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Rita Onwunali

she/her
MSW, Registered Social Worker

“Hi, I’m Rita. I work from a client-centered, strength-based and culturally sensitive approach with a focus on individual development. I recognize that people reaching out for mental health support are already going through a lot, so I meet you where you are at and hold space for you as we figure out how to get you to your desired destination. My practice centres on supporting healthy relationships we have with ourselves, which is foundational in influencing relationships with people around us. In partnering with me in your journey towards healing, I embrace and support the cultural dimensions of everyone to foster strength, empowerment and confidence.”

Rita is here to help with your anxiety, trauma, depression, perinatal mental health and relationship challenges.

Works With
  • Individuals
  • Families
Population
  • Adults
Availability
  • Tuesday Morning
  • Wednesday Afternoon/Evening
  • Thursday Morning/Afternoon
  • Saturday Morning/Afternoon
Location
  • Alberta Virtual
  • BC Virtual
  • Ontario Virtual
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  • My Approach

    I specialize in working with people moving through significant life transitions. I utilize a client-centered, strength-based and culturally sensitive approach with a focus on individual development. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. These include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness-based approaches to hold space for clients on their journey to self-discovery. I adopt a gentle and trauma-informed approach when discussing client’s concerns. Depending on the situation, I also utilize a direct approach geared towards helping clients recognize behavioral patterns and implement strategies to reach their desired therapeutic outcomes. I am able connect with my clients on a level defined by them, allowing me to delve deep into their challenges and support them in their journey to recovery.

  • My Philosophy

    I value the importance of having a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients to enable them to reach their desired outcomes. My work with client involves prioritizing the therapeutic relationship grounded on empathy, compassion and respect, which can help clients feel seen and heard. I strongly believe people struggling with mental health challenges deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I believe in validating people’s experiences and being intentional about the kind of support rendered to them by walking along with clients and not above them.

  • My Why

    I got into the field of Social Work because I am genuinely passionate about my calling to help people. I am committed to helping clients reach their potential and live meaningful lives. Working with diverse clientele in a variety of settings gave me the opportunity to witness the challenges experienced by people struggling with mental health. This has made me keenly interested in allyship with individuals struggling with mental health concerns. I am determined to incorporate their narratives in my work, as a way of amplifying their voices.

Focus

  • Academic Issues
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • ADHD
  • BIPOC Issues
  • Body Image
  • Career or Work-related Issues
  • Chronic Pain/Illness
  • Cultural or Racial Identity
  • Death or Illness
  • Depression
  • Developmental Issues
  • Divorce/Separation
  • Eating-related Issues
  • Family Issues
  • Family Relationships
  • Gender Identity
  • Grief and Loss
  • Immigration
  • Intergenerational Trauma
  • Learning Issues
  • Life Transitions
  • OCD
  • Parenting Issues
  • Perinatal Mental Health
  • Perfectionism
  • Personality Disorder
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-compassion
  • Self-esteem
  • Social Skills
  • Southeast Asian/Filipino Mental Health
  • Sports Performance
  • Stress
  • Stress
  • Substance Use or Addiction
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Trauma

Therapy Approaches

  • Anti-racist/Anti-oppressive
  • Autonomy-focused
  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • Culturally-responsive Practice
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Eclectic
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative
  • Person/Client Centered
  • Strengths Based

Specialized Experience With Allied Communities

  • Asian Mental Health
  • BIPOC
  • Immigrant
  • Indigenous Communities
  • Perinatal Mental Health

Rates + Direct Billing

Rita’s rates vary per province.

Our therapy services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance provider or benefit plan. To confirm your plan’s coverage, please contact your insurance provider.

Rita’s appointments can be direct billed to Alberta Blue Cross, ASEBP, Canada Life, GreenShield and Medavie (which includes Veterans Affairs and RCMP), Manulife, Chambers of Commerce, Claimsecure, Desjardins, First Canadian and Beneva.

Don’t see your insurance listed?

If we’re unable to direct bill your insurance provider, you’ll be able to submit the receipt we send at the end of your session to your insurance provider for reimbursement yourself.

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