Modern Entrepreneur - Katherine Ridolfo

Local entrepreneur Katherine Ridolfo shares some information about herself and her business, Katherine Ridolfo Counselling and Psychotherapy Services, in our Modern Entrepreneur profile. 

What do you do?

I provide heart centred, collaborative, non-judgemental counselling for individuals, couples and families, helping them to better understand their behaviours, communication patterns, relational issues and as such transform their lives and connect to a better and happier version of themselves.  
A portion of my practice is trauma informed and I endeavour to work with individuals to identify and release these traumas that may be debilitating and lingering from childhood, manifesting as anxiety, depression, anger or addiction to name a few. I also use hypnotherapy in my practice and operate Craving Change groups periodically which helps people to identify and change their emotional eating patterns. And, last but not least, one of my favourite types of counselling is Pre-Marital counselling. I enjoy the process of helping couples navigate some of the foundational factors of marital relations.

What drew me to open my own business?

Opening and owning a private practice has been a dream of mine for many years and has allowed me to build my practice on trust and authenticity helping clients work towards hope and healing-something I am passionate about! 

What did you do prior to your current profession?

I’ve done a number of different things over the years which has included teaching heritage language classes, teaching at both Humber and Sheridan College and completing my MSW and Usui Reiki Master designations.  But the pinnacle of my work has been in last 38 years working in the developmental sector with the families of children/adults who have a diagnosis of a developmental delay or Autism Spectrum Disorder. This remains a big part of my practice-I continue to support individuals with a diagnosis as well as their families. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of my career?

The shifts and changes I see in the people that I work with-hands down! Sometimes people just need to be heard and coming into a safe and non-judgemental space to just talk is the catalyst to major change. 

What are some common misconceptions about Social Work/Psychotherapy/Counselling?

There are many misconceptions about seeing a therapist, however, a couple of the major ones that I hear often are that only “crazy” people seek therapy and people are worried about being blamed, shamed and confronted in therapy. 

If I had a time machine, would I go forward or backwards and to what year and why?

I would go backward in time to a time and place where people misunderstood mental health and developed a stigma towards it.  I would change people’s attitudes and not allow it to have permeated into modern day living.  

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration every day from the clients who allow me to walk their journey with them and put forward their most vulnerable selves to get the help and support they need to live the life of their dreams! 

What's on the horizon for 2018?

I’m excited by the possibilities that a new year brings! My plans include an expansion of my existing business to include a therapeutic, holistic practice that brings together like minded individuals to provide alternate/complementary therapies.  

For more information, visit: ridolfocounselling.com