Control · Self-trust · Recovery
Coercive Control Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy for people affected by patterns of control, intimidation, isolation or monitoring in an intimate relationship.
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that can limit a person’s freedom, confidence and sense of reality, often without physical violence. Therapy helps you understand the pattern and its effects, rebuild self-trust and make decisions at your own pace, whether you are still in the relationship, leaving or recovering afterwards.
In person at our Riverside office in Ottawa, and virtually across Ontario.
Who this supports
- Adults currently in a relationship that feels controlling
- People who have left and are recovering
- People questioning whether what they experienced counts as abuse
- 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and people of all backgrounds
Concerns addressed
What people often bring to this work
- Feeling monitored, restricted, isolated or afraid of a partner’s reactions
- Control over money, phones, social contact, time or movement
- Constantly second-guessing yourself or feeling you are to blame
- Walking on eggshells, anxiety, shame and loss of identity
- Confusion about whether the relationship is conflict or control
- Difficulty trusting yourself after leaving
What psychotherapy may involve
A paced, trauma-informed approach
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Naming what happened
Understanding coercive control in plain language and how it may have affected you.
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Safety first
Thinking through emotional and practical safety, including technology and communication, at your pace.
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Rebuilding self-trust
Working with self-doubt, shame and trauma responses using trauma-informed approaches.
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Moving forward
Supporting your decisions and your relationships with others, without pressure to stay or leave.
Important limits
What this service is not
- Legal advice or representation — please speak with a family lawyer about legal questions
- A custody or parenting assessment, or a recommendation about parenting time
- A forensic opinion, court report or finding about another person
- A crisis or emergency service
Therapy describes behaviours and experiences you bring to session. It does not diagnose or make findings about another person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is it coercive control if there was no physical violence?
Coercive control often involves no physical violence. Therapy focuses on your experience and its impact rather than a checklist.
Can I come while still in the relationship?
Yes. Therapy does not require you to leave. We will talk about safe ways to attend and be contacted.
Do you offer screening?
Separate screening consultations are available through our IPV and Coercive Control Consultancy. Certified risk assessments are not yet offered.
Related services
Related support at the clinic
Intimate Partner Violence Psychotherapy
Therapy for people affected by violence or abuse in an intimate relationship.
Post Separation Abuse Psychotherapy
Support when control continues after separation.
High Conflict Divorce Psychotherapy
Support for the emotional impact of high-conflict separation.
Related articles
Further reading
- Coercive Control: The Abuse That Leaves No Bruises
- “Was It Really Abuse?” Why Survivors of Coercive Control Question Themselves
- Is It Conflict or Coercive Control? Understanding the Difference
- What Is Coercive Control? Signs to Notice Before Mediation
- Signs of Financial Abuse in a Relationship
- Technology-Facilitated Abuse: Tracking, Monitoring and Control
How to book
Begin with a consultation
You can book a free 15-minute consultation online or contact the clinic to ask questions first. Please use an email address and phone number that only you can access, and let us know the safest way to reach you.
Riverside Office by Billings Bridge · 2211 Riverside Drive, Suite 107, Ottawa, ON K1H 7X5 · Virtual sessions available across Ontario.
If you are in danger
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The clinic is not a crisis service. For crisis lines, shelters, legal resources and victim services, visit HELP NOW.