In person in Kitchener-Waterloo · online across Ontario
Ann Dyduch
Registered Psychotherapist · BRE · MA · RP
- Couples & Individuals
- English
Support for Anxiety, Grief and loss, Separation & Divorce, Women's Issues and 2 more ↓
Areas of focus
If what you are carrying is not listed, it is still worth a conversation.
Also works with Aging couples, Career change development, Caregiver stress, Communication, End of life care, Forgiveness, Health wellness, Immigration adjustment cultural adjustments, Life review, Life transitions, Missionaries, Multicultural issues, Pastoral / ministry care, Professional burnout, Relationships dating, Return to work, Self-esteem, Stress management, Trust issues, University students and Workplace issues.
In Ann's words
I am passionate about clients living meaningful lives with themselves and with those around them from a place of wholeness. Reality is, that we all face uncertainty, disappointment, and distress at one time or another. Amid challenges, we can lose our sense of self and feel misunderstood and alone, questioning if anyone really understands. However, sometimes it can be helpful to speak with a professional who can hear our story, extend compassion and support, and journey with us toward desired change.
Continue reading Ann's approach
For the past eight years, I have supported clients with their mental health concerns in hospital, hospice, and university settings, in addition to agency and private practice work. With a background in maternity and geriatric nursing and overseas intercultural work, I enjoy assisting clients from various walks of life, perspectives, and needs.
I believe in holistic therapy that addresses the mind, body, and soul of clients in the context of family and community. Because each client is unique, I draw from a wide range of therapy approaches tailored to individual needs and preferences. Clients have the option to integrate their faith as it relates to their mental health at their request. Therapy also provides an opportunity to foster self-discovery, develop coping strategies, build resiliency, and find greater meaning in day-to-day life.
Clients I meet with typically come to address the following concerns: relationships, stress, grief/loss, life transitions, caregiving, women’s issues, end of life, career/vocation, or faith concerns. These challenges may present in the client’s personal, family, social, work, and/or ministry relationships, throughout various ages and stages of life.
I recognize that taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating. However, you are here. If you are ready to take the next step, I would be happy to meet with you.
Background
Master of Arts, Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy
Registered with College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Qualifications & registrations
- Also holds
- 2 Basic Units – CASC – Pastoral Counselling Education Certificate; internship in a hospice centre; internship on a university campus; internship in a rehabilitation unit in a hospital
- Care of Others, Care for Ourselves – Certificate
- Complicated Grief and Trauma – Certificate
- Crisis Support in the Midst of Pandemic – Certificate
- Art-Based Counselling
- Compassion Fatigue: Caring for Ourselves While Caring for Others – Certificate
- Companioning Bereaved Parents – Certificate
- When Grief is Complicated – Certificate
- Bachelor of Religious Education
- Experience
- 8 years
- Also a member of
- College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) — inactive status
Trained in these approaches, drawn on depending on what each person needs, not a fixed formula.
- Attachment Therapy
- Christian Counselling
- CBT
- DBT
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Expressive Arts
- Grief Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
- Narrative Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
- Trauma Informed Therapy
- Spiritual Therapy
- Existential Therapy
- Exposure Therapy
- Family Attachment
- Gestalt Therapy
- Inner Child Work
- Logotherapy
Professional contributions
- Caregiver workshop for families and professionals
- Trauma and relationship repair presentation
- Mental health career opportunities panel discussion
A few questions, answered
From my mid-20s I felt drawn to help others. As a camp counsellor and young adult leader, I enjoyed spending time socializing with others and supporting them with their emotional and spiritual needs. I heard stories as a nurse from patients and families navigating health concerns and unexpected diagnoses, alongside celebrating joyous occasions. With an increased passion for caring for others on an interpersonal level, I decided to launch into a second career as a therapist.
One of my favorite things about being a therapist is knowing I am making a difference in the lives of others, like when clients say, “I’ve never told anyone this before.” It is an honour to be entrusted with personal stories.
I would inform clients that it is normal to feel stressed about starting therapy for all kinds of reasons and invite them to share their experiences. Discussing possible reasons clients sometimes feel reluctant to engage in therapy might be helpful. No doubt it feels vulnerable to talk about personal and sensitive topics with someone unfamiliar at first. Sometimes there is fear of the unknown or uncertainty about what pain or emotions might come up in therapy. I would commend clients for their courage to explore therapy as an option, reassure them of available services, and support them in their decision.
The only person we can change is ourselves.
In a supportive environment, children need to have their emotions acknowledged, and to learn healthy ways to express their feelings, so they can develop a sense of self and learn to cope with life’s challenges.
We all experience trauma, whether through threatening catastrophic events or accumulative distressing situations. The way each person experiences, responds to, and processes trauma is unique to them.
That I am “calm, patient, get them, don’t judge.”
Getting to know Ann
- What activity instantly calms you?
- Listening to instrumental music.
- What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
- “Don’t make another person’s emergency yours.”
- How do you enjoy spending your alone time?
- Reading a variety of genres, aqua fitness, trying new recipes, creative writing, brisk walks.
- Who has had the greatest influence in your life?
- A long-time friend and mentor.