Becoming who you are, without losing yourself.
A supportive space to navigate family expectations, relationships, anxiety, identity and the pressure to have it all together. You don't have to carry it alone.
Secure virtual individual therapy · Adults 18+ · Booking opens in Jane; choose your appointment type there.
When you're doing so much—and still feel like it's not enough.
There isn't one way to be an African or Black woman. But if some of these experiences feel familiar, you're in the right place.
You're the strong one.
People rely on you, but asking for support yourself can feel unfamiliar or difficult.
The expectations feel heavy.
You're learning how to honour your family while making choices that belong to you.
Success doesn't feel like enough.
You're achieving things, yet still wrestling with self-doubt, pressure or perfectionism.
Relationships take so much energy.
Overthinking, people-pleasing or fear of rejection can make connection feel complicated.
You're finding your own voice.
University, career changes, dating and independence bring questions about who you want to be.
You're tired of holding it all.
Even when everything looks fine from the outside, you may feel anxious or emotionally exhausted.
You don't need to reach a breaking point to deserve support.
Let's talk ↗Therapy that makes room for all of you.
Culture, family, community, ambition and lived experience can all shape how we move through the world. In therapy, those parts of your story matter.
At Hartwell, we meet you with curiosity and respect—not assumptions about what your background means or what your life should look like.
Support for the life you're living—and the person you're becoming.
Our work is collaborative and tailored to your goals. You can start with what's happening now, without needing to have all the answers.
Anxiety & overwhelm
Understand emotional triggers and build tools to feel more grounded.
Family & boundaries
Explore expectations, guilt and how to make room for your needs and choices.
Relationships & self-worth
Explore patterns around people-pleasing, trust, attachment and finding your voice.
Career & pressure
Work through burnout, perfectionism, self-doubt and the need to constantly achieve.
Past experiences & trauma
Gently explore experiences that may still shape your emotions and relationships.
Identity & belonging
Make sense of cultural transitions, self-discovery and feeling at home in yourself.
Hi, I'm Iffy.
Ifeatu Nwankwo · MA, RP, RCT, LCT, CCC
I'm the Founder and Clinical Director of Hartwell Counselling Therapy Group. For more than 20 years, I've worked in mental health, supporting people through trauma, anxiety, addiction, significant life changes and the weight of expectations.
As a Black woman and therapist, I value a space where your identity, family context and lived experiences are treated with respect. My approach is warm, practical and trauma-informed, drawing on EMDR, parts work, somatic approaches, CBT and ACT when they fit your needs.
Therapy isn't about becoming someone else. It's about understanding yourself and building a life that feels more like yours.
Book a free consultation ↗One small step can open up a new chapter.
Let's connect
Book a complimentary 15-minute consultation. Ask questions, share what's bringing you here, and see whether we're a good fit.
Make space for you
We'll begin with your priorities, history and goals. There's no pressure to share everything at once.
Move at your pace
Together, we'll build useful skills, explore patterns, and work toward the changes that matter to you.
Support that works with your life.
All sessions are offered virtually. Connect from a private, appropriate space in a province where Hartwell provides services.
Available to adults physically located in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
Receipts are available for insurance reimbursement. University and workplace coverage depends on your plan and its recognition of the applicable professional designation.
Session length and final fee are confirmed at booking. Insurance coverage is not guaranteed. The introductory consultation is complimentary (15 minutes).
It's okay to have questions.
Is this therapy only for African and Black women?
This page speaks directly to African and Black women's experiences, but Hartwell welcomes adults from many backgrounds. We tailor care to each person's needs and goals.
Do I need to have experienced trauma?
No. You can seek support for anxiety, stress, relationships, boundaries, confidence, transitions or wanting to understand yourself better.
I've never tried therapy. What should I expect?
We'll start with a conversation about what matters to you. You can ask questions and share at your own pace as we identify appropriate goals.
Can I use university or workplace insurance?
Possibly. Coverage depends on the specific plan, the province and whether it covers your therapist's professional designation. Check with your insurer before booking. Receipts are available.
Where do you offer counselling?
Hartwell provides virtual individual counselling to adults physically located in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia or New Brunswick at the time of the session.
How do I begin?
Book a free 15-minute consultation using the booking button. It's a chance to ask questions and see whether Hartwell is a good fit.
You don't have to be the strong one here.
You can be ambitious and still need rest. You can love your family and still set boundaries. You can ask for support while finding your own way.
Book your free 15-minute consultation ↗