About me
Hi, I’m Jeff (he/him)
I live in Barrie and practice counselling in Barrie/ Simcoe County and virtually throughout Ontario. I help people like you work through relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or other issues life throws at you.
I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with more than 15 years of experience providing individual, couple and family counselling/psychotherapy.
For the past few years, I have supervised a team of Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists and provided them with clinical supervision, which allows the therapist to grow their skillset while working ethically and responsibly. Â
I practice from a client-centred, strengths-based perspective to support you. This allows me to tap into your positive attributes and strengths, as these are natural capabilities and skills that each person has. When strengths are utilized, it makes it so much easier to move forward.
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.
Counselling is a collaborative process in which I will help you create goals and to create or develop new coping strategies to help you to achieve long-lasting change and personal growth. I provide a safe space for clients to share openly, and to reflect, and in response, I meet them where they are at, in a non-judgmental way.
Get to know me
Personal Life
I enjoy sailing, travelling and spending time with my partner of 25 years. I enjoy everything about animals and I am often seen walking or talking about my dog. I tell cat stories too! I am a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community and enjoy participating in community events and advocating for individuals and systems that require support. I currently volunteer as a board member for Redwood Park Communities in Barrie, as I strongly believe in the need for better housing supports as, I believe, everyone deserves safe, affordable and hopeful housing. I was previously a board member for the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.
Certifications & Awards
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Member in good standing.
Teacher
I have taught social work, psychology and sociology courses at Georgian College and Laurentian University.
Master's of Social Work
Windsor University
Bachelor's of Social Work
Laurentian University (4 year Honours Degree)
Dispute Resolution Training
I have formal training and experience in dispute resolution, including mediation and negotiations.
The Space
Our physical environments can affect how we view and connect with the world and counselling spaces are no different. In order to be effective, the office space needs comfort, safety, and privacy. With these attributes, the client’s work can begin more easily.
My goal for the office also includes a place for clients to escape from your day-to-day schedule by connecting with me in my welcoming and client-centered space.
