Barb Wendlowski
Trauma-Informed Therapy| Ottawa
Guiding individuals with trauma-informed somatic therapy and relational counselling to feel safer, more present, and resilient.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner in private practice in Ottawa, Ontario, offering both trauma-informed counselling and body-centered therapy. I work collaboratively with individuals to notice patterns in their body, emotions, and relationships, and to develop skills that support regulation, presence, resilience and increased self-awareness.Â
Through a combination of somatic therapy and relational counselling, we explore thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations together, cultivating insight, self-understanding, and a stronger sense of internal safety. My approach is gentle, paced according to your comfort, and focused on helping you feel steadier, more grounded, and connected to what matters most in your life.
Whether you are navigating the effects of stress, trauma, life transitions, or ongoing challenges, our work together emphasizes capacity-building, self-compassion, and practical tools for managing life with greater ease, choice, and awareness.
My Approach to Therapy
I believe meaningful growth unfolds in the context of safety, attunement, and relationship. I offer a steady, collaborative presence, paying careful attention to pacing, choice, and the signals of your nervous system. I deeply respect the body’s innate wisdom and its capacity to adapt, and my work is guided by curiosity, consent, and attunement.
My work is grounded in:
- Safety & Collaboration: We move at your pace, with your consent guiding every step.
- Somatic Awareness: Tuning into your body’s sensations and nervous system cues to support regulation, presence and well-being.
- Compassionate Curiosity: Holding space for all parts of yourself with kindness, without pressure or judgment.
Rather than pushing for change or revisiting the past before you are ready, I support the gradual building of capacity, resilience, and self-trust. Together, we explore patterns, beliefs, and experiences that may no longer serve you, fostering insight, self-awareness, and perspective shifts, while easing expectations that are too high or create unnecessary pressure.
This work is designed to feel supportive, not overwhelming, helping you cultivate a stronger connection to yourself, a greater sense of safety and presence, and the tools to navigate life with steadiness and ease.
Training & Experience
Education & Registration
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and  I’ve been supporting adults in individual therapy for over 10 years. At the heart of my work is a belief in the healing power of relationship — creating a space that feels safe, respectful, and responsive to your lived experience.
My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and somatic-based, shaped by both my clinical training and my ongoing learning. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling and Spirituality from Saint Paul University in Ottawa (2014), as well as a certificate in Self-in-Relationship Psychotherapy from the Institute for Self-in-Relationship Psychotherapy (2016) and a certificate in Somatic Experiencing® from the Somatic Experiencing® Trauma Institute (2019). I engage in ongoing professional development and consultation as part of my commitment to offering ethical, attuned, and thoughtful care.
Areas of Focus
I support people who come to counselling for many reasons: feeling anxious, stressed, or burned out; navigating big life changes; identity exploration; noticing patterns in relationships or behaviors that no longer serve them; or working through the impact of childhood or early-life experiences. I help people better understand themselves and make meaningful changes that foster clarity, empowerment, and resilience, supporting growth in ways that feel safe, attuned, and sustainable.
Finding the Right Support
Our Work Together
Working with me is collaborative, paced, and responsive to your needs. I aim to create a space where you don't have to perform, explain yourself in a certain way, or move faster than feels right.
Our sessions may involve talking, noticing and exploring bodily sensations, or a combination of both — whichever feels most supportive for you. I offer reflections, gentle questions, and invitations rather than directives, always attuned to your experience.
Sometimes we focus on building safety and stability; other times we explore patterns shaped by past experiences or relationships. Throughout our work together, I pay close attention to pacing, choice, and consent, trusting that meaningful growth happens when you feel supported and respected.
Support That Meets You Where You Are
I work with adults who are seeking a thoughtful, collaborative, and relational approach to therapy, and who value depth, curiosity, and self-compassion. My clients may be interested in relational work, somatic work, or a combination of both.
You might be a good fit if you want to explore your experiences more deeply — through talking, noticing bodily responses, or understanding how relationships have shaped you.
My approach often appeals to those who want therapy that is flexible rather than one-size-fits-all.
If you’re looking for a therapeutic relationship that honours your pace, offers choice, and supports both insight and embodied awareness, my way of working may be a good fit.