Rachel Holland

Hi, I’m Rachel!

I am a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) committed to supporting individuals and couples in becoming their most authentic selves.  My goal as a therapist is not to fix your problems, but rather, to help you gain insight into the ways your lived experiences have impacted your struggles and your strengths in order to build upon your sense of empowerment to improve your current challenges. During our work together, we will talk about the different pathways that exist and options you have for working towards the goals that you choose.

Relationships are complicated. Life is messy. Healing is not linear. I feel privileged to walk alongside so many brave individuals and couples during times of deep suffering and profound healing. I create a safe space for you to be your most authentic self and to explore the hopes you have for your own life, even if you aren’t sure of what they are yet. Healing looks different for everyone, and I am committed to helping you determine what it looks and feels like for you.

I have earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Development and Social Work from the University of Waterloo, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Western Ontario. The majority of my experience has been in non-profit organizations, where my main focus was supporting clients with experiences of trauma, including sexual and domestic violence. My previous work focused on eating disorders, concurrent disorders, mental health, and addiction. I have worked in hospital settings, community organizations, and clinical settings. I often engage in professional development opportunities because I believe that the more tools a therapist has, the greater the opportunity to tailor treatment plans to each individual’s unique needs.

My approach is trauma-informed, attachment-based, strengths-based, and client-centered. My practice is eclectic and I draw from modalities in Trauma Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Sex Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. You will find my style is warm and gentle yet direct. I want to ensure we are using our time together effectively, so I will check in often to make sure we are on the same page and that our work together is creating the changes you hope to see and feel.

I often say that I didn’t make a conscious decision to go into the helping profession, but that this work chose me at a young age. This work is more than a job for me, it is my calling. I too have experienced personal traumas, and I also continue to navigate this wild journey called life. I am dedicated to building upon my own wellness – mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I love to hike, be by the water, or cozy up on the couch with a tea and a good movie. I have an extensive houseplant collection that brings me joy to bring nature inside my home. I’ve also never met a cottage I didn’t like. I look forward to supporting you to uncover what brings you a sense of calm within you.