Andrea Driedger (she/her)
Therapist, OCT, RHN
I am excited to join the world of therapy as a second career after 25 years as an elementary educator. I am currently in my last semester at the Toronto Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling Education and have been working with clients since September 2024. In this time, I have had the privilege of working with people of all ages, including young children, teens, young adults, and adults, living with a variety of personal challenges. Much of the knowledge I have from my educational career is equally important to my role as a therapist. Most importantly, a relationship based on care, trust and positive regard are critical to learning and growth of any kind. I take great care in building this relationship with my clients as they explore their relationships with themselves and others.
My approach is warm and open. I enjoy meeting clients where they are today, helping them to make sense of their feelings and understand how their past affects present-day experiences. I approach each session with the thought: “What does this person in front of me need from our time together today?” I find that asking myself this question keeps me curious and open to my clients’ needs, so they feel heard and understood.
"So many people come into therapy carrying harsh beliefs about who they are, and it’s an incredible privilege to watch the person in front of me start to see themselves as I see them: a deserving human doing their best."
What areas of practice and populations do you enjoy working with?
I I enjoy working with a variety of clients of different ages. My experience as an elementary teacher makes me well suited to work with young children and teens. I love bringing an element of play and fun to therapy with kids! I also truly enjoy working with young adults going through periods of transition where a place to openly discuss challenges without judgment is critical. I am passionate about supporting clients in healing their relationship with food and body. Grief, anxiety, perfectionism, attachment wounds, and learning difficulties are all areas where I have experience..
What prevents people from coming in and doing this work?
I think sometimes people shy away from coming to therapy because they feel like their problems or worries aren’t “big” enough to warrant help and perhaps comparing their challenges to others, believing they should be able to figure it out. My response to this is: if something is taking up your mental space, then it’s worth talking about! It’s big for you and you deserve the opportunity and support to work through it. Another reason people may not come to therapy is because of a lack of resources. I recognize it’s a privilege to be able to afford therapy.
What modalities do you use? How would you describe your approach/style to this work?
I would describe my approach as client-centred and relational. I really believe the relationship between therapist and client is everything! I strive to create a safe, trusting space where together we explore your inner world and how to make sense of your feelings. I focus on attachment theory and psychodynamic therapy, and I draw on elements of emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems and CBT in my work.
How do you help people who are not sure what to talk about in therapy?
If you aren’t sure what to talk about in therapy, I always say don’t worry! Sometimes the sessions where you feel like you have nothing to talk about end up being very valuable. Over time, many small conversations about day-to-day emotions, reactions and interactions will reveal what is worth exploring further. It really doesn’t matter where you start. I always tell my clients that we can figure it out together as we go along.
When treating someone with an Eating disorder, what do you feel they need most?
I think a person with an eating disorder needs a soft place to land, and help to understand and make sense of their ED. They need to know that their feelings make sense and that there is someone in their corner rooting for them, even when the work feels really hard.
How do you know you're the right fit for a client?
For me, this shows up in small ways. As I begin to get to know a client, I notice if and when they feel comfortable asking questions, expressing their emotions, or sharing something they’ve never said out loud before. It’s a bit of a gut feeling but I also believe that ‘fit’ can grow over time as we better understand each other as client and therapist.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I love creating meaningful connections with my clients. One of the things I loved about being an elementary teacher was the relationships I created with my students – seeing their delight when I remembered something important they’d told me. I bring this skill with me into my work as a therapist. Why are you in this field of work?There are a few different life events that led me to this field of work. In 2020, I finished my holistic nutrition studies and, at the same time, I started therapy for the first time after the death of my mom. I thought I would enjoy helping people lose weight by creating rigid meal plans and exercise routines but, in therapy, I began to untangle a very disordered relationship with food and my body. I slowly learned to trust my body, and in my nutrition work, I started to help others trust their bodies too. I quickly realized that the work was much deeper than just food, so I looked into therapy schools. The rest is history!
What made you want to work with CCP?
I first learned about CCP from Tracey Harper after we became Instagram friends. I started following Carly and knew right away that CCP was a uniquely warm and supportive environment – the kind that I hoped to be a part of someday. What struck me most about Carly was her genuine passion for supporting her team of therapists so that they can do their best work. This type of collaborative environment is so valuable to me, and I know I will continue to grow as a therapist being surrounded by others who truly love this work.
What's something surprising about you?
I love to weightlift! It makes me feel so powerful and confident. I am a mom to two teens, two kitties and a dog. If you’d asked me years ago if I envisioned myself owning three pets, I would have said no way! I have a degree in French and spent time living in Quebec and France many years ago.
