Perfection isn’t required to keep moving forward.
Danielle Cowley, Registered Psychotherapist — Peterborough, Ontario
A career shaped by determination, curiosity, and a deep belief in people.
My path to this work
My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t always straightforward but it was intentional. It has been shaped by both professional training and lived experience, and has been guided by the desire to support others in meaningful, practical ways.
I began with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, followed by an Ontario diploma as an Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant. This led me to work in long-term care, private clinics, and hospital rehabilitation settings, where I gained a deep appreciation for how environment, support, and human connection influence healing.
I later worked in private practice in intake coordination and psychometry, which gave me a closer understanding of the therapeutic process and the many ways people access mental health care. This experience confirmed my commitment to working more directly with clients.
I went on to complete a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and a clinical practicum while continuing to build experience in private practice and school board settings. During this time, I was also diagnosed with cancer, an experience that deepened my understanding of vulnerability, healthcare systems, and the importance of compassionate, consistent support during times of uncertainty.
Today, I am the founder of Fairway Forward Therapy, where I combine clinical training and lived experience to offer grounded, supportive, and client-centered care.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, golfing, swimming, being outside in nature and with my dog Tilly. Tilly is currently going through training to become a therapy dog with the hope for her to be able to attend sessions in the future.
The name has a story. So does the practice.
Golf has been a constant in my life for years. Not because I'm perfect at it, far from it, but because of what it's given me beyond the game itself. Some of the most meaningful conversations, moments of reflection, and genuine connections I've experienced have happened walking the course.
And if you've played, you know this feeling: some days, your game just isn't there. Shots don't land where you want them. Things feel off. Frustrating, even. But you keep going. You take the next shot. You move forward anyway.
That mindset stayed with me. Because life can feel the same way. There are moments when we feel off track, stuck, or not at our best, and those moments don't mean we stop.
Fairway Forward Therapy is built on that idea. That progress isn't about perfection. That growth happens in the moving forward, not the getting it right. That you can show up exactly as you are and still find your way.
Collaborative, compassionate, and built around you.
How I work
I take a warm, client-centered approach to therapy, meaning your goals, your pace, and your experience guide our work together. I draw from a range of evidence-based modalities, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
This integrative approach means I'm not working from a single script. I'm working from what actually fits you.
I believe meaningful change happens when you feel safe enough to explore your experiences openly and supported enough to take steps forward. Therapy isn't about fixing who you are. It's about understanding yourself more deeply and building a life that feels more aligned with who you want to be.
Who I see
Children, teens, and adults — ages 10 and up.
I offer individual therapy for children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, and personal growth. Sessions are available in-person in Peterborough, Ontario, and virtually across Ontario.
Ready to take the next step?
If something on this page resonated with you, that's worth paying attention to. A free 15-minute consultation is a no-pressure way to connect and see if we're a good fit.