COUNSELLING IN NORTH BAY & ONLINE ACROSS ONTARIO
Healing in a place
where you belong.
Individual therapy for children, teens and adults with Suzanne (Sue) McDermid — Registered Social Worker (Master's level), psychotherapist and teacher. Play therapy, canine-assisted sessions and neurodiversity-affirming support, all in one calm place.
Don't see a time that works? Add your name to the waitlist and you'll be contacted when a space opens up.
“We can talk about things, but if it becomes uncomfortable, words aren't always necessary and we can shift to something that feels safer. For many clients of Riverway, a cuddle with Kali is just what is needed.”
Sue McDermid
Meet Sue
Suzanne McDermid
Hons B.A., B.Ed., OCT, MSW, RSW
Long before Riverway Therapy had a name, Sue had a vision of a place where children and families could walk through the door and know they didn't have to change who they were in order to belong.
Her nearly four decades of experience as an educator, social worker, therapist and treatment foster parent to more than 30 children has given her a perspective that reaches far beyond textbooks and clinical training.
She understands what it means to love a child fiercely, to worry that your best may not be enough, and to keep showing up through the complicated parts of family life.
That experience sits at the heart of Riverway Therapy: a practice built on curiosity, connection and the belief that children and families don't need judgment or fixing. They need to be seen, understood and supported.
My approach
Therapy that adapts to your needs, wishes and goals.
Every session is shaped around you, not a schedule.
01
Who we are
Teacher and therapist in one
Sue is a registered social worker and a registered teacher with close to four decades supporting children, teens and families. She understands school, home and the spaces in between.
02
How we work
More than talk
Riverway Therapy offers a playroom for younger clients, canine-assisted therapy grounded in Sue's award-winning research, and community-based sessions upon request. Every session is adapted to your individual needs and goals.
03
Who we support
Neurodiversity-affirming
Over half of Riverway Therapy's clients are living with ADHD, anxiety, autism or learning disabilities. Here, nobody needs to change who they are to fit in or belong.
Therapy services in North Bay & online across Ontario
Support for every
age and stage
Individualized counselling for children, teens and adults. With support shaped around the person, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
01
Children & Teens
Child & Adolescent Therapy
A safe place to express feelings, work through big emotions and process hard experiences in a developmentally appropriate manner.
02
Adults
Adult Individual Therapy
One-on-one support in a comfortable, traditional therapy space — or a custom, community-based session.
03
Families, Parents & Caregivers
Parent/Caregiver Support
Every family is different. Collaborative consultation sessions build a plan that works for you and your kids.
04
All Ages & Abilities
Play Therapy
Developmentally appropriate ways for children to work through challenges — through play, not pressure.
Sue has completed the education and specialist training to provide play therapy.
05
Specialized Support
Canine-Assisted Therapy
Highly individualized sessions with Riverway's canine helpers. Sessions without a canine helper are also available upon request.
06
Children, Teens & Adults
Neurodiversity & Mental Health Supports
Affirming support for children, teens and adults with ADHD, anxiety and autism — focused on connection and belonging.