Guelph Counselling & Therapy - Online

Who I Help

Guelph and anywhere in Ontario

Adults

Individual Counselling & Therapy

I do online psychotherapy and counselling online with adults who want to understand themselves better, or who are going through a difficult life transition or big change and want support and to talk through their life and relationships – with family, work, friends, associations etc. I also help people who are having a difficult time coping due to anxiety, depression, stress, anger, worry, insomnia, etc.

I help clients gain new insights, reduce their symptoms, learn techniques to cope better, and either work towards changes, or towards feeling better about their current situation. I offer compassion, insight, clinical techniques and kindness.

Teens & Youth

Individual Counselling & Therapy

Teens

I offer support and clinical therapy online to help teens and their families to overcome anxiety, stress, depression, self-harming behavior, trauma and help ease them through difficult life transitions.

I help teenagers understand themselves better and offer them insights and coping tools . We then work on changes they feel ready to make in order to ease their way through life.

College & University Students / Youth

I work with College and University students who are having difficulty adjusting to being away from home, the stress of studying, or who are struggling with anxiety, depression or stress management.

Support & Coaching to Parents

I offer parenting support and counselling to help parents learn new ways to communicate and resolve conflict with their children and teens. We work on skills and techniques that are evidence based and effective. There are often things parents can do to help ease their children’s symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Services

My counselling and psychotherapy focuses on the present and looks toward your future. I do this by really getting to know and understand you. It is an honour and a pleasure to work with you on your goals and concerns. I offer you my caring concern, my training and my wisdom. I am not hesitant to hear about or discuss any topic or concern with you.

My main approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which focuses on understanding how your thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected. A CBT approach also means that you will be offered “homework” – things to try out or work on in between our sessions. This keeps you engaged in the process of change and makes our work together effective and shorter-term than some other therapy apporaches. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the gold standard therapy treatment for issues such as anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, depression, stress, negative thoughts, worries, chronic insomnia, chronic pain, anger management etc.

Along with CBT, I use a mix of approaches based on your needs and goals. I use Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills for helping with stress management and regulating your emotions. I use Solution Focused Techniques to help you imagine a better future for yourself, and integrate some Eastern practices such as mindfulness, and diaphragmatic breathing to help ease stress and calm your mind and body among other techniques.

Ontario Online Therapy

Counselling Guelph went online due to COVID restrictions and is now doing virtual therapy also known as online therapy or counselling online. This has allowed me to expand the reach of my practice. I still see clients from Guelph, and I now offer counselling and therapy online to anyone in Ontario.

I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). The College allows me to practice anywhere in Ontario. As well, my private practice insurance allows me to practice anywhere in Ontario. I am a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).

I have my Master of Social Work (MSW) and an Addictions Certificate from WLU School of Social Work.

Most Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) through workplaces, Extended Health Care plans through schools or workplaces, and private helath insurance are Provincial. So if you live in Ontario, they likely cover my services. However, it is best to check if they cover telehealth or “virtual” counselling.

I use Zoom for live webcam counselling from your home, office or even your car. I use an online scheduler that you can book or cancel appointments, get email or text reminders for appointments and pay for services through it.

My main approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT. Here is a short video about CBT.

About

Life is a journey of ups and downs. Sometimes we can figure it out on our own, and sometimes we can use a little help. I think that reaching out for help shows courage.

I have great compassion and respect for my clients. I can help you to work through your difficulties, make hard decisions or understand yourself better, by putting all of my skills, knowledge and kindness toward your concerns.
Number of sessions can vary. I work to be effective and sometimes a few sessions are all you might need to gain new insights, learn new tools and resources and move forward. Other times, weekly or bi-monthly or monthly check in sessions can help you feel like you can manage your situation or get support through a big change.

I have an undergraduate degree in International Development and a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW).

I have over fifteen years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked and volunteered in many capacities in the arts, social justice and environment areas. I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. I lived in the beautiful city of Guelph for over 30 years and raised two children there. I would be honoured to work with you.

Book A Session

Counselling Guelph entrance

Counselling Guelph entrance on Yarmouth St.

Counselling Guelph therapist Mary Cross

Counselling Guelph waiting room in the Norfolk Healing Arts building.

FEES

Free Consult – A free 30 minute consultation session where we can get to know each other and see if we are a good fit.

Initial Assessment – 90 minutes – $150. To help me to get to know your background, present concerns and goals for treatment. (To keep costs down, I charge the same fee as for my regular sessions).

Subsequent Session – 60 minutes – $150.

Check-In Session – 30 minutes – $85. A check-in session reviewing “homework” from the previous session & adding new tools, insights, or strategies to try. Suited for clients working on addiction issues, behaviours they are trying to change, anxiety or phobias, children and youth, clients coping with ADD and Asperger’s, or clients wanting a quick check in.

All fees include tax. Many extended health care plans cover the services of a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Masters Degree (MSW). I encourage you to contact your benefits provider and ask if my services are covered, how much you have available per year, and when your benefits renew.

Payment can be made by credit card or e-transfer. Receipts are issued via text or email. You can book online and either pay ahead or after your session.

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