“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.”
— ALICE WALKER
Maybe you’ve felt...
OVERWHELMED, MISUNDERSTOOD, UNDERESTIMATED, OR EVEN OVERESTIMATED, GIVEN HOW MUCH TIME AND ENERGY IT TAKES FOR YOU TO GET THROUGH WHAT OTHERS APPEAR TO MANAGE WITH EASE.
Perhaps you’ve been struggling to find the words to explain your experiences–your “unusual” combination of strengths and weaknesses–or maybe you’ve heard that you’re “too much”...or “not enough.”
I understand how exhausting it can be to navigate a world that doesn’t always recognize or value how your brain works.
You’re in the right place.
AT RIVERBE, I BELIEVE THAT NEURODIVERSITY—AND DIVERSITY MORE GENERALLY—IS NATURAL AND NORMAL, AND THAT EVERY STORY DESERVES TO BE SEEN AND HEARD WITH COMPASSION.
I’m Dr. Jennifer Metcalf
A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST WHO HAS SPENT OVER 20 YEARS WORKING MOSTLY WITH NEURODIVERSE PEOPLE (I.E., THOSE IDENTIFIED AS AUTISTIC, LIVING WITH ADHD, AND/OR OTHER NEURODEVELOPMENTAL EXCEPTIONALITIES), THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE PROFESSIONALS WHO SUPPORT THEM.
In addition to my well-honed familiarity with ADHD, autism, and the unique abilities and gifts that often accompany these ways of being, I also have extensive experience supporting individuals with exceptional learning profiles (i.e., those presenting with above-average intelligence, learning disabilities, language disorders, visual learning styles, and/or cognitive challenges).
I help children, teens, adults, and parents feel seen, understood, and empowered to live in ways that honour their unique strengths and needs. My passion for this work is shaped by almost two decades of clinical training and practice; it’s also informed by lived experience.
“I’ve supported exceptional, neurodiverse clients in various roles, including as a support worker, respite care provider, tutor, early intervention provider, & Clinical Psychologist offering both assessment & supportive services (e.g., individual psychotherapy, executive functioning coaching, social skills & assertiveness training, parent coaching, crisis intervention).”
My Experience & Approach
My approach to psychotherapy—which is neuroaffirming and inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and cultures—draws primarily on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Social Emotional Learning, interpersonal processes, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, ecopsychology, and a biopsychosocial view of human development.
My practice blends clinical expertise with tech-savviness and a deep appreciation for the importance of movement, time outdoors, connection with nature and engagement with one another. I offer support to help clients of all ages use technology in ways that enhance their daily functioning while minimizing the negative effects of excessive, harmful digital consumption.
When offering assessment services, I bring extensive experience with gold-standard, evidence based methods for identifying Autism and ADHD across the lifespan, including formal training in the administration of the ADOS (first received in 2007).
Dr. Jennifer’s Story
I GREW UP IN QUEBEC, WHERE I COMPLETED MY EARLY EDUCATION ENTIRELY IN FRENCH BEFORE MOVING TO OTTAWA FOR UNIVERSITY. AFTER EARNING MY UNDERGRADUATE HONOURS DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY (SUMMA CUM LAUDE) IN 2005, I WORKED AS AN INSTRUCTOR-THERAPIST, SUPPORT WORKER, AND TUTOR FOR YOUNG AUTISTIC PEOPLE.
I went on to complete my CPA accredited MA-PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa, gaining clinical experience at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Montfort Hospital, the Centre for Psychological Services and Research, and Emerging Minds. My one-year residency at Queen’s University and the Kingston Internship Consortium (also CPA accredited) focused on evidence-based assessment and treatment of disability-related needs across the lifespan.
I’ve been providing psychological services to children, teens, and adults since 2007 (initially as a doctoral trainee); I’ve been registered as a Clinical Psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) since 2015. My work supports clients with goals related to executive functioning, emotional regulation, anxiety, mood, social skills/relationships, sleep, healthy technology use, and (re)connection with nature.
