of a major life transition.
How sessions are structured
My approach is trauma-informed and collaborative, primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, compassion-focused strategies, and person-centred therapy according to what each client needs.
Together, we work toward practical, meaningful change while respecting your individual experiences, values, relationships, and stage of life.
Format & availability
- In-person sessions in Ottawa
- Virtual sessions available
- Weekdays and evenings, with in-person appointments also available Thursdays and Saturdays
- One-on-one therapy for teens and adults
Who I work with
Anxiety, OCD, and reproductive and hormonal mental health are where my practice is most concentrated, but they're not the whole of who I see. I also work with clients whose concerns fall outside these focus areas. If you're not sure whether your particular situation fits, that's a good thing to raise in a first conversation — not something you need to have already figured out.
Not sure if this is the right fit?
That's a completely reasonable question to bring to a first conversation. A brief consultation is a low-pressure way to talk through what you're experiencing and whether this approach makes sense for you.