Psychodynamic / Attachment-Based Therapy in Ottawa
Understand the Patterns Shaping Your Relationships, Emotions, & Sense of Self
Many of the challenges people face in adulthood do not begin with a single event. Difficulties with relationships, self-esteem, emotional regulation, trust, boundaries, anxiety, or recurring life patterns often develop gradually over time and may be influenced by earlier experiences, relationships, and coping strategies.
Psychodynamic and Attachment-Based Therapy helps you explore these deeper patterns with curiosity and compassion. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, this approach seeks to understand the underlying experiences, emotional dynamics, and relationship patterns that may be contributing to your current struggles.
Through greater self-awareness and insight, therapy can help you develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others. Attachment-based approaches focus on how early relationships influence emotional and relational patterns throughout life, while psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious processes, past experiences, and recurring themes that may continue to affect present-day functioning.
At Fireside Psychotherapy, our therapists provide a warm, collaborative environment where you can explore these patterns at a pace that feels comfortable and meaningful to you. Whether you are seeking support for relationship difficulties, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or a desire for deeper self-understanding, Psychodynamic and Attachment-Based Therapy can offer valuable insight and lasting personal growth. Fireside’s team incorporates attachment-informed and relational approaches as part of its commitment to personalized, evidence-informed care.
What Is Psychodynamic / Attachment-Based Therapy?
Psychodynamic and Attachment-Based Therapy is an insight-oriented form of psychotherapy that explores how past experiences, significant relationships, emotional patterns, and unconscious processes influence your current thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and relationships.
Attachment theory suggests that our earliest relationships help shape our expectations about safety, trust, connection, and emotional support. These expectations can become internal relationship templates that influence how we interact with romantic partners, family members, friends, colleagues, and even ourselves later in life. Research has identified several attachment patterns, including secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles, each of which can influence how people experience intimacy, conflict, vulnerability, and emotional connection.
Psychodynamic therapy complements this understanding by examining recurring emotional themes, unconscious beliefs, defence mechanisms, and relational patterns that may be operating beneath conscious awareness. Together, these approaches help create a more complete understanding of your experiences and provide opportunities for meaningful change.
Rather than simply asking, “How do I stop feeling this way?” psychodynamic and attachment-based work often explores questions such as:
- Why do I keep finding myself in similar relationship situations?
- Why do certain experiences trigger strong emotional reactions?
- Why do I struggle with trust, intimacy, or vulnerability?
- Why do I feel stuck in patterns I want to change?
- How have my past experiences shaped the way I see myself and others?
Exploring these questions can help create deeper insight, self-awareness, and emotional flexibility.
How Psychodynamic & Attachment-Based Therapy Works
Therapy begins with developing a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. In attachment-informed therapy, the therapeutic relationship itself can become an important part of the healing process, providing a secure foundation for exploration, reflection, and growth. Research frequently identifies the concept of a “secure base” as a central component of attachment-informed psychotherapy.
During sessions, you and your therapist may explore:
- Early family experiences and caregiving relationships
- Current relationship patterns and challenges
- Emotional triggers and recurring themes
- Self-esteem and self-worth beliefs
- Coping mechanisms developed earlier in life
- Experiences of loss, rejection, abandonment, or betrayal
- Patterns of anxiety, avoidance, perfectionism, or people-pleasing
- The connection between past experiences and present-day struggles
The goal is not to blame parents, caregivers, or past relationships. Instead, therapy seeks to understand how past experiences may have shaped current patterns and identify opportunities for growth, healing, and change.
As awareness increases, many individuals find they become better able to recognize old patterns as they emerge and make more intentional choices aligned with their current values, needs, and goals.
Who Can Benefit From Psychodynamic / Attachment-Based Therapy?
Psychodynamic and Attachment-Based Therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing a wide range of emotional, relational, and psychological challenges.
This approach may be particularly helpful if you:
- Experience recurring relationship difficulties
- Struggle with trust, vulnerability, or intimacy
- Feel stuck in repetitive life patterns
- Experience chronic anxiety or emotional distress
- Have experienced childhood trauma or relational trauma
- Struggle with low self-esteem or self-criticism
- Feel disconnected from yourself or others
- Have difficulty setting or maintaining healthy boundaries
- Experience fear of abandonment or rejection
- Want greater insight into your emotions, motivations, and behaviours
It can also be valuable for individuals seeking personal growth, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
Therapy shouldn’t feel clinical or cold. At Fireside Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is delivered as a warm, equal partnership—where your expertise on your own life meets our clinical expertise in evidence-based care.
Common Concerns Addressed Through Attachment-Based Therapy
Many emotional challenges are closely connected to the ways we learned to navigate relationships and emotional experiences throughout our lives.
Psychodynamic and Attachment-Based Therapy may help individuals working through:
Anxiety & Chronic Worry
Attachment-related fears can contribute to persistent anxiety, overthinking, reassurance-seeking, and difficulty tolerating uncertainty. Therapy can help identify the underlying patterns contributing to these experiences.
Relationship Challenges
Recurring conflicts, communication difficulties, fear of intimacy, emotional distance, or unhealthy relationship cycles often have roots in earlier relational experiences.
Trauma & Relational Wounds
Experiences involving neglect, inconsistent caregiving, emotional invalidation, abandonment, or betrayal can significantly affect how individuals view themselves and others. Therapy provides a space to process these experiences and develop healthier relational patterns.
Self-Esteem & Identity Concerns
Attachment experiences often influence how people see themselves, their worth, and their place in relationships. Therapy can help uncover and challenge long-standing negative beliefs while fostering greater self-compassion and confidence.
What Your Therapy Journey May Look Like
Every therapy experience is unique. There is no rigid formula or predetermined timeline. Instead, therapy evolves based on your goals, experiences, and needs.
Your work may involve:
Step 1: Initial Assessment & Goal Setting
In your first session, your therapist will discuss your current challenges, gather relevant context, and map out clear, measurable goals for your therapy.
Step 2: Psychoeducation & Pattern Identification
You will learn how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours interact, while gaining tools to recognize cognitive distortions as they happen in real time.
Step 3: Skill Building & Active Practice
Between sessions, you will apply practical tools—such as thought records, behavioural experiments, and grounding exercises in your everyday environment.
Step 4: Relapse Prevention & Long-Term Autonomy
The ultimate goal of CBT is to make you your own therapist. By the end of treatment, you will possess a personalized mental health toolkit to handle future stressors independently.
In-Person & Virtual Therapy Across Ontario Centretown, Ottawa & Virtual Therapy Across Ontario
We believe quality mental healthcare should fit seamlessly into your life. We offer flexible therapeutic formats to ensure support is accessible whenever you need it:
In-Person Therapy in Downtown Ottawa
Our clinic is located in a quiet, welcoming heritage space at 428 Gilmour Street (between Kent and Bank Street in Centretown). Designed with warmth and comfort in mind—far from a clinical office setting—our practice provides a grounded space to do deep therapeutic work. Street parking and public transit options are conveniently located nearby.
Virtual Across Ontario
Prefer the comfort of your own home or need flexibility around a busy schedule? We offer secure, PHIPA-compliant teletherapy across all of Ontario. Research indicates that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) delivered through secure video therapy can be effective for many of the same concerns addressed through in-person treatment, giving you access to top-tier care from anywhere in the province.
Meet Your Therapist(s)
Alice Lurie is the founder of Fireside Psychotherapy and has over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and couples through anxiety, depression, stress, grief, emotional regulation challenges, and relationship concerns. She integrates Psychodynamic / Attachment-Based Therapy with other evidence-based approaches to help clients build practical skills and achieve meaningful, lasting change.
Alice Lurie
M.A., Registered Psychotherapist & Founder of Fireside Psychotherapy
Credentials
- Gottman Level 1 & 2
- Gottman Couples Addiction & Recovery Training
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- EMDR
- REBT & MBCT
- Specialized training in stepfamily therapy
Areas of Specialization
- Individual Therapy & Couples Therapy
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress & Grief
- Emotional Regulation
- Relationship Challenges
20 Years of Experience
Alice offers direct billing for select insurance providers, including Canada Life, Medavie Blue Cross, Manulife, and Sun Life. Coverage and eligibility may vary by plan.
Why Choose Fireside Psychotherapy for Psychodynamic / Attachment-Based Therapy in Ottawa?
At Fireside Psychotherapy, we recognize that many emotional struggles cannot be fully understood by looking only at symptoms. Relationship patterns, life experiences, attachment histories, and personal narratives often play a significant role in shaping emotional well-being.
Our therapists take a collaborative, individualized approach that respects your unique experiences, strengths, and goals. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, therapy is tailored to your needs while drawing from evidence-informed approaches that support meaningful growth and self-understanding. Fireside therapists incorporate attachment-based, relational, trauma-informed, mindfulness-based, and other established therapeutic approaches depending on each client’s circumstances and goals.
Whether you are navigating anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, life transitions, or questions about identity and self-worth, our goal is to help you better understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, and create lasting positive change.
What Sets Fireside Psychotherapy Apart?
Therapy is about more than techniques and interventions. The quality of the therapeutic relationship often plays a critical role in the process of growth and healing.
At Fireside Psychotherapy, we strive to create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, respected, and supported. Our Ottawa-based team values authenticity, compassion, collaboration, and individualized care. We work with individuals, couples, families, youth, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, providing both virtual and in-person therapy options to support accessibility and comfort.
We believe meaningful change often begins with understanding. By helping you explore the deeper patterns that influence your emotions, relationships, and experiences, therapy can become a space for insight, healing, self-acceptance, and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
A: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, unhelpful beliefs, and problematic behaviours. By modifying how you interpret challenging situations, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps improve emotional regulation and develop healthy coping mechanisms for everyday life.
Q: How many sessions does CBT usually take to produce results?
A: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a short-term, structured therapy that typically ranges from 8 to 20 weekly sessions, depending on individual goals and symptom severity. Many clients report noticing meaningful shifts in their thought patterns and anxiety levels within the first 4 to 6 sessions as they begin implementing practical skills.
Q: Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy covered by insurance in Ontario?
A: CBT may be covered by extended health insurance when provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) or Registered Social Worker (RSW), depending on your specific plan and coverage. We recommend checking your benefits directly with your insurance provider before beginning treatment.
Q: What is the difference between CBT and traditional talk therapy?
A: CBT differs from less structured approaches by placing a stronger emphasis on present-day thought patterns, behaviours, measurable goals, and practical skill development. In contrast, CBT is present-focused, highly structured, and goal-oriented. It emphasizes practical skill-building, active problem-solving, and light homework assignments to change current thought and behaviour cycles.
Your Title Goes HereQ: Can CBT be effectively delivered through virtual online therapy?
A: Yes, Research suggests that CBT delivered through secure video therapy can be effective for many of the same concerns commonly addressed in in-person sessions. Virtual therapy allows clients to access support from a convenient and familiar environment.
Q: How do I know if CBT is the right choice for me?
A: CBT is ideal if you are looking for a practical, action-oriented approach to mental health that equips you with concrete skills. If you feel stuck in loops of worry, overthinking, or avoidance, CBT provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap to regain control.
Q: Can CBT help with anxiety?
A: Yes. CBT is an established treatment approach for anxiety that helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns, reduce avoidance, and develop practical strategies for responding to worry and anxious situations. Your therapist can tailor CBT techniques to your specific anxiety symptoms and goals.
Q: Do I need a referral to start CBT in Ottawa?
A: No. You generally do not need a physician referral to begin CBT with a Registered Psychotherapist. You can contact Fireside Psychotherapy directly to discuss your concerns, determine whether CBT is an appropriate approach for you, and arrange an initial appointment.
Ready to Pull Up a Chair at Fireside Psychotherapy?
If you are ready to better understand the patterns shaping your relationships, emotions, and experiences, Psychodynamic / Attachment-Based Therapy may provide a valuable path forward.
The therapists at Fireside Psychotherapy offer compassionate, personalized support to help you explore your experiences, strengthen your sense of self, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Whether you are seeking therapy for anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, self-esteem challenges, or personal growth, we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact Fireside Psychotherapy today to learn more about Psychodynamic / Attachment-Based Therapy in Ottawa or to book your initial consultation.