Dan Rietveld

I believe that every person has a story that deserves to be understood. Life can be complicated, and many of the ways we cope with pain once served an important purpose, even if they no longer help us today. Therapy is about creating space to better understand ourselves, make sense of our experiences, and discover new ways to move forward.

I completed my Master of Counselling from City University of Seattle’s Edmonton campus and hold a Master’s of Theological Studies from McMaster University. My current research interests are focused on helping men in distress.

Over the past three decades, I have worked in education, mental health, child welfare, advocacy, and community leadership. Throughout my career, I have supported children, youth, adults, and families facing a wide range of challenges, including complex trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, self-esteem, emotional regulation, self-harm, bullying, family conflict, and involvement with the justice and child welfare systems. Much of my work has involved walking alongside people during some of the most difficult periods of their lives, helping them navigate complex systems while maintaining hope and dignity. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens through genuine human connection.

My approach to counselling is collaborative, practical, and tailored to each individual. While I draw heavily from person-centred and cognitive behavioural approaches, I also integrate ideas and strategies from a variety of evidence-based therapies depending on what best fits each person’s goals, personality, and life experiences. There is no single approach that works for everyone, and I believe therapy should reflect the individual’s uniqueness rather than asking them to fit a particular model.

The relationship between therapist and client is one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy. I work to create a space where people feel genuinely heard, respected, and accepted, recognizing that trust develops over time. I see clients as the experts on their own lives, and my role is not to provide all the answers, but to bring curiosity, perspective, knowledge, and practical tools while we work together toward meaningful change.

I value therapy that is grounded in evidence while remaining deeply human. I believe lasting growth comes from developing insight, learning practical skills, and discovering strengths that may have been hidden by life’s challenges. I also believe that humour, perspective, and moments of lightness have an important place in the healing process. Even in life’s most difficult seasons, people are capable of resilience, growth, and creating lives that feel more authentic, connected, and hopeful.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS

What quick advice do you have for people who are really struggling?

Our thought loops sometimes keep us in painful places. Reaching out can be intimidating and hard on our pride, but it gets us out of our own heads and into a place of connection and hope. We can’t always prevent painful experiences. But it is possible to relieve the suffering that follows.

What is your favourite quote?

The human mind and body are relentlessly geared toward healing. Always have hope.