Emma DeRaaf, (B.A.) Psychology

Emma Vanderkruk

 Offices: Oakville, Hamilton

 Specializations: Child & Adolescent; Individual; Addiction; Depression/Anxiety; Christian Counselling

When I was a little girl, I had a tough day. Then I had another. And another. At first, I thought they were nothing. Then, suddenly, they were everything. It wasn’t until I reached out to my guidance counsellor that I realized how much I wanted, and needed, help. Some time later, when the tough days were becoming increasingly rare, I was able to recognize that the counsellor to whom I had been referred had saved my life. More than that, I knew that if I wanted to feel accomplished in this life, I would use my own experiences with depression and anxiety in order to help those who came after me.

 I have spent years studying counselling and working within the mental health and addictions fields and while my experiences have helped teach me and change me, the one thing they have not changed is my desire to work with and support individuals. Working with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Brescia University College and a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, my counselling focus often reflects the beginning of my own journey as I seek to support children and adolescents who may be experiencing their own string of tough days. In this way, I strive to make individuals feel safe as they share their stories, so that we can work together to identify and build on the skills and qualities they already have to overcome their struggles. Though I do most of my work in cognitive behavioural therapy and narrative therapy, I also have experience with and enjoy working with exposure therapy, attachment therapy, family systems therapy and Christian therapy. 

 If you are experiencing your own struggles, I would love to meet you and work with you so that you can overcome the struggles that are so uniquely yours. Hope to hear from you soon!