Culturally Sensitive Therapists in Orillia, ON

Hello, I'm Jonathan, a Registered Psychotherapist, offering both virtual and in-person sessions. My focus revolves around providing trauma-informed care, rooted in somatic and emotional awareness. Our journey toward healing unfolds through collaborative efforts, always placing your empowerment at the forefront. As someone who identifies as queer, I hold a commitment to supporting a diverse array of individuals. We'll delve into the intricate dynamics of self-relationship and interpersonal connections, embracing an inclusive recognition of partnership and flying solo.

As a Registered Professional Art Therapist (DVATI, RCAT), Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Psychotherapist, my specialty area is working with children, youth and families. My passion is to support young people as they navigate mental health challenges often due to major changes and hardship. I equip young people with practical everyday coping strategies for their mental health, which they can use into adulthood.

Have you tried therapy before and it felt nice to vent, but didn’t feel like it helped long-term? Do you find that you’re self-aware, or want to be, but still feel anxious or doubt yourself? Would you like someone to help you feel better mentally and emotionally even though it might not always feel possible? Are you interested in figuring out the issue at the root of the problem? Together we can manage the stress, anxiety, and disconnect you feel with yourself to move towards more meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. You don’t have to feel this way anymore.

When people of any age go through stressors and trauma, it is common to feel like life is falling apart. In my own life journey I have experienced traumas, serious illnesses, and deaths of people closest to me. I know what it is to feel depressed and alone. I know what it’s like to grieve and feel like no one understands. My passion is to help people navigate through trauma and difficult situations, and feel a sense of peace and healing. Everyone’s journey is different and unique, so there is not a cookie cutter approach that’s right for every individual.

My name is Meagan Bowman. I am a registered Social Worker (RSW) and am affiliated with the Ontario Association of Social Workers. I have over 7 years of experience working with folks experiencing issues such as, but not limited to relationship problems, stress, mood disorders, panic and anxiety, mental illness, difficulty with life transitions, substance use, or low self-esteem. My work emphasizes the importance of love, connection, authenticity, and our relationship with our body. I help you (re)connect with yourself, overcome burnout or stress, and help you learn to live a balanced, empowered, and meaningful life.

Whether you are going through a tough time and experiencing anxiety and depression, or just feeling like you are unable to connect with life in a meaningful way, I can work with you to identify your strengths, and implement strategies to restore balance in your life. I have additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

You’ve noticed your child’s behaviour has changed recently and it concerns you. You want to support them in this fast-paced and competitive world, but you’re not sure how. You want to understand them, but it feels you’re hitting a wall whenever you try to reach them. And you’re getting tired of trying. For children and youth, growing up involves changes that impact their well-being and their self-esteem. With attentive and empathetic support, their ability to cope with these changes can bring them confidence. But without the right support, they can internalize ideas about themselves and their relationships that cause them pain.

Are you overwhelmed by anxiety, self doubt, or meeting expectations? Have you noticed being so distracted that you aren't able to be present with who and what matters most? Or maybe you are facing a new life transition that is causing stress and uncertainty. Maybe you have decided to strengthen the relationship with yourself and others around you. Perhaps you want to find a way out of the same patterns that hinder you from being the most authentic version of yourself. I work with clients to help manage the self doubt and overthinking that hold them back, and to prioritize self without apology.

Life is nothing short of amazing. It's amazing how much we can go through and live to tell about it. It's amazing how fast kids grow up and time flies, how angry a co-worker can make you, how much compassion we can seem to have for others when we struggle to offer any to ourselves. It's amazing how much we put on our plates when all we need is to rest. It's amazing how much we can long for understanding and connection and how much opportunity can be missed right in front of our eyes. It's amazing how short life is. It's also amazing how much we can learn in the time we have, and how little steps can amount to such massive change.

With over 10 years of experience in various sectors for mental health, I offer a safe and inclusive space to help guide you towards clarity and an enhanced sense of self. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, self-worth, strained relationships, and compassion fatigue. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or someone you care for, I work collaboratively to gain a better sense of yourself, exploring previous wounds, and create shifts to move towards your desired self. I will help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and in turn more effective ways of coping.

Struggling to achieve what you think you "ought" to be achieving? Finding barriers you can't seem to overcome on your own? Looking for someone to hold space for you? Life can present challenges in all forms; I am committed to helping you navigate those through flexible, dynamic, and engaging approaches. Let's weave together seemingly disparate parts of your life to help you to feel well. Do well. And be well. I am keen to meet you where you are at and recognize that that looks different for every person.

You’re making the brave decision to show up for you and your wellness - and that is worth celebration! I look forward, and am honoured to meet with you, and walk this journey alongside you.

You value being calm, taking care of yourself, and being attentive to the needs of others. And yet, in this moment, you feel overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally neglected and on the verge of burning out. You’ve spent too much time putting the needs of others first, and disregarding your emotional, physical, and mental health. You realize now that you have suffered enough. You have a strong desire to pursue change in your life, to address the patterns that get you stuck.

NO-WAIT list- Men's Issues, ADHD, Couples, Stress/Anxiety/Depression- You feel stuck, hopeless, and unsure about where to turn but just know that you want to start feeling better. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, ADHD or motivation issues and this is complicating seeking help. Or as a man, you've been feeling bad for quite a while but society tells you to "toughen up" and get through it on your own. Your self-worth has taken a hit and feel lost. Whatever it is you're struggling with, I'd be honoured to help you navigate this tough time and work towards creating a more fulfilling, empowered life.

"The truth is that falling hurts. The dare is to keep being brave and feel your way back up." from Rising Strong by Brene Brown. Congratulations on taking a first step on your journey towards a more peaceful, happier, and grounded self. I would be honoured to join you on that journey so that you can face and overcome obstacles while creating an environment of growth and change. I strongly believe that a safe, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic relationship is the foundation of our work together.

NO WAIT-LIST- Relationships, Stress/Anxiety/Depression, Self-Esteem, Trauma- You are feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed to the point that it is starting to impact your daily life. Perhaps your relationships or work/school are starting to suffer and you are now feeling stuck, not knowing what else to do. Maybe you've tried things before with no resolve. Your emotions/mood are up & down, struggling between anxiety and depression, and might be starting to wonder if things will ever get better. Don't worry- we can help you get unstuck and back on track through counselling. I believe that you have the strength to get through this

NO-WAIT list- ADHD, Stress/Anxiety, Self-Esteem - You have a hard time "turning off" your racing mind. Concentration might be an issue and you find yourself never getting things done, or at least as much as you'd like. Perhaps you are struggling with motivation or feeling in a funk because life is just too much sometimes. When you are worried about and overwhelmed with seemingly every little thing, it can be hard to feel good about yourself and make the changes you are desperate to see. If you are ready to work on yourself and start feeling better, you have come to the right place- I'm here to support you through this tough time!

NO-WAIT list, evening/weekend appts- Anxiety/Stress, ADHD, Child/Parenting, Emotion Regulation- Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted, and it's starting to take a toll on your parenting, work, relationships, and personal life. Your emotions are becoming harder to "control" and you feel like you're breaking down. Life is starting to feel daunting & hopeless and you're unsure how to get out of this rut, possibly turning to unhealthy coping methods. If this sounds like you, I'm here to help you overcome the emotional burnout and start making positive changes towards the person, parent, and partner you want to be.

NO WAIT list & LOW-COST fees- Stress/Anxiety/Burnout, Self-Esteem, Depression, Relationships- I understand how overwhelming life can be, and want to be here to support you and walk alongside you on your path to wellness. I strive to create a warm, safe, and non judgemental space where you can feel heard and empowered. I believe we all hold the necessary resources to thrive and flourish, and can tap into our inner resources and strengths when provided an empathetic and supportive environment.