Services offered virtually to all Ontario residents - Book A Session
Compassionate Therapy for Anxiety, Stress Relief, and Emotional Balance
WANDERING WILLOW PSYCHOTHERAPY
DID YOU KNOW THEY ARE ALL INTERTWINED?
Stress
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Emotional Wellness
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Anxiety
Stress, anxiety, and emotional wellness are deeply interconnected, each influencing the other in powerful ways. When we experience ongoing stress, it can impact our mental and physical health, often manifesting as anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. Without proper support, this cycle can affect every area of life, making it harder to focus, rest, and feel grounded in daily routines.
At Wandering Willow Psychotherapy, we understand the complex relationship between the mind and body. Our integrative approach helps you manage stress, cultivate emotional wellness, and develop resilience against anxiety. Through supportive therapy, we guide you toward a calmer, more balanced life where you feel empowered to handle life’s challenges.
Whether you're facing work stress, relationship strain, or anxiety about the future, we’re here to help you build practical tools for managing your mental and emotional health.
Read more about how stress affects our mental and physical health >>
As a nurse and therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, and the challenges of managing chronic health conditions. With a background in both medical care and mental health, I’m uniquely positioned to understand the frustration of fragmented care that often overlooks the connection between physical and emotional well-being.
In my practice, I provide holistic support tailored to individuals facing stress, chronic illness, and caregiving roles, as well as healthcare professionals and parents managing life’s demands. I emphasize the power of building emotional resilience and offer clients practical tools to reduce anxiety, set boundaries, and cultivate inner calm.
Intending to incorporate nature and animal-assisted therapy one day, my approach honours the connection between mind, body, and environment. By weaving together evidence-based counselling techniques and insights from my journey with medical diagnoses, I aim to help clients manage stress, prevent burnout, and find a renewed sense of well-being and balance.
Hi, I’m Cait Forget
Wandering Willow Services
At Wandering Willow Psychotherapy, we understand how stress and anxiety can impact every aspect of your life. Our therapy is designed to help you manage these challenges, find emotional balance, and reclaim your sense of calm. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by daily pressures or struggling with persistent anxiety, I’m here to offer compassionate, personalized support to help you build resilience and regain control, empowering you to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Resources
Stress is a natural part of life, but understanding its effects and managing it effectively can make a significant difference to your health. The resources below offer insights into how stress impacts your body and mind, along with practical, evidence-based techniques for managing it. From understanding chronic stress symptoms to learning relaxation techniques, these articles provide essential tools for improving your stress management and emotional health.
You are not alone
Healthcare Workers
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I provide specialized therapy for healthcare workers that focuses on:
Reducing work-related stress and burnout
Building healthy boundaries between work and personal life
Processing the emotional toll of patient care and navigating complex healthcare environments
Developing strategies for self-care and emotional resilience
Parents
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My work with parents includes:
Addressing parenting-related stress and anxiety
Support through major life transitions (e.g., welcoming a new child, managing school challenges, etc.)
Strategies for improving communication and connection with children
Tools for balancing the needs of family with self-care
Couples
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My approach to couples therapy focuses on:
Improving communication and conflict resolution skills
Rebuilding trust and intimacy in relationships
Supporting partners through major life changes and stressors
Helping couples reconnect and deepen their emotional bonds
Chronic Illness
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My work includes:
Addressing the emotional impact of chronic illness (e.g., stress, anxiety, and depression)
Developing stress management techniques to alleviate physical symptoms
Fostering resilience and improving overall quality of life despite ongoing health challenges
How can I help with Anxiety and Stress?
Anxiety & Stress Management
Anxiety and stress can impact every part of your life, from daily tasks to relationships and overall well-being. Through therapy, we’ll work together to help you manage these challenges, build resilience, and find a sense of calm by focusing on:
Identifying Personal Stress Triggers: Understand the unique sources of stress and anxiety in your life so we can create strategies that directly address your needs.
Developing Calming Techniques and Coping Skills: Learn practical, evidence-based tools to manage anxiety, reduce stress, and regain control in difficult moments.
Building Resilience and Emotional Balance: Strengthen your ability to handle life’s pressures by nurturing emotional stability and creating space for self-compassion.
Improving Boundaries and Self-Care Practices: Establish healthy boundaries and prioritize self-care, empowering you to protect your mental well-being amid life’s demands.
What to expect
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
Your therapy journey at Wandering Willow begins with a 50-minute online session so you can join from the comfort of your home. Whether it's your first time in therapy or returning after a break, I'm here to ensure you feel supported and at ease.
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We'll start by getting to know each other. I'll ask about yourself, your current concerns, and what you'd like to get out of therapy.
You can share as much or as little as you're comfortable with—there’s no pressure. This is a safe, nonjudgmental space where your voice and needs come first.
I’ll explain how therapy works and answer any questions about the process, ensuring you feel confident and informed.
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Each session will focus on your unique needs, whether you're managing relationship stress, chronic illness, or working on emotional wellness.
We'll work together using tools like mindfulness, stress reduction techniques, and cognitive-behavioural strategies to help you feel more in control of your emotions and well-being.
This is a collaborative process—you set the pace, and I'll guide you with personalized strategies to help you reach your goals.
Therapy is about you, and I’m here to support your journey every step of the way.
Wandering Willow philosophy
Individualized
At Wandering Willow Counselling, I believe in the uniqueness of every individual and that no single therapeutic approach fits all. My philosophy centers around an integrative approach—one that draws from various therapeutic modalities tailored to meet your specific needs. Just as no two people are alike, no single method of therapy can fully capture the complexities of your experiences, emotions, and healing journey.
Integrative
By integrating techniques from evidence-based practices like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, stress management strategies, and more, I create a flexible framework that allows us to navigate your mental, emotional, and physical well-being together. This approach provides a comprehensive path to healing, whether you’re facing chronic illness, stress from work or relationships, or challenges as a parent.
Collaborative
I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore all aspects of your life. Whether we’re addressing anxiety, depression, or the stresses that impact your health, I’m here to listen, support, and guide you toward a balanced and fulfilling life.
This philosophy is not about forcing one model of therapy onto you, but rather discovering together what resonates most with you and supports your growth.
Meet Willow
Willow, the resilient goat behind our practice’s name, was born with a defective ear and rejected by her mother. Despite these early struggles, Willow has thrived, breaking through barriers—literally opening doors when she chooses. Willow’s journey reflects the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Just as she overcame her challenges, you, too, can break free from the cycle of stress and anxiety.
At Wandering Willow Psychotherapy, Willow’s story serves as a reminder that no matter how overwhelming anxiety or stress may feel, you have the strength within you to move past it. Together, we can identify your stressors, build effective coping strategies, and empower you to navigate life’s pressures with resilience so you can experience a calmer, more balanced life.
Contact me.
Cait Forget
cait@wanderingwillowpsychotherapy.ca
Resources
Understanding how stress affects your body is crucial in developing effective strategies for managing it. Below are some insightful articles, books, and tools that explore the impact of stress on your health.
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This article explores how stress affects various systems of the body, such as the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It’s an excellent resource for understanding the physical effects of chronic stress.
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Chronic stress can manifest in physical symptoms, such as headaches and digestive issues. This article provides an overview of the ways long-term stress can impact your health.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet
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NIH provides a free stress management guide focused on practical, evidence-based techniques for managing stress, including progressive relaxation, deep breathing, and time management tips. The guide can be found at:
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/stress#::text=Stress%20management%2C%20yoga%2C%20massage%2C,fatigue%2C%20and%20quality%20of%20life.
FAQs
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Psychotherapy is a supportive and collaborative process where we explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to help you manage life’s challenges. In my practice, I focus on helping individuals who are dealing with chronic illness, symptoms and ongoing life stressors. Living with a chronic condition can be emotionally exhausting, and therapy provides a space where we work together to develop healthy coping strategies, reduce stress, and improve your emotional well-being. Whether you're struggling with anxiety or stress or navigating the impact of long-term illness, therapy can help you regain balance and build resilience.
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Online therapy can be an ideal choice if you’re managing chronic illness or other life stressors and need flexibility in your care. It allows you to receive support from the comfort of your home, which can be particularly helpful if your energy levels or physical health fluctuates. Whether you’re balancing the demands of daily life with ongoing symptoms or prefer the ease of virtual sessions, online therapy provides an accessible and effective way to focus on your emotional health.
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Each 50-minute session costs $120 for individuals and 150 for couples. Many extended health insurance plans cover therapy, especially if you’re working with a therapist who has experience in managing chronic illness and chronic stress. Coverage can vary, so I recommend checking with your provider to see what’s included in your plan. I’m happy to help guide you through this process if you're unsure. I also offer limited, reduced-rate sessions; if you’re interested in this, please get in touch with me.
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I understand that living with chronic illness or chronic symptoms can sometimes make it difficult to predict how you’ll feel day to day. I kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. This helps me accommodate other clients who are also seeking support. If a session is cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice or in the case of a no-show, the full session fee will apply. I always strive to be understanding, especially when managing health concerns, so if something unexpected comes up, reach out.
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The number of sessions varies based on your unique situation and goals. Managing chronic illness or long-term life stress often requires ongoing support, but everyone’s journey is different. Some clients improve significantly after a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer-term approach. We’ll work together to create a plan that feels right for you, focusing on what you need to feel supported and empowered in managing your symptoms and emotional health.