My Story
Approachable. Non-judgmental. Encouraging.
Hi, my name is Vanessa Green and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I have a clinical practice based in Guelph, ON, where I help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being through integrative and personalized therapy.
My approach is client-centred and trauma-informed, drawing on a variety of therapeutic approaches to create a collaborative treatment plan for the individuals that I work with. I’ve always believed in the power of shared goals, and I bring this spirit to my practice, focusing on creative therapeutic partnerships that help people move forward in their lives.
Whether it be depression, anxiety, relationship problems, abuse, or any other concern, it’s important to me that I create safe, comfortable and compassionate space to share and explore your experiences. My approach is solution-focused and strengths-oriented, addressing specific client goals and abilities, then tailoring a treatment plan to encourage forward movement. If you wish to know more about how I work with clients, or if you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out - I will be more than happy to assist you in any way I can.
I know that taking that first step can feel like the hardest part. I’m here to help.
Unresolved trauma and/or PTSD
Feelings of anxiety, stress and/or depression
Challenges with intimacy, communication and emotional expression
Difficulties navigating life’s transitions
Loss and associated grief
Anger and/or reduced coping skills
My Approach
An Integrative Approach
At A New Pathway Counselling, I believe that one size does not fit all. As a result, the approach utilized in any given therapy is integrative in nature, created to address the particular needs of the client(s). In other words, therapy is catered to the individual(s), and is first and foremost person-centred. That said, the therapeutic approaches commonly utilized in sessions are informed by the following therapies: Solution-Focused, Narrative, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioural (DBT), and Mindfulness.
Looking Thru a Trauma-Informed Lens
Trauma can be viewed as any event or series of events that overwhelm our capacity to cope and impact our ability to function. Often the concerns that people come to therapy for include some element of trauma. Many individuals are suffering deeply as the result of past traumas such as: abuse, neglect, bullying, an accident, loss, upheaval, or living through or witnessing a life-threatening event or illness. And these are only a few of the many examples of how one might experience trauma. These issues can manifest themselves negatively, contributing to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental and physical health concerns.
In my practice I focus on the three phases of trauma recovery in order to help my clients manage and move forward. This three-phase process includes: establishing strategies and tools to help increase one’s level of safety and emotional stability; working through the negative events, with particular emphasis on how the events have and are impacting the individual; and working towards the creation of a new pathway through reconnection and integration. Therapy can involve one or all of these phases, depending on the client - however it always begins with establishing the tools to be able to better cope.
Let's Connect
Have questions?
Let’s connect with a complimentary 15-20 minute phone consultation.
I’m ready when you are!
This process starts with either completing the confidential form below,
or
by contacting the office at (888) 254-3401.
Office Location
(Effective April 1 2024)
175 Chancellors Way Unit 131
Guelph ON N1G 0E9
Telephone: (888) 254-3401
Individuals seen by appointment only.
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What is psychotherapy?Psychotherapy is primarily a talk-based therapy and is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. Psychotherapy occurs when the Psychotherapist and client enter into a therapeutic relationship where both work together to bring about positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning.
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What type of session options do you have?ANPWC offers both in-person and virtual appointments. Virtual (video) sessions are offered through a secure conferencing system. Clients, in collaboration with their therapist, can choose what type of appointment best serves their needs.
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Do I need a referral?ANPWC does not require a referral to book an appointment. That said, if you are submitting your expenses to a benefits plan for coverage, some plans require a referral (e.g. from a family physician) to be reimbursed for expenses. Please contact your Human Resources department and/or your benefit plan booklet for further details and requirements.
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Do I need therapy? Can’t I figure it out on my own?Most people can benefit from therapy. It’s helpful to have a non-judgmental person to speak with when trying to work through different aspects of your life. If, however, you are struggling with something in particular, then therapy is especially helpful. It’s never a sign of weakness to reach out when you need help – in fact it takes a lot of strength to do so, and working with a professional really is an act of self-care.
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How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision, and it’s a relationship that can be a big part of whether or not your therapy is effective. Ask yourself if this person is someone you feel safe and comfortable with? Do you think they can help you? Is there a connection? Usually a 15-20 minute phone call is a great way to get a feel for a therapist before you book that first appointment.
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What are some reasons people might want to work with ANPWC?Most clients come to ANPWC because they have a sense of wanting something better for themselves – a desire to change patterns that aren’t helping them grow. In working with ANPWC they’ll find someone relatable, caring, compassionate, solution-focused and non-judgmental. A person who creates a calming environment where together we can explore the thoughts, behaviours, patterns, and narratives that are holding you back or keeping you stuck.
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What kind of clients do you work with?ANPWC provides individual therapy services to adults (18+). Clients’ ages, family backgrounds, spiritual practices, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and lifestyles vary widely. But what they all have in common is their want and willingness to create change in their lives.
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How long is a therapy session?The first appointment is two (2) hours, where your therapist will spend the time to gain further details around your life experiences, your struggles, and your goals for therapy. Subsequent therapy sessions range from 60 minutes to 90 minutes in length (depending on the type of therapy and type of appointment), with a small portion of that time (10 to 15 minutes) being allotted to administrative work. For example, a 60-minute session will have 45 to 50 minutes of therapy time, with the remaining time used for things like session notes, rescheduling, billing etc.
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Are the sessions confidential?All conversations are confidential, except in certain circumstances where there is a legal/regulatory requirement and/or concerns around safety. Please contact ANPWC if you have any questions/concerns.
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What can I expect from our first session?The first point of contact is a complimentary 15-20 minute phone consult, where you can ask questions and get an initial feel for your comfort level with the therapist. This consult also gives the therapist the opportunity to ask more questions about your struggles to gauge whether their skills and knowledge are in line with your needs in therapy. If, after that consult, both parties are feeling comfortable, the first in-person or video appointment is scheduled. In this first face-to-face meeting, a more detailed inventory of your history/experiences and goals will be taken in order to determine an appropriate treatment plan. This first session generally runs about 2 hours. At the end of the appointment we can decide if it feels right to move forward together on your therapeutic journey and schedule further sessions, or whether it is in your best interest to be referred elsewhere (in which case your therapist can assist you in your search for someone who is a better fit).
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Are your services covered by insurance?Coverage differs from plan to plan. Services at ANPWC are provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). Please check your benefits plan or insurance provider for details on whether the services of a RP are covered.