“The attempt to escape from pain, is what creates more pain. Not all addictions are rooted in abuse or trauma, but I do believe they can all be traced to painful experience. A hurt is at the center of all addictive behaviours.”
“Some days, you just can’t get rid of a bomb!”
“Don’t Panic.”
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
“We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.”
“Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.”
“It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.”
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”
“Love felt by the parent does not automatically translate into love experienced by the child.”
“Fear is wisdom in the face of danger. It is nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don’t think. Use your instincts.”
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.”
“No matter where you go, there you are.”
“Our successes and failures come and go—they neither define us nor do they determine our worthiness.”
“Goonies never say die.”
“The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.”
“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.”
“A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.”
“The more we trust, the farther we are able to venture.”
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
“I was born to make mistakes, not to fake perfection.”
“It takes two people to create a pattern, but only one to change it.”
About Stride
Stride Counselling Services offers compassionate and client-centered psychotherapy, committed to helping individuals navigate the ups and downs of their personal journeys. Embracing the belief that therapy is a transformative voyage rather than a mere quick fix, Stride Counselling takes pride in accompanying clients every step of the way. Our philosophy rests on the principle that everyone possesses the inherent strength and resilience to move upwards and onwards through life’s challenges, towards their goals.
At Stride, you are the expert on you. We will meet you where you’re at, create a plan that works for your individual journey regardless of orientation, faith, or gender. Your path is the right path, and our job is to help you get where you want to go.
We offer the option to meet clients at public parks or neighbourhoods and conduct sessions over a walk. Nature lovers often find this method of therapy additionally helpful, as walking provides built-in opportunities to reflect and become more mindful. Additionally, experiencing nature has positive effects on our mental and physical health; time outside promotes healing and reduces stress. By becoming more connected to nature, people can be more connected to being present in their own bodies, away from distractions.
With a philosophy rooted in empowerment, empathy, and non-judgement, our mission is to create a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their emotions, gain self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies. By fostering self-awareness, resilience, and positive change, Stride Counselling will walk alongside to help clients overcome challenges, unlock their potential, and take meaningful strides towards personal well-being and a more fulfilling life.
Nate Venema
Owner/Operator (he/him)
MEd, OCT, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker,
Clinical Counsellor
Nate Venema
Owner/Operator (he/him)
Nate is a Registered Social Worker and virtual counselor based in Ontario, Canada. He has an educational background that includes a Bachelor of Psychology, a Master of Education, and a Master of Social Work. With over 25 years of experience in social services, teaching, and counseling, along with a rich history of working with diverse populations and communities, Nate brings a wealth of experiences and training to support you on your journey.
Nate has worked in a variety of settings with a variety of clients, using both long-term and brief interventions. He is well-versed in multiple therapeutic modalities, such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, suicide and crisis de-escalation, and trauma-informed care. It is not uncommon for individuals facing life stressors or trauma to stumble, become immobilized, and unravel. Driven by a passion for supporting neurodiversity, Nate creates an environment of empathy, humor, and encouragement to help you or your family overcome challenges, move forward and thrive.
Amidst the changes that happen as families grow and develop over the years, Nate is there to assist with these transitions. He provides strength-based therapy services tailored to children, young adults, individuals, couples, and families, utilizing an anti-oppressive, integrated approach that caters to the unique needs of each new client.
Change can happen when people are given the support they need to draw on their own strengths, and to realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy lives. Nate approaches therapy as a collaborative and dynamic healing process, and will walk alongside you on your path toward your goals. When you feel ready, you are invited to contact him for a free consultation.
Specialties
See if we are the right fit for you.
Our areas of expertise include:
- Anxiety and Depression (including issues related to addiction and trauma)
- Supporting adults and teens (of all backgrounds, religions, genders) with anger, emotional dysregulation, and a negative experience to treatments tried in the past
- Relationships transitions and conflict including couples counselling and parenting supports
- Life stresses, phase-of-life transitions, grief & loss
- Children & adolescents with behavioural issues, mood and emotional regulation challenges
- Academic & Neurodevelopmental issues including ADHD & ASD
Treatment Approach
View our therapeutic techniques.
“Nate has been an extremely skilled and knowledgeable counsellor while also being very humble and flexible with my individual needs. Nate meets me at my level during our sessions and I feel like he is curious about my story and ready to walk with me. After sessions with Nate I’ve noticed a big boost in my mental wellbeing and my relationships have improved overall.”
“I have tried many different therapists and mental health resources and I can confidently say that Nate has made the greatest positive impact on my mental well-being. Nate truly cares about his patients and is incredibly supportive and encouraging. Nate has a wealth of knowledge about different techniques, therapies, and solutions for many different mental health issues. Nate provides scientific education and theoretical therapeutic approaches to problems as well as concrete tips and tricks for daily life that can greatly improve your way of living. I have recommended Nate to many of my friends who have been struggling, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for excellent counselling.”
“Nate has walked beside me through one of the toughest seasons of my life; in moments where I have felt very lost, he has been a grounding presence. You will not meet a more genuine, authentic, down-to-earth therapist than this man. He is able to recognize unhelpful thought patterns that I get stuck in, and support me in figuring out how to shift them. I would recommend him to anyone looking to gain clarity or create meaningful change in their life.”
Fees
15 Minute new client consultations – FREE
In-Person / Walk & Talk
- Individual (50 – 80min slots): $145 – $190
- Couples (50 – 80min slots): $160 – $205
- Family (50 – 80min slots): $180 – $225
Telehealth
- Individual (50 – 80min slots): $125 – $170
- Couples (50 – 80min slot): $140 – $185
- Family (50 – 80min slots): $160 – $205
Most benefit providers cover Registered Social Workers. If your Insurance provider does not cover my services, please contact us to discuss alternate options. Receipts are provided and can be claimed as a medical expense on your income taxes.
Rates can be offered on a sliding scale for affordability as needed. Sliding Scale Therapy is available for both In-Person and Telehealth sessions. Please contact us to discuss this option.
Contact
Let us help you on your quest.