Danielle Rider

RSW, MACP, RP (Q)

The most important element of Dorset Pier Mental Health is comfort; ensuring that you feel safe and supported is the top priority of our space.  One of the things that I have come to realize is that mental health services are often shrouded in mystery and designed in a way that sets the therapist up as ‘the expert’.  Being a good therapist, in my opinion, means that you are honoring that the client has the capacity within themselves to make change; the therapist’s job is to help them access this strength.  After working for a number of years in child welfare and crisis response, it became evident to me that access to mental health services continues to be a barrier for a number of people in our community.  Additionally, access to services specifically designed to maximize comfortability and offer alternative therapeutic interventions, such as animal therapy, was a missing piece altogether.

My passion is, and has always been, meaningful connection with people.  Being given the privilege to hear and share in someone’s story has always been the most impactful part of my previous jobs.  Too often we take the very act of sharing with one another for granted.  Recognizing this, I decided, years ago, that ‘one day’ I would take a leap of faith and create a space that would honor this; that day has come.

My focus lies in trauma work.  As a survivor myself, I know the power that can come with feeling heard, understood and validated; my hope is that you are able to feel these things when you access our space.

Since opening DPMH, I have been through a number of personal and professional transitions; I have learned a great deal about myself and feel even more passionate about what we are creating here than I did the day I opened the doors! I hope that DPMH can be a safe haven for you, and that we can support you in taking the (sometimes scary!) steps towards your own growth.

Designation: Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP), Registered Social Worker (RSW)

Theoretical Approach: Trauma focused, Narrative. Gottman, IFS, CBT, DBT, EFIT, Play-therapy Informed

Populations:  Individuals, Couples

Danielle is not currently taking clients