Tanya Driechel (she/her)

MLIS, MA (Counseling, in progress)

tanya@intrepidtherapy.com

• About me

  I believe therapy should honor the fullness of who you are—your history, emotions, and the complexity of your experience. Rather than viewing you through narrow, traditional theories, I embrace the richness of your background and story. Therapy with me isn’t just a service; it’s a meaningful human relationship built on vulnerability, respect, and genuine connection. I don’t see the people I work with as “clients” because I want our time together to feel more authentic than a label can capture.

  When life feels overwhelming—maybe you’re grieving, feeling anxious, navigating relationship or work stress, or still living under the shadow of trauma or abuse—I’m here to help you find clarity and create pathways to resilience. In our sessions, you can bring your whole self, and we’ll explore the patterns, emotions, and experiences that have shaped who you are, uncovering new meanings and strengths you may not have recognized before.

  My approach is collaborative, not prescriptive: I invite you to engage deeply with your thoughts and feelings, nurturing insights that lead to lasting changes. Through this supportive process, I help you develop a more profound understanding of yourself, your emotions, and your relationships. Everyone holds the potential for growth, and my role is to help you access it in ways that feel true to you. By building a foundation of respect and honest communication, we’ll work together to achieve transformations that are authentic, sustainable, and empowering.

• My approach

  I believe therapy is where meaningful transformation emerges through a combination of my guidance and your courage. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with your story, and I approach that responsibility with care, respect, and gratitude. Whether you’re navigating grief, life transitions, or struggling with anxiety or depression, I honor the vulnerability it takes to step into this space, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

  In our sessions, I don’t see myself as an authority figure. Instead, I see our work as a partnership—a joint effort grounded in compassion and mutual respect. As your guide, I’ll help you tap into your resilience and uncover new strengths and insights. Together, we’ll discover ways to heal, grow, and move forward.

  My approach draws on maturity, life experience, and a deep understanding of what it means to be human. By combining patience, open-mindedness, and a nonjudgmental attitude, I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel truly seen and heard. In this space, we work together to navigate your path, embracing your capacity for growth and transformation.

• My story

  I grew up in a conservative rural community, where cultural and socioeconomic barriers often felt like walls holding people back. Yet I was fortunate to have mentors who believed in my potential, helping me find my own path. This experience sparked my commitment to empowering others to recognize their strengths, no matter the constraints around them.

  To support my education, I’ve worn many hats—tree-planter, waitress, literacy worker—and these roles deepened my understanding of resilience and resourcefulness. Working in underprivileged communities, both locally and abroad, taught me how access to education and supportive relationships can help people reclaim their sense of agency. My journey took me to West Africa, where I contributed to building libraries and women’s literacy projects, and back home, where I engaged in literacy initiatives in a Canadian women’s prison. These experiences opened my eyes to the hidden ways cultural forces, social hierarchies, and systemic barriers can limit a person’s growth—limitations often overlooked by traditional psychological frameworks.

  Through it all, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of human-centered, non-hierarchical approaches. I know from personal experience that overcoming barriers isn’t about fitting into predefined molds; it’s about genuine connection, empathy, and an openness to each individual’s lived truth. This perspective informs my work today: therapy isn’t about labels or rigid solutions—it’s about walking alongside you, honoring your story, and helping you access your innate resilience.

  By drawing on my own lived experiences, I meet you with authenticity, empathy, and understanding. I believe in the unique validity of each person’s narrative, and I approach therapy as a collaborative relationship where your strengths, insights, and potential are at the heart of our work. At the end of the day, I’m here because I truly value human connection, and I’m committed to creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported as you move forward.

• Focus areas

  Grief Counseling for Traditionally Unrecognized Losses
  Grief doesn’t only follow the death of a loved one—it can emerge from losses that often go unacknowledged. You might mourn a shift in your health or physical abilities, the end of a relationship or marriage, the loss of a role that once defined you, or even changes in the natural environment. These forms of grief, though common, can feel isolating when society offers little understanding or support. In my practice, I’m committed to honoring these under-recognized forms of loss. By providing a compassionate, nonjudgmental space, I help you process complex emotions and find ways to heal, adapt, and move forward while respecting the unique significance of whatever you’ve lost.

  Navigating Life Transitions
  Life transitions—both expected and unforeseen—can challenge the foundation of who you are. Whether it’s a career change, shifting family dynamics, divorce, relocation, or the evolving complexities of aging, these moments often stir questions of identity and purpose. Together, we’ll explore the emotional landscape of your transition, uncovering patterns, strengths, and insights that help you gain clarity. We’ll address everything from the psychological impact of changing professional roles to the deeper existential questions that arise when your sense of self is in flux. My goal is to guide you through these periods, supporting you as you develop the resilience and perspective needed to embrace change and cultivate lasting personal growth.

  Empowerment-Based Group Therapy
  Group therapy can be profoundly transformative—especially for those who’ve felt marginalized, disempowered, or isolated by systemic inequities. In a carefully facilitated group setting, shared experiences become a source of strength and community. Drawing on my background in literacy and support groups, including those in a women’s prison, I understand the healing power of collective storytelling. By providing a respectful, judgment-free environment, I help participants learn from one another, rediscover a sense of control, and recognize that they’re not alone in their struggles. Through empathy, shared wisdom, and creative expression, these groups foster resilience, highlight each individual’s agency, and create a sense of belonging that can be difficult to find elsewhere.

  Creative Therapy for Trauma Survivors
  For trauma survivors, traditional talk therapy isn’t always enough. Trauma often resides beyond words, making it challenging—or even painful—to articulate experiences directly. Creative therapies offer alternative pathways to healing. By drawing on art, writing, and storytelling, survivors can safely process emotions, memories, and sensations that feel overwhelming to express verbally. My work in a women’s prison using creative writing and bibliotherapy taught me the profound impact of these approaches. Whether it’s through painting, reading stories that resonate with personal struggles, or writing a narrative of one’s own journey, creative expression offers a way to reclaim control, honor complexity, and transform pain into growth. This flexible, individualized approach ensures that each survivor’s healing process can unfold at a pace and style that feels right, ultimately fostering renewed identity, empowerment, and emotional well-being.

• Education and training

  My educational journey reflects my commitment to literacy, social equity, and creating accessible pathways to healing. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English from Concordia University in Montreal and a Master’s in Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta, where I focused on improving access to information for marginalized communities. This work allowed me to develop skills in designing inclusive resources that encourage self-advocacy and empowerment. I’m currently completing a Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Yorkville University, further refining my ability to support individuals through personal growth and transformation.

  My experience as a Justice Education Program Coordinator helped me deepen my understanding of trauma-sensitive, accessible educational programming. Training in social justice, legal literacy, and resilience-building workshops provided valuable hands-on practice in fostering emotional safety and leading supportive groups. Each of these experiences reinforced my dedication to promoting equitable access, embracing people’s inherent strengths, and nurturing an environment where individuals can advocate for themselves. Today, I weave these values into my therapeutic approach, ensuring that my work remains grounded in empathy, understanding, and genuine support.

• Get to know me

  Personal experiences have shaped my journey toward becoming a therapist, instilling in me a commitment to genuine, human-centered, and non-hierarchical care. I find joy in witnessing people discover their own empowerment, especially when adversity once overshadowed their voices. Beyond my work, I’m an avid animal lover, with a special fondness for dogs. My beloved beagle, who graced my life for nearly two decades, taught me invaluable lessons in loyalty, resilience, and the comforting power of quiet companionship.

  I’m a creative at heart, drawn to photography, painting, writing, and gardening. Making complex information accessible is a passion of mine, just as essential as my love for books, a connection to nature, and my running shoes, which keep me grounded. An ideal day for me might start with an early run and a cup of coffee outside, then end with a peaceful evening of reading, journaling, or enjoying time with friends.

  My comfort meals tend to be simple and nourishing, like a warm vegan stew paired with fresh bread. Films, re-reading favorite books, and finding solace in familiar stories are pleasures I embrace wholeheartedly. I often revisit Mary Oliver’s words, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” as a reminder of possibility and purpose. For reading recommendations, I value The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown, which emphasizes self-acceptance, and Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, a powerful exploration of identity and belonging.

  Running, journaling, and quiet reading time feel essential to my own self-care, and I love discussing books, art, and cultural experiences as a way to gain fresh perspectives outside the therapeutic space. Each aspect of my life—creative outlets, nature, animal companionship, and a deep appreciation for human connection—shapes who I am and how I approach therapy.

• Services and Fees

  Online Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Coaching

  $40 session fee

  Insurance: not accepted

  Schedule directly through online scheduler.

  If you’re unable to find an available time that works for you, please reach out to tanya@intrepidtherapy.com