Online Counselling for North Bay

Most of us can ride out the bad times. But sometimes we can’t bounce back. Sometimes we can’t even get up because life has hit us too hard and too often. You may be feeling overwhelmed, defeated, and hopeless. Perhaps you’re even wondering how counselling can help. However, with over 31 years of experience under my belt, I can confidently assure you that your suffering can quickly and effectively diminish.

Disconnected. Broken. Hopeless. Powerless. Stuck. Many men tell me this is how they feel in our first session. Taking the first step to make change in your life and accept support can sometimes feel the most challenging and overwhelming. As a male therapist, I have learned that working with men requires a focus on practical solutions, a safe and comfortable environment, a therapist who understands the unique personal and societal challenges men face, an emphasis on self-compassion and self-acceptance, and a willingness to address underlying issues. Ready to get started? Book a free 20-minute consultation at firststepmenstherapy.com!

Welcome! People often seek therapy when they feel emotional pain, they are stuck or they are uncertain about a path forward. Feeling better, deciding what to do and having a more satisfying life can be challenging. People from many walks of life face these challenges. If you are reading this, it means you are taking a good step to improve your situation: you are looking for a therapist that can help. Taking time to find a therapist that is right for you makes good sense!

I am a compassionate and dedicated Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor. I view therapy as a process of guided self-exploration, which is best accomplished in a supportive and non-judgmental context. My role is to help you unravel the factors that contribute to your distress, identify barriers to change, and develop new ways of coping with your situation. I believe in empowering my clients to manage their difficulties by helping them build on their personal strengths and learn tools designed to meet their unique needs.

Accepting new clients! The seasons of our lives can be peaceful or challenging; psychotherapy is beneficial at any point during your journey. We all have moments where we are not our best selves. These may be moments when we are met with life’s challenges and losses, where we question our decisions, worthiness and where we fit in relationships. It can feel like we are unraveling, raw with our emotions, and uncertain about the future. Whatever brings you to therapy, know that your courage to seek help is the first step in getting better. I look forward to working with you as you explore yourself and reach your wellness goals.

First off, I'm so glad you are here. You are doing the right thing.. putting you first, maybe for the first time ever? I like to think of therapy as a walk through the dark. Sure, it can be scary. However, with you leading the way, I will be right next to you holding the flashlight. When things get tough, we often forget how powerful and capable we are. I can help you rediscover your strength.. I say rediscover because it absolutely is there. I want to remind you, you are not broken. There is nothing wrong with you. You are having normal reactions to abnormal circumstances and sometimes that can make us feel weak. You are not weak.

Do you have pervasive negative thoughts that talk therapy doesn’t seem to help? What about yucky things that have happened that continue to haunt you? Are you having flashbacks, nightmares or intrusive thoughts that you can’t seem to shake? Are you past experiences impacting the way you can connect with people around you today? Are you ready to stop these experiences from continuing to impact your life? EMDR could help. I offer EMDR weekly 90 minute session or EMDR intensively, which can help clients get their lives back on track sooner. I can help people with PTSD, Complex PTSD, First Responder, Individuals, Couples, and Families.

Maybe you feel muddled, overwhelmed and/or paralyzed by day-to-day life. Stuck within competing responsibilities in this increasingly fast-paced world. There might be times when you feel stuck in patterns that leave life feeling unsatisfying and empty. You may be negotiating a relationship or trying to adjust to a new job. Are you highly self-critical with a harsh inner voice? Seeking help is sometimes perceived as a weakness. Part of our work together will help to clarify that reaching out for what you need takes courage. Courage is fear walking- take that first step to the jagged edges of your comfort zone, towards change.

My goal is to support people struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, stress, and/or trauma learn healthy ways of coping so ultimately they can live happier, healthier lives. I also have a passion for supporting couples as they navigate conflicts in their relationships. My ideal clients are people who are committed to learning about themselves, are willing to be challenged, and have a strong desire to work towards their goals. I strive to ensure my clients feel an AURA of hope, trust, empathy, and compassion so they feel safe to embrace their journey and grow. I offer flexible appointment times evenings and weekends.

As a clinician, I believe that the only limits are the ones we impose on ourselves. I believe that being accountable for our current reality, the good, the bad and the ugly, is paramount if we are to remain in the driver’s seat of our own life. I believe that insight is the key to unlocking unconscious patterns of thinking and being that keep us stuck. Finally, I believe that thinking and wishing won’t make change happen but taking action will. Let’s get started on shifting your perspective and get you going on the path to wellness. I want to help you transform what IS into what you WANT it to be.

Struggling with excessive worry, frequent negative thoughts or intense emotions can be overwhelming and leave you feeling stuck. It can be hard to know what to do. It might feel like worry or your inner critic is in control. You may want things to change but not know how to make change happen. The things you are trying to do to cope might only be working in the short term, and the problems keep coming up. It is possible to learn new ways to cope with thoughts and feelings, so that they don't have so much control over what you do.

Hello and welcome! As a registered social worker practicing psychotherapy with adults, I am passionate about supporting the mental health and overall wellness of others in a kind, considerate, respectful way. I work with people experiencing a wide range of wellness challenges, including ADHD, BPD, stress, anxiety, anger, depression, intense emotions, and difficult circumstances. I enjoy connecting with others, listening to clients' stories and offering a safe, non-judgmental space for them to unpack their personal challenges, gain new insights into themselves, and develop additional coping skills.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in my professional services! My areas of expertise include grief and loss, gender, sex, and sexuality, parenting, pregnancy, and gender-based violence. ​

Ashley’s practice will focus on providing counselling with individuals who have experienced loss, suffered grief, trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and who continue to struggle with managing the challenges that day-to-day life presents. Ashley has training in evidence-based therapeutic approaches, however firmly believes that change is a personal experience and therefore, it is important that therapy be a collaborative experience.

“Whenever You Find Yourself Doubting How Far You Can Go, Just Remember How Far You Have Come. Remember Everything You Have Faced, All The Battles You Have Won, And All The Fears You Have Overcome.”

Welcome! I have been working with individuals dealing with trauma, stress/anxiety, depression, substance use, gambling/gaming, life transitions, and relationship issues for over 23 years. After a thorough assessment we will focus on the strengths you have to meet your challenges head-on, overcome blocks, and ultimately turn your stressors into opportunities for growth. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including Inner Child, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioural and Emotionally Focused Therapies. I have connections with several specialists and treatment centers across Ontario.

Are you experiencing grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, communication issues or anger? Does your relationship need some tweaking or an overall overhaul? Are you feeling stuck, disconnected, isolated or frustrated? Do you need support in your wellness journey to health and restoration? Are you ready to reconnect, get unstuck and experience freedom and joy in life? I am here to help you move forward, achieve your goals and meet the challenges life may have brought your way.

We all want to belong, feel loved, and live a happy life. Our biology drives us to seek out other people even when we’ve been hurt by others. It can be so hard to nurture our needs for connection and our urges to self-protect from potential hurt. You deserve to feel a sense of belonging while feeling safe and secure in your relationships with yourself and others. Let’s look at how you can truly be your natural self, make space for all of you. Because your natural self is enough and deserves to be loved and cared for.