Meet Our Therapists - Elly Reda

Meet Our Therapists

Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision — and one that can feel overwhelming when all you have to go on is a credential list and a headshot. We wanted to change that.

This series is our way of pulling back the curtain a little. Each post is a conversation with one of our therapists, in their own words — what drew them to this work, how they approach sessions, who they love working with, and what makes their style uniquely theirs. No clinical jargon, no polished bios written in third person. Just honest answers to the questions we think actually matter when you're trying to figure out if someone is the right fit for you.

Because at the end of the day, therapy works best when there's real connection. Our hope is that by the end of each post, you'll feel like you already know a little bit about the person on the other side of that first session — and feel more confident reaching out.

Elly Reda - Registered Psychotherapist

What drew you to counselling?

I have always wanted to serve my community and everyone around me. I was drawn to counselling because I always wanted to work in a profession where I can contribute to the betterment of society.

In counselling, I realized that witnessing, accompanying, and assisting one client navigate their

journey has an immense ripple effect because clients who feel better will then continue to contribute

to their own community.

What did you do before becoming a therapist, and how does that background still show up in your work today?

I was a schoolteacher and a university instructor before becoming a psychotherapist. I also hold a

master’s degree in education. My background allows me to stay active in the educational component of psychotherapy as I continue to work in educational programs of counselling psychology and seek professional development opportunities that contribute to my on-going educational growth.

How would you describe your style as a therapist to someone who’s never been to therapy before?

I show up to sessions with a lot of empathy and understanding. I intend to make my sessions feel

warm and safe. I fully focus on my clients, I make them my priority, and I make sure they know that

they are valued and respected and that it is an honor for me to be part of their counselling journey.

What kinds of clients or concerns do you feel most drawn to work with — and why?

I feel most drawn to work with issues related to life transitions, adjustment issues, grief, anxiety, and

ADHD. I am particularly drawn to these issues because I am competent in these topics as I have

received trainings. I also feel I can immediately connect with clients going through life challenges

related to these conditions.

What do people often misunderstand about the kind of therapy you offer?

I think that psychotherapy can often be misunderstood by a place where solutions and

transformations are immediate. I believe that it is important to recognize that change and

transformation occurs after the accumulation of small steps and habitual changes which help us

improve our life after time. One of those small steps towards making our life better is frequently

attending psychotherapy.

What does a first session with you typically look like?

A first session with me is very calming. My client is given all the space and time to talk, express their emotions, and share how they feel genuinely. Everything my client shares with me is received with care, empathy, and respect.

What do you wish more people knew before starting therapy?

Therapy is transformational. It can help us dig deeper, know ourselves better, and understand how

to live a more fulfilling life that is aligned with who we are, with our self-definition.

What does a session feel like when it’s going well?

When a session is going well, clients often have epiphanies and ‘aha’ moments. They also feel the

warmth and empathy I provide. In these sessions, my clients are able to communicate that they feel

better and can recognize their improvement and works towards their counselling goals.

Outside of work, what are you into?

I really enjoy cooking and baking. These activities help me focus and I consider them ‘therapeutic’

because they restore my energy. I also love sharing the food I cook and bake with my family and

neighbors.

I also enjoy reading and drinking coffee (mostly decaffeinated coffee). I am pursuing a doctorate

program in counselling, so I spend a lot of my free time reading and engaging with academic

material related to the field of psychology.

Is there anything you want potential clients to know about working with you that

doesn’t usually make it into a bio?

I am a Spanish native speaker. I always try to employ cultural sensitivity in my sessions.

What does neurodiversity-affirming therapy actually look like in your sessions?

In my work with clients with neurodiversity, I assist my clients in recognizing and navigating how the symptoms related to neurodiversity form part of their day to day. I help them manage these

symptoms and make the necessary adjustments and remove the obstacles on the way of having a

fulfilled and satisfactory life.

What would you want a neurodivergent adult (or a parent booking for a neurodivergent child) to know before their first session?

It is important to recognize that change does not happen overnight and that managing symptoms

related to neurodiversity may be more challenging that simply wanting to change. Sometimes,

understanding that neurodiversity symptoms are not intentional is very helpful in working towards the

self-compassion and self-love necessary to lead a more fulfilling life.

What’s the most common thing couples are surprised to discover in therapy?

I have had positive experiences and results working with couples. One of the most common thing

couples discover in therapy is whether they are both willing to work in the relationship and how they truly feel about themselves, their partner, and the relationship.

What does a couples session look like with you — and how is it different from

individual therapy?

Couples therapy can be briefer and tends to be more goal-oriented. My role is to help clients identify areas of improvement, intervene, and create realistic goals that each member of the couple can implement. The clients’ commitment to therapy and behavioral changes ultimately help them achieve their common goal which is the happiness and improvement of their relationship.

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Curious if Elly might be the right fit for you? She offers a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what you're looking for and see if it feels like a good match — no pressure, no commitment. Book your free consult with Elly here →