Struggling to achieve what you think you "ought" to be achieving? Finding barriers you can't seem to overcome on your own? Looking for someone to hold space for you? Life can present challenges in all forms; I am committed to helping you navigate those through flexible, dynamic, and engaging approaches. Let's weave together seemingly disparate parts of your life to help you to feel well. Do well. And be well. I am keen to meet you where you are at and recognize that that looks different for every person.
Compassion grounds my work. For my clients, I offer integrity, resourcefulness, hold myself to high standards, and hold space for those around me. This work is important and I am honoured to walk a few steps of the journey with my clients.
I consider myself trauma-informed and tend to be solution-focused. I use a variety of modalities to support my clients, feeling most drawn to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and contemporary brief therapies (solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness, brief narrative therapy, and competency-based approaches).
In addition to my private practice, I have worked in the mental health field as a front-line support worker, wilderness therapist, eating disorder recovery mentor, and in other capacities akin to those. I root for the underdog, believe obstacles can be overcome, and know the possibility of recovery is perhaps most tangible when a clients can witness the success of others with similar challenges. While I welcome all clients, those who tend to be most attracted to my approaches are individuals considering/in the midst of life transitions, those who are struggling with depression, [eco]anxiety, and fertility, first responders, and those who are simply looking for a soft landing for their words and experiences.
In addition to individual counselling, I also work in the following capacities:
Research: Write/publish peer-reviewed journal articles on topics ranging from mental health to education, environment to community.
Consulting: Serve as a liaison and community capacity-builder/place-maker for communities and local governments after environmental disasters.
Training: Design robust workshops to help engage academic and leadership programs.
At WinterWalk I understand that life can present challenges and am committed to helping you navigate those through flexible, confidential therapy - available both in-person and online. While I do have a sweet little office in Downtown Orillia (and tea is always on), I am also open to meeting outdoors and drawing from more eco/experiential approaches to therapy as well. Connect to discuss what might work best for you.
Copyright © 2024 Amanda L. Hooykaas - All Rights Reserved.