“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
“It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.”
“We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.”
“Don’t Panic.”
“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.”
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
“Love felt by the parent does not automatically translate into love experienced by the child.”
“Goonies never say die.”
“It takes two people to create a pattern, but only one to change it.”
“Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don’t think. Use your instincts.”
“The more we trust, the farther we are able to venture.”
“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.”
“Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.”
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
“A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.”
“Fear is wisdom in the face of danger. It is nothing to be ashamed of.”
“The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.”
“I was born to make mistakes, not to fake perfection.”
“Some days, you just can’t get rid of a bomb!”
“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.”
“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.”
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”
About Stride
Stride Counselling offers practical, compassionate psychotherapy for people navigating anxiety, ADHD, depression, parenting stress, separation/divorce, trauma, burnout, and major life transitions.
Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. Some are parents trying to stay grounded through family change. Some are men who have spent years “just pushing through.” Others are adults recognizing ADHD or executive functioning challenges and wanting tools that actually fit real life.
At Stride, therapy is collaborative, respectful, and practical. We work together to better understand what is happening, identify patterns that are no longer serving you, and build realistic next steps toward a more grounded and meaningful life.
Nate Venema
Owner/Operator (he/him)
MEd, OCT, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker,
Clinical Counsellor
Nate Venema
Owner/Operator (he/him)
I’m Nate Venema, a Registered Social Worker and therapist with over 25 years of experience in counselling, education, social services, and community support.
My background includes counselling students at Brock University and Niagara College, working in addictions services, supporting youth transitioning out of incarceration in Grand Rapids, teaching in challenging school settings in Michigan, and teaching internationally in Nigeria. These experiences have shaped my practical, grounded, and compassionate approach to therapy.
I work with adults, young adults, parents, and men navigating ADHD and executive functioning challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting stress, separation and divorce, burnout, career uncertainty, and major life transitions.
I have a particular interest in supporting people who may not typically see themselves as “therapy people” — including men, fathers, students, professionals, tradespeople, veterans, and adults who are trying to keep life together while feeling overwhelmed inside.
I am also working toward formal certification as an ADHD Executive Functioning Coach, which reflects my growing focus on helping clients with organization, follow-through, emotional regulation, procrastination, overwhelm, and life-management systems.
My approach draws from CBT, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, strengths-based therapy, and practical coaching strategies. I aim to provide a space that is warm, honest, humorous when helpful, and focused on meaningful change.
Specialties
See if we are the right fit for you.
Primary Areas of Focus
- Men’s mental health
- ADHD & executive functioning
- Anxiety, depression & burnout
- Separation, divorce & life transitions
- Parenting after separation/divorce
- Trauma, stress & emotional regulation
- University/college students and young adults
Additional Support
- Veterans and military-connected clients
- Addiction recovery support
- Relationship stress
- Walk-and-talk therapy
- Couples/parenting communication support
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
Psychotherapy Services
Sessions are available in-person, virtually, or through walk-and-talk therapy throughout the Niagara Region.
Individual Psychotherapy
- 50-minute session: $175
- 80-minute session: $225
Couples & Family Therapy
- 50-minute session: $225
- 80-minute session: $300
Complimentary Consultations
- 15 -minute phone or virtual consultation: FREE
Insurance Coverage
Services provided by Registered Social Workers (RSW’s) are covered by most extended health benefit plans. Clients are responsible for verifying their own coverage. Receipts are provided following each session and may also qualify as medical expenses for income tax purposes.
Limited Sliding-Scale Availability
A limited number of reduced-fee appointments are reserved for individuals without extended health benefits or who are experiencing financial hardship. Please contact me to discuss availability.
Cancellation Policy
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be subject to the full session fee, except in cases of emergency or illness.
Contact
Let us help you on your quest.