The Full Story
About Me
I’m Stephanie Buitelaar, a psychotherapist with a passion for walking alongside mothers and families during the tender seasons of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Becoming a mother myself deepened my understanding of how profoundly this journey can shape us — body, mind, and heart — and it is an honour to support others as they navigate their own path. My approach is gentle, trauma-informed, and rooted in the belief that every story of motherhood is uniquely sacred and worthy of reverence.
Living abroad can be both exciting and deeply challenging. Expatriate life often means building a new home while grieving the familiar one you’ve left behind. The distance from loved ones, the weight of cultural adjustments, and the quiet moments of loneliness can stir emotions that feel overwhelming. If you find yourself longing for support as you navigate these transitions, know that you are not alone. My work is rooted in creating a compassionate space where you can explore your experiences, feel understood, and build resilience as you write your next chapter far from home.
My path into this work has been shaped by both study and lived experience. I began with a BSc in Psychology and went on to complete three master’s degrees. An MSc in Transnational Crime and Justice, another MSc in Mental Health Psychology, and an MA in Counselling Psychology. Alongside these studies, I explored research on the experiences of expatriate mothers in the early postpartum period — a subject close to my heart after living in 13 different countries myself. These experiences have taught me how identity, culture, and belonging weave into the ways we carry motherhood.
At the heart of my work is connection. Whether I’m sitting with a client in therapy or reflecting on my own motherhood journey, I hold close the belief that a healthy, supported mother is central to the wellbeing of the family. I strive to create spaces that feel safe, compassionate, and deeply human — places where mothers and families can breathe, be honest about their struggles, and feel less alone.
My Credentials
I’m a licensed Canadian Psychotherapist (CCPA #11241887) with an MA in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University) and an MSc in Mental Health Psychology (University of Liverpool) which I obtained after my BSc in Psychology (University of Victoria). I’m trained in CBT, ACT, DBT, and trauma‑informed as well as nervous system-informed approaches. I’ve recently completed clinical neuroscience training to further integrate brain‑based understanding into psychotherapy.
I currently serve as COO and Staff Psychotherapist at ASK Therapy for Moms and provide online psychotherapy to clients across Canada. I am also a mental health coach for any clients living outside of Canada.
My background is deeply international — I’ve lived in 13 countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia — which has shaped my culturally sensitive, openminded approach. I speak English (native), Dutch and French (strong), and Bahasa Indonesia (beginner). Outside of my clinical work I’m a mother of two, and my lived experience of parenting and pregnancy loss informs a compassionate, pragmatic style that honours both the emotional and practical realities of family life.
Mission & Vision
Vision Statement
I envision a world where every woman and mother feels seen, supported, and empowered in her mental and emotional wellbeing. My practice exists to create a safe and nurturing space where women can find healing, build resilience, and reconnect with their authentic selves. By normalizing conversations around maternal mental health, I hope to break down stigma and foster a culture of compassion, belonging, and strength in every stage of a woman’s journey.
Mission Statement
My mission is to provide women and mothers with compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic mental health care that honours the unique challenges and joys of womanhood and motherhood. Through therapy, education, and community, I aim to walk alongside each client as they navigate life’s transitions, supporting them in cultivating self-compassion, inner strength, and meaningful connections. Rooted in empathy and respect, my practice is committed to helping women thrive—not just survive—in both their personal and family lives.
