Chantal Riel, MA, Registered Psychotherapist, Yoga Teacher

Meet Chantal Riel, MA,

Registered Psychotherapist, Yoga Teacher

Hello! I’m Chantal

I work as a Registered Psychotherapist and I am the founder of Cup of Tea Psychotherapy.

My intention is to help you develop an embodied kind and compassionate way of relating to your inner and outer worlds. Evidence-based studies have repeatedly shown this makes it easier for you to make decisions that improve your wellbeing, which benefits you and your loved ones.

I listen closely to all my clients and help them align mind, body, and soul… in a way that feels right to them.

Areas of expertise and interest

  • Anxiety, depression & mood disorders

  • Addiction

  • ADHD

  • Personality disorders (e.g. Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder)

  • Burnout & work-related stress

  • Chronic Illness

  • Eating disorders

  • Emotional regulation

  • Embodiment work

  • Grief & loss

  • Highly Sensitive Person Trait (HSP)

  • Interpersonal relationships (e.g. family conflict, codependency, communication, romantic relationships)

  • Men’s issues

  • Perfectionism, procrastination, self-criticism & self-esteem

  • Self-discovery work

  • Sexuality & related topics

  • Sleep & insomnia

  • Spiritual / religious integration & existential issues

  • Trauma (PTSD and c-PTSD)

  • Women’s issues (e.g. PMS, PMDD, Pre- and post-natal)

  • 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

My credentials

  • Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO) #10908

  • MA in Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Spirituality from Saint-Paul University

  • Honours BA with Specialization in Psychology at the University of Ottawa, with highest distinction Summa Cum Laude (including Psychology and Behaviour studies at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands)

  • Dialectical-Behaviour Therapy Clinical Training

  • Mindful Self-Compassion Intensive Training

  • Compassion Focused Therapy Training

  • Mindfulness based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Training

  • Motivational Interviewing Training with CHEO

  • ASSIST Suicide First Aid Training

  • 200-HRS Hatha Yoga Teacher Training

Evidence-based research involvement

  • Masters Thesis – BALANCING ACT PRACTICE (BAP): An Embodied and Compassionate Way of Supporting Trainee Therapists in Balancing Personal and Professionals Demands Through Yoga and Guided Journaling

  • Presenter at the 15th World Conference for Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counseling (PCE2022) in Copenhagen, Denmark & Online

  • Mental Health and Spirituality Conference at Saint-Paul University - Eco-anxiety, positive psychology 2.0, mindfulness, and Durand’s Theory of Anthropological Structures of the Imaginary

  • Eating disorders at the University of Ottawa

  • Cognitive aging, neuroimaging, and brain-behaviour relationships at the University of Ottawa

Why I do what I do

I am passionate about this work as I have seen in my own personal life the life-changing impact of a therapeutic relationship. One day at a time, becoming who we are meant to be. I am deeply inspired by the compassionate teachers and ancestors that showed me the way. They are a big part of why I dedicate my time and energy to helping others - like you - find their way.

My wish is to offer you a non-judgmental space for you to express yourself freely. With the willingness to be vulnerable, you can peel back the layers of suffering and let your light shine through. Most importantly, I hope this space can help you feel seen, heard, empowered, valued, and cared for.

Walking the talk

I firmly believe that my professional life is shaped by my personal growth. As such, I remain an active practitioner, student, and teacher of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. I also prioritize my professional development, staying ahead of cutting-edge research and psychological interventions.

When I am not at work, you can find me enjoying nature, exploring new cities/cultures, cooking, practicing yoga or strength training, or slowing down the pace of life with friends and family. I also love painting, singing, playing music, and dancing. My happy place is on a paddleboard, with my dog, in the middle of a peaceful lake.

My Approach

I am a client-centered therapist who works with what you want to bring into the therapy space. I use a holistic, integrative, and trauma-informed approach. This means that I pull from different approaches to suit your needs, am mindful of respecting your pace, and recognize the complexity of recovery from different types of trauma.

I have extensive training and experience working with the following approaches:

  • Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)

  • Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

I am also intentional about integrating dimensions of culture and spirituality/religion if this is something you would be open to bringing into your therapy session. I believe in incorporating your whole self in therapy, which includes mind, body, heart, and soul.

“Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how beautiful they are, but everyone else can. You are like that as well.”

- Naya Rivera

Get started with Cup of Tea, today.