Welcoming Amelia Riehl
We’re so excited to welcome Amelia, our new intern, to the Fernweh Wellness Masters Care Team! To help you get to know the bright mind behind the scenes, we sat down with her for a quick Q&A.
Read on to learn more about Amelia and the passion she brings to Fernweh Wellness!
Tell us a bit about you—what inspired you to pursue a career in mental health?
My path to pursuing a career in mental health has been shaped by a deep respect for the human experience and a strong belief in the power of safe, supportive relationships. I’ve had the privilege of working as a school counsellor in northern Manitoba, where I supported children, teens, and families in a rural, isolated, Indigenous community. That experience taught me the importance of culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care and how vital it is to honour each person’s unique background and strengths.
I’m also a foster parent, and that role continues to teach me about patience, resilience, and the healing that can happen when people feel seen and accepted exactly as they are. Whether you’re navigating stress, grief, identity, family challenges, or big life transitions, my goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported at your own pace.
Therapy doesn’t have to be perfect or polished, it just has to be real. I’m here to walk alongside you, with curiosity, compassion, and a deep belief in your ability to grow and heal.
What areas of mental health are you most passionate about exploring during your internship?
During my internship, I’m most passionate about supporting teens, adults, and couples who are navigating stress, major life transitions, relationship challenges, trauma, and the emotional weight of caregiving, including foster and kinship care. As a foster parent myself, I understand the complexity of holding space for others while trying to stay grounded in your own needs. I’m especially drawn to helping people who often carry a lot—emotionally and relationally—find space for themselves and reconnect with their inner strength.
I also care deeply about working with diverse individuals, and those exploring identity, belonging, and intergenerational dynamics. I believe that therapy should honour your lived experience and cultural background, and that healing happens when you feel safe, understood, and respected in your full story. Whether you're processing grief, life changes, or family patterns, I aim to walk alongside you with empathy and curiosity.
My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and strength-based, integrating somatic, narrative, and experiential modalities. This means our work won’t just stay in your head; we’ll explore how your experiences live in your body, how your story has shaped you, and how you can move forward with more awareness and self-compassion. Whether you’re looking to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, strengthen your relationships, or simply feel more at ease, I offer a grounded and collaborative space to support your growth.
What can clients expect when they sit down with you for a session?
When you sit down with me for a session, you can expect a safe and welcoming space where you’re truly heard without judgment. I deeply respect and honour your culture, background, and unique identity, recognizing how important these are to your experience and healing.
My approach is collaborative. I’m here to listen deeply and understand your strengths and challenges within the context of who you are. Together, we’ll create goals that feel meaningful and achievable, while moving at a pace that feels right for you. You can expect honesty, compassion, and curiosity from me, and a commitment to meeting you exactly where you are.
No matter what brought you to therapy, we’ll take it step by step, respecting your story and your cultural journey every step of the way.
Why do you think it's valuable for clients to work with student therapists?
Working with a student therapist can be a really valuable experience for clients. Student therapists bring a fresh perspective, a great deal of energy, and a strong commitment to learning and personal growth. Because we’re in training, we’re deeply engaged with the latest theories and approaches, and we often have more time to spend really listening and exploring issues without rushing.
Our work together is a collaborative learning process, where we both grow and learn from each other. As a student therapist, I’m very open to your feedback and flexible in my approach, tailoring sessions to fit what feels most helpful and authentic for you. I believe this partnership, built on curiosity and respect, creates a safe space for healing and change.
Choosing to work with a student therapist like me means you’re investing not just in your own healing, but also in someone who is passionate about this journey and eager to support you every step of the way.
Want to work with Amelia? She is accepting new clients now for budget-friendly and free therapy!
