ABOUT ME

I am so happy to have you here! Welcome!

I’ve walked my own path of transformative healing through and beyond severe anxiety, OCD, depression, and insomnia. For most of my life, I lived with high-functioning anxiety. My body was often in tension, and I experienced frequent minor ailments. Everything felt stressful and overwhelming. I was a master of “what if” thinking and burdened by invasive fear thoughts. I had no idea the weight I was carrying.

Now, as a therapist, I’m honoured to help guide clients through their own healing journeys. I take a dual approach to counseling, addressing both the mindset and the nervous system imbalance that often accompanies emotional struggles. Through my personal experiences, I’ve learned the vital importance of honouring the body, emotions, and the nervous system in order to create deep, lasting healing.

I believe in the power of the mind-body connection. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are all deeply interwoven. That’s why I blend traditional and holistic practices to offer a compassionate, integrative approach, one that supports you in finding a harmonious balance.

My mission Is To Empower You To:

Reclaim Your Inner Power, Purpose, And Worth.

With over 35 years of nursing experience, a deep personal healing journey, and training in evidence-based modalities, I provide a compassionate, trauma-informed, and somatic framework that’s personalized for your needs.

Born in Toronto and raised in the Beaches area, and from there Scarborough, I have lived in various places across Ontario—from Toronto to Brockville—and now call Quinte West, in the Bay of Quinte, home. Whether you're in Trenton, Brighton, Cobourg, Belleville, Kingston, Ottawa, Toronto, or anywhere in Ontario, I offer virtual counselling to meet you where you are.

A first-generation Canadian with Irish roots, I was raised Roman Catholic but have since adopted my own spiritual beliefs. I’ve been studying spirituality and metaphysical teachings for over 30 years.

I welcome the integration of spirituality into therapy for those who feel called to it.

My Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)

  • Over 30 years of experience in Nursing

  • Certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner (currently advancing toward Master’s Level certification)

Certified In the Following:

  • Mental Wellness Nurse

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Compassionate Inquiry

  • Trauma-Informed Coaching

  • Breathwork and Meditation

  • Indigenous Cultural Safety

  • Mental Health First Aid

    This combination of professional expertise and lived experience enables me to guide you with empathy, skill, and deep understanding to resilience, and emotional freedom.

    Inclusivity:

    I strive to create a welcoming, inclusive healing environment for everyone, including members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Healing is a personal journey, and I am here to honour your unique path.

    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 begin your journey toward healing and self-discovery, I would be honoured to walk alongside you. Let’s explore the path toward your personal empowerment and well-being.

Love,

Michele

Michele Venema Nurse Psychotherapist | Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner BScN, RN, Pscyhotherapist, cEFT2 AEFTP

“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 — creating a comprehensive method for healing both the mind and body. EFT addresses not only the thought patterns and beliefs that hold us back but also the nervous system imbalances that often underlie anxiety, depression, emotional struggles, and even physical illness.

EFT is a unique and effective evidence-based therapy.

EFT:

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

  • integrates principles of traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy in a non-traditional way along with other modalities like Inner Child and Parts work

  • works from the inside out. It prioritizes the body’s response, underlying emotions, and, importantly, the nervous system alarm

  • provides a gentle, somatic and holistic approach by addressing the body as well as the mind - it’s not all about mindset!

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

  • 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