Valentina Messier
On Maternity Leave / MA, RPshe/her/hersValentina is not accepting new clients right now! We’d be happy to match you with one of our other amazing therapists. Drop us a message and we’ll connect you with someone else who suits your needs!
Valentina believes that most people yearn for the same things: a sense of belonging and a life worth living. Valentina’s counselling style is one of non-judgment. She believes in treating others with respect, compassion, and positive regard. Valentina believes that it is important to make sure a client feels not only heard but understood. In her mind, the client is the focus, and their needs are especially important. She recognizes that while pain is an inevitable part of life, there are ways to increase joy and meaning each day.
- Individual Therapy
- Premarital Counselling
- Your life isn’t where you would like it to be and you’re committed to making changes that will support you in reaching your goals
- You’re struggling with anxiety and would like to explore new ways of coping with ruminating thoughts
- You’re self-critical and would like to feel more compassion for yourself and improve your communication with others
Session Types: Individual Therapy, Premarital Therapy
Specialties: Anxiety, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Depression, Life Transitions, Loneliness, Motivation, Stress Management, Work-Life Balance
Approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment therapy, Compassionate, Client-Centred, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Humanistic, Strength-Based and Solution-Oriented Approaches
Favourite Resources:
- The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris (Book)
- ACT with Love by Russ Harris (Book)
- Attached by Amir Levin and Rachel S.F. Heller (Book)
- The Power of Showing Up by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne (Book)
- How to Change by Katy Milkman (Book)
Valentina Messier is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She received formal education at Marquette University and Cardinal Stritch University in Wisconsin, USA, where she studied Clinical Psychology.
Valentina has worked with clients in both group and individual settings. She has co-facilitated therapy groups for adults with depression and anxiety, many of whom had co-occurring diagnoses such as eating disorders, bipolar, and OCD. Much of her experience has also been working with adolescents and young adults going through their first episode of psychosis. Valentina worked on an interdisciplinary team in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, launching a pilot program geared toward improving the quality of life for individuals experiencing schizophrenia. Valentina also has worked with youth and families presenting with stress related to school and strained relationships, many of whom had also experienced emotional or physical trauma.
Valentina’s approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive- Behavioural Therapy and Humanistic counselling. Compassion is at the core of all she does. Valentina also likes to teach mindfulness strategies for coping with difficult emotions or situations. In therapy, you will work together to come up with your individual goals, and she will adapt your treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
Change is not easy; it often takes a great deal of courage to seek improvement in your life. Valentina trusts that feelings of discomfort will soon transform into feelings of accomplishment and confidence, after working together on your goals. If you are ready, she would love to support and empower you.
Many Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and extended health care plans will cover services rendered by a Registered Psychotherapist.