Cathy Lumsden
Comprehensive mental health care for Individuals (17+) and Couples with Cathy Lumsden MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Cathy Lumsden, MA
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Registered Psychotherapist
Registered with College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
- Key Areas of Focus: Brainspotting, EMDR, Somatic Therapy/Mindfulness
- Core Therapy Approaches: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Executive Skills Coaching
“A therapist holds a torch of hope, illuminating a path to self-discovery and healing.”
☑VirtualServices☑In-Person Services
Is Cathy Lumsden the right match for you?
I am a Registered Psychotherapist, author, and speaker with over 30 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, and separation/divorce. I specialize in trauma-informed therapies, including EMDR and Brainspotting, both of which help reprocess unconscious and conscious emotional experiences stored in the midbrain to reduce the intensity of triggers connected to trauma, anxiety, and depression. I also use therapeutic approaches such as CBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Adlerian Psychology, and psychodynamic therapy to create a customized treatment plan for each client.
My approach tends to fit best with individuals who feel stuck in patterns they cannot simply “think their way out of” and are ready to explore both practical coping strategies and deeper emotional work.I believe the body holds and reflects our experiences, which is why I take a holistic approach to healing by integrating mind, body, and spirit into the therapeutic process.
Education
I completed my Master’s training in Psychology at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Over the past 30 years, I have pursued extensive evidence-based training that has deepened both my clinical competence and approach to care.
My clinical training includes Adlerian psychology, EMDR, Brainspotting, somatic approaches, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), among others. This specialized training enables me to effectively identify the underlying roots of mental health challenges and help clients shift their existing patterns to create meaningful, lasting change.
Work Experience
I bring a broad combination of clinical expertise, leadership experience, media communication, and public education to my work. I currently serve as Psychotherapy Director at Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres, where I also provide clinical supervision for psychotherapists and social workers.
Previously, I worked as a psychotherapist at The Adlerian Counselling and Consulting Centre and as a Psychoeducational Consultant with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Earlier in my career, I worked in the Anxiety Disorder Outpatient Clinic at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.
I am also the author of the booksThe Best Advice Your Mother Never Gave Youand Debugging Those Bad Thoughts, and was the host of the television programThe Best Advice, which explored topics including domestic violence, mental health, bullying, and separation and divorce.
To Get Started, please...
Complete our intake formNo referral is required for most services.
A referral is needed for certain services, such as psychiatry.
Getting Started with Therapy.
If you have never been to therapy before, or even if you have, the process of getting started can be confusing.
Here is what you need to know.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Taking the first step toward wellness is a significant milestone.
- At Thrive, we offer a few ways to get started, depending on where you are in your journey today.
Option 1:
Schedule a Full Intake Session
Best for:Ready to dive in and begin the therapeutic process immediately.
While we offer brief consultations, we highly recommend starting with acomprehensive intake session. A full session provides the time and space needed for a deep-dive assessment of your goals, allowing your therapist to understand your history and build a personalized plan for your growth.
- Book Online: https://thrive.portal.medfarsolutions.com/en/login
- Call Us: 343-882-6766
- Email: info@thrivetogether.ca
Option 2:
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you are still considering therapy or are not sure which therapist is the right fit, we offer two types of complimentary support calls to help you find your way:
- Navigation Call (with our Care Concierge): Best if you need help navigating our services. Our team will listen to your goals and match you with the therapist whose expertise best aligns with your specific needs.
- Discovery Call (with a Therapist): A brief, 15-minute introductory chat to meet a specific clinician.Please note: These calls are helpful for a "vibe check," but are limited in scope compared to a full assessment.
Our Recommendation:
To get the most value out of your initial experience, most clients find that booking aFull Intake Session provides the clarity and momentum they need to start seeing real change.
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If you are ready to book an appointment, you can book directly online or call Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres at 1-800-765-4992.
For the first appointment, I recommend you book a 90-minute Initial Assessment and Treatment session, either online or in person. The extra time (over a regular 60-minute session) is because the first session is a busy one. In this session, we will establish a relationship, assess the presenting problem, identify goals, and ideally, I will do some teaching about the cognitive model and leave you with something to work on before your second session.
If you would rather book a regular 60 minute session for the first appointment feel free to do so. We will fit as much into the time as we can.
Be sure to choose the appointment option that matches your preference - in person or online. If you want to switch between in-person and online at a later date, email us and we will update your appointment.
Booking Your Appointment
If you are interested in receiving a psychodiagnostic assessment, your first visit needs to be scheduled through our care navigation team by calling 343-882-6766 or emailing info@thrivetogether.ca.
To book your first therapy session, you can also reach out to our care navigation team, or you may be able to book directly online. You can also book directly online if you would like to get started by having a complimentary Navigation Call with our Care Concierge team. Our Care Concierge team is trained to help clarify your goals and match you with the most appropriate services and providers so your care is clear, efficient, and well-aligned from the start.
Account Creation
When booking an appointment online, you will be prompted to create an account through our secure online platform. This account allows you to view availability and schedule appointments online. You will be asked to provide some personal information, such as your age and contact details, to complete your registration.
Scheduling Recommendations
When booking your first appointment, it is recommended that you also schedule several follow-up sessions in advance to help ensure availability at your preferred times. Any appointments that are no longer needed can be cancelled without penalty with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you are unsure how many sessions to book, starting with approximately 10 appointments on a weekly or bi-weekly basis is often a helpful guideline.
Preparing for Your First Session
After you have created your online account, there is paperwork to complete before your first session. You will be asked to read about and consent to our clinic policies. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires with background information about you and your reasons for seeking therapy. Please take the time to complete these forms, it helps ensure that we are a good match before you spend your time, money and energy on a session and it helps us make good use of session time.
Payment Info
Psychotherapy services may be covered by your extended health insurance policies. Please check your insurance company or employer to be sure. Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres does not currently offer direct billing, but you will be provided with a receipt.
Fees
VIRTUAL:
- Discovery Call (15 minutes): Complimentary
- Individual Psychotherapy (60 minutes): $220
- Couples Psychotherapy (90 minutes): $330
- Individual, Dyadic or Group Clinical Supervision: Please contact to learn more
Additional services such as telephone consultations, letters, and form completions that take longer than 15 minutes will be invoiced at the hourly rate.
You're Welcome Here.
Take a 3D tour, explore photos, and get comfortable with our clinic before your first visit.Our Mission
At Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres, our mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities by providing evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health care.
We are committed to tailoring our services to meet your unique needs, so you can heal and learn to thrive. We aspire to redefine mental health care by blending compassion, cutting-edge treatments, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our Values
Empathy
We approach every patient with understanding, compassion, and respect.
Innovation
Integrity
Collaboration
Growth
Why Choose Us?
At Thrive Together Mental Wellness Centres, we pride ourselves on providing trauma-informed, evidence-based care in a welcoming and inclusive space.
Our team of dedicated clinicians work collaboratively to ensure every patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. Whether you’re seeking psychiatry, psychotherapy, or specialized assessments, our holistic approach ensures you’ll find the support you need to thrive.