About me
ABOUT ME
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.
I am a mom, wife and nurse psychotherapist! I offer support in perinatal mental health and to couples looking to improve their relationship.
As a mom of 3 amazing kids, I understand the absolute gratefulness that comes from having children. I also understand how challenging it can be sometimes. I understand the loss of your sense of self, while simultaneously feeling like you are growing into who you are meant to be. My goal is to create a safe space for women to share how they are feeling, understand the reasoning behind these feelings and help in developing strategies to cope. I also love some good mom humour. There will be Bluey memes.
As a wife, I understand that relationships can be hard. Adding in fertility issues, having babies and adjusting to parenthood can create a disconnect from your partner and increase conflict. Conflict is inevitable, my goal is to help couples create appropriate interventions for these issues.
As a nurse, I have primarily worked in women’s health. I have experience in postpartum care, obstetrics & gynaecology clinics and the women’s clinic (now known as Lakeside Clinic). It was my passion for women’s health that inspired me to expand on my nursing knowledge and gain additional education to be able to provide psychotherapy in perinatal mental health. I am able to understand the medical complexities such as infertility, miscarriage, termination and the postpartum period. while also using psychotherapy techniques to help you work through the emotional aspects.
As a nurse psychotherapist, my approach to therapy is client-centred and integrative. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health through the Postpartum Support International. I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy. I believe in research-based methods and aim to apply this to my practice. I have level 1 and level 2 training in The Gottman Method which is a scientific-based approach to couples counselling. I infuse this method with components of Emotionally Focused Therapy to provide couples with the tools needed to repair their relationship and refrain from falling back into the same negative patterns. In addition, I help work with couples to heal after an affair or betrayal. I have taken additional training in Treating Trauma & Affairs from the Gottman Institute and work with the couple to repair and rebuild a stronger relationship.
I am also a Bringing Baby Home Educator through the Gottman Institute. I understand that relationship dynamics/needs change after welcoming a baby to the family. I teach couples about the transition into parenthood and provide the skills to maintain a happy and healthy relationship during this amazing, but challenging, time in their lives.
I strive to offer a non-judgemental, compassionate and supportive space where you can be honest and be yourself.
If any of this resonates with you, please reach out or book an appointment now.
Email me at:
sarah@evolvetherapykingston.com
Sarah Ryce
RN Psychotherapist, BScN, PMH-C
Education And qualifications
- Bachelors of Science in Nursing (2024)
- Arts & Science Diploma (2021)
- Registered Practical Nursing Diploma (2016)
- Health Science for Nursing Diploma (2013)
- Perinatal Mental Health Certified through Postpartum Support International
- Postpartum Support International Components of Care Training
- Postpartum Support International Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy
- Perinatal Grief & Loss: Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings
- Internal Family Systems for Perinatal Population: Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings
- Level 1 & Level 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Treating Affairs and Trauma training from The Gottman Institute
- Bringing Baby Home Educator from The Gottman Institute
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Essentials: Association for Psychological Therapies
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Essentials: Association for Psychological Therapies
Services
Areas I offer Support in:
For couples
Whether it be a breakdown of communication, a betrayal of trust or an increase in conflict, couples counselling can help. As a nurse, I believe in using research-based techniques. I primarily use The Gottman Method in Couples Counselling. This method includes over 40 years of research focused on studying the dynamics of successful relationships. We will work to strengthen your relationship by developing strategies to improve communication, conflict resolution, and deepen emotional connection. I also use elements of EFT to build emotional bonds and help couples identify and understand their attachment patterns.
couples counselling
I aim to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore and process their past trauma. We work to understand the impact of trauma on their relationship, identify triggers and develop strategies to rebuild trust, foster emotional safety, and promote healing.
Affairs lead to a complete breakdown of the whole relationship. Trust is shattered and emotional bonds are strained. We will work together to repair and rebuild your relationship.
Trauma & Affairs
Bringing baby home
Bringing a baby home is a significant life transition that can have a profound impact on a couple's relationship. We will work on strategies to help couples navigate this transition successfully and maintain a strong and loving bond while adjusting to the demands of parenting. Areas of focus will include strengthening your friendship, communication skills, responsibility sharing, intimacy and managing conflict. Whether you are currently expecting or already have children, couples counselling can be very beneficial.
for women
Whether it be a difficult infertility journey, miscarriage or infant loss, we will work together to develop strategies to cope with unimaginable grief and loss.
reproductive trauma
Birth trauma
Perinatal mental health
Perinatal mental health refers to mental well-being during the prenatal and postnatal periods of pregnancy. This can include pregnancy anxiety, postpartum blues or postpartum depression. We will work together to assess how you are feeling and work on strategies to improve your mental health.
Together we will explore targeted techniques for helping you process and move past difficulties and grief-filled experiences around your birth story.
f.a.q
Any unanswered questions?
Please send an email to
sarah@evolvetherapykingston.com
Unsure if therapy with me is right for you? Book a free consultation to discuss any hesitations you might have!
What is a Nurse Psychotherapist?
Under the Regulated Health Professionals Act (RHPA), 6 Colleges, including The College of Nurses (CNO), can perform the act of psychotherapy. In Ontario, all nurses who are registered and in good standing with the CNO can perform the act of psychotherapy. The CNO requires that nurses obtain knowledge, skill and judgment to competently practice psychotherapy. It is up to the individual nurse to assess their learning needs and develop a plan of action. This looks different for every nurse depending on the areas that they are planning to focus. For me, my focus is on couples counselling and perinatal mental health. I completed courses through the Gottman Institute and developed my skills around Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which are both often referred to as the gold standard for relationship counselling. I have expanded my knowledge in perinatal mental health with various courses in this area, as well as working on my Canadian Certification of Perinatal Mental Health Trainings.
If you want to learn more, please follow the link below to an article about nurse psychotherapy written by a wonderful fellow nurse psychotherapist!
What is your approach to psychotherapy?
I approach psychotherapy sessions similarly to how I approach nursing. I believe in integrated person-centred care. During our initial assessment, we will explore your needs and develop a plan. For couples, I strongly believe in The Gottman Method with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) integrated in. I will also use other techniques I may find beneficial to your certain situation. For individual therapy, the modalities I focus on are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). For more on these therapy approaches, please click here.
Is Nurse Psychotherapy covered by insurance benefits?
Some insurance providers do cover nurse psychotherapy services under their extended benefits. I encourage you to reach out to your provider to assess your coverage. Some insurance companies do not yet cover psychotherapy from a nurse- there is a large community of nurses advocating for change in this area! Private psychotherapy is not covered under OHIP. I do not offer direct billing at this time. Once you have paid for your session, I will provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
What is your cancellation policy?
Life is busy. I get it. If you need to cancel an appointment, I ask that you provide 24hrs notice. If cancelled within this time no cancellation fee will apply. Any cancellations without 24hrs notice or missed appointments will incur a fee of 50% of your appointment cost. Thank you for understanding this policy as it ensures commitment to appointments and allows others to fill appointment spots if available.
What if I/We cannot afford Counselling?
If you are worried about financial strain from counselling, please reach out. I have limited sliding scale appointments offered virtually.
Do you only see perinatal/women's health clients and couples?
As of right now I only have availability for these clients. I believe in finding a therapist who has extra education and an interest in the concerns you are experiencing. If I feel as if I am not the right therapist for you, I will be honest with you and assist you i finding someone who fits your needs.
How are your services offered?
I offer both virtual and in person appointments.
Virtual appointments are offered to anyone residing in Ontario. If you do not see a time that fits your schedule, please reach out to me directly. I have some flexibility to offer out of schedule appointments virtually.
In person appointments are booked locally in Kingston. I work out of Wellness Within Therapy and Counselling located at 1111 #3 Princesses St (located inside King’s Town Chiropractic.)
How much are your services?
Perinatal Counselling Sessions:
60 minutes- $130
90 minutes- $180
Couples Counselling Sessions:
60 minutes- $160
90 minutes- $225
120 minutes- $280
*Please note- nurse psychotherapists do not charge HST.
Any other questions? Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Nurse Psychotherapy
resources
LOCAL NURSES
Christie is a RPN-IBCLC located locally in Kingston, ON.
She is very excited to be offering feeding support in Kingston & surrounding areas. She is dedicated to providing kind and empathetic support to parents in a judgment-free safe space. She is here to help support your feeding goal.
Stephanie helps support families from pregnancy and beyond. She specializes in prenatal education, feeding support, and sleep training.
Rebel Mama is locally owned by a Nurse & Lactation Consultant. Rebel Mama is an official Medela Retailer. You can purchase or rent Medela Breast Pumps. Open 7 days a week offering in-home breast pump set up & education!
websites
Bereaved Families of Ontario- Kingston Region:
https://bfo-kingston.ca
Canadian Women Foundation:
https://canadianwomen.org/support-services/
Healthy Babies Healthy Children:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/healthy-babies-healthy-children-program
Healthy Parents Healthy Children:
https://www.healthyparentshealthychildren.ca
KFL&A Public Health:
https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/perinatal-mood-disorder.aspx
Postpartum Support International:
https://www.postpartum.net
Talk Suicide:
https://talksuicide.ca
PHONE
211 Ontario:
Call 211 to connect to local social supports
PSI HelpLine:
1-800-944-4773 (Call or Text "Help") for postpartum support
Talk Suicide:
1-833-456-4566 (Call 24/7)
45645 (Text 4pm-midnight)
book now
Evolve Therapy & Counselling works out of Wellness Within which is a Therapy & Counselling service located in Kingston, ON.
I am so fortunate to work alongside Kyla (owner) who is an experienced Social Worker serving teens and families in the Kingston community. She is also passionate about facilitating workshops focused on mamas transitioning into motherhood or for those just needing some help managing the postpartum experience.
To book an appointment with me, simply follow the booking link below or send me an email at Sarah@evolvetherapykingston.com.
If you do not see an appointment time that works for you, please reach out directly to book, as I have some availability outside of my set schedule.
