Hello!

Welcome to my practice. My name is Chelsea and I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and Clinical Traumatologist (TITC-CT).

Thanks to my own experiences with trauma and mental health challenges, I've spent a considerable amount of time on the receiving end of therapy. These first-hand experiences provided me with many things - skills, hope, relief, knowledge, connection, frustration, more self-help books than any one person could ever need- but ultimately, therapy showed me the power of healing. At times though, I found myself struggling to find a therapist that really “got me”; and that’s why one of the most important things to my practice is to create a space where you can just be you, however that may look or be, with absolutely no judgement.

For almost a decade, I've had the privilege of working with people of all ages dealing with various mental health issues, addiction concerns, and trauma. Before my journey as a psychotherapist began, I worked as a Case Manager for CMHA and as a Crisis Responder for Kids Help Phone. Additionally, I held various roles in homeless shelters, crisis centres, and inpatient psychiatric units in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and Brantford, Ontario.

My Approach

I believe that progress made in therapy is built on a strong therapeutic relationship. That’s why I prioritize rapport building and getting to know you before applying any strategies or treatment. The therapy process with me starts with an intake assessment, identifying goals, and working towards those goals using evidence-based strategies while building a better relationship with yourself and having a few tears and laughs along the way. Our treatment together is flexible and can always change. If something isn’t working, I always want you to let me know, so that we can find alternative strategies to help.

I believe the best work happens holistically. I use an eclectic approach combining evidence-based, trauma-focused therapies. The modalities I use most often are cognitive- behavioural, dialectical-behavioural, attachment, narrative, IFS and ACT therapies to guide my practice. As a clinical traumatologist, my practice is heavily trauma-informed.

Who I work With

I work with teens (13+), adults, and couples through a variety of mental health struggles, relationship issues, and life challenges! I will always meet you where you are at. Some people begin therapy wanting a safe space to talk and be heard, heal after a break-up, explore identities, heal past traumas or reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms that may be impacting everyday life. Sometimes it’s a combination of items that clients want to bring to session. When we are in a session together, nothing is off limits, and I encourage you to always bring your whole self to session and hold nothing back.

Outside the Therapy Room

When I am not in session, I am often camping in Ontario parks, grabbing Starbucks and coming home to read or watch reality TV, and endlessly starting crafts I never finish! I am really passionate about reading (I love a good psych book), nature (I have 48 house plants), and food (I love to try new recipes and good local eats)! I also have a cat named Chess that appears in session from time to time!