Separation · Ongoing control · Recovery
Post Separation Abuse Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy for people who are experiencing controlling, intimidating or harassing behaviour that continues or intensifies after a relationship ends.
Leaving a relationship does not always end the harm. Some people find that control moves into communication, finances, parenting arrangements or legal processes. Therapy offers a steady place to make sense of what is happening, reduce self-blame and plan for emotional and practical safety.
In person at our Riverside office in Ottawa, and virtually across Ontario.
Who this supports
- Adults who have separated or divorced and feel the control has not stopped
- Parents managing communication and exchanges with a former partner
- People involved in family court or mediation who want emotional support alongside legal advice
- Anyone unsure whether what they are experiencing counts as abuse
Concerns addressed
What people often bring to this work
- Ongoing harassment, monitoring or intimidating messages after separation
- Control expressed through finances, scheduling, parenting exchanges or repeated legal action
- Feeling disbelieved by others, or doubting your own perceptions
- Anxiety, hypervigilance, sleep problems and exhaustion from prolonged conflict
- Fear and stress around court dates, exchanges or communication
- Grief, anger and confusion about the relationship and its aftermath
What psychotherapy may involve
A paced, trauma-informed approach
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Understanding the pattern
Naming behaviours and their effects on you, without needing to prove anything or label the other person.
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Stabilizing your nervous system
Practical grounding and regulation strategies for stress around messages, exchanges and court dates.
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Safety and boundaries
Thinking through communication boundaries and safety considerations, and connecting you with resources where needed.
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Rebuilding
Working with self-trust, grief and identity at a pace that feels manageable.
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
Do I need to prove the abuse to start therapy?
No. Therapy starts from your experience. You do not need documentation, a court finding or certainty about what to call it.
Can you write a letter for court?
Therapy is not a forensic assessment. Requests for records or letters are discussed individually and depend on consent, clinical appropriateness and legal requirements. Please speak with your lawyer about evidence.
Is this available virtually?
Yes. Sessions are available in person in Ottawa and virtually across Ontario.
Related services
Related support at the clinic
High Conflict Divorce Psychotherapy
Support for the emotional impact of high-conflict separation and parenting stress.
Coercive Control Psychotherapy
Therapy focused on patterns of control, before or after separation.
Parental Alienation Psychotherapy
Support for parents facing contact difficulties with their children.
Related articles
Further reading
- Post-Separation Abuse: When Leaving Doesn’t End the Abuse
- Post-Separation Abuse: When Conflict Doesn’t End After Divorce
- Gaslighting in Divorce and Custody Disputes
- Court-Related Stress and Trauma in Parents
- Co-Parenting With an Emotionally Abusive Ex: What Actually Helps
- Court Fatigue in High-Conflict Divorce: How to Reduce Litigation Cycles
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.