You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re carrying stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, difficult emotions, or simply feeling stuck and unsure of what comes next. Reaching out for therapy can be difficult, and I want you to know that you don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin.

I’m Derica, and I provide a warm, compassionate, and judgment-free space where you can feel safe being yourself. My goal is to meet you where you are, listen without judgment, and work alongside you to create meaningful and lasting change.

A little about me 

I believe therapy should feel like a collaborative relationship. You are the expert on your own life and experiences, and my role is to help you better understand yourself, work through challenges, develop practical coping skills, and move toward the life you want. 

I approach each client as an individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. I believe that therapy should be tailored to your unique experiences, strengths, needs, and goals. 

My therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), while incorporating strategies from other evidence-informed approaches when appropriate. 

My experience 

I work with teens aged 16+, adults, and couples, supporting clients through a variety of emotional, personal, and relationship challenges.

After completing my Bachelor of Arts at St. Thomas University, I worked as an educational assistant in elementary, middle, and high school settings. This experience allowed me to work closely with children and adolescents and deepened my understanding of the many social, emotional, and developmental challenges young people can experience.

I later completed my Master’s in Counselling through Yorkville University and have continued to build my experience supporting individuals and couples through a range of life challenges.

Areas I can help with 

I support clients navigating: 

● Anxiety, worry, and stress

● Depression and low mood

● Self-esteem and self-worth

● Emotional regulation and coping

● Relationship difficulties

● Family conflict

● Codependency

● Trauma

● Grief and loss

● Life transitions

● Suicidal thoughts and emotional distress

● Challenges faced by adolescents and young adults

What you can expect

Therapy with me is a space where you can slow down, feel heard, and work through what’s weighing on you.

Whether you’re struggling with something you’ve been carrying for years or facing a new challenge that has left you feeling overwhelmed, we can work together to understand what’s happening, identify what you need, and develop tools to help you feel more confident moving forward. 

You don’t need to know exactly what you need from therapy before reaching out. Sometimes the first step is simply having someone to talk to.