WELCOME

Welcome to Growing Hope Therapy.

Are you finding it hard to cope with anxiety, trauma, stress or burnout? Do you feel like you are in a fog that might never lift? Therapy can help guide you through this fog and into a life that is rich, fulfilling and meaningful to you.

At Growing Hope Therapy we recognize how scary it can be to take this first step towards healing and understand what an overwhelming process it can be. We invite you to take your time to decide what option might be best for you and to book a free 15 minute consultation to see how we can assist you in your journey.

Take the First Step Today

Growing Hope Therapy Team

Brianne Rivard (She/Her)

Therapist

Hello! I’m Brianne Rivard, a Canadian Certified Counsellor with training in EMDR. I support individuals navigating Trauma, Burnout and Chronic Stress, Anxiety, and deeply rooted Negative Beliefs like “I’m not good enough.”

I aim to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported, while also gently challenged when needed. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to come alongside you with care, curiosity, and tools that fit who you are.

Our work together often starts with helping you feel more steady day to day, then moves toward addressing the deeper patterns and experiences that keep you stuck so you are not just coping, but creating meaningful and lasting change.

Sarah Akisanya (She/Her)

Therapist

Hello! I'm Sarah Akisanya, a Registered Social Worker who provides psychotherapy to adults and couples navigating Trauma, Anxiety, Relationship Worries, Identity Exploration, and significant Life Transitions.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you should feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore your experiences. My approach is trauma-informed, identity-affirming, and systems-informed. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you with curiosity, compassion, and practical tools that ,support your goals.

Our work together is about understanding the experiences, relationships, and patterns that have shaped your story while building on your strengths. Together, we'll create a space where you feel supported through restorative work, growth, and lasting change.

Hayley MacGillivray (She/Her)

Therapist

Hello! My name is Hayley MacGillivray, and I am a Registered Social Worker. I work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and challenging family dynamics.

As someone who has experienced therapy from the client and therapist perspective, I know how healing and transformative engaging in the therapy process can be. While no two people are the same, together we will work to co-create a safe space where you can comfortably be your genuine self without fear of judgement.

Working together, you can expect a trauma-informed, person-centered approach that is tailored to meet your unique needs. While a lot of hurt and trauma can happen in isolation, healing is possible through connection and being seen – it would be an honour to walk alongside you on your healing journey.

Ash Shewchuk (They/Them)

Therapist

Hello! My name is Ash Shewchuk and I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Registered Psychotherapist - Qualifying. I help people experiencing Anxiety, Trauma, Shame and People Pleasing tendencies. I provide a neurodiversity-affirming and 2SLGBTQIA+-affirming space where clients are welcomed, respected, and supported as their authentic selves.

Whether this is your first step into therapy, or one of many- welcome. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my goal is to create a space that reflects your unique needs, where your thoughts, emotions, and self-knowledge are heard and valued.

With a trauma-informed, intersectional approach, I understand that healing is unique to each individual and shaped by your identity, experiences, and history. Together, we’ll explore your concerns, strengthen your resilience, and work toward meaningful change.

Kelsey McDonald (She/Her)

Therapist

Hello! My name is Kelsey McDonald and I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor with over 20 years experience in the field. I support clients struggling with Depression, Burnout/Chronic Stress and Navigating Parenthood.

I believe that people come to therapy when they are ready for life to feel different, and I am committed to working collaboratively with my clients as they explore pathways towards change. Once you've made that decision, my role is to be your 'guide-on-the-side' as you take small steps to make those changes. I'll listen to your heart's truth and provide offerings - be it new perspectives to consider or new behaviours to play with - designed to move your life in the direction you want to go.

If you're ready to embody the courageous parts of yourself, to build the future you envision, and do that work with a therapist who will actively engage with you in "the work", I invite you to reach out.

Kelsey is not currently accepting new clients

Our Services

At Growing Hope Therapy, we believe you are the expert on your life and that it is our role to come along side you to process painful experiences and enhance your skills to help you during and after the therapeutic process. This is done through creating a safe environment to improve coping skills, explore value systems and recognize negative core beliefs that keep you trapped in an unproductive cycles. All this is done in the context of a safe relationship where you are free to be yourself without judgement.

Click on one of the specialties below to find out more information.