Who I Am

Hi, I’m Daphne Pauls, MSW, RSW—counsellor, social worker, and the heart behind Wind Ridge Counselling.

I work with people who are navigating some of life’s most challenging terrain—chronic illness and pain, burnout, deep grief, emotional overwhelm, and the aftermath of relationships that have hurt or shaped them. Many of my clients are sensitive, thoughtful, and used to pushing through—but they’re tired of doing it alone.

My approach is gentle, relational, and grounded in compassion. I don’t believe in quick fixes or forcing change. I believe in presence, deep listening, and creating space for all the parts of you to show up—including the ones that feel scared, angry, uncertain, or broken. You don’t have to perform or pretend here.

Why Wind Ridge?

Wind Ridge represents the meeting place of strength and softness—a high, quiet place where things become clearer, and the wind carries what no longer serves. It speaks to the movement, the pauses, the steadiness that healing asks of us. This image captures the heart of how I work: slowly, kindly, and with a deep respect for what each person is holding.

My Practice

I’m a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work, and I bring a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to every session. I integrate elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic awareness, psychoeducation, and inner child work. I'm especially attuned to the emotional lives of people living with chronic illness and pain—something I understand not only professionally, but personally.

I also work with those navigating identity, life transitions, caregiving, and patterns rooted in abandonment or early emotional wounds. If you've ever felt like you're too much or not enough—you’re not alone here.

A Little More About Me

When I’m not working, I love getting lost in art. Painting takes me somewhere spacious and timeless, even if my body can’t always follow. I’m also a grandmother, a partner, a survivor, and someone who knows what it means to rebuild after pain. I believe deeply in the power of self-compassion—not as a fluffy concept, but as a hard-earned lifeline.

I bring warmth, realness, and gentleness into this work, and I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.