I’m Rita
Although I take great pride in my education, clinical training and work, I am human first. As we work together, you will be the one to lead; directing the therapeutic process at your own depth and pace. I’ll be the one to offer you a safe space to share your unedited truth.
Mindfulness and meditation are not just on trend but key aspects of my practice both in and out of session. This practice grounds me and allows me to show up most authentically for my clients. In the same way, you can expect me to provide tangible tools that make sense for you and your lifestyle.
There are many things we may discuss from issues of socialization, feminism, cultural messaging and beliefs to inter-generational experiences and their impacts on your life. Even though this all sounds serious, I can promise you there will always be room for laughter and fun.
cheering forAny live sport. My favourite team is the all Blacks rugby team from New Zealand.
readingSelf-Help Books written by fierce, intelligent women who own the power of their voice.
listening toLots of old School 90’s music - soulful R&B tunes and top 40 playlists on Spotify.
drinkingCups of tea on repeat - I have a long customization request at Starbucks…sorry baristas!
watchingReality TV shows or intellectually engaging docuseries - no in-between.
Thoughts
on being a BIPOC therapist
Being part of a minority group is who I am. It's the first thing people notice and how they make sense of me. Although this has brought me amazing experiences, it has also brought many personal challenges.
My experience as a minority, first generation Canadian has profoundly shaped how I understand the world and my place in it. Because of this, I understand the experience of living in two cultures: one inside the home and the other outside. I also understand that stigmas, cultural norms, and unspoken dynamics can be huge barriers for BIPOC clients, and that is why I am motivated to meet the mental health needs of the BIPOC community.
As BIPOC, our common experiences allow us to bond deeply with an unspoken understanding that builds trust. You won’t need to explain your BIPOC experiences to the same degree as you would to a non BIPOC therapist. In a small way I reflect your identity; together we can validate the impact of race across lived experiences and effectively heal racial and intergenerational trauma.
I am proud of who I am and of all the experiences that have led me to feel secure in this skin and I would love for you to feel the same.
To all my clients, I see you and hear you. I am always humbled that you have chosen to share your inner most vulnerabilities and trust me through your therapeutic work.My approach
I approach my work through understanding and empowering my clients. Our sessions are a safe space where you may control the information that is shared and the direction of our work. I have training in various psychotherapy models and treatment approaches however all my work is approached from a trauma informed, inclusive, and somatic attachment therapy lens.
I hold dear the Adlerian approach; a focus on the individual, their sense of belonging, and how their perspective about themselves, their relationships and the world impact their daily life. Words from a friend
When I was asked if I could write something for Rita's website, I was both honored and terrified. How do you write a paragraph which encompasses all of the amazing Rita is - as a person, a friend, a mother, a therapist, a human...I can't. I have been lucky enough to know and love Rita since we met at the watertable in Kindergarten; even as a 6 year old, she had this innate ability to connect with others and make them feel comfortable and safe - the beginning of a lifelong friendship.
I have witnessed her grow from a loving prankster with a beautiful voice and an unmatched sense of humor, to a champion for justice, dedicating her life to improving her community, advocating for essential human rights for all, supporting the people she loves with every ounce of her being, and giving that level of dedication to her professional work. Rita is smart and compassionate, with a drive to change this world. She is confident and self-assured, yet humble with an understanding that she can always learn and continue to grow.My definition of a friend: "A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow". Rita is the epitome of a friend, but the characteristics she embodies as a friend are the fundamental traits I would want in a therapist. While I can never experience Rita as a practitioner, having known her for 32 years allows me the unique insight into knowing that the person she is is a person who makes an impact in the lives of everyone she meets, and she'll continue to do so whether it be professionally or personally - she is a force for good, and it's been a privilege for me to know her.
My favourite books
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How it Can Help you Find and Keep Love - Levine and Heller
The Set Boundaries Workbook: Practical Exercises for Understanding your Needs and Setting Healthy Limits - Nedra Cloger Tawwab
Come As You Are - Emily Nagoski
When the Body Says No - Gabor Mate
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook - Neff/Germer
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who you Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are – Brené Brown
I thought it was Just Me (But it isn’t) - Brene Brown
Beyond Beautiful: A Practical Guide to Being Happy, Confident, and You in a Looks-Obsessed World – Anuschka Rees
Bearing the Unbearable - Joanna Cacciatore
I will work to help you reconnect with yourself, allowing you to gain a better understanding of your needs.I will teach you how to regulate your emotions and reorganize traumatic events into manageable ones.I will help you develop skills required to improve your relationships with self and others.