Compassion Focused Therapists in Ayr, ON
Sarah Potvin
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Ayr, ON N0B
In a society where talking is more common than listening, I aim to provide a place where you feel heard and not judged. It is my personal goal to create a safe and compassionate environment where you can explore who you are, find resiliency, and walk on the path towards healing. I am committed to walking with you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.
In a society where talking is more common than listening, I aim to provide a place where you feel heard and not judged. It is my personal goal to create a safe and compassionate environment where you can explore who you are, find resiliency, and walk on the path towards healing. I am committed to walking with you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.
Justine MacMeekin
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), MACP, HBA
Verified Verified
Ayr, ON N0B (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Justine, and I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist who strives to provide a safe, respectful, non-judgmental, and inclusive space for individuals who may be dealing with various types of issues and concerns. At times, life can be challenging and difficult to navigate. These challenges can lead us to feeling lost, confused, stuck, lonely, overwhelmed, hurt, or unheard. I believe that every person has within them the innate ability to enact change in their lives. Taking the step to seek help takes courage and a desire for growth and healing.
Welcome! My name is Justine, and I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist who strives to provide a safe, respectful, non-judgmental, and inclusive space for individuals who may be dealing with various types of issues and concerns. At times, life can be challenging and difficult to navigate. These challenges can lead us to feeling lost, confused, stuck, lonely, overwhelmed, hurt, or unheard. I believe that every person has within them the innate ability to enact change in their lives. Taking the step to seek help takes courage and a desire for growth and healing.
Jessica Pyc
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, BASc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Ayr, ON N0B
Life sometimes has a way of throwing us curve balls that can leave us feeling stuck and overwhelmed. As your therapist, I aim to assist you in identifying emotions, thoughts and behaviours that can keep you feeling stuck. This often leads to greater self-awareness, self-compassion and new ways of being that allow you to live a life that is more in alignment with your values.
Life sometimes has a way of throwing us curve balls that can leave us feeling stuck and overwhelmed. As your therapist, I aim to assist you in identifying emotions, thoughts and behaviours that can keep you feeling stuck. This often leads to greater self-awareness, self-compassion and new ways of being that allow you to live a life that is more in alignment with your values.
Amy De Silva
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ayr, ON N0B
Welcome! If you've found yourself here, chances are you're looking to start making changes, seek additional support, or maybe you're looking to embark on a journey of self-discovery or self-care. I offer compassionate, confidential and professional therapeutic services that promote healing, well-being and growth.
Welcome! If you've found yourself here, chances are you're looking to start making changes, seek additional support, or maybe you're looking to embark on a journey of self-discovery or self-care. I offer compassionate, confidential and professional therapeutic services that promote healing, well-being and growth.
Nicole Schiener
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CCC, CCFP, CGE
Verified Verified
Ayr, ON N0B
Imagine more peace and joy in your life; returning to the you before everything felt so hard. My clients are brave, brilliant women with beautiful hearts. Many are sensitive mothers or helpers or both. Our sessions are a time for you to feel seen, validated and give yourself the kindness you give to others. Tears and laughter are welcome. Whether it's help for anxiety, boundary setting, grieving a loss, dealing with parenting challenges, relationship difficulties or workplace stress and burnout I'm here for you. I offer virtual 1:1 and in person therapy sessions in Kitchener (on Mondays) and walking therapy along the Grand River.
Imagine more peace and joy in your life; returning to the you before everything felt so hard. My clients are brave, brilliant women with beautiful hearts. Many are sensitive mothers or helpers or both. Our sessions are a time for you to feel seen, validated and give yourself the kindness you give to others. Tears and laughter are welcome. Whether it's help for anxiety, boundary setting, grieving a loss, dealing with parenting challenges, relationship difficulties or workplace stress and burnout I'm here for you. I offer virtual 1:1 and in person therapy sessions in Kitchener (on Mondays) and walking therapy along the Grand River.
More Therapists Nearby
Natalie Florence
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Rockwood, ON N0B
I have been comprehensively trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), addictions counselling, and Brainspotting.
I am not accepting new clients at this time. Please check back in late Spring 2024. Thank you for taking the first step and reaching out. Making change can be hard and many times we cannot do it alone. I support adults looking for support with their mental health or addiction concerns. Some key groups I support including perinatal mental health, those living with trauma, and specialize in the area of emotion dyregulation concerns, including Borderline Personality Disorder. I have a particular interest in helping other helpers, including First Responders, medical professionals, and fellow mental health workers.
I have been comprehensively trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), addictions counselling, and Brainspotting.
I am not accepting new clients at this time. Please check back in late Spring 2024. Thank you for taking the first step and reaching out. Making change can be hard and many times we cannot do it alone. I support adults looking for support with their mental health or addiction concerns. Some key groups I support including perinatal mental health, those living with trauma, and specialize in the area of emotion dyregulation concerns, including Borderline Personality Disorder. I have a particular interest in helping other helpers, including First Responders, medical professionals, and fellow mental health workers.
Alessia Manzoli
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, HBSc, RYT200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N0B (Online Only)
Have you been feeling stuck? Do you feel ready to create movement in your life? I'm glad you're taking the first step by being here! I work with young adults and millennials who experience this “stuckness” as anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, relationship struggles, grief, burnout, perfectionism, or feeling lost and directionless. Together, we can dive inwards to identify the patterns that got you here, and look outwards to see where you can create shifts in your world and get "unstuck". I'm honoured to be with you on your path of self-discovery, and am here to help you reconnect with your authentic, empowered self!
Have you been feeling stuck? Do you feel ready to create movement in your life? I'm glad you're taking the first step by being here! I work with young adults and millennials who experience this “stuckness” as anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, relationship struggles, grief, burnout, perfectionism, or feeling lost and directionless. Together, we can dive inwards to identify the patterns that got you here, and look outwards to see where you can create shifts in your world and get "unstuck". I'm honoured to be with you on your path of self-discovery, and am here to help you reconnect with your authentic, empowered self!
Angela Rozema
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MACP, BComm
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N0B (Online Only)
Now accepting new clients! Welcome! If you're ready to make a positive change in your life, I'm here to support you. Are relationships causing you stress, or are you struggling with motivation and feeling overwhelmed? Whether it's a mix of challenges or something more intricate, I'm here to walk alongside you. Rediscovering your true self is a journey worth taking, and I'm dedicated to helping you along the way.
Now accepting new clients! Welcome! If you're ready to make a positive change in your life, I'm here to support you. Are relationships causing you stress, or are you struggling with motivation and feeling overwhelmed? Whether it's a mix of challenges or something more intricate, I'm here to walk alongside you. Rediscovering your true self is a journey worth taking, and I'm dedicated to helping you along the way.
Tess Klaver
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Guelph, ON N0B (Online Only)
I enjoy working with women, trans and non-binary people who have had long-term mental health struggles and a history of trauma. The people I see are often struggling with understanding the impact of childhood wounds, stressful relationships involving difficulty with intimacy or autonomy, coping with the after-effects of sexual violence and/or feeling stuck in emotions such as shame and loneliness. These people may be trying to reconcile their values and desired way of being in the world with intense reactions that seem to come out of the blue. I also do work regarding gender, sexuality and neurodiversity.
I enjoy working with women, trans and non-binary people who have had long-term mental health struggles and a history of trauma. The people I see are often struggling with understanding the impact of childhood wounds, stressful relationships involving difficulty with intimacy or autonomy, coping with the after-effects of sexual violence and/or feeling stuck in emotions such as shame and loneliness. These people may be trying to reconcile their values and desired way of being in the world with intense reactions that seem to come out of the blue. I also do work regarding gender, sexuality and neurodiversity.
Katarina Guillen
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA, BA Hons
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Elora, ON N0B
Life can be tough, especially if you are feeling stuck, alone, stressed, disconnected, burned out, or like something is missing. It takes a great deal of strength and commitment to work on the difficulties you are facing, you have taken an important step in making a change by looking for support. I offer couples, family, and individual adult and youth psychotherapy. I am here to provide support and guidance if you are experiencing relational strain, anxiety, self-criticism, lack of intimacy and connection, difficulties related to parenting or family dynamics, or if you would like to develop emotional insight and regulation skills.
Life can be tough, especially if you are feeling stuck, alone, stressed, disconnected, burned out, or like something is missing. It takes a great deal of strength and commitment to work on the difficulties you are facing, you have taken an important step in making a change by looking for support. I offer couples, family, and individual adult and youth psychotherapy. I am here to provide support and guidance if you are experiencing relational strain, anxiety, self-criticism, lack of intimacy and connection, difficulties related to parenting or family dynamics, or if you would like to develop emotional insight and regulation skills.
Kim Saliba
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Elora, ON N0B
I'm a Registered Doctoral level Clinical and School Psychologist. I provide a full range of comprehensive services for: Adults, Adolescents, Children, and Families. I provide an empathetic approach with a wide range of experience.
I'm a Registered Doctoral level Clinical and School Psychologist. I provide a full range of comprehensive services for: Adults, Adolescents, Children, and Families. I provide an empathetic approach with a wide range of experience.
Sarah Ferland
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N0B (Online Only)
As a Social Worker with over 7 years of experience, I specialize in guiding individuals through challenging times, particularly in the realm of trauma recovery. My primary focus is delving into the roots of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may be hindering your progress. Life's pressures can be overwhelming, often leaving us feeling lost and down. I understand the weight of worthlessness, guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression that can take hold. In the case of trauma, its impact can be profound, affecting various aspects of our lives.
As a Social Worker with over 7 years of experience, I specialize in guiding individuals through challenging times, particularly in the realm of trauma recovery. My primary focus is delving into the roots of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may be hindering your progress. Life's pressures can be overwhelming, often leaving us feeling lost and down. I understand the weight of worthlessness, guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression that can take hold. In the case of trauma, its impact can be profound, affecting various aspects of our lives.
Alexandra Wiseman
Registered Social Worker, MHK, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N0B (Online Only)
I believe that seeking support amidst life's challenges is one of the bravest forms of self-care. As a Registered Social Worker with a background in Human Kinetics, Social Work, Sports, and Education. I am passionate about working through both our mind and body experiences. During our time together, your well-being and mental strength are my main priority. I understand that working with individuals in a therapeutic way is a privilege, and I am grateful to offer you the attention and care you deserve. You can achieve your highest potential while calming your mind along the way.
I believe that seeking support amidst life's challenges is one of the bravest forms of self-care. As a Registered Social Worker with a background in Human Kinetics, Social Work, Sports, and Education. I am passionate about working through both our mind and body experiences. During our time together, your well-being and mental strength are my main priority. I understand that working with individuals in a therapeutic way is a privilege, and I am grateful to offer you the attention and care you deserve. You can achieve your highest potential while calming your mind along the way.
Yana Hoffman-Letting Relationship Work
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rockwood, ON N0B (Online Only)
Life isn't always easy. We get hurt, confused, misunderstood. People we count on are not always there for us in times of need. Some of us de-stress with connection, some by being alone. This conflict can leave us feeling abandoned or overwhelmed. Therapy uses curiosity about ourselves to become more resilient, self aware, & relational. Not all problems get solved by random talking. My tools help you get unstuck and deepen your sense of intimacy with yourself and others. Your first time with therapy can be comfortable and productive. Check out the articles I've published in Psychology Today and call for a no obligation consult.
Life isn't always easy. We get hurt, confused, misunderstood. People we count on are not always there for us in times of need. Some of us de-stress with connection, some by being alone. This conflict can leave us feeling abandoned or overwhelmed. Therapy uses curiosity about ourselves to become more resilient, self aware, & relational. Not all problems get solved by random talking. My tools help you get unstuck and deepen your sense of intimacy with yourself and others. Your first time with therapy can be comfortable and productive. Check out the articles I've published in Psychology Today and call for a no obligation consult.
Street Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPsy, RP, (CRPO), CCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N0B
Bernadette Street, clinical supervisor and director of Street Therapy, has over 13 years of experience working with children, youth and adults. Street Therapy is a group practice, providing mental health services for clients across the lifespan. Our practitioners come from diverse academic, religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds, practicing within the neurodiversity and anti-oppressive frameworks. We strive to provide a safe space for clinicians and clients alike to explore and engage in collaborative, and respectful, psychotherapeutic relationships.
Bernadette Street, clinical supervisor and director of Street Therapy, has over 13 years of experience working with children, youth and adults. Street Therapy is a group practice, providing mental health services for clients across the lifespan. Our practitioners come from diverse academic, religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds, practicing within the neurodiversity and anti-oppressive frameworks. We strive to provide a safe space for clinicians and clients alike to explore and engage in collaborative, and respectful, psychotherapeutic relationships.
Britni Chambers - - Whole Family Psychotherapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N0B (Online Only)
Society tells us becoming a parent should to be natural, joyful, and will happen within our desired timeline. For some there is truth to this, but many parents are left disoriented with the gap between their expectations and reality. We are urged to pour into our children, give them all of our attention, but also find time for ourselves and our relationship. The challenges of this stage of life can leave parents feeling lonely, overwhelmed and with a sense of personal failure. You might wonder who you even are anymore and if things will ever change - If you are struggling, you are not alone, and it doesn’t have to stay this way.
Society tells us becoming a parent should to be natural, joyful, and will happen within our desired timeline. For some there is truth to this, but many parents are left disoriented with the gap between their expectations and reality. We are urged to pour into our children, give them all of our attention, but also find time for ourselves and our relationship. The challenges of this stage of life can leave parents feeling lonely, overwhelmed and with a sense of personal failure. You might wonder who you even are anymore and if things will ever change - If you are struggling, you are not alone, and it doesn’t have to stay this way.
Noëmie N Dubois
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD(c)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N0B (Online Only)
I am a predoctoral intern in psychology under the supervision of Dr. Melisa Arias-Valenzuela, C.Psych. at Uprise Psychology & Wellness. My curiosity to understand human beings and the impact of their environments, thoughts and emotions on mental health initially led me to do research in psychology. My clinical work is primarily focused on the treatment of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, motivational, existential and relational issues. I provide assessment and psychotherapy to adult and adolescent clients, all in an empathetic and caring environment.
I am a predoctoral intern in psychology under the supervision of Dr. Melisa Arias-Valenzuela, C.Psych. at Uprise Psychology & Wellness. My curiosity to understand human beings and the impact of their environments, thoughts and emotions on mental health initially led me to do research in psychology. My clinical work is primarily focused on the treatment of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, motivational, existential and relational issues. I provide assessment and psychotherapy to adult and adolescent clients, all in an empathetic and caring environment.
Heather Montgomery
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), MA, BSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N0B
Do you struggle with finding your next step or worry that the plans you made are out of reach? You want to appear confident and joyful, but deep down you are struggling with stress, and wrestling with fatigue. You might not remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready to make a change. You’re ready to let go of guilt, self-doubt, and fear. Most of all, you want to live purposefully in the present.
Do you struggle with finding your next step or worry that the plans you made are out of reach? You want to appear confident and joyful, but deep down you are struggling with stress, and wrestling with fatigue. You might not remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready to make a change. You’re ready to let go of guilt, self-doubt, and fear. Most of all, you want to live purposefully in the present.
Samantha Martin
Registered Social Worker, MSW RSW, CC-PMH
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Rockwood, ON N0B
You deserve to be heard and understood. You deserve to be unburdened by negative thoughts and patterns. And most importantly, you deserve to feel like yourself again. As a therapist, I am here to help guide you back to that feeling of self. Whether it is depression, anxiety, stress, panic, low self esteem or loss - you don't have to carry it alone. I am here to offer professional counselling with empathy, compassion and an evidence based approach. I also specialize in perinatal mental health, including fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood.
You deserve to be heard and understood. You deserve to be unburdened by negative thoughts and patterns. And most importantly, you deserve to feel like yourself again. As a therapist, I am here to help guide you back to that feeling of self. Whether it is depression, anxiety, stress, panic, low self esteem or loss - you don't have to carry it alone. I am here to offer professional counselling with empathy, compassion and an evidence based approach. I also specialize in perinatal mental health, including fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood.
Agnieszka Wolska
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RSW, CHT, RMFT, MSW, BSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N0B
We all carry multiple stories about our selves, our lives, and our experiences. There are parts in our stories that are sometimes hidden from our awareness. It is in the calm noticing, re-discovery, and re-telling of our stories that we can find and connect with parts of ourselves that may need healing, and also parts of ourselves that are insightful, strong, and brilliant even in the midst of hardship and darkness. Through facilitating, witnessing, and holding space together, we can engage in our personal work of healing. I look forward to connecting with you.
We all carry multiple stories about our selves, our lives, and our experiences. There are parts in our stories that are sometimes hidden from our awareness. It is in the calm noticing, re-discovery, and re-telling of our stories that we can find and connect with parts of ourselves that may need healing, and also parts of ourselves that are insightful, strong, and brilliant even in the midst of hardship and darkness. Through facilitating, witnessing, and holding space together, we can engage in our personal work of healing. I look forward to connecting with you.
See more therapy options for Ayr
Compassion Focused Counsellors
How does compassion-focused therapy work?
Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.
Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?
Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.
Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?
Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.
What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?
Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.