Nadia S Matos Santos

(MindRiver Center Founder)​​

Counsellor (Dipl/Bach/Master inc)* ACCSC/ AIPC*, Child & Youth Psychology (Cert), Life Coaching (Cert), Parenting education and support (Cert), AOD skills (Cert), Support People with Psychosocial Disability (Cert), Child Safety & Protection (Cert), Certified teacher of Yoga Therapy for children, Complex needs and behavioural concerns (Cert), Gestalt Therapy (Cert), Palliative Care Nursing (Cert*PT), Anxiety, Depression and Sleep disturbances (Cert*PT), etc. Previous field experience in Organic Detox (Dipl), Natural Nutritional Supplements (Dipl), Homeo Medicine *Montreal, CA* (PhD), Biotherapies (Post-Grad), Nat (Bach), Biological Medicine & Homotoxicology (Dipl), Naturopathy *Cambridge International Univ* (Bach), Surgical Assistance DA implantology (Cert), DA (Cert V), Infection Control & Covid-19, First Aid & CPR, WWCC, Dental Tech *RMIT* (Dip), iTeroLab, Rapid Antigen tests, NHHI, among others.

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My Approach

 

          I offer a compassionate, holistic, and evidence-informed approach to counselling that supports both emotional wellbeing and personal growth. I believe that many struggles such as anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, low self-worth, burnout, trauma responses, and feeling “stuck” are often connected to deeper unmet emotional needs, nervous system dysregulation, life experiences, and disconnection from self.

          I believe therapy is not only about symptom management, but also about understanding the deeper emotional patterns, beliefs, experiences, and nervous system responses that influence the way we think, feel, relate, and cope in everyday life.

          My approach is warm, collaborative, non-judgemental, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs and experiences. I aim to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and empowered while developing practical tools, emotional insight, self-awareness, and healthier ways of coping and reconnecting with themselves.

          I integrate a range of therapeutic approaches depending on each client’s needs, including:

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• Person-Centred Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Narrative Therapy

• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

• Strengths-Based approaches

• Motivational Interviewing

• Mindfulness and nervous system regulation approaches

• Trauma-informed and attachment-informed practice

• Somatic awareness and grounding techniques

• Self-compassion-focused approaches

• Neurodiversity-affirming support

• Holistic wellbeing approaches

• Psychoeducation

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How I work:

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          I work in a warm, compassionate, and collaborative way, creating a safe and non-judgemental environment where clients can openly explore their thoughts, emotions, challenges, and goals. I understand that every person’s experiences, coping patterns, and emotional needs are unique, which is why I tailor sessions to each individual rather than using a “one size fits all” approach.

          My work combines emotional exploration with practical strategies to support clients not only in understanding themselves more deeply, but also in creating meaningful and sustainable change in everyday life.

          Depending on each client’s needs, sessions may involve:

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• exploring emotional patterns and underlying experiences

• developing emotional regulation and coping skills

• understanding nervous system responses and stress patterns

• identifying unhelpful beliefs, behaviours, or coping strategies

• strengthening self-worth, confidence, and boundaries

• improving communication and relationships

• processing grief, trauma, or major life transitions

• reconnecting with identity, values, and personal goals

 

          I work at a pace that feels safe and manageable for each client, recognising that healing and personal growth are not linear processes. My aim is to help individuals move from survival mode toward greater emotional balance, clarity, resilience, self-understanding, and connection with themselves.

          I also integrate psychoeducation, mindfulness, grounding techniques, self-compassion approaches, and strengths-based strategies to support clients both emotionally and practically throughout their journey.​​​

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Who I Work With

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          I work with adolescents, adults, parents, individuals, and couples experiencing a wide range of emotional, personal, relational, and life challenges.

          I support clients navigating:

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• anxiety and overthinking

• stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm

• low self-worth and self-criticism

• grief, loss, and life transitions

• trauma-related experiences

• emotional regulation difficulties

• relationship and family challenges

• people-pleasing and boundary difficulties

• identity struggles and feeling disconnected from self

• parenting stress and family dynamics

• loneliness and emotional isolation

• addiction and unhealthy coping patterns

• neurodiversity-related challenges (ADHD and ASD-related emotional support)

• nervous system dysregulation and chronic emotional exhaustion

• personal growth, emotional healing, and self-awareness

 

          I also work with individuals who may feel:

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• emotionally “stuck”

• disconnected from who they are

• trapped in survival mode

• overwhelmed by responsibilities or expectations

• unsure how to move forward despite wanting change

 

          My approach is inclusive, compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming, and adapted to each person’s individual experiences, culture, values, emotional needs, and goals.

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What to Expect

 

          Sessions provide a supportive, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can openly explore your thoughts, emotions, experiences, challenges, and goals.

          Together, we may:

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• explore patterns and underlying emotional experiences

• identify unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, or coping strategies

• develop practical emotional regulation tools

• build self-awareness and self-compassion

• strengthen boundaries and communication

• reconnect with your identity, values, and emotional needs

• work toward meaningful and realistic change

 

          Every person’s journey is different, and sessions are adapted to your individual needs, pace, and therapeutic goals.

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Philosophy of Care

 

          I believe people are not “broken.” Often, emotional struggles are adaptive responses to stress, trauma, pain, grief, life experiences, or prolonged periods of survival mode. With the right support, emotional safety, understanding, and self-awareness, individuals can reconnect with themselves, develop healthier patterns, and create meaningful and lasting change.

          My philosophy is grounded in compassion, authenticity, emotional safety, empowerment, and genuine human connection. I aim to support clients not only in coping with challenges, but also in understanding themselves more deeply and building a life that feels more aligned, fulfilling, balanced, and emotionally sustainable.

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Work Focus

 

          My work focuses on supporting clients to:

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• reconnect with themselves and their identity

• regulate stress, emotions, and nervous system responses

• strengthen self-worth, confidence, and resilience

• process grief, trauma, and life transitions

• develop healthier coping patterns and emotional awareness

• improve relationships, communication, and boundaries

• move from survival mode toward greater balance, clarity, and emotional wellbeing

 

          I am passionate about supporting people in creating sustainable emotional change while feeling genuinely heard, supported, understood, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.

 

​    Feel genuinely heard, supported, and understood in a safe and compassionate space where you can reconnect with yourself, strengthen your emotional wellbeing, and create meaningful, lasting change at your own pace.

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