Embracing Empowerment Psychotherapy Services

Embracing Empowerment Psychotherapy Services Canadian Choice Award Recipient 2026 The importance of understanding that we are not alone in the process of our own mental health.

A Clinic that provides , trauma trained therapy for first responders ( police, fire, paramedic, 911 dispatchers) , public safety, & their families and individuals over 18 years old. Admission of needing the help may not come easy, but your voice, is your open door to hope, compassion, and healing.

Today, we remember, honour, and fight to break the stigma surrounding addiction.  We also call out those who silence the...
08/31/2026

Today, we remember, honour, and fight to break the stigma surrounding addiction. We also call out those who silence the cries for help.






Disclaimer: The professional and/or lived experiences presented are within legal and ethical boundaries. Posts and images on all of my social media accounts are not intended to be screenshot, copied, distributed for any legal contributions and/or legal content.

We have been working behind the scenes to understand the gaps in mental health for first responders.We believe that any ...
07/27/2026

We have been working behind the scenes to understand the gaps in mental health for first responders.

We believe that any OSI comes with a significant cost, including moral injuries. As moral injury is officially recognized in the DSM-5, our goal is to be part of the prevention of such injuries through proactive measures.

Pre-assessments are non-diagnostic spaces that provide an opportunity to seek guidance. A debrief, a pre-assessment, providing a treatment plan, building a care team and peer support groups are all offered in one location.

The ultimate goal is to create a BOS (Before Operational Stress) roadmap, knowing where to go, a safe direction after the injury sets in, who to see when a diagnosis is required and the knowledge of WSIB. This reduces panic, crisis and wait times.

Bridging these gaps also reduces stigma, shame and guilt.

EEPS implements everyday that cultural competency creates safety. My name is Parul Shah, and I am a first responder family member for 25 years and a clinical director of Embracing Empowerment Psychotherapy Services for over 10 years. OSI has affected my home. Mental and moral injuries have taken over every space and spilled over. The injury changed my husband’s life as well as our families. The years of fighting to get services were exhausting, and when so many hands were involved, there were many ways that it created chaos due to misinformation, miscommunication and a lack of alignment with service providers. The gap was huge and extremely overwhelming.

This lived experience as a police wife opened my eyes to the gap. It is time we not only fill it; we need to recognize the gap exists.

BOS PRE-Assessment open Fall 2026!

Support. Strength. Thrive




Disclaimer: The professional and/or lived experiences presented are within legal and ethical boundaries. Posts and images on all of my social media accounts are not intended to be screenshot, copied, distributed for any legal contributions or legal content.

Sending love to our   who’ve worked and are working  . Many 911 will be on their regular shift and may be asked to stay ...
07/01/2026

Sending love to our who’ve worked and are working . Many 911 will be on their regular shift and may be asked to stay overtime due to the large capacity of Canada Day celebrations. Please be kind to those who help, protect, save, and serve your communities as they leave their families behind to keep you safe during today’s celebrations.

Also, many aren’t in spaces where they can celebrate. We’ve shared some numbers for anyone who might need a little extra support.

Ottawa Distress Centre -613-238-3311

Mental Health Crisis Line – 1+ (866) 996-0991

Ottawa R**e Crisis Line at 613-562-2333.

TeleHealth: 811

Youth Services Bureau Crisis Line at 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (Eastern Ontario) chat.ysb.ca (24/7)

Kids Help Phone tel:1-800-668-6868
Kids Help Phone Crisis Text Chat sms:686868

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line 24/7 : 1-866-925-4419

Toronto Distress Line 416-408-4357

Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366

First Responders 24/7 Peer Support living in Ontario (Boots On The Ground): 1-833-677-2668 ( also now affiliated with 988)

ConnexOntario (Substance Use/Addiction) 1-866-531-2600

Su***de PreventionHotline: 1-800-273-8255
American Su***de Hotline - 988 (text or call)

Canadian Su***de Prevention Services
:1-833-456-4566.

Canada Su***de Hotline : 988 (text or call)


#

As a safe space for first responders and their families, the recent tragedies within the policing community can carry a ...
06/23/2026

As a safe space for first responders and their families, the recent tragedies within the policing community can carry a very heavy weight of emotions. It’s okay to feel all emotions, including the rawest form, anger. We are sharing the following numbers for anyone who may require some extra TLC this week. Ottawa Distress Centre -613-238-3311

Mental Health Crisis Line – 1+ (866) 996-0991

Ottawa R**e Crisis Line at 613-562-2333.

TeleHealth: 811

Youth Services Bureau Crisis Line at 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (Eastern Ontario) chat.ysb.ca (24/7)

Kids Help Phone tel:1-800-668-6868
Kids Help Phone Crisis Text Chat sms:686868

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line 24/7 : 1-866-925-4419

Toronto Distress Line 416-408-4357

Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366

First Responders 24/7 Peer Support living in Ontario (Boots On The Ground): 1-833-677-2668 ( also now affiliated with 988)

ConnexOntario (Substance Use/Addiction) 1-866-531-2600

Su***de PreventionHotline: 1-800-273-8255
American Su***de Hotline - 988 (text or call)

Canadian Su***de Prevention Services
:1-833-456-4566.

Canada Su***de Hotline : 988 (text or call)



Disclaimer: Professional and/or lived experiences within legal and ethical rights. Posts and images on all of my social media accounts are not intended to be screenshot, copied, distributed for any legal contributions and legal contents.

We’re offering the most underrated share at EEPS: BURNOUT TREATMENT .Taking Time OffHealing from burnout often starts wi...
06/17/2026

We’re offering the most underrated share at EEPS: BURNOUT TREATMENT .

Taking Time Off

Healing from burnout often starts with a break, whether it’s a day, weekend, or longer. Stepping back from work or stress can help recharge.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Practicing mindfulness and meditation reduces stress and improves presence. Deep breathing, guided meditations, or journaling can calm the mind and restore balance.

Therapy or Counselling

Therapy helps explore burnout causes and develop coping strategies. It provides emotional support, stress management, and recovery guidance.

Physical Activity

Exercise, like walking, releases tension, boosts mood, and improves energy. Regular activity combats burnout by reducing stress and enhancing well-being.

Self-Care Routines

Self-care practices reduce stress and improve presence, calming the mind and restoring balance.

Healthy Sleep Habits

Improving sleep, especially in shift schedules, can significantly impact burnout recovery.

Setting Boundaries

Learning to say “no” and setting boundaries protects personal space, limits overcommitment, and prioritizes what matters.

Nutritional Support

Nourishing foods support energy and mood, aiding stress coping.

Support Networks

Reaching out to friends, family, or support groups provides comfort and encouragement, lightening the emotional load.

Professional Help

If burnout affects daily life, professional support is crucial. A doctor or mental health professional can offer personalized treatment, possibly recommending therapy or medication.

Support. Strength. Thrive.





Disclaimer: Professional and/or lived experiences within legal and ethical rights. Posts and images on all of my social media accounts are not intended to be screenshot, copied, distributed for any legal contributions and legal contents.

As we delve deeper into our burnout series, we’re sharing the warning signs.Support. Strength. Thrive.      Disclaimer: ...
06/17/2026

As we delve deeper into our burnout series, we’re sharing the warning signs.

Support. Strength. Thrive.





Disclaimer: Professional and/or lived experiences within legal and ethical rights. Posts and images on all of my social media accounts are not intended to be screenshot, copied, distributed for any legal contributions and legal contents.t

The Different Stages of BurnoutA Strong Urge to Prove Yourself:In the early stages, you might feel a constant need to pr...
06/17/2026

The Different Stages of Burnout

A Strong Urge to Prove Yourself:

In the early stages, you might feel a constant need to prove your worth pushing yourself to be perfect out of fear of not meeting expectations.

Doing Everything Yourself:

You may start to feel like you need to handle everything on your own. Rushing to get tasks done as quickly as possible, even If it means sacrificing your own well-being.

Neglecting Your Own Needs:

At this point you might start believing that the stress from work or other responsibilities, like caregiving, is just part of life You might begin to let go of social connections and overlook the importance of self-care, leading to small mistakes here and there.

Losing Your Sense of Self:

At burnout deepens you may feel disconnected from your own identity, seeing yourself only as someone who completes tasks. You might start questioning the meaning of your life. neglecting your health, and feeling more distant from others.

Feeling Empty:

At this stage, exhaustion. anxiety, and panic can set in. You may feel like there’s nothing left to give, both mentally and physically.

Despair:

You may experience feelings of sadness self-doubt or depression.
These feelings can become overwhelming sometimes even leading to thoughts of hopelessness or harming yourself.

Total Burnout:

This is the most severe stage, where both your mental and emotional health are at risk . Immediate care and support are essential at this point to help you heal and recover.

Remember, Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, and It’s okay to take a step back and care for yourself when you notice any of these signs.

Support. Strength. Thrive.





Disclaimer: Professional and/or lived experiences within legal and ethical rights. Posts and images on all of my social media accounts are not intended to be screenshot, copied, distributed for any legal contributions and legal contents.

On Wellness Wednesday, we acknowledge that life can present unexpected challenges, leading to exhaustion. This exhaustio...
06/17/2026

On Wellness Wednesday, we acknowledge that life can present unexpected challenges, leading to exhaustion. This exhaustion can become overwhelming, impacting our well-being. We are sharing the fundamental concept of burnout and its significance in promoting healthy work-life balance.

Support. Strength. Thrive.





Disclaimer: Professional and/or lived experiences within legal and ethical rights. Posts and images on all of my social media accounts are not intended to be screenshot, copied, distributed for any legal contributions and legal contents.

Grief isn’t one size fits all. It carries different meanings for every individual. We are sharing what forms of grief ex...
06/16/2026

Grief isn’t one size fits all. It carries different meanings for every individual. We are sharing what forms of grief exist and how it can present itself. There is no one way to grieve. Support. Strength. Thrive.



PTSDAwarenessMonth

Disclaimer: Professional and/or lived experiences within legal and ethical rights. Posts and images on all of my social media accounts are not intended to be screenshot, copied, distributed for any legal contributions and legal contents.

Sometimes a simple question can guide us through grief. As it’s Friday, we continue to share  the following numbers for ...
06/12/2026

Sometimes a simple question can guide us through grief. As it’s Friday, we continue to share the following numbers for anyone who may require a little more TLC over the weekend. Ottawa Distress Centre -613-238-3311

Mental Health Crisis Line – 1+ (866) 996-0991

Ottawa R**e Crisis Line at 613-562-2333.

TeleHealth: 811

Youth Services Bureau Crisis Line at 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (Eastern Ontario) chat.ysb.ca (24/7)

Kids Help Phone tel:1-800-668-6868
Kids Help Phone Crisis Text Chat sms:686868

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line 24/7 : 1-866-925-4419

Toronto Distress Line 416-408-4357

Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366

First Responders 24/7 Peer Support living in Ontario (Boots On The Ground): 1-833-677-2668 ( also now affiliated with 988)

ConnexOntario (Substance Use/Addiction) 1-866-531-2600

Su***de PreventionHotline: 1-800-273-8255
American Su***de Hotline - 988 (text or call)

Canadian Su***de Prevention Services
:1-833-456-4566.

Canada Su***de Hotline : 988 (text or call)



Disclaimer: Professional and/or lived experiences within legal and ethical rights. Posts and images on all of my social media accounts are not intended to be screenshot, copied, distributed for any legal contributions and legal contents.

Address

430 Hazeldean Road Suite 216
Ottawa, ON
K2L1T9

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Embracing Empowerment Psychotherapy Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Embracing Empowerment Psychotherapy Services:

Shortcuts

Share