Meet Nina
I find myself at a point in my life and career where I can see the common thread woven through my various occupations, volunteer roles, and creative outlets. Through self-reflection, I have recognized that I have filled my life with helping people. It is present in my professional choices, creative endeavours, and life history.
Professionally, these interests led me to a variety of roles. I have worked as a research coordinator in a lab studying bullying. I gained new learning as an educator in supporting refugee students with traumatic histories. I created support systems for adolescent and teenage students suffering from mental health and behavioural struggles. I furthered my knowledge to become a special education specialist to help parents navigate their children's schooling system. Personally, I have found myself navigating a new-found life as a single mother and have become a support system for other single, middle-aged women working through relationship challenges. Creatively, I found art and writing as an outlet for my recovery from a traumatic injury.
The thread woven throughout this story is my genuine interest in finding contentment for myself and for others.
Nina Waddington, MACP (in progress) (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
And so, in May 2022, I started my journey of completing my Masters in Counselling Psychology. I am thrilled to be practicing as a therapy intern under the mentorship of Shari Lecker, Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, through a post-modern narrative lens, continuing to guide others to find their own way toward wellness.
I am a mother of two adult daughters and a new mom to a pointer puppy. Art, writing, tea, and time in nature are a few of my favourite things.
Let's talk.
My approach to therapy.
The truth is, you have all the skills you need to find contentment. However, there are some moments when we can barely tread water. Your calm might be lost, and some collaborative support is needed to rebuild and rediscover routes through those challenges.
In an inclusive, compassionate environment, you'll feel empowered with me as your ever-present, respectful, and reliable guide in your journey. I prefer to accompany you, helping you visualize where you are while plotting various trails forward with purpose. Using a humanistic, person-centred, strength-based approach, you'll learn to rebuild a healthy sense of agency through authentic, consistent, ongoing support.
My learning is lifelong. As I pursue my training and beyond, I will continue to learn and build upon the theories and modalities that align with me and that work well for my clients. My approach is culturally and trauma-informed and pulls from Narrative Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, and Mindfulness-Based. Some of my areas of interest are stress, trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, and grief.
Reaching out can be difficult. I hope to support you on the rest of your journey.
Nina's Credentials and Professional Associations
*Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA in progress) - Yorkville University
*Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying #15656) - College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
*Student Member - CCPA - Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
*Certified Teacher - Ontario College of Teachers (#575516)
*Bachelor of Education - Brock University - Special Education Specialist
*Bachelor of Arts - Honours Creative Writing - York University
