Meet The Waters Psychotherapy Team
Ryley Contois
Registered Psychotherapist
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (Individual)
Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP)
I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced relational trauma or traumatic incidents. I approach therapy with a trauma-focused and non-pathologizing perspective. My practice is influenced mainly by integrative somatic therapy, person-centered therapy, and internal family systems therapy. The foundation of my work is the belief that healing comes when you are able to connect your behaviours, your emotions, your experiences, your thoughts and your body. The primary focus of my practice is helping you figure out the "why" of your current experiences rather than trying to define the "what." My priority in the therapeutic environment is to hold space where you feel safe, supported, accepted and respected.
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Since 2014 I have worked at a forensic maximum secure mental health hospital providing Recreation Therapy. Through this work I developed a passion for listening to people's stories and helping them heal through meaningful activities. In 2019 I enrolled in my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Degree at Yorkville University to learn how to better support people in processing their traumatic experiences and working towards healing. I began my practicum in September 2022, and have been practicing psychotherapy since this time. I began my private practice in June of 2023, and graduated from Yorkville University in August of 2023.
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An incredibly important component of my practice as a psychotherapist is continuing education. I am constantly reading books and taking trainings. This allows me to stay up to date on best practices, as well as furthers my knowledge and understanding of the various ways trauma can impact you.
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Formal Education
General Arts and Science Certificate, Niagara College (2013)
Recreation and Leisure Services Diploma, Georgian College (2015)
Honours Bachelor Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Seneca College (2020)
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with distinction, Yorkville University (2023)
Continuing Education
Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2021)
Standard Approach to Concurrent Capable Practices, Alberta Health Services (2021)
Standard Approach to Concurrent Capable Practices, Alberta Health Services (2022)
Internal Family Systems Therapy: Step-by-Step procedures for healing traumatic wounds, PESI (2023)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Group Training, DBT House (2023)
Level 1: Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice, Holistic Healing Trauma (2023)
IFS Online Circle, IFS Institute (2023)
Indigenous Canada, University of Alberta (2024)
Anxious Grief: Strategies for Working with the Missing Stage of Grief Training, PESI (2024)
35th Annual Boston International Trauma Conference (2024)
ACT: An Adoption and Permanency Curriculum for Child Welfare and Mental Health Professionals, Adoption Counsel of Ontario (2024)
Guiding Women Through Postpartum Depression, Perinatal Loss & Grief, PMDD & More, PESI (2025)
Shayesteh Zarieh
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Offering services in English, Farsi/Persian and Dari
As a mental health counsellor, I am dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward self-awareness and positive change. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, career uncertainty, or navigating the challenges of resettlement, I provide a compassionate and supportive space to help you grow and thrive.
I specialize in psychodynamic therapy - in simple terms, this approach explores patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors rooted in childhood and past experiences. By uncovering these deeper influences, we can foster insight, create meaningful change, and develop effective strategies to navigate life’s complexities.
Over the past 8 years, I have worked with diverse client groups, including young adults, newcomers, immigrants, and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of resettlement, life transitions, and developing effective coping strategies. My goal is to empower you to explore your experiences, understand yourself more deeply, and move toward a life of balance and fulfillment.
Formal Education
Bachelor of Science (Specialization in Psychology), York University (2016)
Clinical Hypnosis for Clients and Groups, University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (2018)
Bachelor of Health Studies (Health and Policy Management, York University (2019)
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Toronto Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis (2023)
Continuing Education
U-First! Dementia Care Training for Healthcare Professionals, Alzheimer Society of Toronto (2016)
SafeTALK Suicide Awareness Training (2017)
Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Training, CAMH (2017)
Mental Health Fist Aid (2017)
Employment Services for Settlement Workers, OCASI (2018)
Evidence- Based Training MindWell for Healthcare Workers, (2023)
Transforming Trauma with Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, PESI (2024)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certification Training, PESI (In progress)
ACT for PTSD, Anxiety, Depression & Personality Disorders, PESI (In progress)
(705) 427-0025