Better You Counselling Services

01/09/2026

Welcome to the Better You Ottawa team Marinela!

Marinela Braunstein
Registered Psychotherapists
MSc, RP, MFT

Marinela holds a Master’s degree in Couple & Family Therapy and she is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
She has over 20 years of experience in both private practice and community setting providing psychotherapy. In addition to practicing as an individual and couple's therapist, Marinela has facilitated numerous mental health groups, "lunch & learns" to several companies on 'mental health' topics, as well as previous experience teaching at the university level. Furthermore, Marinela is currently in the process of completing training in Divorce Mediation.

Marinela is passionate about working with individuals and couples who are struggling with relational issues, separation and divorce, anxiety, depression, postpartum struggles, self-esteem, boundaries and work stress. She believes in working together, in collaboration, to help her clients achieve their goals, focusing on clients’ strengths and resiliency. Marinela is trained in many different models of psychotherapy, and draws mainly from: narrative, solution focused, CBT, Gottman and psychoeducation-to name a few.

Marinela recognizes that life transitions can be hard and painful at times, and invites you to reach out to her - you do not need to go through it alone.

Our registered social workers work collaboratively with you to address concerns such as stress, anxiety, mood changes, relationship difficulties, life transitions, trauma, personal development and more. Sessions are confidential, client-focused, and shaped around your goals and needs.

12/23/2025

Happy Holidays from the Better You Ottawa team!

Wishing you peace, joy, and a bright year ahead. We look forward to welcoming you to our new office.

Book your counselling appointment with Better You Counselling Services today! Offering treatment plans that are tailored to your needs.

12/22/2025

Happy Holidays from the Better You Cornwall team!!

Wishing you peace, joy, and a bright year ahead.

Book your counselling appointment with Better You Counselling Services today! Offering treatment plans that are tailored to your needs.

12/18/2025

We are truly honoured to have been nominated once again for “Best Therapy and Counselling Clinic.” Your continued support inspires everything we do!

Please take a moment to vote by clicking the link below.
Thank you to our wonderful clients, community, and supporters!

Official 2025 Community Voting Awards Platform for Cornwall, ON. Where the community votes for their favourites every year.

12/15/2025

Welcome to the Better You Ottawa team Lori!

Lori Jardine
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
RP

Lori Jardine (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a proud member of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC). She brings extensive experience supporting children, youth, and families across a wide range of challenges. With more than 28 years of experience working in child and youth care, Lori has supported individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, school-related stress, self-esteem concerns, family conflict, and complex behaviour needs. She has a deep passion for working with military families and first responders, recognizing the unique stressors, transitions, and relational impacts that can arise within these communities.

Lori’s approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and emotional safety. She values and works from a strength-based, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental perspective. Her therapeutic foundation includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills, Mindfulness-Based approaches, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She tailors each session to reflect the individual needs, goals, and lived experiences of her clients. Lori is committed to supporting healthy attachment and strengthening caregiver–child relationships. She works closely with parents and caregivers to enhance communication, emotional regulation, and resilience within the family system.
Clients working with Lori can expect a warm, validating, and supportive space where they are heard, understood, and empowered. Her focus is on helping individuals build meaningful coping skills, deepen self-awareness, and move toward sustainable, positive change. Lori is very happy to be part of the Better You Counselling Services team and looks forward to connecting with you.

Maryem Bengassem is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University o...

12/14/2025

Welcome to the Better You Ottawa team Ken!

Ken McIntosh
REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER
MSW, RSW

Ken works with adults, teens, and pre-teens who are navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, identity concerns, and overwhelming emotions. Many of the people he supports come to therapy feeling stuck—caught in patterns of overthinking, people-pleasing, or self-doubt, unsure of how to move forward. Ken helps clients explore what’s getting in the way and supports them in building the insight and tools needed to feel more grounded, confident, and connected to themselves.

His approach is warm, collaborative, and active. Ken doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. He meets clients where they are, helps them make sense of their experiences, and supports them in taking steps that feel meaningful and doable. Ken sees his role as walking alongside clients—offering guidance, perspective, and practical strategies, while honouring that they are the experts in their own lives.

Ken has training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and he uses these approaches flexibly based on each client’s needs and preferences. He also draws from insight-oriented and self-compassion approaches. Ken has particular experience supporting individuals working through shame, social anxiety, and sexual or gender identity exploration. He also enjoys working with clients who feel deeply, think a lot, or spend time in online or “nerdy” spaces—it’s part of his world, too.

Maryem Bengassem is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University o...

12/13/2025

We are excited to welcome Aubrey to the Ottawa Better You team!

Aubrey Townson
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (Q)
BA, MA, RP(Q)

Aubrey is a Registered Psychotherapist with Qualifying status. She has completed the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University, and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Child and Youth Studies, at Brock University. Aubrey has additionally been trained in the Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM).

Aubrey has work experience with agencies and private practices providing services for: individuals with trauma, individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, Young Caregivers, individuals with special needs, and youth experiencing homelessness. These opportunities have provided Aubrey meaningful experience working with adolescents, adults, and elderly individuals who are seeking support for a variety of reasons related to their mental, social, and/or physical well-being. These experiences contribute to informing Aubreys’ therapeutic practice.

Aubrey is interested in holistic, trauma-informed, client-centered, strength-based, and cognitive behavioural based, approaches to therapy. She recognizes the importance of each clients’ individual needs when creating a treatment plan, and the importance of working together with clients to understand what positive well-being looks like for them.

Maryem Bengassem is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University o...

12/12/2025

We’re kicking off our Ottawa counsellor spotlights with our very first feature!

We are excited to welcome Mackenzie to the Better You team!

MacKenzie Clarke
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (Q)
BA, RP(Q)
Embarking on a journey of positive change can feel challenging, and requires a great deal of courage. I commend you for taking the first step towards prioritizing your well-being, and I’m here to support you through this process. Each individual’s path is unique and can be shaped by various stressors that may feel unfamiliar or make life seem more difficult at times.
Therapy is a deeply personal experience, and I approach it with an integrative mindset, drawing on diverse therapeutic modalities to best support your individual needs. This may include evidence-based practices such as solution-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and play-based methods while integrating a trauma-informed lens. Additionally, I take a feedback-informed approach to ensure that our work together is always collaborative, client-centred, and rooted in a strong, trusting relationship.
I work with children, adolescents and adults experiencing challenges in a variety of areas such as life transitions, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, executive functioning, building social connections, stress and burnout, relationships and attachments. Additionally, I have experience working with neurodivergent populations, and I am committed to providing a supportive, understanding space for those whose experiences may differ from the neurotypical trajectory. I am committed to fostering a warm, welcoming, and culturally sensitive environment where you can feel safe, valued, and empowered to share your experiences. In our work together, I aim to help you explore your feelings, build on your strengths, and develop lasting resilience. My goal is for you to leave therapy not only with a deeper understanding of yourself but also with practical tools and skills that you can carry forward beyond treatment. Together, we can work toward achieving your goals and fostering positive change in your life.

Maryem Bengassem is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carleton University and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University o...

12/11/2025

Better You Ottawa is officially open for bookings!

We’re excited to share that our Ottawa location is now accepting virtual appointment bookings, with in-person sessions launching in just a couple of weeks.

Our team of 9 experienced counsellors is ready to support you, and best of all, we currently have no waiting list.

Stay tuned... over the next several days, we will be featuring each of our counsellors so you can get to know the caring professionals behind Better You Ottawa.

Our services are covered by most workplace benefit plans and we also offer direct billing to many insurance providers.

Your journey to a Better You can start today!

https://www.betteryoucounselling.ca

We help you achieve your full potential through innovative, compassionate, and evidence-based approaches.

12/09/2025

We are thrilled to welcome Brigitte to our team!

Brigitte Lalonde
REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER
BSW, RSW

Brigitte is a Registered Social Worker (RSW/RSSW) with the OCSWSSW and holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Ottawa. She offers counselling in English and French to children, youth, adults, parents, couples, and families.

Brigitte brings a gentle, human, and grounded presence to therapy. She supports people navigating anxiety, stress, burnout, emotional overwhelm, social anxiety, sensory overload, identity or self-worth concerns, family or school tensions, relationship difficulties, selective mutism, grief, body image challenges, and the ongoing effects of trauma. She also provides parental coaching and works closely with parents who want to understand and support their child’s emotional world.

As a neurodivergent person and a parent with extensive lived experience supporting neurodivergent children, Brigitte understands both the strengths and the daily realities of experiencing the world differently. She is also proud to be part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Métis community and is committed to offering a space where all identities and expressions are respected and welcomed.

She also loves working with parents and caregivers, helping them make sense of their child’s emotions and nervous system with clarity and confidence.

Brigitte supports people who struggle to fit into a “cookie-cutter” world — including those living with disabilities or learning differences — and helps them discover their own way of belonging, without having to change who they are.

Brigitte is trained in polyvagal and somatic approaches, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused and experiential strategies, and trauma-informed practices from the Attachment & Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH). She also brings over 900 hours of supervised training in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), which she integrates gently and ethically. Her work is grounded in compassion, the nervous system, and deep respect for each person’s lived experience.

She also supports people experiencing eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, gender dysphoria, partner violence, the hurt that comes from broken trust in important relationships, and other deeply personal struggles that can feel isolating or overwhelming.

Brigitte supports not only those facing challenges but also people seeking clarity, growth, and a deeper connection to themselves. Her goal is to help clients make sense of what they’re carrying, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward a life that feels more grounded, aligned, and possible.

Brigitte is grateful to be part of the Better You Counselling Services team and looks forward to meeting you in a space that feels human, safe, and true to who you are.

Book your counselling appointment with Better You Counselling Services today! Offering treatment plans that are tailored to your needs.

11/19/2025

11/18/2025

Congratulations to Vicky for her panel presentation at the Breaking Barriers event today at the Dev Hotel and Conference Centre. The event provided an important space to discuss mental health, exchange insights, and engage with our community.