Meet

Riley Giles

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

I’m so happy that you’re here!

I hold an Honours Specialization in Child and Family Studies from Nipissing University, as well as a Master of Arts in Theology in the Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy program at Wilfrid Laurier University. I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, in

good standing.

I have experience working with individuals navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, loneliness, relationship challenges, student-hood and life transitions. My background includes working in schools with children, parents, caregivers, and educators, as well as supporting older adults through transitions into retirement living. I enjoy working with individuals to navigate dating, pre-marriage counselling and break-ups. I am sex-positive and have a passion for exploring intimacy, sex, low desire, as well and emotional and sexual disconnection with my clients. I also provide support to improve communication around sex.

Request an Appointment with Riley

My Approach

I am a gentle therapist who strives to make the therapy room a little brighter for my clients. I value building genuine and meaningful connections across all backgrounds. As a curious and growth-oriented person, I prioritize presence and intentional listening to understand my clients’ unique experiences and perspectives fully. I create a warm, comforting and non-judgmental space where you can be your genuine self.

I am influenced by a Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapeutic approach, which takes a holistic approach, and sees healing as more than just addressing thoughts and emotions, and focuses on the whole person. This perspective recognizes human experience as an intertwining of the mind, body, soul and spirit. Holistic well-being involves nurturing the connection between our psychological, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions and brings us one step closer to experiencing internal harmony. By honouring our connection to something larger than ourselves, we welcome deep-rooted healing, growth and a more meaningful life.

I understand that we all navigate the world through different languages, cultures, and spiritual perspectives. Much like how languages shape our expression, spirituality shapes our sense of self, purpose, and connection. My role is to create an inclusive space where clients can explore, heal, and grow in all dimensions of life.

Education

Masters of Arts in Theology in the Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. Sexual Violence Response Certificate - (Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management) - Wilfrid Laurier University

Honours Specialization in Child and Family Studies, minor in French - Nipissing University

Gottman level 1

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) Level 1 & 2

Integrative Sex and Couples Therapy training, Institute for Sex Therapy Integration (ISTI)

Understanding and Treating Sexual/Genital Pain, Modern Sex Therapy Institute

My Availability

During the day and evenings in the weekday and occasionally on weekends.

Currently accepting new clients!

Treatment Specialities

Addiction and Attachment
Aging
Anxiety and stress
Body Image
Breakups
Burnout
Communication
Communication around intimacy
Confidence and Self-Esteem
Conflict resolution
Dating and relationship challenges
Exploring intimacy, sex and desire
Exploring purpose and meaning of Life
Life transitions and loss of direction
LGBTQ2S+
Loneliness
Motivation
Navigating differences in desire and low desire
Shame
Spirituality and multi-faith topics
Stress related to teaching and caregiving roles (EAs, DECEs).
Students and the student experience
Support around sexual or genital pain
Trust
Values exploration
Work-life balance

Services Offered

Individual Psychotherapy 18+
Couples

Therapeutic Modalities

Anti-oppressive Frameworks
Attachment-Based Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (Couples Therapy EFCT and Individual EFIT)
Gestalt
Gottman Method
IFS Parts Works
Mindfulness
Solution-Focused Therapy
Somatic Therapy
Trauma-Informed Approach

Request an Appointment with Riley

Get to Know Riley

What made you decide to pursue a career as a therapist?

My decision to become a psychotherapist was influenced by many factors, but it was witnessing the emotional toll on teachers, parents, and students during the pandemic that ultimately became the catalyst for my pursuit of psychotherapy. These experiences instilled in me a commitment to address mental health beyond the classroom. I've always been curious about what shapes our behaviours, emotions, and core beliefs - and driven to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

I have a passion for supporting individuals in improving communication with others and understanding themselves and their actions better. As a therapist, I help clients explore, heal, and grow beyond the patterns they developed to survive. I help clients hold space for self-compassion, honouring that the coping mechanisms and strategies once protected them, even if they no longer serve the life they’re working to build.

I am also passionate about supporting clients to explore pleasure and intimacy. In a world where sex can be taboo and shameful, I welcome clients to approach their sexual selves with curiosity and open, honest communication. I also have training in understanding and treating chronic sexual and genital pain.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

One of my favourite parts about this work is the human relationship that is built through trust, security, and care. Additionally, I love witnessing small or big “aha” moments, when clients gain a deeper understanding of their behaviours and thoughts, and begin showing themselves self-compassion during difficult times. In line with this, I find it incredibly rewarding to hear clients bring their key takeaways and learnings from previous sessions. As a curious learner, I am always honoured and excited to learn about your world and your story.

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about mental health?

One of the biggest misconceptions about mental health is the belief that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness or that it means something major is “wrong” with you. In reality, people can come to therapy for any reason - nothing is too big or too small. Whether you’re seeking deep-rooted healing, someone to talk to, or simply maintenance, I would be honoured to unpack it all with you. Reaching out takes courage, and I’m here to hold space for that bravery. Many people also carry guilt, shame, or blame, feeling as though their struggles are their fault, when often they can be responses to difficult circumstances or unmet needs during critical periods. Another common misunderstanding is the idea that therapy is a one-size-fits-all approach, when in fact it should be unique, person-centred, and shaped by your lived experience.

We often underestimate just how interconnected we are as human beings. Mental health isn’t just about our thoughts or emotions - it’s about tending to the whole person. True well-being comes from nurturing the mind, body, spirit, and soul, and creating inner harmony that honours every part of who we are. This invites a special kind of healing.

What will it be like for clients to work with you as their therapist?

In session, clients can expect a warm, empathetic, gentle, and soft-spoken therapist who will meet them where they are in their stuckness. At the client’s pace, I will prompt clients with reflective and meaning-making questions to encourage the exploration of the more uncomfortable parts of therapy. I want to ensure that clients see me as a curious learner, committed to understanding their challenges and experiences from their lens. While I am not the expert in my clients’ world, I strive to offer outside-of-the-box perspectives and different ways of deriving meaning. In session, you can expect our work to be collaborative, bouncing ideas off of each other and forming new wonderings together.

Humour is also an important part of who I am, and when used carefully, it can deepen our connection and build trust and rapport. I find that humour, when invited, creates space for more authenticity and humanness. It fills me with warmth when clients feel comfortable enough to share a laugh with me - it’s often a sign that safety and connection are growing.

I appreciate diversity, different cultures, and learning new languages. While sessions are offered in English, I am fluent in French and understand that many clients live their lives shaped by multiple languages and cultural perspectives, just as I do in my own life. Whether it’s using “Frenchisms,” mixing English and French, code-switching, or occasionally flipping word order without realizing it, I understand the intersectional, playful, imperfect, and deeply personal nature of living between languages.

Learn More About Our Team

View Therapists

Our Space

We provide a safe, private, and empathetic space where individuals can explore their challenges, knowing they will be met with understanding, respect, and support throughout their journey toward healing.

In-Person & Online

All services at Bridge Therapy Services are offered for either in-person and online (virtual) appointments – or a mixture of both to suit your needs! Our hope for in-person appointments is that we have created a space that is safe and comfortable for all clients. For those hoping to access online appointments, you are encouraged to set up in a private, safe, and comfortable space to ensure you get the most out of your appointment.

Request An Appointment