Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Meet Nilu Mokhtarian
Online and In Person Therapy | Ottawa, Ontario
Individuals (17+)
Language: English
My Approach
Welcome. I’m Nilu.
I know that trusting someone with your innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences can feel scary, awkward, or intimidating. You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself or your relationships. You may be searching for new ways to understand your emotions, relate differently to others, or experience greater joy and fulfillment in your life.
I have sat in the client’s seat myself. Because of that, I show up as a real person in the therapy room. I am not here to judge or fix you, but to support you with curiosity, compassion, and care. However you are showing up today, you are welcome here.
My Focus Areas
- 2SLGBTQ+ Support
- Anxiety
- Burnout
- Self-Esteem
- Depression
- Relationship Issues
- Stress
- Trauma
Therapeutic Approaches
- Narrative Therapy
- Polyvagal-Informed Therapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Inner Critic Work
What It Is Like to Work With Me
I am a strong advocate for learning about emotions and the nervous system, because understanding why you feel and respond the way you do can create meaningful change. When you begin to understand the language of your nervous system, patterns become clearer and a greater sense of agency can emerge.
Storytelling is also central to my work and one of the reasons I became a therapist. Together, we explore the chapters of your life with curiosity and compassion. We make space to sit with pain, honour where you have been, recognize your resilience, and gently examine the stories you may carry about yourself.
Beliefs such as not being enough, being too much, or feeling like an outsider often developed for survival. That matters. At the same time, therapy offers an opportunity to question those narratives.
Who taught you that belief?
How does something become truth?
Is it still serving you now?
Are you the problem, or is it the system surrounding you?
You do not have to remain defined by chapters you did not choose to write. Together, we can explore, co-construct, and rewrite what comes next.
If you are looking for a therapist who values genuine connection, works collaboratively rather than from an expert pedestal, and can hold space for both seriousness and humour, you may feel at home in this work.
Outside of Work
Movement and time in nature help me feel grounded and connected. Outside of therapy, you will often find me swing or salsa dancing, going for long walks or bike rides, or enjoying picnics by the water.
I also enjoy baking, making candles and soap, thrifting, getting lost in a good television drama, attending local drag shows, and fully embracing everything fall has to offer.
Think We Might Be a Good Fit?
Finding the right therapist can take time, and it is important that the connection feels right. If something in my approach resonates with you, I welcome you to reach out and see whether working together feels like a good next step.
Let’s Connect
If you are looking for psychotherapy services in Ottawa or virtual therapy across Ontario, Catharsis Psychology and Psychotherapy is here to help. Call (613) 316-6099 or request your appointment online. We look forward to supporting you.
