Adoption Therapists in N1H
Alexandra Phillips
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, HBSc
Verified Verified
Guelph, ON N1H
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! I'm so happy you are here. I have the joy and privilege of walking alongside children, youth and families. As a Child and Family Therapist, my areas of expertise include anxiety, emotion regulation and processing of difficult experiences. I have a passion for issues regarding foster care, adoption and attachment. I believe in working collaboratively with parents and caregivers to empower them to be the primary agent of change in their child’s life. I work closely with parents throughout the therapeutic journey to create a safe, non-judgmental space while providing evidence-based strategies.
Hello! I'm so happy you are here. I have the joy and privilege of walking alongside children, youth and families. As a Child and Family Therapist, my areas of expertise include anxiety, emotion regulation and processing of difficult experiences. I have a passion for issues regarding foster care, adoption and attachment. I believe in working collaboratively with parents and caregivers to empower them to be the primary agent of change in their child’s life. I work closely with parents throughout the therapeutic journey to create a safe, non-judgmental space while providing evidence-based strategies.
In strengthening our capacity for self-compassion we can begin to better understand the origins of challenging feelings such as guilt, shame, anger, regret and sadness. My approach focuses on the practice of self-compassion as the key pathway to psychological flexibility and meaningful change. Through the self-compassion lens, I will walk alongside to help you identify how behaviours, attitudes and beliefs may be negatively impacting your life. I believe that the therapeutic process can be creative and life giving. When self-compassion and acceptance are present we can truly begin the process of change.
In strengthening our capacity for self-compassion we can begin to better understand the origins of challenging feelings such as guilt, shame, anger, regret and sadness. My approach focuses on the practice of self-compassion as the key pathway to psychological flexibility and meaningful change. Through the self-compassion lens, I will walk alongside to help you identify how behaviours, attitudes and beliefs may be negatively impacting your life. I believe that the therapeutic process can be creative and life giving. When self-compassion and acceptance are present we can truly begin the process of change.
Building connections with ourselves and others is one of the most important components of a fulfilling life. However, negative messages from the world and our past experiences can often make us feel like we are not good enough. This negative self-talk and self-doubt can make it difficult to form meaningful connections and enjoy life the way we want to, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, confused, or stuck.
Building connections with ourselves and others is one of the most important components of a fulfilling life. However, negative messages from the world and our past experiences can often make us feel like we are not good enough. This negative self-talk and self-doubt can make it difficult to form meaningful connections and enjoy life the way we want to, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, confused, or stuck.
If overwhelmed, stressed out, and anxious seem to be your common state of being, or if you are struggling with feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness, or if despite all your best efforts you can't seem to get from where you are to where you want to be, leaving you feeling stuck; then therapy can provide you with a safe space to be seen, heard, and understood. We can uncover the root of why you are stuck and struggling, and discover the innate wellness and wisdom that resides within you, which can help create a new way of being in the present, so that your future can look like what you desire.
If overwhelmed, stressed out, and anxious seem to be your common state of being, or if you are struggling with feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness, or if despite all your best efforts you can't seem to get from where you are to where you want to be, leaving you feeling stuck; then therapy can provide you with a safe space to be seen, heard, and understood. We can uncover the root of why you are stuck and struggling, and discover the innate wellness and wisdom that resides within you, which can help create a new way of being in the present, so that your future can look like what you desire.
Are you feeling anxious or depressed ? Have you been abused/traumatized/harassed? Are you having challenges because of issues from your past? Are you at a crossroads in your life, career or relationship? Are you searching for a sense of meaning/purpose? I have 30 years of clinical experience assisting individuals to make positive changes and transform their lives. My years of experience utilizing EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Energy Psychology makes my work unique and holistic. My clients make progress gently and quickly. Services are offered via video session, FaceTime and phone.
Are you feeling anxious or depressed ? Have you been abused/traumatized/harassed? Are you having challenges because of issues from your past? Are you at a crossroads in your life, career or relationship? Are you searching for a sense of meaning/purpose? I have 30 years of clinical experience assisting individuals to make positive changes and transform their lives. My years of experience utilizing EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Energy Psychology makes my work unique and holistic. My clients make progress gently and quickly. Services are offered via video session, FaceTime and phone.
I work with children and adolescents struggling with trauma or regulation-based concerns, and their families. Trauma-informed care strives to create physical, psychological, and emotional safety for individuals with every contact. Trauma-informed care moves away from a "what's wrong with you" perspective and seeks to determine "what's happened" and how best we can move forward collaboratively in a safe, strengths-based way.
I work with children and adolescents struggling with trauma or regulation-based concerns, and their families. Trauma-informed care strives to create physical, psychological, and emotional safety for individuals with every contact. Trauma-informed care moves away from a "what's wrong with you" perspective and seeks to determine "what's happened" and how best we can move forward collaboratively in a safe, strengths-based way.
Sparks Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q), MACP, BA, MOA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N1H
I use an integrative, and individualized approach in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, fainting, suicidal ideation, self-harming etc., in relation to chronic pain, phobias, OCD, social isolation, ADHD, life transitions, grief, body dysmorphia (body image), sexuality, relationships, infidelity, burn-out, break-ups and blended families. We can decide which modalities together, since each one has its strengths and weaknesses depending on the presenting issues: ACT, Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Humanistic, Solution-Focused (SFT), Strength-based, and Cognitive Processing (CPT).
I use an integrative, and individualized approach in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, fainting, suicidal ideation, self-harming etc., in relation to chronic pain, phobias, OCD, social isolation, ADHD, life transitions, grief, body dysmorphia (body image), sexuality, relationships, infidelity, burn-out, break-ups and blended families. We can decide which modalities together, since each one has its strengths and weaknesses depending on the presenting issues: ACT, Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Humanistic, Solution-Focused (SFT), Strength-based, and Cognitive Processing (CPT).
Life is hard. Everybody hurts- sometimes. Finding the way can be challenging. Often, it can help to talk to someone beyond our family and friends. Barbara believes we all have inner resources which are easier to find with the encouragement of a good listener. She brings a refreshing mix of common sense and compassion to her work. She believes that awareness is the key to liberation. With newfound clarity, we have choices we didn't realize. Barbara understands the courage it can take to make the call to talk to someone and learn to trust.
Life is hard. Everybody hurts- sometimes. Finding the way can be challenging. Often, it can help to talk to someone beyond our family and friends. Barbara believes we all have inner resources which are easier to find with the encouragement of a good listener. She brings a refreshing mix of common sense and compassion to her work. She believes that awareness is the key to liberation. With newfound clarity, we have choices we didn't realize. Barbara understands the courage it can take to make the call to talk to someone and learn to trust.
Compass Community Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MThThDR, RMFT, MSc
Verified Verified
Guelph, ON N1H
Hours: Monday - Thursday (9:00 am - 9:00 pm), Friday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) Our Mission: To provide responsive and professional resources, fostering wellbeing in our communities. Our Vision: A resilient and supported community. Our Values: People, Inclusion, Collaboration, Accountability
Hours: Monday - Thursday (9:00 am - 9:00 pm), Friday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) Our Mission: To provide responsive and professional resources, fostering wellbeing in our communities. Our Vision: A resilient and supported community. Our Values: People, Inclusion, Collaboration, Accountability
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Guelph, ON N1H (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
Delaney Hughes
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA, RP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N1H (Online Only)
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, stress, relationship issues or other concerns then finding the right therapist is a step towards finding solutions and increased skills to dealing with these problems. My approach to therapy focuses on helping you become comfortable and confident in your own abilities, while introducing new strategies from evidence-based approaches to help you create a healthier and happier life. Being able to understand your own story and explore the background of your struggles often gives new meaning and an ability to see new solutions to difficult problems. This is what I work towards.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, stress, relationship issues or other concerns then finding the right therapist is a step towards finding solutions and increased skills to dealing with these problems. My approach to therapy focuses on helping you become comfortable and confident in your own abilities, while introducing new strategies from evidence-based approaches to help you create a healthier and happier life. Being able to understand your own story and explore the background of your struggles often gives new meaning and an ability to see new solutions to difficult problems. This is what I work towards.
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Andrew Vu - The Adhd And Spectrum Centre
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), MA
Verified Verified
Guelph, ON N1H
I specialize in ADHD & Autism Lvl. 1 and also have experience working with social & general anxiety, trauma, depression, suicidal feelings, substance abuse, video game addiction, stress, and relationship concerns (family, romantic, and friendships). Working with neurodivergent kids, adults, couples, & families is very important to me because I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and struggled a lot without proper support. I get how frustrating navigating the mental health and education systems can be and want to support others in learning to harness their amazing abilities and make lasting positive change.
I specialize in ADHD & Autism Lvl. 1 and also have experience working with social & general anxiety, trauma, depression, suicidal feelings, substance abuse, video game addiction, stress, and relationship concerns (family, romantic, and friendships). Working with neurodivergent kids, adults, couples, & families is very important to me because I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and struggled a lot without proper support. I get how frustrating navigating the mental health and education systems can be and want to support others in learning to harness their amazing abilities and make lasting positive change.
If working through life's challenges feels more overwhelming than staying stuck in your current situation, I would like to have the opportunity to help you navigate your way to a life worth living. Often negative thinking patterns and behaviours can influence our sense of self and impact on our family, work and school life. My goal in art psychotherapy is to assist you in discovering your potential while finding your internal voice. A client centered, anti-oppressive approach provides a safe and confidential environment to explore what matters most to you.
If working through life's challenges feels more overwhelming than staying stuck in your current situation, I would like to have the opportunity to help you navigate your way to a life worth living. Often negative thinking patterns and behaviours can influence our sense of self and impact on our family, work and school life. My goal in art psychotherapy is to assist you in discovering your potential while finding your internal voice. A client centered, anti-oppressive approach provides a safe and confidential environment to explore what matters most to you.
One million Canadian men suffer from major depressive disorder each year. Three of every four completed suicides in Canada are by men. The prevalence of alcohol use disorder is twice as high in men with another mental health diagnosis than in the general population. One third of Canadian men worry that talking about mental health at work could put their job at risk. Men are just as likely as women to have mental health issues yet are far less likely to utilize traditional mental health services. Men are more likely to believe that mental health services are difficult to access, ineffective and invasive. At Cogent, Ontario’s new mental health clinic focussed solely on supporting men, we’re changing that.
One million Canadian men suffer from major depressive disorder each year. Three of every four completed suicides in Canada are by men. The prevalence of alcohol use disorder is twice as high in men with another mental health diagnosis than in the general population. One third of Canadian men worry that talking about mental health at work could put their job at risk. Men are just as likely as women to have mental health issues yet are far less likely to utilize traditional mental health services. Men are more likely to believe that mental health services are difficult to access, ineffective and invasive. At Cogent, Ontario’s new mental health clinic focussed solely on supporting men, we’re changing that.
Hello my name is Sue Graham and I am a Registered Social Worker with 30 years experience. I have been working with individuals to help them increase their self-awareness and make positive changes in their lives within an empowering and respectful therapeutic relationship. I specialize in treating clients with Eating Disorders, alcohol and drug addiction, mental health issues as well as survivors of abuse. I am a trauma informed therapist, certified in Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST). I offer both evening and daytime appointments and look forward to speaking with you through a free telephone conversation.
Hello my name is Sue Graham and I am a Registered Social Worker with 30 years experience. I have been working with individuals to help them increase their self-awareness and make positive changes in their lives within an empowering and respectful therapeutic relationship. I specialize in treating clients with Eating Disorders, alcohol and drug addiction, mental health issues as well as survivors of abuse. I am a trauma informed therapist, certified in Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST). I offer both evening and daytime appointments and look forward to speaking with you through a free telephone conversation.
I am an ADHD/Autism specialized Psychotherapist/Coach as well as an Asst. Adj. Clinical Psych & Neuroscience Professor. Myself and the other practitioners at The ADHD & Spectrum Centre offer in-person services in Guelph/Ottawa and virtual services across Canada and internationally. I love working with families, individuals, and couples seeking to understand ADHD & ASD in their lives, and working to master everything from organization to impulse control. My own diagnoses of Autism & ADHD help me fight for my clients every day and have equipped me with a diverse set of strategies in my toolkit that are personalized for each client.
I am an ADHD/Autism specialized Psychotherapist/Coach as well as an Asst. Adj. Clinical Psych & Neuroscience Professor. Myself and the other practitioners at The ADHD & Spectrum Centre offer in-person services in Guelph/Ottawa and virtual services across Canada and internationally. I love working with families, individuals, and couples seeking to understand ADHD & ASD in their lives, and working to master everything from organization to impulse control. My own diagnoses of Autism & ADHD help me fight for my clients every day and have equipped me with a diverse set of strategies in my toolkit that are personalized for each client.
Lorna Anderson
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N1H (Online Only)
***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR PHONE/VIDEO*** It’s a privilege and honour to be doing this work, and to walk alongside clients on their respective healing journeys. I believe that everyone is the expert of their own lives and life experiences. By working collaboratively and through meaning-making, I aim to support clients in connecting with their needs, dreams, hopes, as well as to the answers I believe each person has inside them. My approach is trauma-informed, non-directive, strength-based, and client-centered. Healing, the discovery of possibilities, one’s resilience, and one's gifts can all be part of the therapy process.
***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR PHONE/VIDEO*** It’s a privilege and honour to be doing this work, and to walk alongside clients on their respective healing journeys. I believe that everyone is the expert of their own lives and life experiences. By working collaboratively and through meaning-making, I aim to support clients in connecting with their needs, dreams, hopes, as well as to the answers I believe each person has inside them. My approach is trauma-informed, non-directive, strength-based, and client-centered. Healing, the discovery of possibilities, one’s resilience, and one's gifts can all be part of the therapy process.
Justin the Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MSc, RP, RMFT
Verified Verified
15 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N1H
I believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. I have helped hundreds of individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As a relational therapist, I appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. I do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, I see my clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. I see strengths and I see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
I believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. I have helped hundreds of individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As a relational therapist, I appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. I do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, I see my clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. I see strengths and I see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
Hello, my name is Nichole Caswell. I'm a registered social worker with several years of training and experience working with individuals and families. I hope to empower clients to make changes in their lives. I strive to create a secure and supportive environment, allowing for an atmosphere that feels comfortable and collaborative. I listen to my clients with compassion and strive to create a safe space for people to share their experiences and hopes for the future.
Hello, my name is Nichole Caswell. I'm a registered social worker with several years of training and experience working with individuals and families. I hope to empower clients to make changes in their lives. I strive to create a secure and supportive environment, allowing for an atmosphere that feels comfortable and collaborative. I listen to my clients with compassion and strive to create a safe space for people to share their experiences and hopes for the future.
Muriel McMahon
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MEd, Jungian, Analyst
Verified Verified
Guelph, ON N1H
It is so easy to lose True North when the storms of life blow. Sometimes you need a better compass, map, keel, or captain to guide the battered vessel toward a safe harbour, or even guide you toward a new continent. On this grand voyage called life, winds of depression, anxiety, trauma, aimlessness, or uncertainty can threaten your capacity to cope. Knowing there is a deep current ever guiding you helps restore your resilience. This deep inner work will better equip you to read patterns and ride out the storms.
It is so easy to lose True North when the storms of life blow. Sometimes you need a better compass, map, keel, or captain to guide the battered vessel toward a safe harbour, or even guide you toward a new continent. On this grand voyage called life, winds of depression, anxiety, trauma, aimlessness, or uncertainty can threaten your capacity to cope. Knowing there is a deep current ever guiding you helps restore your resilience. This deep inner work will better equip you to read patterns and ride out the storms.
See more therapy options for N1H
Adoption Counsellors
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioural or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioural, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.