“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.” — Mariska Hargitay
Hi! I’m Vanessa!
I am a registered social worker and psychotherapist who is ready to work alongside you. Whether you are navigating an entry into parenthood, challenges at work or complex family dynamics my role is to provide a safe and supportive space for you. Together, we will explore what brought you to therapy, identify your strengths and work towards meaningful change at the pace that works for you. I strive to create an environment where you feel heard, respected and empowered. If you are ready to take the next step, contact me today to set up a free virtual consultation. I can’t wait to hear from you!
I bring a warm, collaborative, client-centred approach to my work as a student therapist at Tranquillium Holistic Therapy & Wellness. I am passionate about supporting clients through life transitions, grief, parenthood and career transitions. I believe that connection, collaboration and a safe space to explore life’s challenges begin with a strong therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a space where clients can feel comfortable making meaningful changes in their lives.
My Approach To Therapy
I work from an integrative, trauma-informed lens, drawing from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), humanistic, narrative and mindfulness- based approaches. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in creating the environment for you to heal, grow and increase your self-understanding. Together, we can understand patterns, explore new perspectives, and create the meaningful changes you desire to make in your life.
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Understanding the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour can help recognize unhelpful patterns and replace them with more productive strategies. Together, we will create space for insight and build helpful tools that align with you and your goals!
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ACT helps clients build psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and emotions while taking committed action toward what truly matters. I support clients in clarifying their values and developing practical tools to live a more meaningful and aligned life.
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Humanistic therapy helps clients increase their capacity for growth, self-understanding and personal meaning, rather than trying to fix symptoms. The therapist provides a supportive environment built on empathy, authenticity and unconditional positive regard, helping clients reconnect with their values and an authentic way of living.
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Narrative therapy views you as the expert of your own life. We will separate you from the problem and explore how certain stories may be influencing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Together, we will co-author new, more empowering narratives that align with your values and goals.
What to Expect in Sessions
You are the expert in your life, and it is my job to support you where you are. At the beginning of our therapeutic journey, we will work together to determine what you want to work towards and set goals to revisit over the course of treatment. At the beginning of each session, we will checkin about what feels most important to focus on.
What I Can Help You With
School Issues
Stress
Self Esteem
Anxiety
Couples Therapy
Relationship Challenges
Communication Skills
Boundaries
Grief & Loss
Life Transitions
Emotional Regulation
Depression
Self Worth Issues
Life Coaching
Coping Skills
Procrastination
Women’s Issues
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Your Therapy Experience With Me – Real, Grounded, and Collaborative
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No Expectations – No pressure, no judgment! Just a space where you can show up exactly as you are.
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I bring structure and motivation to our sessions—think of me as your cheerleader with a clipboard. We’ll keep things on track while staying flexible to what you need most each day.
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I’m big on open, honest communication. You’ll never have to tiptoe around feedback—I welcome it. We’re in this together, and your voice matters every step of the way.
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Whether things feel overwhelming or just a little tangled, I stay grounded so you can too. Expect a steady, thoughtful presence (with a dash of humour) as we sort through what’s coming up.
Credentials
Masters of Art In Counselling and Psychology (In Progress), Yorkville University
Registered Social Worker (OCSWSSW # 865605)
Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Wilfred Laurier University (Brantford)
Fees & Session Costs
Individual 50-Minute Session $75
Couples’ 50-Minute Session $100
A Little About Me!
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Spending time with my horses, Maverick and Jynx!
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I love every season, but probably spring. Nothing beats the first days of sunshine after a long winter!
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Littering!
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A veggie burger from Harvey’s, yum!
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“If you think you can or if you think you can’t, your right” – Henry Ford.
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My family and animals.
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Cystic Fibrosis research.
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Eating pasta in Italy.
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Horseback riding, golfing and being in the sunshine.
How I Want You to Feel After a Session
I want you to walk away from each session feeling a little lighter, a little more understood, and more connected to yourself. Not like everything is magically “fixed,” but like things make a bit more sense and feel more manageable. My hope is that you leave with at least one thing that sticks — a new perspective, a small shift, or a tool you can actually use in your day-to-day life. Most importantly, I want you to feel like you can be fully yourself here — no pressure, no judgment, just a space where you can show up as you are and figure things out at your own pace. You don’t have to have it all together — we’ll work through it, together.
