Hi! My name is Amy Cloutier (she/her) and I provide in-person counselling and mental health services with Valley Connections Counselling.

After stepping away from clinical work to explore other career avenues, my passion for supporting others has brought me back to counselling. I am currently working on reinstating my registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers  (OCSWSSW). As I transition back into counselling, I will be supported by a Registered Psychotherapist through individual and group clinical supervision.

My passion for counselling was recently reignited through significant life changes and my own experiences accessing support. Having been on the client side of counselling at different stages of my life has shaped the way I show up in this role. I understand how vulnerable it can feel to begin a new counselling relationship, and I strive to be the kind of counsellor I hoped for myself. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship sets the foundation for meaningful change.

I began my counselling career in crisis work, 20 years ago, before moving into the role of woman abuse counsellor, supporting women and children in understanding and healing from the impacts of abuse. Later, I moved into career development work, helping individuals navigate career decisions and supporting post-secondary students in achieving their academic goals and preparing for professional life. Working in helping professions since 2004, I have aimed to continuously learn and grow in my understanding of human connection, purpose, and drive.

My education includes an Honours BA in Psychology from Brock University and a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. I bring elements of different modalities to my practice, such as Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, and Family Systems Theory. I have a special interest in working with separation/divorce, grief, boundaries, trauma, childhood wounds, parenting issues, healing after abuse, and the mind-body connection.

My approach to counselling is grounded in the belief that everyone possesses unique strengths and resilience, but that sometimes, when faced with difficult life experiences, those qualities can be hard to access. A central part of my work is helping clients reconnect with their strengths as they move through healing, growth, and change. My natural curiosity about people and their experiences helps me build meaningful connections and better understand what clients bring into sessions. From there, I draw on my education and training, including a range of therapeutic approaches, to support clients.

A bit about me personally: I’m a mom of 2 very smart and artistic girls, and we live with our 2 cats, Cheeto and Cabbage. I love being in nature among the trees, reading, swimming, and spending time with my girls.

If you are interested in working together, I provide free 30-minute consultations, to determine if this is the right fit for you. I offer daytime and evening appointments from Tuesday-Thursday. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at admin@valleyconnectionscounselling.ca. I look forward to supporting you on your path to wellness.

Amy’s fees may be eligible for insurance coverage under extended health benefit plans. Amy is receiving clinical supervision from a Registered Psychotherapist.

Please note: It is your responsibility to find out from your employer and/or insurance company about the type of mental health coverage you have. Valley Connections Counselling and our therapists are not responsible for determining whether or not your insurance company will reimburse you for our services. Please find out the details of your benefits package before booking and attending your therapy sessions. Should you attend sessions and later learn that your insurance company will not cover your therapy sessions, you are responsible for paying for the fees of all attended sessions as well as any future sessions you choose to attend.