vitalminds

Virtual Therapy In Ontario, In Person Therapy in Hamilton, Oakville & London

Vanessa Gear

Vanessa Gear

Student Intern, MACP Candidate Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying

Vanessa is a warm and knowledgeable therapist who works with children, teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, learning disabilities, school challenges, and life transitions. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, she brings a holistic understanding of the pressures that arise at home, in the classroom, and during periods of change. Vanessa works closely with neurodivergent clients, including those with ADHD, autism, mood disorders, and personality disorders, as well as the families who support them. Whether your child is struggling to cope at school, your teen is navigating identity and overwhelm, or you are seeking clarity and strategies for emotional regulation, Vanessa meets you where you are with compassion, patience, and years of experience.

Her clinical approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while integrating experiential techniques, mindfulness, compassion-focused practices, and trauma-informed strategies. Vanessa goes beyond traditional therapy to incorporate hands-on and body-based somatic approaches to support both emotional and nervous system regulation. Her work is evidence-based and client-centred, to help clients identify strengths that may have been overshadowed by stress and develop practical strategies for lasting change. She also supports clients navigating family conflict, divorce, peer relationships, self-esteem challenges, and women’s issues, bringing the same steady and strengths-based approach to each concern.

Vanessa’s goal is to help you or your child develop sustainable coping skills, strengthen emotional regulation, and build greater confidence and self-worth. Clients often describe therapy with Vanessa as a space where they feel genuinely heard and understood. Whether you are supporting a child through behavioural or academic challenges, helping a teen navigate anxiety or identity development, or working through your own depression, stress, or life transition, Vanessa works alongside you toward meaningful and lasting growth.

Therapeutic Approach:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Compassion Focused
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Experiential Therapy
  • Family Systems
  • Gottman Method
  • Integrative
  • Mindfulness-Based
  • Person-Centred
  • Relational
  • Strength-Based
  • Structural Family Therapy
  • Trauma Focused

Specialities:

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Autism
  • Behavioural Issues
  • Caregivers
  • Child
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Developmental Disorders
  • Divorce
  • Education and Learning Disabilities
  • Family Conflict
  • Life Transitions
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Mood Disorders
  • Neurodivergence
  • Parenting
  • Relationship Issues
  • School Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Stress
  • Trauma and PTSD

Supports

  • Family Therapy London, Couples Therapy London Children
  • Family Therapy Hamilton Teens
  • Emotion Focused Therapy Adults
  • How to Choose the Right Online Therapist for Your Needs Couples
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS): Understanding “Parts” Without Pathologizing Yourself Families

Credentials:

  • B.A. (Hons), Bachelor of Arts, University of Guelph
  • Professional Program in Education, Medaille College
  • Master of Education, Wilfred Laurier
  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology- Yorkville
  • University (Expected 2026)
  • Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) – College of
  • Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
  • Ontario College of Teachers 2007 – Present
  • Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association 2007– Present
  • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (2026)
  • CBT Fundamentals – Clinical Behaviour Sciences Program
  • McMaster University (2025)
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Training – CanFASD (2026)
  • Play Therapy: Innovative Interventions to Meet the Needs of Young Clients – PESI (2026)
  • 2-Day Anxiety Certification Course: Integrate CBT and Exposure & Response Prevention for Treatment of GAD, Panic Disorder, OCD, Social Anxiety, & Phobias – PESI
Therapist Location Fees & Session Cost
Hamilton and Online $150 per session, sliding scale available

Favourite Quotes

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”

– - Brené Brown

“I am different, not less.”

– - Temple Grandin

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