I’m Tracy Riley, a clinical and counselling psychologist with over 20 years of experience supporting thoughtful adults in navigating emotional and psychological concerns, life transitions, professional challenges, and the ongoing work of personal growth and meaningful change. I offer individual and group therapy to clients in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Yukon — either in person near Sydenham, Ontario or through secure video sessions.
At the heart of my work is a belief in your capacity to grow, heal, and create meaningful change — even when life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or stuck. Therapy with me is a collaborative process, grounded in presence, curiosity, and care.
My Approach
My approach to therapy is evidence-informed, client-centered, and integrative. I draw primarily from cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT), including Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, and Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy.
These practices support emotional resilience, self-understanding, and values-based change while also making space for compassion, flexibility, and connection to what matters most. Whether we’re working with personal challenges, professional growth, or the intersection of both, these approaches help you develop practical skills while exploring the deeper patterns that create lasting change.
I see people as living systems shaped by many interconnected influences, both internal and external. This perspective invites curiosity, compassion, and flexibility as we work together to understand what’s happening and what might help. We can’t always shift everything at once. But often, we can gently tend to part of the system—a habit, a pattern of thought, a way of responding to stress—and that can open up possibilities elsewhere, too. Sometimes developing greater self-awareness helps you become a more thoughtful leader, or learning to manage anxiety allows you to show up more fully in your relationships and work.
We’ll work together in a way that’s responsive to your unique needs, preferences, and hopes for growth. Over many years, I’ve been deeply engaged in training and practice in mindful, compassion-based approaches. This continues to shape how I show up in the therapy space — with gentleness, attunement, and respect for your lived experience.
Who I Work With
I work with thoughtful, reflective adults (18+) navigating a range of experiences, including:
- Anxiety, overwhelm, and stress that interferes with your sense of peace, relationships, or ability to pursue what matters to you, where we work together to develop the inner calm, clarity, and courage that allows you to live more fully and intentionally
- Chronic self-criticism that creates suffering and gets in the way of the life and connections you want, where we explore how to cultivate the self-kindness and understanding that allows you to move toward what truly matters to you
- Grief, loss, and life transitions where we work together to help you move forward with intention and self-compassion rather than just getting through, finding your own way of processing what’s been while embracing what’s possible
- Complex family or work dynamics with many layers, where we work together to explore ways of navigating that feel thoughtful and align with your own sense of integrity, even when there’s no simple solution
- Leadership and professional growth where you want to cultivate the emotional intelligence, courage, clarity, and self-awareness that allows you to lead, collaborate, and work with others with wisdom and care
- A desire for personal growth that goes beyond quick fixes to genuine self-understanding and becoming the kind of person, partner, leader, or community member you want to be
- Health challenges or chronic conditions where we work together to explore ways of supporting your well-being and living as fully as possible, finding what helps you take care of yourself and stay connected to what matters to you
Whether you’re moving through a specific challenge, seeking personal growth, or developing your capacity as a leader and contributor, my role is to walk alongside you with presence, skill, and care.
Professional Background
I’m registered as a psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and fulfilled additional registration requirements through coursework, supervised practice, and other structured learning experiences. Over the past two decades, I’ve worked in private practice and university settings. Earlier in my training, I also gained experience in a community-based clinic.
I’m committed to providing ethical, trauma-aware, and culturally sensitive care — care that honours your autonomy, your readiness for change, and the depth of your experience.
To support thoughtful, high-quality practice, I continue to engage in professional development and clinical peer mentorship.
A Practice Rooted in Presence
My in-person practice is located just outside of Sydenham, Ontario, on a quiet, nature-focused property that offers a tranquil setting for therapeutic work. I also offer secure video therapy for clients located across Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Yukon — making therapy accessible and adaptable to your needs.
Therapy can be a powerful and restorative space, one where change happens not through pressure or fixing, but through slowing down, tuning in, and reconnecting with what truly matters.
Let’s Connect
If what you’ve read here resonates with you and you’re thoughtfully considering starting therapy, I welcome you to reach out. You can contact me by email with questions about my approach, fees, or availability, or to schedule a first session if you feel ready to begin. I also offer a brief, 10-minute phone call if you’d prefer to have a conversation about whether this approach feels like a good fit for what you’re seeking. You’re also welcome to take your time exploring my website and services before deciding whether to connect.