Michele Venema, Nurse Psychotherapist

ABOUT ME

BScN, RN, Psychotherapist, cEFT2 AEFTP

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.

My approach to counselling is grounded in the belief that our emotions are the foundation of healing. Central to that is the health of the nervous system, which plays a vital role in our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Discovering this truth was transformative in my own healing journey through and beyond severe anxiety, OCD and depression, and now, using a dual approach to counselling, I guide clients to address nervous system imbalance, discover the root cause of their issues, process emotions, and foster deep, lasting healing, resilience, and personal empowerment.

My work helps clients break free from survival mode and old un-serving patterns, empowering them to restore balance and thrive in body, mind and soul.

My mission Is To Empower You To:

Reclaim Your Inner Power, Purpose, And Worth.

With a foundation informed by over 35 years of Nursing experience, my own personal healing journey, and training in evidence-based modalities, I provide a compassionate, trauma-informed, and somatic framework tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, I have lived in Brockville, Ontario and now reside in Quinte West, Ontario which is in the Bay of Quinte. I serve Trenton, Brighton, Belleville, Kingston and all of Ontario with virtual counselling.

I come from Irish roots (I am first generation Canadian). I was raised Roman Catholic but have since adopted my own spiritual beliefs and have studied spirituality and metaphysical teachings for over 30 years.

I believe in mind-body connection and that our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are all interrelated and this informs my holistic practice.

I combine the practicality of Western science with the depth and wisdom of ancient Eastern traditions to provide a truly integrative and holistic approach to healing. This deep understanding allows me to support clients in achieving a harmonious balance between their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing

I am a Certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner (cEFT2), currently advancing toward Master’s Level certification.

I also hold certifications in the following:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Compassionate Inquiry (Suicide Attention)

  • Trauma-Informed Coaching

  • Breathwork and Meditation Teacher

  • Indigenous Cultural Safety

  • Mental Health First Aid

This blend of professional expertise and lived experience enables me to guide clients toward healing, resilience, and emotional freedom with empathy and skill.

I strive to create an inclusive healing environment, welcoming members of the LGBTQS2+ community and those interested in integrating spirituality into their therapeutic journey if they wish to.

I am a licensed member of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and an active, registered member of the:

Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO)

Nurse Psychotherapist Association of Ontario (NPAO)

Association of EFT Professionals (AEFTP)

If you’re ready to embark on a journey toward healing and emotional freedom, I’d be honored to walk alongside you. I look forward to supporting you on your path to self-discovery, personal empowerment, and well-being.

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will rule your life and you will call it fate.”

— Carl Jung

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often called “Tapping” is a powerful therapy at the heart of my work. It provides a dual approach—tapping on acupoints while engaging in counseling or therapy (CBT/Exposure Therapy and other modalities such as inner child and parts work)—creating a comprehensive method for healing the mind and body. It thus addresses the thought patterns and beliefs that hold us back and the nervous system imbalance that often underlies anxiety, depression, emotional struggles, and even physical illness.

EFT is unique and yes it looks funny! But it is an effective evidence-based therapy.

EFT:

  • is trauma-informed, having first become known in work with Veteran’s with PTSD. Since then research has shown its effectiveness with anxiety, depression, phobias, addiction, chronic pain & illness and so much more.

  • addresses emotional distress while calming the nervous system and helping to release suppressed emotions at the root of our struggles.

  • includes the 9-gamut procedure - a technique that provides bilateral brain stimulation, similar to what occurs during REM sleep or EMDR therapy.

  • provides a somatic and holistic approach by addressing the body as well as the mind and acknowledging the connection between the mind, body, and soul.

  • is like a life jacket in rough waters. Lasting healing means we have to feel it to heal it. Tapping provides a gentle approach that helps us gently build up emotional capacity - an essential and life-changing skill.

“Shadow work is the path of the heart warrior”.

- Carl Jung