Online Therapy Across Ontario & British Columbia

Stop shrinking to keep the peace.

For anxious people-pleasers struggling with self-doubt, low self-esteem, and relationship anxiety.

Learn to set boundaries without guilt
Ask for help without feeling like a burden
Build more balanced & fulfilling relationships

Book a Free 30-min Consultation View Services

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Portrait of Aïda Retta

Aïda Retta (she/her) Registered Psychotherapist &
Registered Clinical Counsellor

Aïda Retta, therapist

Do you feel like you give so much to others and have nothing left for yourself?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably the kind of person who has a lot on their plate. People who depend on you at work, family members who rely on you, or friends who turn to you for emotional support.

You might seem dependable, competent, and supportive to everyone else. But underneath, you might still be hard on yourself, afraid of disappointing people, and unsure how to say no without feeling guilty.

These patterns don’t come out of nowhere.
They often make sense in the context of your history. At some point, being helpful and agreeable may have been safer than taking up space.

I help people struggling with these kinds of patterns to begin trusting their own voice, set boundaries without guilt, and find new ways of relating that feel more authentic and sustainable.

Book a free 30-minute consultation

What I Help With

  • Guilt, self-doubt, & self-esteem
  • People-pleasing & boundary challenges
  • Codependency in Relationships
  • Anxiety & attachment concerns
  • Depression & low mood
  • Relational trauma & abuse
  • Family & cultural expectations

When insight isn’t enough

In my experience, insight alone does not always make it easier to respond differently in the moments that matter most.

Real change often asks for more than understanding.

Even when you know you want to speak up, you might still quiet yourself to avoid conflict.

Even when the evidence suggests otherwise, you might still struggle with the feeling that you are not quite good enough.

Even when everything in your body is saying no, you might still say yes.

These responses are often adaptations, ways of coping that took shape automatically in response to the relationships and environments you had to navigate. Over time, they can become deeply ingrained in both mind and body, or nervous system. This is why insight alone often cannot fully shift these kinds of patterns.

In other words, knowing what we should do doesn't always make it easier to actually do it.

Rather than working only at the level of insight, I offer a space to practice showing up more fully as yourself, expressing your feelings, needs, and boundaries more honestly, while being supported through the discomfort, anxiety, and vulnerability that can come with change.

Learn more about working with me

Frequently Asked Questions

How does therapy work? +
Therapy is a collaborative process. We’ll slow things down enough to understand what’s happening beneath the surface such as patterns in relationships, nervous system responses, and the strategies you’ve had to rely on to get through. From there, we focus on creating new experiences that feel more grounding, self-trusting, and aligned with the way you want to live and relate.
How often should I come to therapy? +
Much like any meaningful change process, therapy benefits from regularity. You can think of it like learning a new instrument or language. If you practice once and then stop for a few weeks, it’s harder to build skill, confidence, and momentum. The same is true in therapy. Meeting weekly helps us build continuity, understand your patterns more clearly, and create the consistency needed for meaningful change to take hold. It also allows us to deepen the work rather than repeatedly “restarting” each time we meet. Over time, we can transition to biweekly sessions or occasional check-ins as things stabilize and your needs evolve.
How many sessions does it take to see change? +
It depends on what you’re coming in with and what “change” means for you. Some people notice relief or clarity within the first few sessions. Deeper patterns like anxiety loops, people-pleasing, shutdown, or self-criticism usually shift more gradually as safety and trust build. We’ll check in regularly so therapy stays practical and focused.
What does the consultation process look like? +
A consult is a short, low-pressure call where we get a feel for whether we’re a good fit. You can share what’s been going on, what you’ve tried so far, and what you’re hoping will be different. I’ll ask a few thoughtful questions, explain how I work, and you’ll leave with a clear sense of next steps, whether that’s booking a first session with me or getting pointed toward another option that fits better.
What are your fees? +
My fee is $160 per 60-minute session. If you have extended benefits, you may be able to submit receipts for reimbursement (coverage varies by plan).
Are therapy sessions covered by insurance or extended benefits plans? +
Psychotherapy/counselling is often covered by extended benefits, but every plan is different. The simplest step is to contact your provider (or check your benefits portal) and ask what’s covered for psychotherapy or counselling, whether a Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Clinical Counsellor is eligible, and what your yearly limit is. If you’re unsure what to ask, I’m happy to help you figure out the right questions.

Ready to get started?
It’s a straightforward process:

  1. You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation here.

  2. We get to know each other during the consultation. You share what’s been going on for you, and I’ll share more about me and my approach. We’ll take the time to make sure I’m the right fit before we move forward.

  3. Start the therapy process by completing an intake form and talking through your goals.

Book a free consultation