Starting now, you can begin a brand new chapter in your life!

Are you dealing with depression, anxiety, unhealthy behaviors, or difficult relationships? Have you tried different strategies but have been unsuccessful in resolving your issues? My goal as a therapist is to find solutions that work for you.

BESMA (BESS) BENALI, MSW RSW

BESMA (BESS) BENALI, MSW RSW
REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER AND PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Clients see me because they are struggling and feel like they are trapped or at a standstill and no matter what they have tried – and many have tried therapy before – they can’t pull themselves out of their current situation.

I help clients understand themselves in ways no one has ever taught them before, allowing them to explore healthy pathways and to make positive changes.

Through various proven techniques and approaches, I will work with you to figure out what behaviors, thoughts, or beliefs might be holding you back. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C).

Choosing the right therapist can be overwhelming that is why I offer a free telephone conversation (in French or English) to clients. A brief discussion will allow you to get a sense of who I am and if I am the right person to help you. Visit the rest of my website to learn more.

Services I offer:

Individual psychotherapy: I can help you overcome anxiety and depression, negative or self-destructive behaviours, self-esteem problems, or family of origin issues. I will help you understand and change unhealthy patterns, get you through the ripple effects of traumatic experiences, and help you improve your relationships and navigate life’s transitions.

Children & Adolescents: I strive to help young ones handle behavioural issues and emotional struggles; I also help strengthen relationships with their close ones, thereby building a happier

Besma (Bess) Benali, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, Counselling Ottawa. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C). Clients seek my help because they are struggling and feel like they are trapped in a darkness that no matter what they try (and many have tried therapy before) they can’t pull themselves out. I help my clients understand themselves in ways no one has ever taught them before allowing them to make positive changes.

More About Bess

I have always been a people-oriented person and find great meaning and purpose in alleviating disturbances in people’s lives. This is what has helped steer me towards a Master’s in Social work with a view of a career as a psychotherapist.

My goal is to provide relief from troubling emotional and physical states and help people towards more fulfilling lives.

My experience post-graduation as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist in two local hospitals – the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and the Montfort Hospital – has taught me a great deal about compassion, creating an environment of safety and acceptance and the immense value of simply being there for others.

It has also made me aware that there is a dire need for mental health services in the community. People often have to wait long periods of time to access services, and even then, the services may not respond precisely to their needs. So I started my private practice where I invest heavily in training and continuing education, and now work almost exclusively with adults and adolescents, with a strong focus on guiding my patients towards positive life changes, healing, and a healthy mind-body connection.

Recently I have become certified in EMDR – or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing – and I am pleased to provide this highly effective therapy for patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), past or present trauma, environmental and complex illnesses, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my family – especially my little nephew who cracks me up with his “special tricks”. I also enjoy traveling and gardening. I like experimenting with new recipes – and trying not to burn them!

Services

I pride myself on being more than just someone to listen, but someone to help you look at things a different way.

My areas of expertise:

Intense anxiety
Addictions
Emotional dysregulation
Depression, loss, trauma
Shame and guilt issues
Relational issues
Behavioral Issues
Insomnia
Family Conflict
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Impulsivity
Life’s Changes
Marriage
Obesity/Weight Loss
OCD
Chronic Pain

Providing tailored services is our specialty! Regardless of the issues you are struggling with, your therapist will utilize a variety of Psychotherapy and Counselling methodologies to ensure you receive the specialized support you are looking for.

Therapy is a process designed to produce lasting change in your life. Through weekly or bi-weekly sessions, therapy can help us gain a greater sense of peace, understanding of the world you live in, and greater resolution of your personal issues. New Chapter Counselling offers a variety of therapies designed to help you achieve your well-being and personal goals. Your goals for therapy will be largely based on what you tell us during your intake session(s), we may also use specialized assessments to identify what is the best approach for you and, in some cases, where the exact problems lie if you are unsure. You or your relationship is unique, with unique personalized needs. We listen to you from the beginning to ensure your therapeutic process is tailored specifically for you.

While therapy may seem like a large investment of time and finances, remember it’s an investment in your life. Though it’s easy to forget, you (and your life) are important and need to be taken care of. If you have a relationship, career, stress, anxiety, or family issue, seeking therapy is the right thing to do. Are you ready to do the right thing for your life? Get in touch with Bess today!