Amanda Ojanpera (she/her)
B.A., MACP
Registered Psychotherapist

Independent Contractor

(905) 527 - 6337
amanda@everwellcounselling.ca

Availability

Amanda is currently accepting new clients

Amanda Ojanpera

Registered Psychotherapist

Are you looking for a therapist who is warm, open, and up-beat - with a sense of humour? Whether you are dealing with stress, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, family problems, LGBTQIA+ related concerns, ADHD, sexual issues or trauma, I can help. As a therapist, my goal is to create a safe, compassionate and welcoming space where you can grow, move towards your goals, gain hope, and find healthy balance in your life.

I aim to help you explore your concerns deeply, to thoroughly address them. I work from an integrative, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive framework that incorporates Narrative, Emotionally-Focused, Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioural approaches (DBT, ACT, CBT, Gottman), among others.

Most importantly, I know what it's like to be a client, and I know what it can take to heal. That lived experience means that as a therapist, I'm not just working from some abstract theoretical background. I've been there. When I tell you I believe that change is possible, it's because I've made change happen in my own life, and continue to. Therapy can be difficult and take longer than you might expect, but it is always worth the effort. As fellow humans, we can work together to help you get through life more easily, and to create a life that you want!

Q & A with Amanda

What made you decide to choose your role as a therapist?

“I wanted to help others as I was helped. I have done many years of personal therapy myself, and through that journey of healing I developed a deep interest for using my experiences of personal growth to help others on the same path.”

 

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about mental health?

“We can “think away" our problems quickly and easily, that personal/relational growth is linear, and you need to have “big” problems to seek help. Also the ideas that people are either mentally healthy, or mentally ill, with no in between, and that personal growth isn't possible as you get older.”

 

What do you like most about what you do?

"I deeply appreciate the honour of helping people to open-up, and make brave decisions to better their lives and relationships. Witnessing the intimacies and struggles of personal growth is a humbling and inspiring privilege.”

 

What do you value most in a client?

“Someone who shows up really wanting to feel better. This might sound obvious, but therapy only helps if you put in effort and embrace vulnerability”

What would you like a client to say about working with you?

“That I helped them to feel safe, respected and valued” 

What are your biggest professional challenges?

“Balancing the need to help people thoroughly, while still helping them efficiently. I want you to feel better as soon as possible, but not at the risk of neglecting certain aspects of your life and concerns.” 

What is your personal mantra or favourite quote?

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
— C.S. Lewis
 

Areas of Practice

  • Stress

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Relationship Concerns

  • Sexuality/Sex-Related concerns

  • ADHD

  • Individuals/Couples

  • Adolescents/Adults

 

Education / Accomplishments /Awards

  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Environmental Policy, University of Toronto

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University

  • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (Student Member)

  • College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

Average Cost 

  • $130.00 ( per session) - sliding scale available - Individual Therapy

  • $150.00 ( per session) - Couples Therapy

  • Check with your insurance provider for coverage opportunities

What personal qualities are important for the job that you do?

Openness
Authenticity
Warmth
Compassion
Non-judgment
Sense of Humour
Curiosity

Just for fun

Do you know any other languages?

“I speak conversational French, some Spanish, and limited German.”

Do you have a favourite season?

“ I love the spring when the lilacs are in bloom, the fall when the trees change colour, the winter when there's been a deep snowfall, and the summer for sitting out on patios, but my favourite time of year is when the mosquitoes aren't around!”

What is your favourite place to find inspiration?

“In the woods and fields on our family farm, or looking out over the water on a calm evening.”