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Identity Issues

 

Identity Therapy Ottawa


Identity relates to an individual’s sense of self that is built through experiences, relationships, beliefs, values, and memories. This sense of self stays mostly consistent regardless of any aspects of the self that develop or strengthen as time progresses.


Certain factors or events might contribute to an overall sense of uncertainty regarding one or more areas of an individual’s identity, including career aspirations, sexual and gender orientation, social circles, values, and behaviour. 


Signs of Identity Issues include:

  • Confusion about aspects of personal or group identities
  • Dissatisfaction with career choices and interpersonal relationships
  • Decreased motivation for responsibilities, such as school, work, or life in general
  • Intense anxiety about long-term career goals, friendships, or other interpersonal relationships
  • Feeling a lack of belonging
  • Hopelessness about the future
  • Depression and lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.


An identity crisis is a developmental event that involves a person questioning their sense of self or place in the world. It is normal for an individual to occasionally encounter uncertainty or doubt regarding their sense of self. An identity crisis differs from a passing concern or curiosity to an ongoing struggle that may result in a lack of motivation, feelings of irritation and feelings of emptiness. A crisis may be triggered or amplified following a significant life transition or period of heightened stress. Identity issues are most prominent during times of great change.


Support from a psychologist may be required if an identity crisis is causing an individual ongoing or significant distress or decreased quality of life or satisfaction. A psychologist can help identify underlying issues and experiences that have contributed to reaching this stage of uncertainty and help find strategies to move forward.

Gilmour Psychologists with Expertise in Identity Issues

Contact Gilmour Psychological Services® in Ottawa to schedule a consultation with a psychologist who has an expertise in identity therapy .

17 Sep, 2022
Dr. Davies provides psychological services to individual adults, couples, children, and their families. She has had her own private practice since 1989, and for seven years prior to that worked as a supervised associate in private practice.
09 Sep, 2022
Dr. Drahovzal provides psychotherapy and assessment services to children, adults, couples, and families at Gilmour Psychological Services® in Ottawa.
07 Sep, 2022
Dr. Pantin's approach, tailored to her clients’ needs, integrates interpersonal and cognitive perspectives to assist them in developing strategies and skills to make positive changes in their lives.
01 Sep, 2022
Dr. Henry’s prevailing theoretical orientation integrates cognitive-behavioural and schema-focused theories. Valuing each person’s individuality, she tailors her approach to her clients’ needs. Additionally, she works collaboratively with each person to assist them to develop awareness and strategies to make positive changes in their lives.
30 Aug, 2022
Dr. Miller’s theoretical orientation integrates interpersonal, cognitive behavioural, schema-focused and mindfulness-based approaches in helping clients develop an increased awareness of the factors that cause and maintain their difficulties. She guides them towards achieving their goals and making positive changes in their lives.
28 Aug, 2022
Dr. Angelina Chupetlovska provides treatment to children, adolescents, adults and families. She also conducts child custody and access assessments. In her psychotherapy orientation Dr. Chupetlovska brings together aspects from the psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, rational-emotive, and humanistic approaches.
22 Aug, 2022
Dr. Dargie maintains a client-centered, evidence-based, sex-positive, LGBTQ-positive approach to psychotherapy. She provides individual and couple therapy to Anglophone adults experiencing a wide variety of challenges and circumstances
12 Aug, 2022
Dr. Murray provides assessment and treatment to adults and seniors. She uses a number of evidence-based treatments to address client’s needs and the challenges that they are facing. Dr. Murray works collaboratively with clients to identify their goals and guide them towards making positive and lasting changes in their life. Her main goal is to help clients identify their individual strengths and overcome barriers that may be preventing them from feeling content and fulfilled.
06 Aug, 2022
Dr. Jacques considers it an honour to journey alongside individuals in their desire to experience emotional health, create life change, and rediscover a hope-filled vision for their lives. Dr. Jacques’ primary therapeutic approach integrates cognitive, behavioral, emotion-focused, and psychodynamic theories. Dr. Jacques works to provide a collaborative, safe, and warm therapeutic relationship, keeping the client’s goals at the forefront of the treatment plan.
Headshot of Dr. Arthur Braaten
29 Jul, 2022
Dr. Arthur Braaten provides psychodiagnostic assessment and individual therapy to adults for a range of psychological concerns. He believes that psychotherapy is a collaborative process that is tailored to each individual and their unique background. His approach to therapy is integrative and is informed by several evidenced-based approaches.
Brittany Mutsaers headshot
24 Jul, 2022
Dr. Brittany Mutsaers is a psychologist practicing under the supervision of Dr. Emma Dargie, C. Psych., and Dr. Jennifer Fernie, C. Psych. She provides individual and couples therapy services to adults and has a special interest in working with individuals adjusting to illness (e.g., cancer, chronic illness, end of life).
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