It's so nice to meet you! I'm the owner and director of Riverside Counselling. I hold a Master's of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor and am a Registered Social worker, practicing since 2009.
I can appreciate how intimidating it can be to seek out support, especially when you're not feeling like yourself. It's an honour to be trusted in joining with you on your journey towards achieving your goals, happiness and life satisfaction.
Seeking support and counselling takes immense courage. I applaud your bravery! I believe that no concern is too big or too small. Many people feel uneasy about taking this step, while others look forward to it. No matter where you're at, I approach therapy with compassion and without judgement. I believe it is important to provide a safe space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and anything else that's getting in the way of achieving your goals and living a meaningful life.
As a mother myself, and a therapist for over 10 years, I understand that our journey through life can be overwhelming, exhausting and, at times, disappointing. Whatever your story is, it's important to me that you feel heard, appreciated and that that your experiences, feelings and thoughts are valid.
I offer a person-centred approach to therapy. Your stories and experiences are unique to you and deserve an individual approach. My experience includes working with youth, adults, new parents struggling with the adjustment to parenthood, couples and families.
I have had the privilege of working at McMaster Children's Hospital for many years supporting youth and their families as they navigate through complex mental health issues and eating disorders.
I have training in multiple treatment modalities including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, narrative therapy and others, however I often take an eclectic approach as everyone has unique needs and goals.
I understand that life isn't always what we imagined it would be. The stresses and hurdles of life can leave us feeling exhausted, defeated, overwhelmed and terribly alone. Feeling "stuck" or losing a sense of who you are is terrifying and can cause us to feel trapped in our own lives. Perhaps you're experiencing a major life transition that's not at all what you were expecting and you're feeling hopeless that it'll ever get better.
I help individuals, new moms and couples navigate their way through life's most challenging experiences and move towards a greater sense of confidence, hope and a life that is more fulfilling.
Welcome to Riverside Counselling. My name is Rebecca Brooke and I’m a registered social worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Work. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology from McMaster University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto.
I have been in the mental health field for 20 years and worked with a range of health issues including: complex mental health, concurrent disorders, depression/anxiety, trauma and complex trauma, grief/loss, post-partum mental health, emotion regulation issues. I have worked with young adults, adults, and families.
There are many reasons people access counselling for. It is an individual journey and one that takes courage.
I have trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, trauma modalities, attachment and systems theory and believe in the importance of connecting mind/body, and using curiosity and self-compassion in my work.
My approach to counselling is humanistic, strength-based, and trauma-informed. I believe in a collaborative approach to the therapeutic relationship for the greatest opportunity for growth.
I believe as humans, we are profoundly shaped by our early experiences and we make meaning of these experiences as life unfolds. The therapeutic process can provide a safe space for people to reflect on their narratives and feel more in control of their lives.
Couples counselling helps to improve the quality of your relationship, learn new ways of communicating and enhance emotional and physical intimacy
Transition to parenthood can be overwhelming. Postpartum counselling provides support through one of life's biggest transitions.
Individual therapy addresses a range of challenges that can interfere with our ability to cope and succeed in our daily lives.