Hello! I’m Rachel and I specialize in counselling LGBTQQ2S+ folx, teens and young adults, and people coping with life transitions. In session, you can anticipate sharing your experiences and being asked to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour’s. Together, we will identify the stories you believe about yourself, your relationships, and the world. We will integrate a strengths-based approach to find exceptions to the problems you’re facing and identify the strengths you already have. By identifying your strengths, you can begin to rewrite these stories and find creative solutions to improve your quality of life.
Whatever you are facing, does not need to be faced alone.
I believe that creating a genuine and meaningful relationship is crucial for effective therapy. I strive to create a space where you feel safe and supported as it lays the foundation for impactful therapeutic work to happen. To do this, I try my best to come to every session as my authentic self with genuine compassion and interest in your story.
While we address the challenges you’re facing, we’ll also strive to find moments of joy and even humour. I am a strong believer that laughter can be a powerful tool in therapy. We will take the work seriously and we will have some laughs along the way.
Professional Background
I hold an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Business from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy from Wilfrid Laurier University. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I offer virtual psychotherapy to Ontario residents. My psychotherapy training program integrated religion and spirituality into counselling. I have training in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, and non-denominational spirituality.
I have supported teens and adults who are experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress as a result of career challenges, low self-esteem, and gender and sexuality-related issues. In sessions, I encourage my clients to identify their values and personal strengths so they can utilize their abilities to manage the challenges they are facing.
My theoretical background is based in Queer Theory and Feminist Theory. In my practice, I encourage clients to consider how societal norms and structures, such as patriarchy, heteronormativity, and capitalism, have impacted their lives. In sessions, we can find ways to challenge these norms, take back your power, and write a new narrative that supports healing.
On a Personal Note…
Prior to pursuing a career in psychotherapy, I worked in tech doing account management and sales. I am all too familiar with feeling stressed, burnt out, and unfulfilled by your job. My own personal therapy and career coaching helped me discover a new passion and find the courage to take the leap into a new field. I try to pass along what I learned to my clients who are struggling to find a new path both professionally and personally.
When I’m not with clients, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. Over the last decade, I have always relied on fitness to support my mental health. I enjoy spin classes, weight lifting, and yoga. I enjoy cooking and have been vegan for 8 years.
