I believe in therapy that puts compassion and quality at its forefront.
My approach.
I believe in collaborative mental health care where a health care professionals work collaboratively to best meet a client’s needs. That is why clients of Nicole Ritonja Psychotherapy Services also have access to evaluation and medical monitoring with a psychiatrist with no wait times through her affiliation with Psychotherapy Matters as needed.
My treatment approach focuses on using therapies such as Somatic Experiencing (SE) Therapy, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT Level 2), Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP), interpersonal therapy, polyvagal theory, and other body-based/mindfulness interventions to help the client overcome barriers that may be preventing them from reaching their full potential.
I have a passion for working with clients dealing with a variety of mental health difficulties and symptoms. My practice focuses on helping individuals navigate and manage difficulties with stress, anxiety/panic, trauma, attachment injuries, and somatic symptoms, including medically unexplained symptoms. I also have a specific interest in helping clients cope with the difficulties they are experiencing post-impairment and diagnosis for a variety of chronic illnesses and conditions, including those with neurological impairments (i.e., concussions, MS, strokes etc.). This includes a special interest in working with Functional Neurological Disorder, Functional Movement Disorder, and Somatic Symptom Disorder.
My approach focuses on using body-based approaches to promote regulation and resilience in the nervous system as well as exploring the emotions (especially negative emotions) that show up for us. This approach strives to help the client better understand how these emotions often are integral to our daily functioning and are necessary to us living happy, healthy and meaningful lives.
FAQs
How long and how often will I have to attend for treatment?
Every person is different so this means the frequency and duration of treatment may look different for each client based on their individual needs. I believe that the client is the expert of knowing their own needs and at the end of the first appointment I will work collaboratively with you to identify the treatment frequency that works best for you. However, the client is an active participant in their treatment process and success in treatment is often dependent on the client actively participating in sessions and the treatment plan. If despite your active participation you do not feel any change in your symptoms, then my treatment approach may not be the right fit for you and I will discuss other treatment approaches of referrals in the community.
Do you have a waitlist?
Currently I do not have a waitlist but may have limited availability as I only offer appointments during business hours.
Is my visit covered by OHIP or ODSP?
Unfortunately psychotherapy is not covered by OHIP or ODSP.
Do I need a doctor’s prescription or referral to book an appointment?
No! However, a doctor's referral may be required for some Extended Health Insurance (EHI) claims.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Please email or call me at the contact information on my contact page and I would be happy to discuss scheduling an appointment!
Are you able to direct bill to my insurance company?
Unfortunately I do not do direct billing to extended health insurance companies.
Do you see clients on evenings or weekends?
I am currently not offering later afternoon, evening, ot weekend appointments.
Do you only see client virtually or do you have any in-person availability?
I currently am only offering virtual sessions.