Riley Giles

• You wish to develop a better understanding of your thoughts, emotions and behaviours
• You wonder if you struggle to see your own strengths and need direction
• You would like a therapist who has strong background knowledge in the education field and the stressors that come from it
• You’re a student that would like to develop strategies to manage and overcome stress associated with school responsibilities, and work towards prioritizing a good work-life balance
• You’re a woman looking to explore emotional and sexual intimacy, as well as sexual empowerment

Session Types: Individual Therapy, Virtual Therapy

Therapeutic Interests: Communication, Emotional Awareness, Conflict Resolution,  Trust, Existential Therapy and Meaning-Making, Core Beliefs and Values, Growth, Purpose, Anxieties Accompany Aging, Grief and Loss, Motivation, Anxiety, Stress and Work-life Balance, Role Conflict/Strain, Life-Transitions, Family Bonds and Close Relationships, Re-Discovering and Discovering Sex and Intimacy, Confidence, Self-Esteem, Body Acceptance, Sexual Attitudes and Communicating Individual Desires

Approaches: Strength-Based Approaches, Constructivist Approaches, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Attachment based Therapy, Person-Centred Approaches, Psychodynamic Approach, Motivational Interviewing, Compassion-Based Approaches, Intersectional, Anti-Oppressive and Inclusive Frameworks

Favourite Resources:

• Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski (Podcast)
• Gottman Card Deck (App)
• We Aren’t Really Strangers – Friend and Couple Version (Physical card deck)
• @Jayshetty (Instagram)

Riley is a gentle therapist in training who strives to make the therapy room a little brighter for her clients. Riley values building genuine and meaningful connections across all backgrounds. As Riley is a curious and growth-oriented person, she prioritizes presence and intentional listening to fully understand her clients’ unique experiences and perspectives. Riley creates a warm, comforting and non-judgmental space where you can be your genuine self. Riley understands that this time in session is for you and that what you choose to do do with this time- silence, process, unpack is entirely your choice.

Riley completed her undergraduate degree at Nipissing University in the Honours Specialization in Child and Family Studies program. She is currently completing her Masters in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Riley has experience in educational settings working with children, parents, caregivers and teachers. Working in this area throughout her undergraduate degree has made her aware of the unique day to day stressors these roles bring. Riley feels that this relatability piece helps her connect well with those positioned as ECEs, daycare providers, DECEs and teachers, allowing her to meet those in these positions where they are. If you feel these challenges resonate with you, Riley would love to help you prioritize your wellbeing, and understands that it can be challenging to find a healthy work-life balance with so many demands.

Additionally, Riley has worked with seniors to alleviate stress, anxiety and loneliness during the arrival and transitioning process to retirement home living.

Riley’s goal is to promote the wellbeing of her clients. Riley believes in listening to understand her clients’ individual worlds and realities. This approach, she believes, allows her to acknowledge her clients’ beliefs, perspectives, and values. Riley is a lifelong learner and approaches each person she meets with curiosity, openness, acceptance, inclusivity and compassion. Riley appreciates diversity, different cultures and learning new languages. Riley is bilingual and while her training, sessions and therapeutic practice are conducted in English, she is fluent in French and able to connect meaningfully with French-speaking clients. Riley understands that you may live your world flexibly shaped by many different languages. This relatability, she feels, helps build rapport and a deep understanding across different languages, while keeping therapy clear and effective in English.

Riley believes that meeting individuals where they are in their healing process is essential in creating a space for change to occur. While Riley is growth-oriented, she understands that the change process is unique to the individual, and must be approached with a client-centred lens. In session, Riley will offer gentle compassion for individuals who are feeling stuck or uncertain of where to turn next. In session you can expect a conversational and collaborative approach, with a variety of techniques.

Riley is sex-positive, and enjoys supporting individuals in exploring what sex and sexuality mean to them. Riley is passionate about helping individuals connect better to their sexual selves and strives to enhance the communication that occurs in relationships. She believes healthy and honest communication is the key to positive and fulfilling relationships.

Outside of her professional life, Riley cherishes time with her family, friends, and pets – Vimy, Juno, Beaumont, and her chickens. She enjoys biking, hiking, traveling, playing sports, watching movies, reality TV, and staying active at the gym. Riley values appreciating the simple things in life and has a passion for nature and animals.