doucettetherapy

It’s a snowy day here in Ottawa as I write this, and I’m struck by how quickly the holidays are approaching. For those who are looking forward to time with family and friends, I hope this season brings moments of joy, connection, and rest — whatever it is you most need right now. And for those who are feeling something different: grief, loneliness, strained relationships, or simply exhaustion, I want you to know you are not alone. These conversations are far more common in my therapy room...

In October, I had a wonderful trip south with my daughter, who’s in her first year of university. It was so much fun to spend time together over her fall reading week. She loves her Psychology and Neuroscience courses, and I’ll admit, it feels pretty special that she shares my fascination with mental health and how our brains work.​Lately, I’ve noticed how what she’s learning in class is shaping some of her habits and reinforcing some great decisions. There’s something about hearing the...

Why your teen ’ s big feelings aren ’ t a sign of failure — they ’ re a call for connection. Parenting a teen can feel like walking through an emotional storm. One moment you’re laughing together, the next there are slammed doors or tears you didn’t see coming.You want to help, but nothing seems to work. Suddenly, you’re both feeling hurt and disconnected. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. 💭 What Teens Tell Me In my therapy sessions with teens, I often hear things like: “I cry...