I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I have significant experience working with children, youth and adults addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief and loss, relationship challenges and a variety of other life transitional issues.

Are you someone who is experiencing depression? Has it been challenging to find the motivation to complete daily tasks, lack of enjoyment in activities you once enjoyed, low energy, sleeping too much or too little, increased or decreased appetite, isolating yourself from friends or family members? Or maybe you are experiencing anxiety (or both)? Has it become difficult to cope with anxious thoughts and feelings, increased avoidance of places, people, or things? Has this excessive worry begun to interfere with daily activities?

I help motivated clients overcome their challenges by making the changes they desire at a subconscious level, where true transformation is possible. The subconscious responses and patterns you learned automatically, beginning in childhood, are guiding the results you are experiencing today. I can help you to choose and control your thoughts, emotions, behavior and habits by updating your subconscious beliefs, responses and patterns. Learn how to create the results you want by using the incredible power of your mind.

Are you worried your relationship isn't as strong as it could be? Are you tired of feeling stressed and anxious all the time? If so, counselling might be a great place to start. I find joy in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns such as trauma, stress, and low-self-esteem/self-confidence. Additionally, I have a special interest in working with couples who are struggling with major life stages, recovering from an affair, or looking to enhance their communication and strengthen their relationship.

I am a Registered Clinical and Forensic Psychologist in good standing with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I have 30 years of experience having worked full time with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (formerly McKellar General) and as a consultant with the Behavioural Sciences Centre at St. Joseph's Care Group. I am also an Adjunct Professor at Lakehead University and a Lecturer with the University of Toronto. I have worked with many individuals struggling with a variety of anxiety (including trauma and PTSD) and mood (depression) difficulties and disorders, human sexuality and relationship/trust concerns.

As a psychotherapist I am dedicated to improving the health and well being of my clients and it is my goal to make the therapeutic process as comfortable as possible. I work from a positive psychology perspective geared towards increasing confidence, self-esteem and helping you recognize your own individual strengths. By increasing your self awareness and addressing all aspects of yourself as a whole person, together we can shape the way you view your self and the experiences around you.

Thank you for considering me as your therapist! After receiving a masters in criminology from the University of Ottawa, I completed a placement in sexual behaviours working with the forensic population. I also completed a 2nd master in counselling, spirituality and psychotherapy at Saint Paul University. I have several years of experience in brain injury rehabilitation as well as with those suffering from co-occurring mental health and addiction issues. My areas of speciality are in sex therapy and alternative relationship styles, mental health and addictions.

*Not currently taking on new clients* Do you feel like you are in a place that no one around you understands? Do you feel like your life or your relationship is filled with challenges? Are these challenges keeping you from living life how you want? My role is to help facilitate discussions with you that can lead to a new awareness of your concerns and tailor our session to what can create positive change for you. I help individuals and couples navigate challenges with well-being including relationships, stress, life changes, mental health, trauma and addictions.

Insight and understanding are crucial components to living a meaningful, fulfilling, and rich life. My approach is intended to help you achieve insight, make change in your life that you find meaningful and significant, and heal from current or past experiences that are affecting you. I have worked to help people overcome a wide range of challenges, including stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional difficulties, relationship frustrations, grief, and loss. I feel honoured to work with individuals on their healing journey, and am humbled by the strength and courage they show in choosing to pursue healing for themselves.

As a registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Clinical Director, I strive to deliver compassionate and empathetic support in working with the client in finding their inner strength and abilities and expanding on those for success. I believe every individual is capable to succeed and breakthrough their past current and future challenges/struggles, whatever they might be. With the focus of the client as the expert and the clinician as supportive expert, you will have the opportunity to be guided through your own strengths and abilities in moving forward and finding happiness/success through the life course.

Have you been struggling with anxiety, depression, stress or burnout? Has life been harder lately than it once was, leaving you feeling lonely, worried, or unsure about what’s next? Anxiety is a normal response to the current situation, and some of us may have a harder time coping than others. If you are feeling very irritable, having a hard time sleeping, or coping, these might be signs that you may require assistance with addressing your mental and emotional health. Perhaps you've noticed yourself trying to manage frequent low moods, substance use issues, social isolation or relationship issues? You're not alone - I'm here to help

Hi. I'm Danielle Ritsema. I am a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist in Sault Ste. Marie, ON and the owner of Woodstar Counselling and Consulting. I am also a proud mom and wife and understand the challenges of balancing work and home and my own self-care needs. After completing my degrees in southern Ontario, my family and I relocated to beautiful northern Ontario. Sault Ste. Marie is now our home- the place where we have put down roots and I am so proud to be contributing to this vibrant, growing community.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one or pet? Facing, health or illness related issues? Struggling to manage your emotions? Struggling through recent changes with your job, family, or personal life? Faced with anxiety, stress, or low moods that you cant seem to shake?! Having difficulty communicating with your friends, family or loved ones? Not sure what's going, but need to talk? We all struggle at some point, but we shouldn't have to do it alone - let me help you through this. Starting therapy doesn't have to be an intimidating process. I offer an easy-going, personable approach that'll make starting therapy. Email today!

Decided you want to start therapy and don't know where to start? Maybe you're not sure what to look for, don't know what you need or just have too many options. First time trying therapy and you’re overwhelmed? Been to therapy before but don't want the awkward, stuffy, formal or zen-like approaches? At Rebound, we make getting started with therapy, easy. Start with a free consult – no pressure, obligation or commitment. We’ll get to know you, answer your questions and match you with a therapist best suited to your needs and personality! We're a group of down-to-earth, personable, fun-loving therapists who make therapy, comfortable!

Struggling in your relationship? No longer feeling connected? Do you have resentment, a desire to withdraw, or do you feel unheard, disrespected or taken advantage of? Maybe there’s miscommunication, conflict or a loss of intimacy in your relationship. All of these can get in the way of beginning the healing process. Maybe you’ve got your own struggles of stress, trauma, anxieties or even navigating life transitions. Maybe you’re struggling with self esteem, or have some bigger personal issues going on. When clients are stuck in relationship struggles, traumas, transitions and personal issues, I’m here to help them work through it.

As a Social Worker my primary professional obligation is to maintain the best interests of the client and respect their intrinsic worth. I shall carry out my duties with integrity and objectivity while adhering to confidentiality within the context of a professional relationship. Together clients will find solutions to the issues in their lives by helping them explore their options: identify their strengths and needs, locate information and resources all while learning new coping strategies. I have experience working with the Indigenous community and my thesis focused on Indigenous youth.

With over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy, faith-based and transformational healing & growth, counseling, and spiritual care I continue to enjoy the opportunity to help people face-to-face, or with telephonic, internet, and video consultations. I facilitate new opportunities for growth and change with an interactive and dynamic outlook. I have extensive experience in many areas of life and the emotional pain that holds us captive to our pasts or the fears of the present, causing us to fail in caring for ourselves and those whom we love. Specific areas of experience include disability, race, gender identity and adjustments.

At Soar Above Counselling, I offer online counselling sessions to individuals affected by illness: having received a diagnosis themselves; caring for someone diagnosed with an illness, or; working in the health care system. I help these individuals work on the goals that are most important to them. Including, but not limited to: Dealing with the past - talk it through, delve into themes at your own pace, and learn to accept what has been. Being in the present - find resources and develop strategies that enables you to thrive. Dreaming of your future - plan for big and small successes, possible barriers and life beyond its limits.