Vanessa Gear
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
In-Person in Hamilton, ON L9A 4W5
Online in
Multiple Canadian Provinces
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland And Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan
Is your child or teen feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, ADHD, school challenges, or difficulty managing big emotions? Perhaps learning differences, neurodivergence, family conflict, or life transitions are creating stress at home or school. I work with children, teens, adults, and families who want a supportive space to better understand these challenges. Together, we focus on building emotional regulation, confidence, coping skills, and stronger relationships so clients feel more capable, understood, and supported in their daily lives.
I specialize in supporting children, teens, and families navigating ADHD, autism (ASD), anxiety, school issues, learning challenges, and life transitions. Using CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and experiential approaches, including play-based techniques, I help clients strengthen emotional regulation, build coping skills, and develop greater confidence and resilience
Behind every behaviour is a story waiting to be heard. If you or your child feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck, therapy can provide a supportive space to slow down and make sense of what’s happening. Together we’ll explore strengths, build practical tools, and create meaningful change so you can move forward with greater confidence and connection.
Client Focus
Session Format: Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Children, Teen, Young Adult
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 150
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I offer sliding scale rates to make therapy more accessible for those experiencing financial hardship. Your mental health is important, and I’m committed to working with you to find a fee that fits your current situation. Please reach out to discuss availability and options.
- Accepts Insurance
Education & Credentials
Vanessa Gear Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Female
- License # 21830
- Licensed in Ontario
- Practicing Since 2026
Vanessa Gear Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Hamilton, ON L9A 4W5
- Available Online for residents of Multiple Canadian Provinces Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland And Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan