Camila Espana

Registered Social Worker, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist (Qualifying)

No matter what brings you to session or who comes to session with you, my approach is always genuine, collaborative yet directional.

I support individuals to unpack, process and cope with difficult thoughts, feelings and situations. I create a space for individual clients to explore their vulnerabilities and discover more about themselves. I support couples and families to improve communication, regain understanding and re-establish structures. I create and maintain a space of respect and neutrality for couples and families to express themselves.

Levity, smiles and humour included.

My areas of specialization include:
Individuals: anxiety & depression, men’s issues, anger & impulsivity, personal development & growth, self-esteem, life transitions, separation & divorce, social and relational difficulties, return to work, trauma processing.

Couples: sex and intimacy, fertility & family planning, infidelity, conflict & resolution skills, pre-marital counselling, long-distance dating, bicultural/syncretic relationships, neuro-divergent couples.

Families: co-parenting communication in separated/divorced families, step-parent/step-child dynamics, blended families, single parent and teen(s) dynamics, sibling dynamics and parent & adult children dynamics.

Q & A with Camila

What made you decide to choose your role as a therapist?

“The moment I realized the beauty in my own vulnerability, I knew I wanted the honour of showing clients the internal change(s) that occurs when we are our most authentic. It soon became apparent to me that healing and growth are relational, both in the therapeutic setting and outside in the world.”

What do you like most about what you do?

“YOU. Point blank, full stop. No further explanation is needed.”

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about mental health?

“Mental health is managed quietly and in solitude. Alone, we cannot lift a stone with just one finger- navigating through the ebbs and flows of life and relationships are no different. I’m here to lend you a hand.”

What do you value most in a client?

“Patience and openness”

What would you like a client to say about you?

“Camila's approach is real, respectful and raw.”

How do you take your coffee?

“Double shot Americano- two shots of espresso, hot water and one cream. Hello World!”

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

"Do you want to be right or do you want to be effective? Being 'right' is about feeling intellectually, morally and or socially superior, in other words, it is about fueling the ego. Being ‘effective’ is about contextualizing, re-adjusting your thoughts and behaviours to achieve your core goal.”

Therapeutic Modalities

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Response-Based Trauma Therapy

• Solution Focused Therapy

• Narrative Therapy

• Structural Couples & Family Therapy

• Mediation-Narrative Family Therapy

• Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Education / Accomplishments /Awards

• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Carelton University

• Master of Social Work, University of New England

• Postgraduate Specialization in Couples & Family Therapy, University of Calgary (in progress)

Professional Memberships

• Registered Social Worker - Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

• Canadian Association for Marriage & Family Therapy- Associate Member

Average Cost 

• $160.00 (individual rate)

• $195.00 (couples and family rate)

• Check with your insurance provider for coverage opportunities

What personal qualities are important for the job that you do?

Competence
Humility
Authenticity

What is your personal mantra or favourite quote?

Just for fun

What’s your fav thing to do on the weekend?

"Dinner parties- Food and laughter are key ingredients to life.”

Fav Book

“Stillness is the Key: An Ancient Strategy for Modern Life by Ryan Holiday”

Do you have a favourite season?

"Fall- crisp cool wind, long hikes in Gatineau Park, admiring the leaves change colour, and eating pecan- apple pie by a campfire.”

What is your favourite place to find inspiration?

“My kitchen is a place where wonder, creativity, pride, disappointment, nourishment and indulgence come together.”