Nature-based therapy rooted in relational care for times of transition, grief, and climate crisis.
Explore what we offer
I offer compassionate, ecocentric therapy grounded in the rhythms of the natural world. My practice centres people navigating grief, change, identity shifts, and climate distress. Whether you're moving through personal loss, caring for a loved one, facing ecological anxiety, or simply seeking steadiness in uncertain times, therapy can offer a place to land and be held with care.
One of the ways I offer support is through walk-and-talk therapy—meeting outdoors, walking side-by-side, and inviting the landscape to partner with us in the therapeutic process. Many people find it easier to open up while walking in nature than sitting face-to-face in a room. We might walk, pause, cry, sit in silence, or simply listen to the forest. All of it is welcome.
Walking together allows space for your emotions to move at their own pace. The land reminds us that healing happens in relationship, not on a timeline. In times of loss, many of us are instinctively drawn to nature for comfort. There’s a reason for that. Nature offers hope, steadiness, and quiet companionship. Even as our relationship with the natural world has been disrupted by capitalism and industrialization, the impulse to return remains.
Most sessions take place on our rural acreage in N’Swakamok (Greater Sudbury), a quiet, forested area with wide, flat, maintained trails. If that location isn’t accessible, we can meet at a nearby conservation area or park. Virtual sessions may also be available. Your comfort, safety, and access needs will always guide our plans.
This work is rooted in relational accountability. As a settler therapist working on Anishinaabe Land within the Robinson-Huron Treaty territory, I strive to engage ethically with place and practice. That means showing up with humility, honouring Indigenous Sovereignty, and supporting Indigenous Land defence and stewardship. A percentage of all fees is given back to Indigenous-led organizations.
If you’re curious about this approach, I offer a free 15-minute phone consult to see if it feels like a good fit. I’m also happy to answer any questions via email. We’ll talk through location options, accessibility needs, and what kind of support you’re looking for.
I support adults navigating a range of life experiences, including:
Grief and Loss
Death of a loved one
Companion animal loss
Anticipatory grief
Ambiguous loss
Sudden or traumatic loss
End-of-Life
Legacy planning
Navigating a life-limiting diagnosis
Emotional support for caregivers
Spiritual and emotional preparation for death
Life Transitions
Identity shifts
Relationship endings
Aging and changing roles
Reproductive and Perinatal Experiences
Pregnancy loss
Post-abortion care
Perinatal mental health challenges
Climate and Ecological Distress
Eco-anxiety
Ecological grief
Feeling overwhelmed by environmental collapse
About Me
I’m Andréa Desjardins: registered social worker, mum, and settler of Scottish and French descent living and learning in N’Swakamok (Greater Sudbury). My practice is based on mutually creating and maintaining space for open, honest, and nuanced conversations about complex and uncomfortable topics. I follow the ethical standards set out by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and strive to be anti-oppressive, anti-colonial, anti-racist, gender-affirming and culturally responsive.
I take a relational and person-centred approach, which means prioritizing your unique needs, identity, values, and preferences—treating you as a whole person, not a diagnosis—and recognizing you as the expert in your own life. I draw on a variety of therapeutic modalities, tailoring support to what feels most helpful for you. This work is grounded in trust, mutual respect, and an understanding of trauma and grief within a social, political, cultural, environmental, and historical context.
I have completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work, researching the responsibilities associated with incorporating nature-based approaches as a settler social worker on colonized Indigenous Land. I continue to engage in professional development through courses and training that deepen my skills.
In past roles, I’ve worked as a peer support worker, trainer, and coordinator in grassroots mental health initiatives. I also spent time as an advocate within the psychiatric survivors and reproductive justice movements. Most recently, I worked with aging residents with dementia and other disabilities in long-term care, where I have witnessed firsthand the importance of individualized and compassionate care.
When I’m not working or studying, you might see me walking the land with my dog, spending time with family, dabbling in textile crafts, or watching comfort TV shows on my velvet couch.
If you choose to work with me, you’ll find an open-minded and non-judgmental space where we collaborate and walk side-by-side on your therapy journey.
Fees & Payment
Standard
I offer 60-minute therapy sessions at a standard rate of $150. This includes walk-and-talk, nature-connected, and virtual sessions.
Sliding Scale & Community Care
I offer a sliding scale of $100–$150 for those navigating financial barriers. This is offered on an honour system—no documentation is required. If the sliding scale is still out of reach, I reserve a limited number of low-cost spots. Please feel free to reach out to discuss options.
This practice is rooted in mutual aid and collective care. If you are able to pay the full fee—especially if you have access to insurance coverage—your payment helps subsidize sessions for others who may not have the same access. I trust that those who work with me share these values and want to support a more just and accessible model of care.
Insurance & Tax Information
As a Registered Social Worker (RSW), my services are often covered under extended health benefit plans. Please check with your provider to confirm if your plan includes counselling or psychotherapy by an RSW. Receipts are provided for reimbursement.
In Ontario, social work services are also considered a medical expense and may be claimed on your personal income tax return if not covered by insurance.
Social work services are exempt from HST/GST in Ontario. However, as part of my ongoing accountability as a settler practicing on Indigenous Land, I commit to giving 13% of each session fee (the equivalent of HST/GST) to Indigenous-led organizations engaged in land defence, environmental justice, and healing work. These monthly reparations are currently shared equally between:
RAVEN Trust – supporting Indigenous Nations in legal battles to protect their Lands and Rights
Indigenous Climate Action – advancing Indigenous-led climate solutions and environmental justice
Indian Residential School Survivors Society – offering trauma-informed support and healing to survivors and their families
This is part of my commitment to material accountability and Land Back. I’m always open to learning about other Indigenous-led organizations to support through voluntary rent, especially local Anishinaabe initiatives doing healing, environmental, or land rematriation work.
FAQs
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Walk-and-talk therapy brings our session outdoors—into the forest, along a trail, beside the water. We walk side-by-side and talk, or sometimes pause and sit. For many people, this feels more natural and less intimidating than sitting face-to-face. Movement and nature can help ease anxiety, grief, or stuckness. You don’t need to be athletic or outdoorsy. This is about connection, not performance.
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You don’t have to walk far or fast. Trails I use are wide and relatively flat. If walking isn’t accessible or comfortable, we can adapt and sit in a quiet spot, stay close to the trailhead, or meet at a park with benches and paved paths. Your safety and comfort always come first. We’ll discuss location and accessibility during your free consult.
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That’s very normal. We choose locations together, and I prioritize your sense of privacy and security. If we pass others, we can pause or shift the conversation. If you prefer, I also offer virtual sessions from the comfort of your home. There’s no pressure to do it any one way.
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Your confidentiality is just as important outdoors as it is indoors. We choose locations and times that minimize interruptions. If we pass others, we might pause the conversation briefly or switch topics. We can also agree on ways to navigate these moments in advance, so you always feel safe and in control.
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My approach is grounded in relational, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and ecocentric values. I understand healing as deeply connected to land, community, and broader systems. As a White settler therapist, I strive to practice with humility and accountability on Indigenous Land. This includes material commitments such as redistributing a percentage of session fees to Indigenous-led organizations in support of Land Back movements.
I also honour that many nature-based practices have roots in ancient traditions from diverse nations and continue to be living, active parts of many Indigenous and non-Western cultures—despite ongoing colonialism and oppression. I do NOT use or appropriate Indigenous ceremonies or practices in my work.
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I work with people navigating many forms of grief and transition, including:
Death of a loved one
Ambiguous loss
Companion animal loss
Pregnancy loss and post-abortion care
Perinatal mental health challenges
End-of-life planning and anticipatory grief
Ecological distress and climate grief
Identity shifts, caregiving, and major life changes
If you're not sure whether your experience "qualifies," you are welcome here. We can explore together whether this space feels right for you.
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We keep an eye on the forecast together and decide if it feels safe and comfortable to meet outside. If the weather is extreme—very cold, stormy, or unsafe—we can reschedule or switch to a virtual session. Otherwise, sessions continue in all seasons, in light rain, snow, or chill. Layers, weather-appropriate footwear, and anything that helps you feel comfortable and grounded are encouraged. I’ll always check in ahead of time to make sure you feel prepared and may be able to provide some supplies and gear.
Black spruce trees grow in tough conditions—on rock, in cold, through fire—and still offer shelter and life. They don’t need perfect circumstances to keep going.
That’s how I think about healing. Not fixing, not rushing, just staying with what’s hard and growing anyway.
I named my practice after the black spruce because it reflects the kind of care I offer: grounded, steady, and made for hard seasons.
Contact
Interested in working together? Have more questions? Fill out some information, and I will be in touch within 24 hours.
Please note: this is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate distress or need urgent support, please contact one of the resources below:
Crisis and Support Lines
Talk Suicide Canada (24/7)
1-833-456-4566 or talksuicide.caHope for Wellness Helpline (24/7, for Indigenous Peoples)
1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.caNISA Warm Line (peer support for Northern Ontario, 6pm–12pm daily)
1-866-856-9276YouthLine (for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario)
1-800-268-9688 or youthline.caKids Help Phone (national, all ages)
1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868Emergency Services
Consider calling 911 or going to your nearest emergency room if you are in danger or need immediate medical attention.
Take your time. Reach out when you’re ready—I’ll be here.
Andréa Desjardins RSW
andrea@blacksprucetherapy.ca