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Welcome to
Shift Psychotherapy
I'm so glad you're here. My name is Janet Nielsen, and I'm a Registered Psychotherapist who supports individuals (and a limited number of couples) in person in Collingwood and virtually across Ontario. With warmth and empathy, my goal is to meet you where you are and support you through the process of expanding your awareness, connecting with your strengths and inner wisdom, and taking intentional action towards the growth and change you seek.
I leverage a variety of modalities in my work, including Psychodynamic exploration, Emotion-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies. I am trained in the Gottman and EFT approaches to couples therapy and have a particular interest in attachment theory and the connection between mental health and the nervous system.
I am a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and come to this work with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, and almost 20 years of lived experience in the communications field, where much of my work focused on human connection through the written word.
My practice is called Shift because that's exactly what I'm here to help you do; shift away from what's keeping you stuck and towards a life of awareness, connection, alignment and fulfillment - whatever that means for you.
If you're interested in working together - or think you might be - let's chat. Please feel free to contact me at janet@shiftpsychotherapy.ca or by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
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Modern
My approach is grounded in current research on mental health, attachment, brain science, and the nervous system. I integrate this knowledge with practical, evidence-based approaches tailored to you and what you're working through.
Relational
As a relational therapist, I believe the relationship between therapist and client is the foundation of meaningful therapy . Cultivating a space where you feel understood, accepted, and able to show up as yourself is my highest priority.
Compassionate
None of us are broken. Most often, we're dealing with a brain that's trying to keep us safe but is confused about how to do that. Rather than judging or trying to “fix” what's wrong with you, we'll meet you - and your protective parts - with curiosity and compassion.
My Approach
I support a wide range of mental health concerns and have a particular interest in working with those struggling with relational challenges (of all kinds - partners, parents, children), anxiety, self-esteem, life direction, a harsh inner critic and feelings of 'not good enough'-ness. Also if you're wanting to better understand your patterns and triggers - and adjust those that no longer serve you - I'm your gal.
Coming to therapy for the first time can feel scary - so let's talk it through. Firstly, the place to start is by reaching out to me via email (janet@shiftpsychotherapy.ca) or the form at the bottom of this page.
We'll start with a consult, which normally happens via video chat (unless you prefer phone). This is a 15 minute chat during which I'll ask you a bit about why you're seeking therapy, and you can ask me any questions you have. If it feels like a fit and you're ready, we can also discuss booking your first session, though there is zero pressure.
I allow 70 minutes for the first sessions (at no extra cost to you) so we don't feel rushed through the 'getting to know you' phase. In that meeting, we'll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your lifestyle and your background. We'll also establish some goals for our work together. You're welcome to tell me as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing in this meeting - you are (always) in control.
From there, we'll begin working towards your goals in regular sessions. It's often advisable to come weekly to start though some clients elect to come bi-weekly out of the gate. Either way, we adjust the frequency of sessions as we go based on your needs.
In terms of what happens in each session, this is client-led therapy which means you decide what we discuss and work on. It's my job to meet you where you are and provide what you need, while maintaining perspective on the big picture and ensuring we're moving you towards your goals.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
I am a relational psychotherapist who uses a wide variety of therapeutic techniques and modalities, including psychodynamic exploration, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapies (including DBT). I also heavily leverage attachment theory and polyvagal theory (which speaks to the connection between the nervous system and mental health).
I work out of the Collingwood Therapy Collective at 191 Hurontario Street in downtown Collingwood. My office there is bright, cozy and comfortable - a perfect therapeutic space (if I do say so myself).
I see clients during the day Tuesday through Friday. I do not currently offer evening or weekend appointments.
Absolutely. I welcome virtual clients from across Ontario. Everything about therapy is the same as in person, except we meet via secure video. The option also exists for in-person clients to meet virtually if/as necessary - in case of weather challenges, travel or illness.
Individual sessions are 50 minutes, with the exception of first sessions, which can be up to 70-75 minutes (at no extra cost to you). Couples' sessions are 60 minutes, with the exception of first sessions, which are up to 90 minutes (at no extra cost to you). If a shorter or longer session is needed for whatever reason, this is possible, and these sessions would be billed on a pro-rated basis.
The frequency of sessions is something we'll discuss and figure out together. To start, it can be really helpful to come weekly, though bi-weekly appointments out of the gate are an option too. As you progress, we'll re-evaluate your session frequency and drop down if/as needed.
As for how long you'll be in therapy, it's completely up to you. Some clients elect to stop coming once they reach their initial goal(s) while others choose to set new ones and keep going. Even when things are going well, there is much to be gained by setting aside a bit of time each month to work on yourself, which is why many clients opt for monthly 'maintenance therapy'.
All to say, there are lots of options and you are in full control of how often you come and for how long. My best advice is not to worry about that right now; instead focus on the next right step for you.
Yes! I am trained in the Gottman and EFT approaches to couples' therapy and welcome inquiries from couples.
My current focus is working with adults 18+, though I know some wonderful therapists who specialize in working with youth - reach out via the form below and I would be happy to connect you!
If you're interested in working together, please contact me via the form at the bottom of this page. Once you are a client you can book appointments yourself via the Jane app.
FAQ
Areas of Focus
Though I support a wide range of concerns, much of my work centres around the following areas:
Relationships & Connection
Whether you’re caught in conflict, feel unheard or unseen, are tired of the same old patterns – or are struggling with the tricky balance of showing up for others without losing yourself - therapy can help.
Together, we'll explore what's happening beneath the surface of your relational challenges and how your attachment and nervous system patterns may be shaping how you perceive and relate to others.
Anxiety, Burnout & Overwhelm
Our brains are wired to keep us safe, but sometimes the strategies they develop to do that - like people-pleasing, over-functioning and over-thinking - create more harm than good, leaving us feeling depleted, overwhelmed and/or exhausted.
Therapy can help you understand your patterns and what's driving them, and develop more grounded, intentional and sustainable ways of showing up in the world and our relationships.
Life Transitions, Direction & Alignment
Maybe you feel stuck, stagnant, or misaligned in your current circumstances. Or perhaps you’re navigating a new life stage, a fork in the road, or circumstances you didn’t expect (or wouldn’t have chosen).
Either way, therapy can help you navigate uncertain times, come to terms with – and make the most of – the transition you are facing, and determine next steps from a place of clarity and alignment.
Personal Growth & Self-Awareness
Personal growth isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about meeting yourself. Understanding who we are more deeply and learning to approach ourselves with acceptance and curiosity can change the way we move through the world and connect with others.
It’s almost always part of the therapeutic process, and one of my absolute favourite things to work on.
Let's Connect
I'd love to hear from you. If you're interested in working together - or want to get in touch for another reason - please feel free to send me an email to janet@shiftpsychotherapy.ca or reach out via the form.
You know you are healing when your mind is no longer governed by the past and when you feel peace in situations you used to feel tension.
You more easily connect with joy and use boundaries to protect your wellbeing. The healing is real when your mind feels lighter and loving yourself becomes more natural.
Yung Pueblo
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