Ms Suzanne McDermid
Registered Social Worker
“I have been working with children, adolescents and young adults all of my professional career. I specialize in trauma, play-based and animal-assisted therapy for individuals aged 6-25. However, it is my goal at Riverway Therapy to support my community as needed, and individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome.”
About Me
I have dedicated my career to supporting children, adolescents, and young adults (6-25), specialising in trauma. My approach integrates play-based and animal-assisted therapy, offering gentle ways to explore big feelings and build resilience. These creative methods are especially helpful for those who struggle to verbalise their experiences. At Riverway Therapy, I extend this support to individuals of all ages and abilities, committed to serving our community's diverse needs.
Approach
Gently guided sessions invite play, movement and supervised time with therapy animals to help young people notice sensations, try different responses and slow overwhelm. In Sturgeon Falls and online in English, I pace work to each person’s comfort, mixing short activities, reflection and practical strategies families can use between meetings. I collaborate with caregivers, schools and other supports when helpful and use assessment moments to clarify attention, mood or trauma impacts. This approach often fits children, teens and families who learn best through doing and steady, hands-on change.
Contact Suzanne
Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.
Basic Information
Services
Services Offered:
- •Adoption
- •Child / Adolescent Therapy
- •Trauma Counseling
- •Online Therapy
- •Play Therapy
- •Adolescent Therapy
- •CBT
- •Individual Therapy
- •Somatic Psychotherapy
Works With:
- •Adolescents
- •Adults
- •Children
- •Communities
- •Families
- •Individuals
- •Organisations
- •Parents
Area of Expertise
Scope of Practice:
- •Life Transitions
- •Anger
- •Anxiety
- •Relationship Issues
- •ADHD / Attention
- •Grief & Loss
- •Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment
- •Parenting Support
- •Trauma
- •Trauma Therapy
Professional Title:
- •Registered Social Worker
Qualifications
Wilfrid Laurier University
University of Calgary
Carleton University
Registrations
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Registered Social Worker