How do I decide which counsellor to see?

Review therapists' bios for experience, specialties and availability. Use the 'Match with a Counsellor' form if unsure; many counsellors offer a short free consult to check fit.

Are the sessions covered by extended benefits or health care?

Yes—many extended health plans cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) or equivalent. Clients pay upfront and receive an official receipt for reimbursement. Check your plan for details.

What is your cancellation policy?

Clients must provide at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule without being charged. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice are subject to full session fee. Switching between in-person and virtual is not penalized when possible.

Rates vary by therapist and service. Typical fees range from CAD $150–$190 for a 50-minute individual session. Check the counsellor's profile for exact rates.

How many sessions does it take before I start to feel better?

It depends on the issue and goals. At the first session the counsellor will discuss recommended frequency and likely duration. Many clients notice some relief after 4–6 sessions, though individual experience varies.

Who does Open Space Counselling see?

Open Space Counselling works with individuals, couples and families across life stages, and identifies as feminist, antiracist and LGBTQ+ ally. They provide services for people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, perinatal concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions.

Vanessa Simonetta (She/Her)

Registered Clinical Counsellor, MA, RCC

Accepting New Clients

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Life is complex, with many demands that can feel overwhelming. I help my clients unravel cluttered thoughts, make sense of intense emotions, and use simple but effective strategies that help life feel more manageable and enjoyable. So what does that look like? I bring both honesty and humour to our conversations, freeing you to show up as yourself without fearing judgement. As trust builds in our relationship, I will challenge you to stretch your thinking and abilities so you can handle the tough things in life.

Human to human, we will have moments to laugh, think, and feel in sessions. My work is to sit with you through the thick of it, and get you to places that bring you excitement.

I often work with individuals and couples who are navigating difficulties in their partnerships, leading to miscommunications, unhealthy boundaries, and a desire for connection. I also see how internal trauma, insecurities, and uncertainties can affect relationships of all kinds; all humans seek stronger connections in relationships.

I also work with clients that struggle with neurodiversity, understanding the complexities and distress that comes from feeling like you don’t really fit the way the world expects you to function. Together, we will peel back difficult emotions, frustrations, and possible trauma that can show up for most clients as they navigate the relationships and demands of their lives. Clients often tell me what a relief it is to finally be understood and feel known on a truer level.

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What You Can Expect When Working With Vanessa

Clients that come into session will see a genuinely curious person who enjoys getting to know the real person sitting across from me. Clients often share that they feel seen and can truly be themselves in my sessions. That means I connect the dots from other sessions, linking you to some of those core pieces of self that drive you. Whether this is your first session or your hundredth, my work is not to tell you what to do, but to sit with you and challenge the parts of you that may no longer fit in your life.

Coming into session, I want to meet you with whatever you bring in—sometimes that’s a big goal we focus on, while other times it may be something that just happened that you have big feelings about. I can shift with you, as we know life is not static but always changing. This also means you are free to come into session as often or as rarely as you choose; some want to do a lot of work right away, while others prefer a slower, steadier pace.

I look forward to meeting you – whether on the couch in the office or in the comforts of your own home, virtually. Either way, I am glad to be here for you.

Vanessa's Experience & Training

I don’t believe in one model fitting all, but rather appreciating what is unique to you and finding what resonates most in your journey. I love when my clients tell me what doesn’t work and we work together at approaches that land! Many of these modalities that I prefer to use are evidence-based, with a person-centered approach, meaning we connect in a genuine conversation, while also building skills that you find helpful.

I have worked in various educational and mental health settings that have given me opportunities to intertwine how people learn and grow with the understanding of how trauma and life events impact this. I enjoy having clients come back and tell me how understanding their needs, setting boundaries, and navigating their triggers has helped them find more ease in life.

After five years of debating whether I should go into teaching or mental health, I decided to go back to school and pursue my career to become a counsellor. After my Masters in Art Therapy, I found myself hoping through various schools in differing positions of mental health and educational support. Learning and gaining experience working with youth struggling with trauma, family difficulties, and neurodiversity, I decided on focusing my work in helping people navigate their feelings, thoughts and behaviours.

I saw the need to support people throughout all stages of their life, recognizing that some of these early stages are fundamental in our understanding of the world around us and I carry that forward into my work as a counsellor. This led me to completing my Masters in Counselling and Psychology. In all my years across both educational and mental health supports, I found my passion for connection, and helping others and used this to become a therapist!

More About Vanessa

An Ontario girl originally, the mountains, beauty, and Vancouver vibe has never worn thin on me. You can often find me with my pup and partner hiking on a trail each weekend or indulging in coffee and a treat.

While I do go with the flow, I often like to know when the “flow” starts, how long the “flow” will be, and who will be at the “flow” with us; so yes, I am an A-type, mostly extraverted person. I have a big heart for adventure so I can take challenges as they come (yes, I’ve had my passport stolen, but it made for a great story!) These days, I prefer to have at least a map of all the closest coffee shops and a bottle of water.

I love reading fiction – the bigger the book, the longer the series, the better – and getting lost in other worlds. Whether on the bus, at the gym, or walking my dog, I am likely reading… with a large coffee in hand.