Dr. Loretta Patterson
Registered Clinical Psychologist
*Accepting new clients for virtual therapy in June 2025 and assessments (psychodiagnostic and psychoeducational) in July 2025*
1.
Individual
Psychotherapy
I provide evidence-based treatments for children (age 7+), youth, and adults. My primary theoretical orientation is cognitive-behavioural, including exposure and response prevention therapy. I often integrate other therapeutic methods (i.e., cognitive processing therapy for trauma, mindfulness strategies, self-compassion strategies, motivational interviewing, etc.) in the treatment plan.
2.
Couples
Therapy
My approach in couples therapy is to work collaboratively towards therapeutic goals using empirically-based treatments, such as Emotion-Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method. The therapeutic structure that I follow is to meet with a couple for the first session and then meet individually for one session each. Subsequent sessions are generally all together.
3.
Psychoeducational Assessments
I provide comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for children, youth, and adults. The goal is to understand a client's learning profile and provide recommendations for the client, parents (if applicable), and educational or vocational settings. Psychoeducational assessments can identify a Specific Learning Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, giftedness, etc.
4.
Psychodiagnostic Assessments
I provide psychodiagnostic assessments to help identify mental health conditions to ultimately inform treatment. Psychodiagnostic assessments can identify trauma- and stressor-related disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, etc.
My Approach
Seeking out psychological services can be a difficult step that requires courage and openness to learning about oneself. It is my goal to be sensitive to each clients' individual experience and help in the process of achieving personal growth and improving well-being.
My goal is to work collaboratively with clients to help achieve therapeutic goals. This is also my approach with parents and children/youth. My hope is to help children/youth foster their ability to take ownership of their lives, taking into consideration the appropriate developmental level.
My approach to conducting psychological assessments is to use assessment tools that are valid and reliable. Furthermore, I provide comprehensive assessment reports that can be practically helpful across school, home, and/or workplace settings.

About me
My doctoral training has been in evidence-based practice and I am registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysis of Ontario (CPBAO) to practice as a psychologist. I am also a member of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa-Carleton (LDAO-C), as well as a Member of the Ottawa Academy of Psychology (OAP).
Getting Help
Below are the areas that I typically assist with:
Depression
Anxiety and Phobias
Generalized Anxiety and Worry
Relationship Difficulties
Loss of a Relationship
Infidelity
Couples Issues
ADHD
Difficulties with Self-Esteem
Positive Parenting Strategies
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Relaxation/Stress Management
Social Skills Development
Executive Functioning Skills
Emotion Regulation
LGBTQ+
Grief, Loss, or Bereavement
Anger Management
Thank you for reading my website. If you think I may be the right fit for you or your child/youth, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
1.
2.
Individual Psychotherapy
Couples Therapy
3.
4.
Psychoeducational Assessments
Psychodiagnostic Assessments