Focus Areas: Trauma, CPSTD/PTSD (Developmental Trauma), Neurodiveirty - ADHD, ASD, FASD and cultural diversity, mood disorders: depression, anxiety, BPD, panic, self-harm, substance use, boundaries, self-compassion, attachment and spirituality
Hi, I am Ryanna and I am Registered Social Worker. I have completed a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor of Social Work, and an undergraduate degree in Social Development Studies, all from the University of Waterloo. I also possess a college certificate in Human Service Foundations from Conestoga College. I see children, teens and adults (anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, neurodiversity)
Our lives are not entirely defined by what has happened to us but rather by the meaning we decide to extract from it. "Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence" - P.A.Levine.
My vocation and commitment to supporting individuals to overcome trauma, adversity and problems in living are rooted in a profound understanding of intersectionality. It is my professional and personal lived experiences, in collaboration with my identity as a neurodivergent, first-generation Canadian, that fuel what drives my pursuit of collective healing. Before beginning clinical practice, I spent several years working in crisis intervention and prevention, addictions and recovery, accessibility, the shelter system, behavioural therapy, and child welfare and protection.
I focus on empowering authenticity and promoting self-actualization; my therapeutic approach to healing is founded in a trauma-informed biopsychosocial lens. Interventions and resources are developed and carefully selected based on each individual's history and needs. Currently providing support to all age groups, some evidence-based modalities that inform my practice are Somatics, IFS, DBT, ACT, CBT, EFT, Play Therapy Strengths, Mindfulness and Attachment.
