Job Title: Gender-Based Violence and Couples Therapist

Location: Ottawa, Ontario (Hybrid Model)

Job Type: Independent Contractor

Changing Tides Therapy is a private practice built on the principles of trauma-informed care, feminism, and social justice. We're passionate about providing specialized, compassionate counseling to individuals and couples impacted by intimate partner violence. Our mission is to create a supportive and collaborative environment for therapists while empowering our clients to heal, build resilience, and find their own path to safety and empowerment.

We are actively seeking a skilled and dedicated professional to join us as an independent contractor in this unique and vital role.

Please visit our website to learn more about Changing Tides Therapy.

As a Gender-Based Violence and Couples Therapist, you'll have a high degree of clinical autonomy, managing your own caseload, schedule, and therapeutic approach. Your work will focus on two key areas: individual and group counseling, providing specialized, trauma-informed care to help survivors heal from the psychological and physical impacts of abuse; and couples counseling, where you'll use a survivor-centered approach to address relational dynamics when clinically safe and appropriate. This requires a nuanced understanding of power imbalances and the complexities of abuse within a relationship.

You will be responsible for conducting thorough assessments, including danger assessment and lethality risk assessment, and collaborating with a network of community and legal professionals to ensure client safety. You'll apply evidence-based modalities, helping clients manage complex trauma responses and reclaim their sense of agency.

The ideal candidate will possess at least 5 years of clinical experience providing counseling and trauma-informed care to survivors of intimate partner violence.

Demonstrated experience working in shelters, domestic violence shelters, child protection agencies, or other non-profit agencies supporting victims of intimate partner violence is considered a strong asset.

You must be a member in good standing with one of the following regulatory bodies and hold a valid license to practice in Ontario, in accordance with the Psychotherapy Act, 2007: the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, the College of Psychologists of Ontario, the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, or the College of Nurses of Ontario (specifically for Nurse Practitioners).

Advanced training relevant to providing therapy for victims of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, women, and/or trans and gender diverse people is required. You should also have specialized training in couples and family therapy models that are non-neutral and survivor-centered. In-depth knowledge of Ontario and Canadian law related to family violence, including the Child and Youth Act, family law, and relevant criminal offenses is a must. Familiarity with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPPA) is also essential.

Your core competencies should include:

• A deep and integrated understanding of feminist and trauma theory, as well as the dynamics of violence, including the cycle of violence and how abuse and power dynamics manifest in a couples therapy setting.

• A comprehensive understanding of the Danger Assessment (DA) tool and other validated risk assessment instruments.

• Detailed knowledge of trauma-related symptoms, trauma-informed neuroscience, and an appreciation for how intersectional oppressions influence a person's experience.

• Proficiency in applying a phase-oriented model of trauma recovery and the ability to conduct thorough ongoing clinical assessments.

• The capacity to respond effectively in crisis situations and the skill to establish a safe, egalitarian therapeutic alliance.

• The ability to provide effective support and advocacy within various systems (e.g., legal, medical) without disempowering clients.

• The capacity for deep self-reflection to manage your own biases and emotional reactions (counter-transference) and a strong commitment to self-care.

• Strong ethical judgment, cultural competence, and the fundamental ability to foster self-empowerment in clients.

Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

This independent contractor role offers compensation ranging from $90-120 per hour, based on experience. The role will begin with a part-time caseload of one half-day to one full day per week, with a clear pathway to grow your practice over time.

You'll have the flexibility to create a schedule that works for you, and we offer a hybrid model where you'll have the option to work from our new office in Nepean. You will be responsible for sourcing your own clinical supervision to ensure best practices. You'll be part of a team of like-minded independent contractors for peer consultation and support. An optional AI tool for secure note-taking will be provided to streamline your administrative duties.

If you are a compassionate, skilled, and ethically-driven therapist who is ready to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply!

Please submit a resume or CV and cover letter detailing your experience and why you believe you would be a great fit for our clinical practice group.

Send your application to hello@changetidestherapy.com by October 1, 2025.

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment and selection experience for all applicants and interested candidates. If accommodations are required during any part of the hiring process (including the phone screening and the virtual interview), please email let us know via email how we can make this experience more accessible for you. Candidates selected for the phone screening and virtual interview will receive the questions two hours before the scheduled meeting time.

Questions about this position can be directed to hello@changetidestherapy.com.