Anna Ryder, MA Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Areas of Practice:

  • Neurodivergent (ASD, AuDHD, ADHD)
  • ODD and OCD
  • Youth (10 years old +)
  • Education and Learning disabilities
  • Behavioural Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Life Transitions
  • Anxiety and Stress
  • Depression
  • Parenting
  • And more…

Availability:

Anna is currently accepting new clients

 

elephant

Anna Ryder, MA

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

I deeply appreciate the opportunity to support people in learning about themselves, their strengths and ways to self-advocate in order to be able to meet their needs and goals.  Working in special education has given me strategies and abilities to work with individuals addressing anxiety, school and peer-related issues, self-esteem, and executive functioning challenges. 
 
In my work and personal life, I continue to learn about neurodivergence including ADHD, ASD and LD, in addition to Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  I am passionate about developing a safe environment that is built on trust, empathy, and understanding for children, teens and families to address their unique challenges and concerns. 

 

My goal as a therapist is to support clients in recognizing their strengths and capacities as well as identifying areas where they can personally grow and achieve their goals and feelings of happiness and well-being.

Associations/Education: 

Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO)

Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)

Masters in Counselling Psychology

Average Cost

$140 per session — sliding scale available

What are personal qualities are important for the job that you do? 

Open

Understanding

Curious

Humour

What is your personal mantra or favourite quote? 

“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, BUT you are WORTHY of love and belonging.” – Brene Brown

Therapeutic Approaches in my Counselling

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
  • Solution Focused Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Strength-Based Therapy
  • Somatic Therapy

Experience

  • 25 years as an alternative education teacher, working with teenagers and families
    coping with diverse mental health concerns, including ADHD, AuDHD, ASD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which connects to anxiety and depression, as well as cognitive disabilities.

Professional Associations

  • Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) – College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) License #15251
  • Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), Reg #440456

Education

Masters in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
Teaching Students with Communication Needs (Autism Spectrum Disorder), York University, 2020
Use and Knowledge of Assistive Technology in Special Education, Queens University, 2019
Special Education, Part 1 & 2 and Specialist, Queens & Brock University
Bachelor of Education, Junior/Intermediate Division, Brock University
BA with honours, Brock University

Professional Development

  • Sexual Abuse Program
  • ADHD Certification (ongoing)
  • Behaviour Management Systems Training 
  • Intensive Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Training
  • ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) Certification Course: Strength-Based Interventions to Thrive with ADHD from Childhood to Adulthood

Are you curious about Anna?

Becoming a therapist is a natural progression from my work as a special education teacher where I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges and struggles my students and their families experience.

I find inspiration by taking time to immerse myself in new situations and visiting new places because it helps me to keep learning about the world around me. I also find inspiration in sitting amongst the vineyards in my area while taking a break from a bike ride, listening to the sounds around me and taking in the air.

To keep myself healthy I focus on connecting with my people and keeping physically active. I make sure to set times to connect with family and friends and book my physical activities like they are appointments to ensure they do not get neglected. A third thing I do is make sure to engage in things “just because” at least once a week. It can be easy to keep working through things on ‘the list’ when life is busy an I have learned it is healthy to paint or sew or take time outside because it is what I would like to do for myself at the moment.

Some of my favourite things to do are work in my garden, ride my motorcycle and enjoy a meal with friends or family. On grey or rainy days, I love to curl up with my kittens, a good book and a cup of tea.

Why would a potential client come to Kindred Hope?

Kindred Hope Wellness is a team of passionate individuals with diverse strengths and approaches to working with clients. A client has the opportunity to take advantage of an eclectic set of experiences and techniques to find the best fit for them as they begin their wellness journey.

What are you biggest interests that show a bit about you?

My family and friends enjoy playing board games and food as a way to connect, relax and laugh together. Muay Thai is my chosen form of fitness because it helps me to take time to be mindfully present in one activity. I also love the peace and beauty of riding my motorcycle where I can connect with nature while moving.