Hillary Bowdridge, therapist in Richmond Hill.
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ONLINE THERAPY BASED IN RICHMOND HILL AND ACROSS ONTARIO

Hillary Bowdridge, MSW, RSW

Therapy for women in their 20s & 30s who are finding their way.

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Specialties

  • Trauma & PTSD

  • Childhood Trauma

  • Substance Use

  • ADHD, Dyslexia & Other Learning Disabilities

  • Anger Management

  • Self-Esteem

  • Career & Life Transitions

  • Intimate Partner Violence Recovery

  • Spiritual Exploration

  • Breakup Recovery

  • Anxiety & Chronic Stress

  • Conflict in Relationships

  • Depression

Services

Individual Therapy | Couples Therapy | Somatic Therapy | EMDR Therapy

Client Population

12+

Therapeutic Approaches

Trauma-informed Therapy | Emotional Freedom Technique | Somatic Therapy | EMDR Therapy | Mindfulness-Based Therapy | Narrative Therapy | Dialectical Behavioral Therapy | Solution-Focused Therapy | Mindfulness-based Therapy | Gottman Method Relationship Therapy

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming.

Finding the right therapist and taking that first step can feel confusing and intimidating. You might be wondering, Will they understand me? Will this actually help? Where do I even start? If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself, you’re not alone.

Often, the things bringing people to therapy aren’t just about what’s happening right now. They’re shaped by past experiences, long-standing patterns, and the ways we’ve learned to cope over time. You might notice these patterns showing up in your relationships, sense of self, or how you manage stress and emotions, influencing how we move through adulthood.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting. I offer a space that feels safe, supportive, and non-judgmental, where we can gently explore what’s happening beneath the surface, build safety and awareness, and work toward change at a pace that feels right for you.

What it’s like to work with me?

Think of our sessions as a space where you can show up exactly as you are: messy thoughts, complicated emotions, and everything in between. I know starting therapy can feel overwhelming, so my goal is to make the process feel as safe, comfortable, and natural as possible!

There’s no set formula for how our sessions need to look. Some days you might want to explore deeper patterns, and other days you might just need space to process, ground, or feel supported. We’ll take things one step at a time and adjust as we go. There’s no “right” way to do therapy. We’ll pay attention to what you need and adjust along the way.

I especially enjoy working with Millennials and Gen Z, and I understand how our experiences, relationships, and coping patterns are shaped by both past experiences and the pressures of adult life today. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma symptoms, burnout, relationship patterns, substance use as a coping strategy, or feeling disconnected from yourself, I’ll meet you where you are.

Together, we’ll work on building awareness, reconnecting with your body and emotions, and creating changes that feel meaningful and sustainable for you.

Hillary Bowdridge, Psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON, with glasses, wearing a sleeveless floral top and green pants, sitting on a stone ledge outdoors with trees and sunlight in the background.
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I get that asking for help can be hard.

I became a social worker and therapist because I care deeply about helping people create real, meaningful change in their lives. Everyone carries their own experiences and challenges, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck by the time you reach out for support. But I want you to know this: you’re not broken. The ways you’ve learned to cope make sense in the context of what you’ve lived through.

I’m drawn to trauma work because I believe in the incredible capacity for healing and growth within every individual, even after profound challenges or events. I am truly honored that people allow me to walk with them and guide them through their most difficult moments. This is not something I take lightly. Witnessing people begin to heal, rebuild, and reclaim their life is truly impactful. 

I’m a neurospicy social worker diagnosed with dyslexia. I personally understand how challenging it is for neurodivergent individuals to navigate various life difficulties in a world that often seems overwhelming and doesn't always feel accommodating. Many of us are struggling with things such as anxiety, self-doubt, and negative self talk, while also juggling work, school, financial stress, and the constant noise of technology and social media. It can be a lot to hold on your own. That’s why I’m here to support you and your needs. 

Aside from the individual work I do, I also provide couples therapy where I help couples navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. We work together to identify patterns, build stronger connection, and develop tools to overcome challenges. Relationships are hard work, it’s totally normal to feel that way. 

With the right support, it’s possible to reconnect with your mind and body, make sense of your patterns, and move toward a life that feels more grounded and aligned. I’m here to walk alongside you in that process.

Hillary Bowdridge, psychotherapist in Richmond Hill, ON, sitting on a concrete ledge outside a stone building with large windows, smiling at the camera, wearing glasses, a red top, black jacket, and blue jeans.

A little more personal.

In my spare time, I love going for walks and taking my pupper, Bella to the dog park. I’m passionate about attending yoga classes each week. I believe it's important to be in community with others while incorporating that mind-body connection through a variety of joyful and difficult movements. I love a good challenge! Fun fact: I’ve also done Reiki Level 1 training.

I enjoy time to myself by listening to music and journaling. That “me time” is so important. I enjoy spending time with loved ones, especially when it involves one of my favourite activities, which is trying out a new restaurant!

I've Got You

I've Got You

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    • Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a minor in Ethnocultural Diversity Studies from Acadia University.

    • Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University.

    • Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University.

    • Registered Social Worker with the OCSWSSW (Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers)

    • Imago Fundamentals

    • EMDR Level 1

    • Step Training

    • Emotional Freedom Technique Level 2

    • Emotional Freedom Technique Level 1

    • Gottman’s Couples Therapy Level 2

    • Trauma Tapping Technique

    • Gottman’s Couples Therapy Level 1

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

    • Intensive Dialectic Behavioral Therapy

    • Logosynthesis Path of Courage

    • Logosynthesis Basic Training

    • Counselling Skills Level 1-Solutioned Focused

    • Verbal Intervention Skills Training

    • Becoming Trauma Informed Training

    • Level 2 Course: Forensic Social Work: Essential Legal Skills for Practice

    • ASIST Training

    • Level 1 Course: Forensic Social Work: Foundational Law for Social Work Practice

    • Mental Health First Aid Training

    • Naloxone Training

    • Individual Therapy

    $170 per 50 minute appointment

    • Couples Therapy

    $190 per 50 minute appointment

    • Mondays 5 - 7pm

    • Wednesdays 5 - 7pm

    • Fridays 5 - 7pm

    • Saturdays 12 - 4:30pm

Ready to take the next step? Let’s connect!

Click below to book a free 15 minute consultation with me by phone or video.

Book with Hillary