Welcome. You’ve Landed Somewhere Different.

Most people arrive here carrying something they’ve held alone for a long time — a heaviness they can’t quite name, a pattern they keep repeating, or a pain that feels too old or too complicated to explain. If that’s you, you’re in the right place.

You may have grown up in a family where love was inconsistent, confusing, or conditional.

You may have learned to stay quiet, stay small, or stay strong because no one ever made room for your feelings.

You may find yourself in relationships where you’re not met, not chosen, or not treated with the care you give so freely. Or perhaps you’re navigating anxiety, anger, social overwhelm, or a sense that something deeper is happening beneath the surface.

Whatever brings you here, you deserve support that is skilled, grounded, and attuned to the complexity of your story.

This is a space for people who want more than surface‑level conversations.

It’s for those who are ready to understand themselves with clarity, compassion, and truth.

It’s for those who want to break long-standing patterns and finally feel emotionally safe — maybe for the first time.

My work is trauma‑informed, relational, and deeply respectful of the path you’ve walked. I bring specialized training, a calm presence, and a clear framework to help you understand what’s happening inside you and why. Together, we move at a pace that feels safe, steady, and empowering.

If something in you is saying, “I think this is where I’m meant to be,” trust that.

You’re welcome to keep reading, explore my approach, or take the next step when you’re ready.

You don’t have to carry this alone anymore.

Freed And On Fire Counselling

Trauma‑Informed Counselling for Adults

Since 2009

“Life is hard. People are messy. What is mentioned can be manage.”

— Renee Willis

Warmth, Clarity and You

Renée Willis, OCT, MS-Ed., CCP., CPT., PICP Bio-Signature

Owner and Founder of Freed And On Fire Counselling

“It’s time to put fear in the backseat. So many of us are living lives where a part of our brain is stuck in the ‘danger danger mode’ because of unresolve trauma and current life stresses. Let’s strategically show your brain that you are safe, stop living in high alert, and get to rest and digestion where you experience your life with smiles, healthy love, and even some belly roll laughter.”

— Renee Willis

Life can feel overwhelming, confusing, or heavy — and sometimes the hardest part is trying to carry it all alone. My work is grounded in the belief that what feels unmanageable can become manageable, and that healing begins the moment you feel seen, safe, and understood.

I help people create a calmer internal world so they can build healthier relationships, experience secure attachment, and live with more confidence and ease. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, relationship patterns, or simply feeling stuck, you don’t have to do it by yourself.

In our first session, you can expect a space where you matter. I’ll be continually attuning to you — validating your emotions, normalizing your human experience, and helping you feel safe enough to share at your own pace. I bring gentle education and practical tools to empower you, spark hope, and help you understand what’s happening inside you. Together, we’ll work toward a life that feels steadier, healthier, and more connected.

My approach is warm, relational, trauma‑informed, and grounded in attachment science. I believe deeply in the possibility of change — and in your capacity to experience relationships where you feel loved well, supported, and secure.

If you’re ready to begin, I’d be honoured to walk with you.

Based in London, Ontario, Canada you will find me with the love of my life, holding her hand constantly, finding better ways to love each other well, looking for more live music and buying their t-shits because we believe that little things add up to big things.

Work with me

Get in touch, whether it’s for counselling, speaking engagement, or just saying hello.

Freed and On Fire Counseling Virtual and In person Locations available

Virtual Session within the Countries of Canada, USA, and other English speaking clients Internationally

In person: London, Ontario, Canada

“What is mentioned can be managed.”

— Renee Willis

Renée Willis, OCT, MS-Ed., CCP., CPT., PICP Bio-Signature

Owner and Founder of Freed And On Fire Counselling

Freed And On Fire Counselling was born from a belief that healing is not about fixing what is broken - it’s about remembering who you are beneath the weight of what you’ve been through and carried. Renée Willis created this practice to offer a space where people can slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves in a way that feels safe, supported and deeply human.

The name reflects the journey:

Freed — the release, the unburdening, the softening.

On Fire — The spark, the courage, the inner truth returning.

About Freed And On Fire Counselling

“We have all been taught love, but not all of us have been taught what healthy love looks like.”

— Renee Willis

Frequently Asked Questions About Freed and On Fire Couselling

I offer individual counselling sessions, primarily online, with a limited number of in‑person appointments available. I also provide public speaking for events, organizations, and community spaces, sharing grounded, trauma‑informed insights on emotional safety, assessments, clarity, and empowerment.
Taking the first step can feel big, especially if you’re anxious, shy, or going through a heavy season. I’ve made the process simple and gentle, so you don’t have to figure anything out on your own.
When you’re ready, go to the “Work With Me” section at the top of my website. You’ll find a short, easy contact form that comes directly to my email. You can also find the same form under “Services” in the main menu.
Just fill in what you can — even a few words is enough. Once I receive your message, I’ll take it from there and guide you through the next steps with clarity and care.
You don’t have to be fully ready. You just have to reach out. I’ll meet you where you are.
💛 You get support from the very first session
Many therapists spend the first two or three sessions gathering history, asking long lists of questions, and “assessing.”
Meanwhile, clients often come in because they’re overwhelmed, hurting, or at a breaking point — and they need help now, not weeks later.
With me, your first session is not an interview.
You leave with:
• emotional validation
• clarity about what’s happening inside you
• a sense of safety and being truly seen
• practical tools you can use immediately
• hope that things can change
You don’t wait weeks to feel relief. You feel it in session one.
🤝 I’m deeply relatable — on purpose
People often compare themselves to others and feel like they’re failing. Shame builds walls.
I speak with you in a way that helps those walls come down.
Clients tell me again and again that I’m relatable — that I “get it.”
Not from a clinical distance, but from a human place.
I normalize what you’re going through, and I meet you where you are, without judgment.
When you feel safe enough to show all the parts of yourself, I can help you at the root, not just the surface.
🎓 You leave with understanding and tools
I offer psychoeducation, coaching strategies, and clear explanations that help you understand your inner world.
You walk away knowing:
• what’s happening inside you
• why it’s happening
• what you can do next
• how to start shifting things right away
You don’t just feel heard — you feel empowered.
Yes. My virtual sessions offer the same warmth, depth, and emotional safety as meeting in person — often with even more comfort. You can join from any space that feels grounding to you, without the stress of travel or rushing. We can explore trauma, emotions, and clarity-building work just as effectively, and clients consistently tell me how natural and supportive it feels.

I use secure invoicing through PayPal. After each session, you receive an invoice directly to your email. It’s simple, safe, and only takes a moment to complete.
Is PayPal secure?
Yes. PayPal is one of the most trusted and widely used payment platforms in the world. Your financial information stays protected, and your payment is processed through their secure system — not through me personally.
How do I make the payment?
You’ll receive an email with your invoice. You just click the link, choose your payment method, and you’re done. Most clients tell me they appreciate how quick and easy it is.
Do I need a PayPal account?
No. You can pay with a credit card or debit card even if you don’t have a PayPal account.
Why do you use PayPal?
Because it’s safe, reliable, and straightforward. It allows you to pay from anywhere, on any device, without needing to share sensitive information. It keeps the process smooth so you can focus on your healing, not on logistics.
No. Because I support clients in Ontario and internationally, I’m not registered with a provincial college for insurance billing. This is an intentional choice — it allows me to work across borders and offer the same depth, safety, and clarity to anyone who needs it, wherever they are.
Sessions are paid out of pocket, and many clients appreciate the freedom, privacy, and flexibility this creates. The work we do together is meaningful, personal, and transformative, and I’m committed to making the process clear, supportive, and grounded every step of the way.
Choosing a counsellor is an important decision, especially if you’re carrying experiences that feel heavy, confusing, or long‑standing. Many people don’t realize that counsellors have different areas of specialization, and the right fit can make a meaningful difference in your healing.
If you’ve lived through difficult family dynamics, emotional neglect, or patterns of not being loved well in relationships…
If you struggle with anxiety, social overwhelm, anger, or a sense that something deeper is happening beneath the surface…
Or if you suspect a but don’t have the words for it yet…
You deserve someone who understands these experiences and has the training to support them safely.
When looking for a counsellor, consider the following:
• Specialization matters. If you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, relationship patterns, or the effects of childhood experiences, look for someone trained in those areas. Not every counsellor works with these concerns, and that’s okay — but you deserve someone who does.
• Look for clarity in their approach. A good counsellor will explain how they work, what tools they use, and how they support clients with concerns like yours. You should feel informed, not confused.
Pay attention to emotional safety. You should feel respected, understood, and never judged. If you’re anxious, shy, or unsure how to begin, the right counsellor will meet you gently and guide you step by step.
• Notice how you feel when you read their words. Sometimes your body knows before your mind does. If something in their bio, tone, or philosophy feels grounding or familiar, that’s worth paying attention to.
• Your story deserves expertise. If you’ve been through complex or layered experiences — family wounds, repeated relationship patterns, emotional overwhelm, or symptoms you can’t name — working with someone who understands these dynamics can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
You don’t need to know the exact name of what you’re struggling with.
You just need someone who knows how to walk with you through it.

What People Are Saying About Freed and On Fire Couselling

Spend 5 minutes with Renée and it will change your life.

— Mark, Ontario, Canada
I have been working with Renée for several years, and I cannot overstate the positive impact she has had on my life. I have struggled with significant levels of anxiety my entire life and have experienced periods of debilitating panic attacks and depressive episodes. She has helped me manage these symptoms of anxiety, periods of depression, work through past trauma, and develop healthier, more assertive communication and boundary setting—especially in my relationship with my mother. Renée’s approach is compassionate, thoughtful, and empowering. I always feel heard, supported, and challenged in the right ways. I am deeply grateful for her guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking meaningful, lasting growth.

— Ashley, Ontario Canada
From our initial communication, Renée was very open and easy to communicate with both over the phone, and in email dialogue. Her demeanor is pleasantly refreshing as she is able to scrape away the fluff and get to the bottom line even though you may not be able to see it at the moment. You are made to feel comfortable in sharing details, and do so knowing that there is no judgment, just problem solving on her end. There is a sense of calm in exchanging ideas and Renée has an ability to relate and make you feel “human” despite what you’ve made up in your own mind about your specific situation. Renée has quickly become a trusted confidante and valuable resource for me – thank you for making a difference Renée!

— Bart, Ontario Canada
I initially reached out to meet with Renée when I was feeling frustrated in various realms of my life - I was not finding satisfaction in my current work, I was struggling with family relationships, and above all I was feeling alone and sad. Renée has an amazing way of giving you permission to just be yourself, and to truly share what is on your mind without fear of judgement. Renée has opened up conversations and honed in on things that were total blind-spots for me. I always leave our conversations feeling like I have practical, applicable take-aways that are helping me to move forward in my life. I feel lighter, more empowered and equipped to be myself. This has allowed me to make better choices in my workplace, to be more aware about what I need in relationships and to move towards a place of deeper peace and joy!

- Jenn, Canada
Renée Willis is a brilliant soul who has a longing to inspire to delve untethered into unknown territory to find true life stories. She has an intentional desire to reach deep within her essence and is not afraid to share her story and use her authentic self to open hearts and heal minds. Sometimes you need a way to spark your life and to ignite the fire within. Renée Willis is the spark! I have had the privilege to work with Renée and she is, real, raw, honest, passionate, and has the skills to set your story free. Renée values a love for life and love abounds from her heart to hold and coach others to reach their goals and spark the fire within! It is a pleasure and an honour to know Renée Willis and I highly recommend taking the time out of your day and calling for a session. If you walk the path with Renée your decision will truly be a life changing experience and a step toward your ultimate personal success!

- Brenda, Ontario Canada
I discovered Freed and On Fire many years ago and working with Renée has been nothing short of life-changing. Before starting therapy, I felt stuck in behaviors and emotions I didn’t fully understand. Through her insight, compassion, and unwavering presence, I’ve experienced change that feels exciting, grounding, and deeply empowering all at once. Renée creates a space that is both safe and challenging—where I feel truly seen, heard, and encouraged to become the best version of myself. Her ability to ask the right questions, reflecting with honesty and care, and guiding me toward clarity has helped me regain strength, courage, confidence and purpose that had been absent for so long. But, where Renée goes a step beyond is in her humanity. She will meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, and will walk alongside you as you learn to trust yourself again. Because of this work, my relationships are healthier, my self-awareness is sharper, and my life feels more aligned with my values and faith. I am profoundly grateful for Renée's guidance and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone ready for real, meaningful change.

- ELH, 70, Michigan, USA