Aytar Atakishiyeva, M.A., is a dedicated compassionate psychotherapist at the Ottawa Centre for Cognitive Therapy (OCCT), who takes a collaborative and individualized approach to therapy. She recognizes that each person brings unique experiences, challenges, and strengths to the therapeutic process. She works with clients to develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, identify patterns that may contribute to their difficulties, and build practical skills to support their well-being and achieve their therapeutic goals.
Aytar holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Honours from Yorkville University, where her graduate capstone project focused on the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for social and health anxiety. She has completed Level II CBT training through the Unified CBT Academy, associated with the University of Ottawa’s Department of Psychiatry, including training in third-wave CBT approaches such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), as well as CBT for adult ADHD. Aytar also brings a background in crisis intervention, with experience in suicide risk assessment, crisis de-escalation, and safety planning in high-risk situations. She has further training in suicide prevention and intervention through McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, and LivingWorks.
Her therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based interventions to help clients understand and address the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns underlying their difficulties. Through a collaborative therapeutic process, she supports clients in developing effective coping strategies, strengthening emotional regulation, and making meaningful changes aligned with their individual needs and goals.
Aytar works with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and across different stages of life, including adolescents aged 15 and older, adults, and seniors. She takes a biopsychosocial approach, considering the interplay of psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors in mental health and well-being. She provides therapy in English and Russian.
Aytar works with individuals experiencing a range of mental health and life challenges, including:
✓ Anxiety Disorders, including Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Social Anxiety
✓ Health Anxiety
✓ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
✓ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
✓ Depression and Mood-Related Concerns
✓ Trauma- and Stress-Related Concerns
✓ Grief and Loss
✓ Emotion Dysregulation and Anger Management
✓ Phobias
✓ Insomnia
✓ Stress Management and Burnout
✓ Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
✓ Interpersonal and Relationship Challenges
✓ Life Transitions and Adjustment Difficulties
Aytar values ongoing professional development and evidence-informed approaches as integral parts of her clinical practice. Her clinical interests include trauma and its psychological effects on mental health. She has also participated in international professional conferences, including Navigating Trauma in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in 2024, and Transform Trauma in Oxford, England, in 2026. These experiences have allowed her to exchange perspectives on trauma-related concerns and remain engaged with evolving knowledge and approaches in the field.
She works under the supervision of Dr. Arthur Blouin, Dr. Martyn Gabel, and Dr. Deanna Davis, whose expertise and guidance contribute to enhancing the quality of care she provides.
Aytar Atakishiyeva, M.A., is a dedicated compassionate psychotherapist at the Ottawa Centre for Cognitive Therapy (OCCT), who takes a collaborative and individualized approach to therapy. She recognizes that each person brings unique experiences, challenges, and strengths to the therapeutic process. She works with clients to develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, identify patterns that may contribute to their difficulties, and build practical skills to support their well-being and achieve their therapeutic goals.
Aytar holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Honours from Yorkville University, where her graduate capstone project focused on the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for social and health anxiety. She has completed Level II CBT training through the Unified CBT Academy, associated with the University of Ottawa’s Department of Psychiatry, including training in third-wave CBT approaches such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), as well as CBT for adult ADHD. Aytar also brings a background in crisis intervention, with experience in suicide risk assessment, crisis de-escalation, and safety planning in high-risk situations. She has further training in suicide prevention and intervention through McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, and LivingWorks.
Her therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based interventions to help clients understand and address the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns underlying their difficulties. Through a collaborative therapeutic process, she supports clients in developing effective coping strategies, strengthening emotional regulation, and making meaningful changes aligned with their individual needs and goals.
Aytar works with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and across different stages of life, including adolescents aged 15 and older, adults, and seniors. She takes a biopsychosocial approach, considering the interplay of psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors in mental health and well-being. She provides therapy in English and Russian.
Aytar works with individuals experiencing a range of mental health and life challenges, including:
✓ Anxiety Disorders, including Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Social Anxiety
✓ Health Anxiety
✓ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
✓ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
✓ Depression and Mood-Related Concerns
✓ Trauma- and Stress-Related Concerns
✓ Grief and Loss
✓ Emotion Dysregulation and Anger Management
✓ Phobias
✓ Insomnia
✓ Stress Management and Burnout
✓ Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
✓ Interpersonal and Relationship Challenges
✓ Life Transitions and Adjustment Difficulties
Aytar values ongoing professional development and evidence-informed approaches as integral parts of her clinical practice. Her clinical interests include trauma and its psychological effects on mental health. She has also participated in international professional conferences, including Navigating Trauma in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in 2024, and Transform Trauma in Oxford, England, in 2026. These experiences have allowed her to exchange perspectives on trauma-related concerns and remain engaged with evolving knowledge and approaches in the field.
She works under the supervision of Dr. Arthur Blouin, Dr. Martyn Gabel, and Dr. Deanna Davis, whose expertise and guidance contribute to enhancing the quality of care she provides.
