Kat Parker | Therapist | The Balanced Practice Inc | Ottawa ON

Kat Parker
They/Them

Registered Psychotherapist

Credentials: BSW, MSW, RSW
Languages Spoken: English
Location: Virtual across Ontario

My approach

Change can be daunting, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty about taking that first step. Many people find themselves overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin, especially when it feels like there are obstacles in the way.

In my practice, I embrace a client-centred and wholistic approach, recognizing that each person is the expert in their own experiences. I am committed to working alongside folks in a way that honours their individual needs and respects how they feel most comfortable in sessions.

I strive to provide a warm, welcoming space where people can explore their goals at their own pace. I believe that trust and relationality are the foundations of effective therapy, and my goal is to create a safe environment where folks can show up as their authentic selves. Together, we can explore your inner world to better understand your thought patterns, develop effective coping skills, and create supportive plans for
meaningful change.

Challenges I can support you through

Area of Expertise

Eating disorders service icon | The Balanced Practice Inc | Ottawa, ON

Eating Disorders

(Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder,OSFED)

Other areas of strong interest

Services I offer

  • Individualized Therapy
  • Meal Support
  • Family Support

The clients I love to support

Individuals, Youth (15+), Young Adults, Adults

Modalities/frameworks I use

  • DBT
  • CBT-E
  • FBT
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Trauma-Informed Practice
  • Neurodiversity Affirming Practice

What influences my work

I truly believe that lived experience is invaluable, and that everyone is the expert of their own story. As an Indigenous, neurodivergent, and Queer person, I am passionate about supporting my clients in better understanding how their unique identities shape their healing journeys.

I am committed to ongoing self-reflection to ensure I am always working toward creating safer, welcoming spaces for those I have the privilege of working alongside. My approach to care is influenced by my own lived experiences navigating the healthcare system, which helps me better understand the diverse challenges people face when seeking care that prioritizes their individual needs and the integration of community-based supports.

What I like most about working at TBP:

One of the things I truly appreciate about The Balanced Practice (TBP) is its emphasis on valuing lived experiences. In many treatment settings, the importance of relationality and community can be overlooked, but TBP’s wholistic approach stands out to me. I feel eager to be a part of an interprofessional team that prioritizes client-centered support, as it enables us to work collaboratively alongside clients to create tailored care plans for those affected by eating disorders/disordered eating.

The Balanced Practice Team | Counselling Service & Therapy | Ottawa, ON

Experience

Kat is a Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Kat has been working in the field of eating disorders for over four years, with some of their most recent work experience being with the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Kat is a Social Worker at Lakeridge Health’s Eating Disorder Program and has experience providing direct client support, assessments, crisis intervention, and individual and group support.

More than just my work

  • The item on the top of my bucket list is to go cage diving with great white sharks. The creator of the movie “Jaws” regrets the impact of the movie on sharks’ reputation as being a dangerous predator to humans, and sharks have always had a soft spot in my heart!
  • Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed, my cats never fail to help me feel a bit more grounded. Both my cats are very affectionate and love to curl up on my chest for head scratches and cuddles – their purring is very calming!
  • Before pursuing social work, I originally moved to Ontario to pursue dance professionally! Dance has always been a safe space and healing art form for me, despite the challenges that can come with the industry.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Call The Balanced Practice at (613) 695-0306 to set up an appointment with Kat today!

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