Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) · CRPO #19000
Jessica Muziramakenga
Adults and Teens · English and French
Jessica offers a warm place to talk about anxiety, guilt, people-pleasing, unclear boundaries, self-doubt and the pressure to put everyone else first.
Meet Jessica
You take care of everyone else. But you’re tired.
You’re the one everyone counts on. You take care of everyone else. But you’re tired. Your mind won’t stop, and you can’t remember the last time you put yourself first.
I help you break free from people-pleasing and begin to trust your own needs and instincts. We will work together so you can learn to say “no” and put yourself first. You’ll realize that it’s okay to care for yourself without feeling bad about it. This change can feel strange at first, but you won’t have to do it alone.
Many of the people I work with put everyone else first. People come to you for help. But asking for help feels hard. You worry about letting people down, even when you’re tired.
We’ll slow down. We’ll look at the patterns in your life. We’ll learn where they come from and find new ways to deal with worry, guilt, and hard emotions.
I want therapy to feel safe. A place where you can stop pretending and be yourself. Change takes time. It often starts small. You say “no.” You stop thinking about every conversation. You trust yourself more. You are kinder to yourself. Life feels lighter.
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I work with adults and teens across Ontario in English and French. I use an attachment-based approach. I also use CBT, ACT, person-centred therapy, and DBT skills. This simply means I draw from a variety of approaches to find what works best for you and your unique needs.
When I’m not working, I enjoy good food, browsing at HomeSense, and unwinding with reality TV.
If this sounds like the right fit, I’d love to meet you. I offer a free 20-minute consultation so we can get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit.
How Jessica can support you
What would you like help with?
You don’t need the perfect words before you begin. You and Jessica can talk about what has been weighing on you, what keeps repeating and what you want to handle differently.
Anxiety and overthinking
Your thoughts keep going long after the moment has passed. You replay conversations, worry about making the wrong choice or feel responsible for keeping everyone happy. Jessica can help you slow the pattern down and respond with more care for yourself.
Learn about anxiety therapyPeople-pleasing and boundaries
You say yes when you want to say no. You avoid asking for what you need because someone could feel disappointed. Therapy can help you notice where that pressure comes from and practise clearer limits without treating your needs as a problem.
Learn about therapy for womenGuilt, self-doubt and life changes
You question your choices, compare yourself with other people or feel unsure about what comes next. Jessica offers a private place to sort through the guilt and outside pressure, hear your own voice and decide what matters to you.
Learn about individual therapyTherapy for teens
School, friendships, family expectations and strong emotions can become hard to manage alone. Jessica works with teens who need a place to talk honestly, understand their reactions and practise ways to handle what feels difficult.
Learn about therapy for teensTherapy approaches
The approaches Jessica uses
Jessica draws from several approaches instead of asking every client to work in the same way. She’ll explain what you’re doing and why, and you can ask questions at any point.
Attachment-based therapy
Attachment work can help you understand why closeness, conflict, approval or the fear of disappointing someone feels so powerful. You can look at the patterns you learned and practise ways to stay connected without ignoring yourself.
Read about attachment therapyCognitive behavioural therapy
CBT helps you notice the link between your thoughts, feelings and actions. Together, you can question unhelpful assumptions and try practical responses when worry, guilt or self-doubt takes over.
Read about CBTDBT skills
DBT skills can support you when emotions feel intense or a hard conversation is difficult to manage. The focus can include staying present, naming what you need and responding without acting from the strongest feeling in the moment.
Read about DBTMotivational interviewing
When part of you wants a change and another part feels unsure, motivational interviewing gives you room to talk through both sides. Jessica helps you find your own reasons and choose a step that feels realistic.
Read about motivational interviewingAppointments
Meet with Jessica in Ottawa or online
In-person therapy
Jessica offers in-person appointments at Therapy with Empathy’s only physical office:
Suite 202
1355 Wellington Street West
Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3C2
The office is in Wellington West, close to Westboro, Hintonburg, Tunney’s Pasture, Hampton Park and Mechanicsville. Nearby parking and public transit are available.
Virtual therapy across Ontario
Jessica also meets with adults and teens through secure video anywhere in Ontario. Online therapy can make appointments easier to fit around school, work, family responsibilities or travel.
Therapy with Jessica is available in English and French. Appointments for new clients are subject to her current availability.
Getting started
What starting therapy with Jessica looks like
You don’t need to choose the right approach or prepare a perfect explanation. You can start with what has been hardest lately and ask the questions that matter to you.
Book a free consultation
Choose a free 20-minute phone consultation. You can share a little about what brings you to therapy, ask about Jessica’s experience and learn whether she has an appointment time that works for you.
See how the conversation feels
The consultation is a chance to notice whether you feel comfortable talking with Jessica. You can ask how she works with adults or teens, whether you prefer English or French, and whether you want to meet in person or online.
Meet for your first session
Your first session focuses on what has been happening and what you want support with. Jessica will listen, ask questions and help you decide where to begin. You can take the process one conversation at a time.
Common questions
Questions about working with Jessica
Is Jessica Muziramakenga accepting new clients?
Yes. Jessica is currently accepting new adult and teen clients, subject to her current availability. You can view her schedule or book a free 20-minute phone consultation before choosing a full session.
Is Jessica a Registered Psychotherapist?
Jessica is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Her CRPO registration number is 19000.
Does Jessica work with teens?
Yes. Jessica works with adults and teens. Teen therapy can include support with anxiety, self-doubt, strong emotions, school pressure, friendships, family expectations and life changes.
What concerns does Jessica work with?
Jessica works with concerns that include anxiety, guilt, people-pleasing, weak or unclear boundaries, self-doubt, women’s concerns, relationship challenges and life transitions. She does not provide psychological or ADHD assessments.
Does Jessica provide therapy in French?
Yes. Jessica provides psychotherapy in both English and French.
Can I meet with Jessica in person or online?
Both options are available. Jessica offers in-person appointments at Suite 202, 1355 Wellington Street West in Ottawa and secure virtual therapy for clients located anywhere in Ontario.
Do I need a referral to book with Jessica?
No referral is needed to contact Jessica or book a psychotherapy appointment. If you plan to use insurance, check whether your plan covers services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
A simple place to start
Want to see if Jessica feels like a good fit?
A free 20-minute phone consultation gives you time to ask questions, talk briefly about what brings you to therapy and decide whether you want to book a full session.