MATTHEW RIDLEY THERAPY
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four things to know about me

I'm non-judgemental

about your life experiences, the choices you make and the values you hold. We each lead lives that are far more complex, nuanced, and uncertain than we might let on or be able to express to others. ​I assume that there are always good reasons why we say, do or value the things we do. When you sit down with me, I assume that you are working from the best intentions in your life and relationships, and that you have done your best to be the person you want to be. I understand everything you share with me as an indication not that you are a good person or a bad person, but that you are simply, a person. 
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I'm biased

about the strategies of living that promote health and well-being in life, in relationships and in sex. I'm going to share them with you. To do this, I’ll offer feedback to you about what might be happening within you (or between you) based on what you tell me. I’m always going to check with you to make sure I’m getting it right. I’m only ever as right as you say I am, since you’re the ultimate expert on what it’s actually like to be you. If I haven't got it right, I'll enlist your feedback to guide us to a better understanding. From that understanding, I'll provide my thoughts on what I think might be helpful, since I assume that a big part of why you've come to see me is to get new perspectives and strategies to address your life concerns.
Matthew Ridley Psychotherapy

I'm relaxed

While my ethics and interventions are clinical in nature, my delivery is not. I'm going to be inviting you into sharing some of your most intimate thoughts and experiences with me. Having been a client myself, I have a sense of how awkward this can be so I try to create a setting where our interactions are easy and natural. Our conversations should feel free flowing, and I'll use plain language. I won't be overly formal in my interactions with you. My intention is to be real and natural so that you can feel comfortable being real and natural with me.
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I'm experienced

In your interactions with me, you'll be drawing on an accumulation of experience and insight. Some will be drawn from the clinical wisdom of the therapy training, supervision and reading I've done. Some will be drawn from what has worked or not worked for the hundreds of other clients I've worked with. Some will be drawn from my own experiences in life. I've seen my fair share of successes and failures in life and in love, and it's through learning from these experiences that I've been able to flourish and live a rich life that is filled with connection, intimacy and wonder. ​

My clinical approach

I practice an integrated form of therapy, where I draw from many models of therapy and many understandings of life. Rather than a one-size-fits-all service, I'm able to offer a custom tailored service to you that's based on your specific experiences, understandings, and concerns. 
​At different times in our work together I may be informed by one or more of the following therapy models I've trained in:
Emotionally Focused Therapy 
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Narrative therapy
Systemic sex therapy
​The Gottman method
​Solution Focused Therapy

For the most part however, the time you spend with me in my office should feel like a seamless conversation.

My designations and training

Registered Psychotherapist College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Associate Member Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Master of Science, Couple and Family Therapy University of Guelph
Certificate Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program University of Guelph
​Honours Bachelor of Arts, Psychology  York University
Matthew Ridley MSc
Registered Psychotherapist
​​
358 Dufferin St, Suite 101  
Toronto, ON M6K 2B8
  • PSYCHOTHERAPY
  • SEX THERAPY
    • SEX THERAPY FAQ
  • COUPLES THERAPY
    • COUPLES THERAPY FAQ
  • APPOINTMENTS
  • ABOUT