Hi, my name is Kristina Avery, and I am a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) in the Province of Ontario. I am a certified member with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and the Canadian Alliance for Children’s Grief (CACG).

I have 23+ years of front-line Social Work and counselling experience supporting children, families and the community. I have worked in one of our local hospitals supporting the mental health of individuals and their families coming into the emergency room for many concerns including: severe depression and anxiety, substance misuse, partner violence, grief and bereavement, end-of-life counselling and chronic illness. I also supported those who were receiving chemotherapy and their families. I most recently worked at the local VON clinic as a social worker seeing clients for a variety of mental health concerns similar to those listed above. ​ Who do I work with & What can I help with?

​When it comes to all of the concerns listed above, I work with teens and adults. When it comes to all concerns surrounding grief, loss, bereavement and end of life, I work with children ages 6+ in addition to teens and adults. I do not work with children outside of those topics. For adults specifically, I also offer a non-judgemental space to discuss their mental health concerns, as well as all end-of-life topics, including MAiD exploration and legacy planning for all ages.

My Therapeutic Approach

​I offer compassionate, respectful and professional support for all individuals. Working in a holistic and compassionate tailored fit manner; I am dedicated to your unique healing process, helping you find comfort and support, no matter what the reason is you are coming to see me.

Training

Master of Social Work (Honours) from Dalhousie University (Halifax) Bachelor Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson) (Toronto) Diploma (Honours) in Assaulted Women/Children’s Counsellor/Advocate Program, from George Brown College (Toronto). Certificate in Death, Dying & Bereavement, from Wilfred Laurier University (Waterloo). Certificate of completion in Children’s Grief and Bereavement Course, from the Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health, SICK KIDS Hospital (Toronto). Certificate in CBT (CBT I + CBT II Trauma), Wilfred Laurier University (Waterloo). Certificate in; Foundations in Narrative Therapy, Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy (Vancouver). Death Doula / MAiD weekend Certificate – from Home Hospice Association (HHA) (Toronto). Compassionate Caregiver Certificate, from the Home Hospice Association (HHA), (Toronto) and a Certificate in Therapeutic Foundations in Horticulture Therapy, Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington). I continue to attend training monthly to ensure I provide the most up to date therapeutic knowledge to the folks I work with. You deserve that.

What else should you know?

I am an ally for the 2SLGTBQIAS+ and neurodivergent communities and have many years of experience working with members of these communities in my various roles. As an ally for Canadian’s First Peoples, I recognize First Peoples’ continued stewardship of the land and water as well as the historical and ongoing injustices they face in Canada. I accept responsibility as a regulated health professional and as treaty member to renew relationships with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people through reconciliation, community service, and respect.

I look forward to supporting you!

Hi, my name is Kristina Avery, and I am a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) in the Province of ... Read More

Hi, my name is Ashley Baldwin and I am a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) in the Province of Ontario. I am a Certified member of both the OCSWSSW (Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers); as well as the OASW (Ontario Association of Social Workers). I have 15+ years’ experience in community mental health including work within mental health agencies (such as CMHA), addiction treatment, women’s shelters, hospice, and long-term care. ​ Who do I work with & What can I help with?

I work with clients ages 12 and up in addressing all areas of life from a holistic perspective (mind, body, and spirit). I work with individuals, as well as couples. I have experience in many areas including depression & anxiety, self-compassion, self-harming behaviours; family relationships (including healthy boundaries), work-life balance, gender identity & sexuality. I work within various modalities depending on the concern, including DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy skills); CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy); and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). I have a passion for working with teens, and I am a strong ally for the 2S-LGBQT+ community.

My Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic style is calm yet affirming with a goal to help you reach your desired outcome in a timeframe that best suits your needs. Through empathetic listening, re-framing, and guidance, I will assist you in viewing your concerns from all angles, offering insight and alternative coping techniques to help support and heal; offering outside resources and support as needed within the community. Many of my clients come back to me due to my direct/challenging style, and this is something to consider before booking with me.

Training

I have attended Safer Spaces training to assist me in creating a more inclusive and safer space to provide therapy to the 2S-LGBQT+ community and am proud to say that all members of our team have done the same. I am enrolled in the Gottman Institute in order to become a certified Gottman Therapist for marriage and couples therapy. I am also enrolled in training for LGBTQ2IA Couples & Relationship Therapy. I have completed training in Anger, ADHD & Neurodiversity Affirming Care and support individuals who are under the spectrum of Neurodiversity. ​ What else should you know?

It is important for you to know as much as you can about a counsellor before you choose them. It is essential that you feel it is the right “fit” for your personal needs. Not every counsellor will be right for you, and not every client will be right for a counsellor. In order to have the most effective counselling treatment, it is important that you are working with someone that can provide you the right amount of support that you are comfortable with, and that you feel you need.

​See you soon! -Ashley​

Hi, my name is Ashley Baldwin and I am a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) in the Province of O... Read More

Hello, my name is Stephanie Brien and I am Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) in Ontario. I am a member of both the OCSWSSW and OASW. I have 19+ years of experience as Social Worker. My experience includes working in community settings such as inpatient/outpatient mental health, corrections and the school board. I started in private practice in February 2020, just before the pandemic. I moved from Puslinch in September 2023 to the Grey-Bruce area and looking forward to joining Counselling Bruce County.

Who do I work with & What can I help with?

I work with clients ages 12 and above. I work with anyone who is experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma. I also specialize in helping individuals who may struggle with an eating disorder, as well as First Responders who may have symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). My main modalities of treatment include: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), DialecticalBehavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Motivational Interviewing.

My Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic style is direct, compassionate and genuine. I believe in starting where you are at in your journey and fostering a working relationship where change can be supported and sustained. I will encourage change and promote reliance in your journey. I may use humour and non-conventional approaches as a way to foster change and to promote compassion in a non-judgmental space.

Training

I am formally trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy.

What else should you know?

​I am new member of the Grey Bruce community and moved here with my 3 children and husband. We are looking forward to building our new life here and I am excited to be working with Counselling Bruce County. I look forward in meeting you and being part of your therapeutic journey!

Hello, my name is Stephanie Brien and I am Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) in Ontario. I am a... Read More

Hi, my name is Marissa Moran and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying) and a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I am coming to Counselling Bruce County after my professional experience at Keystone Child Youth & Family Services where I provided mental health support services to children and youth under the age of 18, while also providing parenting support to their caregivers. Prior to this, I worked at a live-in treatment facility for children and youth who had complex mental health needs, as well as a hospital in the mental health sector.

Who do I work with & What can I help with?

I have a passion for working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and I bring particular experience in supporting children and youth. I have experience working with children and youth who may be experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, low self-esteem, self-harming behaviours, family breakdown, school behaviours and trauma.

My Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic style focuses on providing a collaborative approach that is centred around each individual’s uniqueness and the strengths they possess. I believe by building on these strengths, each individual can work towards positive change and learn resilience. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where everyone feels heard and valued.

Drawing on approaches such as CBT, play therapy, and trauma-informed care, I work collaboratively to help individuals build coping skills, strengthen resilience, and move toward healing and growth. I will help you develop coping strategies, and heal from difficult experiences. My personality can be described as calm and compassionate.

Training

I graduated from Yorkville University with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts at University of Guelph. I have training in various topics, including play therapy, integrative trauma and attachment treatment, circle of security parenting and trauma informed cognitive behavioural therapy.

I look forward to working with you or your child!

Hi, my name is Marissa Moran and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying) and a member of t... Read More

Hello and congratulations on taking this step to seek support for yourself, child, or family! My name is Erin Tims and I am a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW).

My professional experience includes working inpatient and outpatient mental health, prenatal and postnatal support for new mothers and their families and with older adults and their families at the Alzheimer’s Society. Prior to becoming a registered social worker, I worked as an educational assistant, a developmental service worker, in long term care homes, and even supervised a children’s theatre camp!

Who do I work with & what can I help with?

I work with individuals ages 3 and up using play and talk therapy, as well as adults and families who are coming for individual therapy. I have supported individuals with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, post-partum mental health conditions, ADHD, childhood trauma, family and relationship breakdown, grief and bereavement, and addictions.

My Therapeutic Approach

I view therapy as a creative and collaborative process that honors the uniqueness of each individual. My approach is holistic, flexible, and creative, considering the full spectrum of experiences that shape your life. I draw on each individual’s strengths and resilience to guide our work together. My approach has been described by past clients as direct, compassionate, and playful at times. I enjoy using humour and creative outlets to aid therapeutic growth and healing. ​ ​Training​

I am formally trained in trauma informed approaches to psychotherapy, and have an extensive training in topics related to Recreation Therapy (such as play, art, music, dance/movement, nature, and animal based approaches) and Social Work. I am excited to be working towards multiple certifications for play based therapy interventions, and am passionate about ongoing learning and professional development. I am currently completing my play therapy internship with Counselling Bruce County!

What else should you know?

I am excited to be a part of the community at Counselling Bruce County, and am looking forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Hello and congratulations on taking this step to seek support for yourself, child, or family! My ... Read More

Hi, my name is Melri Wright and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Taking the step to talk with someone about the challenges you are facing takes courage and I am glad you are here! I have more than 20 years of experience working with youth and young adults, helping individuals and teams build the tools they need to lead themselves well and navigate life’s ups and downs with more confidence.

Who Do I Work With & What Can I Help With?

I work with individual clients aged 14+, supporting them through a range of topics including depression, anxiety, adult ADHD, self-esteem, and relationships. I understand that life transitions can be overwhelming—whether it’s graduating from high school or post-secondary education, starting a new job, or navigating new relationships. I also support parents and guardians who are supporting their children during these times of change.

I’m an ally of the 2S-LGBTQ+ community and strive to create a safe, inclusive space for all clients. I am passionate about co-creating safer, supportive spaces where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories and exploring what is important to them.

My Therapeutic Approach

I have a person-centred, strength-based approach to therapy. During our sessions I will compassionately listen to your story and provide a non-judgemental space to explore your past experiences, current circumstances, and future possibilities. We will work together to discover strengths and habits that could help you move forward with hope and resilience. Your perspective, goals, and priorities will be central as we work together.

I have a calm, warm, and integrated style, drawing from SFBT (Solution Focused Brief Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), and mindfulness techniques

Training

I graduated from Yorkville University with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) in 2024. I am currently working toward becoming an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). I am committed to ongoing training opportunities that deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to support clients.

What Else Should You Know?

I believe that your story is important and I look forward to supporting you in taking this next step in your wellness journey. Looking forward to meeting you!

Hi, my name is Melri Wright and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College o... Read More