Meet Dr. Mara Ellison
Thoughtful care begins with feeling understood.
I’m a naturopathic doctor and mind-body practitioner who believes meaningful care starts by listening to the whole story. My work brings together clinical insight, nervous system awareness, and genuine human connection to help people better understand themselves and their health.
My Story
A lifelong curiosity about how healing happens.
I have always been drawn to the connection between the body, the mind, and the experiences that shape us. That curiosity led me to study psychology, natural medicine, nervous system regulation, and the deeper patterns that influence how we feel and respond to the world.
Over time, I realized that knowledge and protocols are most powerful when they are paired with careful listening. Today, my work creates space for both: a thoughtful understanding of the body and a compassionate exploration of the person living within it.
My Approach
Care grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and the whole person.
There is no universal path to feeling better. I approach each person with openness, taking the time to understand what is happening and what meaningful progress might look like for them.
Belief 01 — Listen to the whole story
Symptoms rarely exist in isolation. Your health history, daily life, relationships, stress, environment, and lived experiences all offer important pieces of the picture.
Belief 02 — Work together
You should feel involved in the decisions surrounding your care. My role is to offer guidance, context, and support while making space for your questions, preferences, and pace.
Belief 03 — Create space for change
Lasting change cannot always be forced or rushed. We create the conditions for it by building awareness, supporting the nervous system, and taking practical steps that feel sustainable.
Education & Training
A foundation of study, practice, and continued learning.
My education spans natural medicine, psychology, clinical hypnotherapy, and mind-body practice. I continue to deepen this work through ongoing training because thoughtful care requires both a strong foundation and a willingness to keep learning.
Integrative Therapist & Somatic Coach
M.A. Counselling Psychology
Trauma-informed and relational
Certified Somatic Practitioner
Online and in-person sessions
Serving clients locally and online
Areas of Focus
Where Mara’s work is most deeply focused.
Mara’s work explores the connections between physical health, emotional patterns, and the nervous system. These three areas provide a flexible starting point for care shaped around each person’s needs and experiences.
Nervous System Support
Building greater awareness of stress responses and creating space for more regulation, resilience, and ease.
Mind-Body Patterns
Exploring how thoughts, emotions, experiences, and physical wellbeing may influence and reinforce one another.
Sustainable Change
Developing thoughtful, realistic practices that support meaningful progress without pressure or perfection.
Beyond the Practice
The person behind the practitioner.
Outside of my work, I’m naturally reflective, endlessly curious, and happiest when life becomes a little quieter. I value simple routines, meaningful conversations, and the small experiences that help us feel more present.
My process
A simple place to begin.
01.
Reach out
Send a message or book a first conversation. You do not need to know exactly what you need before we speak.
02.
Talk it through
We’ll talk about what has been happening, what you’re hoping for, and whether working together feels like a good fit.
03.
Choose a starting point
Together, we’ll decide what kind of support makes the most sense for your goals and current season.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. Sessions are available online, with in-person appointments available in Ottawa.
What happens in the first conversation?
We discuss what has been bringing you here, what kind of support you are looking for, and whether working together feels like the right fit.
Do I need to know which service I need?
No. You do not need to decide before reaching out. We can talk through your needs and choose a starting point together.
How often do sessions take place?
Most clients begin with weekly or biweekly sessions. The pace can change depending on your goals and circumstances.
How do I book a session?
Use the booking button to choose a time, or send a message through the Contact page and Mara will respond with the next available options.