About Us

Dr. Anne Ritzema, C. Psych., is a clinical psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario to work with children, adolescents, and families. Born and raised in Ottawa, Dr. Ritzema completed her Masters and Doctorate degrees in School and Applied Child Psychology at McGill University. Before returning to Ottawa to start Lighthouse Psychology, Dr. Ritzema worked across community- and hospital-based clinics, including The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and Surrey Place Centre. She has worked with many specialized populations, such as developmental disabilities (autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual disability), neonatal follow-up (prematurity, neonatal acquired brain injury), and metabolic genetics.

Dr. Ritzema has extensive experience with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She completed intensive training in ASD diagnosis, working with leading experts in the field of ASD at Holland Bloorview, Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital and the site of one of Ontario’s ASD Diagnostic Hubs. While at Holland Bloorview, Dr. Ritzema was one of the lead facilitators for Facing Your Fears, which is an evidence-based group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment program for children and youth with ASD and anxiety. She was involved in training community partners in providing Facing Your Fears and in evaluating the efficacy of the community implementation. Dr. Ritzema also worked at the Autism Research Unit at SickKids.

Dr. Ritzema has a passion for working with families and supporting parents. As part of a multi-site national project on parenting children with neurodevelopmental disorders she examined the relationship between children’s level of functioning, the adequacy of their supports and services, and their well-being. The results indicated that families who felt better supported reported better well-being for their children, regardless of the children’s level of functioning or difficulties. Family priorities and needs are always central to Dr. Ritzema’s clinical process.

Véronique is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She holds a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa. She is fully bilingual and offers her clinical services in both English and French.

Véronique provides psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, and families. She has experience supporting clients facing different challenges related to depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, selective mutism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Her practice integrates evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Cognitive-behavioral Therapy. She aims to foster strong, secure and lasting therapeutic relationships with her clients in which collaboration, warmth and compassion are prioritized. Her approach to therapy is trauma-informed, integrative, and tailored to individual client needs and strengths. Véronique also has extensive experience working as a psychometrist, providing academic and cognitive testing to children and youth, under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. She loves working in a field where she can support individuals and families, and contribute to positive changes in their lives.