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Umbrella Insights

Psychotherapy & Sex Education in Ottawa, Ontario.

Welcome to Umbrella Insights.

At Umbrella Insights, we believe understanding and improving the relationships in our lives – both with others and within ourselves – is the key to lasting emotional well-being. Our practice is dedicated to helping people explore their experiences and relationships using evidence-based practices.

Our team provides in-person and online psychotherapy services to adolescents, adults and couples in English and French in Centretown (Ottawa).

Our Founder’s Story

My Journey to Becoming A Therapist

I’m a survivor of childhood domestic violence, sexual abuse and poverty. In 2021, I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) triggered by the loss of a loved one by suicide. I know first-hand how childhood adversity and trauma effects the human psyche and what is required for recovery. I draw on evidence-based practices, informed by my personal experiences, to help my clients recover from trauma.

I was inspired to become a therapist in my early 20s when I first sought treatment, but it took until after the birth of my daughter in my early 30s to start my master’s degree in Counselling Psychology.

In my teens and early 20s, I had many negative experiences with therapists. I felt they did not understand me, and I felt judged by them. I remember feeling blamed for my symptoms, which felt both infuriating and shaming. Once I found a therapist who shared my values and really listened to me, I worked with that individual for over a decade. My personal experience inspired me to become a therapist to offer treatment to those who might not fit within the confines of what most consider “normal.”  

I specialize in providing services to LGBTQIA+ populations, and people with non-normative lifestyles and identities (e.g. people in ethically non-monogamous relationships, kink/BDSM relationships, and sex workers).

It would be our privilege to support you on your path to healing at Umbrella Insights.

Sincerely,

Katherine Van Meyl

Our Services

We are a team of experienced, dedicated and compassionate therapists. By drawing on a variety of evidence-based practices, we tailor the therapeutic process to meet the unique needs of each client.

Are you a group of mental health professionals in private practice? Interested in learning more about sex work and developing your cultural competence in working with this population? Chat with Kat about workshop options.

Whether working with a specific client or seeking broader knowledge about sex work, ethical non-monogamy, poly or kink, Kat can support you in providing culturally competent care.