Couples Counselling Therapists in Barrie, ON

From the moment we connect, my priority is to build a relationship of trust & understanding.
Are you in search of a safe space where you can openly share your life's struggles? I'm here to guide you on a journey towards self-improvement using a holistic approach. My goal is to offer you a warm & supportive space where you can explore your innermost thoughts & emotions without fear of judgment. I understand that taking the step to seek therapy can fe
From the moment we connect, my priority is to build a relationship of trust & understanding.
Are you in search of a safe space where you can openly share your life's struggles? I'm here to guide you on a journey towards self-improvement using a holistic approach. My goal is to offer you a warm & supportive space where you can explore your innermost thoughts & emotions without fear of judgment. I understand that taking the step to seek therapy can fe

Couples, BPD, Anxiety/Depression, Self-Esteem, Narcissistic Abuse.
My approach incorporates a variety of techniques to meet the needs of all individuals struggling with a range of personal and mental health concerns. My passion for this work is fuelled by my innate empathy and ability to connect with clients, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to help them achieve their goals and find inner strength.
Couples, BPD, Anxiety/Depression, Self-Esteem, Narcissistic Abuse.
My approach incorporates a variety of techniques to meet the needs of all individuals struggling with a range of personal and mental health concerns. My passion for this work is fuelled by my innate empathy and ability to connect with clients, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to help them achieve their goals and find inner strength.

I work with clients aged 6 and up, specializing in areas such as parenting, relationship conflict, family conflict, enhancing emotional intimacy, depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, coping skills, couples therapy, and more.
My approach is client-centered, focusing on your unique needs and experiences. I’m committed to providing practical coping tools and strategies to improve relationships, enhance your sense of satisfaction, and help you build the life you want. A strong therapeutic relationship is essential to your healing process and overall success in therapy.
I work with clients aged 6 and up, specializing in areas such as parenting, relationship conflict, family conflict, enhancing emotional intimacy, depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, coping skills, couples therapy, and more.
My approach is client-centered, focusing on your unique needs and experiences. I’m committed to providing practical coping tools and strategies to improve relationships, enhance your sense of satisfaction, and help you build the life you want. A strong therapeutic relationship is essential to your healing process and overall success in therapy.

With a background in social work and education, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating school systems and couples facing relationship challenges.
I walk alongside you, step by step, offering support as you navigate life’s challenges—whether it’s advocating within the school system, supporting a child with autism, or working through relationship struggles. Together, we’ll move at your pace, building clarity, confidence, and connection in a space where you feel truly heard and supported.
With a background in social work and education, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating school systems and couples facing relationship challenges.
I walk alongside you, step by step, offering support as you navigate life’s challenges—whether it’s advocating within the school system, supporting a child with autism, or working through relationship struggles. Together, we’ll move at your pace, building clarity, confidence, and connection in a space where you feel truly heard and supported.

I am published in several respected Scientific Journals and am available to work with children, teens, individuals, couples, families, and those who need specialized services, such as Depression and Anxiety.
See website for detailed information. http://www.jcantortherapy.com/
I am published in several respected Scientific Journals and am available to work with children, teens, individuals, couples, families, and those who need specialized services, such as Depression and Anxiety.
See website for detailed information. http://www.jcantortherapy.com/

I support adults (18+) and couples who struggle with a variety of challenges, and as a late diagnosed neurodivergent therapist, I have a special passion in working with late-diagnosed ADHD and autism.
I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I work with my clients collaboratively to find the best path to meet their unique goals and needs. I take an integrative and trauma-informed approach to counseling incorporating modalities such as person-centered, parts work, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, emotion-focused, EMDR, and somatic work.
I support adults (18+) and couples who struggle with a variety of challenges, and as a late diagnosed neurodivergent therapist, I have a special passion in working with late-diagnosed ADHD and autism.
I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I work with my clients collaboratively to find the best path to meet their unique goals and needs. I take an integrative and trauma-informed approach to counseling incorporating modalities such as person-centered, parts work, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, emotion-focused, EMDR, and somatic work.

Elyse Ayliffe
Registered Social Worker, HBSW, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4M
Waitlist for new clients
Since 2014, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals, couples, families, and adolescents as they navigate life’s challenges.
As a couples, co-parenting, and family therapist, I’m passionate about helping people build stronger, healthier relationships. With specialized training in EMDR, I guide clients through processing trauma and healing from limiting beliefs. My goal is to empower clients to grow and heal, so they can step into the best version of themselves.
Since 2014, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals, couples, families, and adolescents as they navigate life’s challenges.
As a couples, co-parenting, and family therapist, I’m passionate about helping people build stronger, healthier relationships. With specialized training in EMDR, I guide clients through processing trauma and healing from limiting beliefs. My goal is to empower clients to grow and heal, so they can step into the best version of themselves.

I work with clients who may be struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, self-identity and relationship challenges.
Are anxiety or depression making it hard to move forward? You may feel overwhelmed by emotions, struggle with focus, or find yourself stuck in familiar patterns. You're ready for change—seeking relief, balance, and a renewed sense of direction. Together, we can build the tools and insights you need to manage challenges, grow emotionally, and live more authentically.
I work with clients who may be struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, self-identity and relationship challenges.
Are anxiety or depression making it hard to move forward? You may feel overwhelmed by emotions, struggle with focus, or find yourself stuck in familiar patterns. You're ready for change—seeking relief, balance, and a renewed sense of direction. Together, we can build the tools and insights you need to manage challenges, grow emotionally, and live more authentically.

ADHD, Men's Issues, Couples, Stress/Anxiety/Depression- You feel stuck, hopeless, and unsure about where to turn but just know that you want to start feeling better.
Together, we will unpack why you are feeling like this and develop concrete tools to help you make positive changes in your life. You will learn how to cope more effectively and gain the strength you need to get back on track. I specialize in anxiety/stress, depression, ADHD, anger/emotion regulations, men's issues, childhood trauma & relationships/ couples.
ADHD, Men's Issues, Couples, Stress/Anxiety/Depression- You feel stuck, hopeless, and unsure about where to turn but just know that you want to start feeling better.
Together, we will unpack why you are feeling like this and develop concrete tools to help you make positive changes in your life. You will learn how to cope more effectively and gain the strength you need to get back on track. I specialize in anxiety/stress, depression, ADHD, anger/emotion regulations, men's issues, childhood trauma & relationships/ couples.

I specialize in eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues using evidence-based approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), & Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
I understand how difficult it can be to face trauma, anxiety, grief, or an eating disorder on your own. You might feel disconnected from yourself or struggle with negative self-esteem, burnout, or relational issues. Together, we can explore what’s holding you back, understand your emotions, and work toward healing. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help you build healthier relationships—with yourself and others—so you can experience peace, growth, and lasting change. You deserve to feel safe, heard, and understood as you work through these challenges.
I specialize in eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues using evidence-based approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), & Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
I understand how difficult it can be to face trauma, anxiety, grief, or an eating disorder on your own. You might feel disconnected from yourself or struggle with negative self-esteem, burnout, or relational issues. Together, we can explore what’s holding you back, understand your emotions, and work toward healing. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help you build healthier relationships—with yourself and others—so you can experience peace, growth, and lasting change. You deserve to feel safe, heard, and understood as you work through these challenges.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to walk with you toward greater clarity, healing, and self-understanding.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based practices like mindfulness, Somatics, and trauma-informed care. But most importantly, I meet you where you are. Every person is unique, and I believe therapy should reflect that.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to walk with you toward greater clarity, healing, and self-understanding.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based practices like mindfulness, Somatics, and trauma-informed care. But most importantly, I meet you where you are. Every person is unique, and I believe therapy should reflect that.

I help people like you work through relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or other issues life throws at you.
I have formal training in several evidence-based counselling modalities to support clients, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), Gottman therapy, motivational therapy and solution-focused therapy. I draw on my training and experience in these modalities to help you meet your goals.
I help people like you work through relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or other issues life throws at you.
I have formal training in several evidence-based counselling modalities to support clients, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), Gottman therapy, motivational therapy and solution-focused therapy. I draw on my training and experience in these modalities to help you meet your goals.

I specialize in providing therapy for trauma & PTSD, as well as relationship counselling for couples using the Gottman Method.
I also have extensive training in multiple therapeutic approaches including: Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD, trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy for trauma, narrative therapy, attachment-focused therapy,
I specialize in providing therapy for trauma & PTSD, as well as relationship counselling for couples using the Gottman Method.
I also have extensive training in multiple therapeutic approaches including: Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD, trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy for trauma, narrative therapy, attachment-focused therapy,

Whether it's stress from work, relationship issues, or past trauma that just won't let you be, therapy can offer the support you need to navigate through these tough times.
Many of my clients often seek my support when the pressure gets too much—be it from feeling down and out, being on edge all the time, or just burned out from juggling too many things at once. Relationship troubles also bring a lot of my clients into therapy, looking for ways to communicate better and connect more deeply with their loved ones.
Whether it's stress from work, relationship issues, or past trauma that just won't let you be, therapy can offer the support you need to navigate through these tough times.
Many of my clients often seek my support when the pressure gets too much—be it from feeling down and out, being on edge all the time, or just burned out from juggling too many things at once. Relationship troubles also bring a lot of my clients into therapy, looking for ways to communicate better and connect more deeply with their loved ones.

Every relationship tells a story — of longing, closeness, distance, of trying and trying again.
I help couples and individuals rebuild physical and emotional closeness by bringing awareness to the dynamics at play and creating space for meaningful change. With empathy and an open heart, I support the repair process after conflict — helping foster curiosity, understanding, and renewed connection.
Every relationship tells a story — of longing, closeness, distance, of trying and trying again.
I help couples and individuals rebuild physical and emotional closeness by bringing awareness to the dynamics at play and creating space for meaningful change. With empathy and an open heart, I support the repair process after conflict — helping foster curiosity, understanding, and renewed connection.

Working from a trauma-informed, attachment-based lens, I utilize an integrative approach in my practice and draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, such as, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Imago Relationship Therapy, Talk Therapy, and Narrative Therapy combined with a Strength Based Approach.
Welcome to my site. I hope you find this information helpful and informative. My passion is to assist and empower others on their journey of self-discovery. I am a Masters of Social Work (MSW) and a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. My approach is one of transformation through non-judgment, listening, support, empathy, and insight. I operate from a Trauma-Informed Approach (TIA) in acknowledging the sensitive concerns that exist within the clients that I work with.
Working from a trauma-informed, attachment-based lens, I utilize an integrative approach in my practice and draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, such as, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Imago Relationship Therapy, Talk Therapy, and Narrative Therapy combined with a Strength Based Approach.
Welcome to my site. I hope you find this information helpful and informative. My passion is to assist and empower others on their journey of self-discovery. I am a Masters of Social Work (MSW) and a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. My approach is one of transformation through non-judgment, listening, support, empathy, and insight. I operate from a Trauma-Informed Approach (TIA) in acknowledging the sensitive concerns that exist within the clients that I work with.

Over the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of assisting many adults, couples, youth, children, and families to find effective approaches and solutions to the challenges facing them.
We offer effective treatment for depression, stress, grief, anger, ADHD, PTSD, complex trauma, and anxiety based issues. Other areas of specialty include working with first responders and couples. Clinical supervision services for psychotherapists, qualifying psychotherapists, and Couple and Family Therapy are also offered.
Over the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of assisting many adults, couples, youth, children, and families to find effective approaches and solutions to the challenges facing them.
We offer effective treatment for depression, stress, grief, anger, ADHD, PTSD, complex trauma, and anxiety based issues. Other areas of specialty include working with first responders and couples. Clinical supervision services for psychotherapists, qualifying psychotherapists, and Couple and Family Therapy are also offered.

Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed after betrayal, childhood trauma, or relationship struggles?
I specialize in trauma therapy for adults — with a focus on betrayal trauma recovery, emotionally focused couples therapy, and healing the lasting effects of childhood wounds. Sessions are paced to your readiness and grounded in compassion, clarity, and emotional safety. I offer in-person therapy in Barrie and virtual sessions across Ontario.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed after betrayal, childhood trauma, or relationship struggles?
I specialize in trauma therapy for adults — with a focus on betrayal trauma recovery, emotionally focused couples therapy, and healing the lasting effects of childhood wounds. Sessions are paced to your readiness and grounded in compassion, clarity, and emotional safety. I offer in-person therapy in Barrie and virtual sessions across Ontario.

Whether you're battling anxiety, stress, complex trauma, relationship struggles, divorce, or helping a child through tough times, I’m here to support you.
I use my experience in both education and psychotherapy to connect with clients of all ages. My work is focused on providing culturally sensitive care, empowering you with practical tools and SMART goals to build resilience and move forward at your own pace. Past clients find it easy to connect with me & open up, creating a safe space for healing and growth.
Whether you're battling anxiety, stress, complex trauma, relationship struggles, divorce, or helping a child through tough times, I’m here to support you.
I use my experience in both education and psychotherapy to connect with clients of all ages. My work is focused on providing culturally sensitive care, empowering you with practical tools and SMART goals to build resilience and move forward at your own pace. Past clients find it easy to connect with me & open up, creating a safe space for healing and growth.

I foster a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship to address concerns that are specific to each client.
I use a variety of treatment modalities, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family System (IFS), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy and others.
I foster a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship to address concerns that are specific to each client.
I use a variety of treatment modalities, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family System (IFS), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy and others.
See more therapy options for Barrie
Couples Counselling
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.