Valessa Rizzotto

About Valessa

You may be the person others rely on. You show up, function well, and often find a way to hold things together. From the outside, you may seem to be doing just fine. But inside, you may be carrying a steady sense of anxiety, a harsh inner critic, or a feeling that you have lost touch with what you actually feel and want. Saying no may bring guilt, and your own needs may come last so often that you barely notice it anymore.

These patterns usually have a history. They may have developed as ways of staying connected to others, keeping the peace, being the one who could handle things, or feeling safe in relationships. At some point, these ways of coping made sense. But what once helped you may no longer feel helpful now.

Therapy offers a space to slow down and become curious about these patterns. We can look at where they came from, how they continue to affect the way you relate to yourself and others, and what you may need at this point in your life. My approach is relational and insight-oriented, informed by attachment theory and psychodynamic thinking. I also draw on practical tools when they are helpful. I believe that understanding yourself more deeply can create room for different choices, relationships, and ways of being.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (BCACC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCPA), with more than 25 years of combined clinical experience, including more than 20 years as a psychologist in Brazil.I work with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, and life transitions, including immigration, loss and change.

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you are used to being the one who helps others. You do not need to know exactly what you need or have everything figured out before reaching out. If something here feels familiar, I would be glad to connect and see whether we might be a good fit.