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Practical, evidence-informed therapy to help you understand patterns, develop new skills, and create meaningful change.

Talk Therapy

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Not every person is looking for a specialized trauma-processing therapy such as EMDR or Deep Brain Reorienting. Sometimes what you need is a supportive space to talk through what is happening, better understand your thoughts and emotions, and develop practical strategies for moving forward.

At Mind Shift Therapy, our therapists may incorporate a variety of evidence-informed talk therapy approaches based on your needs, goals, and preferences.

Talk therapy is available in person in Barrie and virtually across Ontario.

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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, commonly known as CBT, explores the connection between your thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and experiences.

When CBT is used through a trauma-informed lens, therapy also recognizes that many beliefs and coping strategies developed for a reason. Patterns such as avoidance, hypervigilance, self-criticism, or expecting the worst may once have helped you feel safer, even if they are no longer serving you in the same way.

Trauma-focused CBT may help you:

recognize unhelpful thought patterns
better understand emotional triggers
challenge beliefs shaped by difficult experiences
develop healthier coping strategies
reduce anxiety and avoidance
improve emotional regulation
build confidence in responding differently to stressful situations

The goal is not simply to “think positively.” Instead, therapy helps you develop a more balanced understanding of your experiences while learning practical strategies for managing what is happening now.

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Solution-Focused Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy is a practical, goal-oriented approach that places less emphasis on analyzing every detail of the past and more emphasis on identifying what you would like to be different.

Together with your therapist, you may explore your strengths, existing resources, previous successes, and small changes that could help move you closer to your goals.

This approach may be particularly helpful when you are navigating:

a stressful life transition
relationship or workplace challenges
decision-making
feeling stuck or overwhelmed
difficulty identifying next steps
a specific problem you would like to address

Solution-focused work can also be integrated with other therapeutic approaches rather than being used on its own.

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Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness involves learning to notice thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without immediately reacting to them or becoming consumed by them.

For people experiencing stress, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms, developing greater awareness of what is happening in the present moment can help create space between an emotional reaction and what happens next.

Mindfulness-based strategies may help with:

emotional regulation
anxiety and worry
stress management
noticing physical signs of activation
increasing self-awareness
grounding during overwhelming moments
developing greater compassion toward yourself
becoming more intentional in how you respond to difficult emotions

Mindfulness does not mean eliminating uncomfortable thoughts or forcing yourself to feel calm. It is about learning to notice your experience with greater awareness and flexibility.

Our Therapists Talk Therapy

Rachel Bickley

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: General Therapy, EMDR, Perinatal/Postpartum, Couples, First Responders, Families of First Responders

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Elyse Schweighofer

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: General Therapy, EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Couples

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Emily Collins

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders

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Alex Telford

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: General Therapy, EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Maternal Mental Health, Perinatal Health

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Courtney Toner

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK, PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Online Therapy Available
Specialties: EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Maternal Mental Health, Perinatal Health

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Vanessa Robertson

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: General Therapy, EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Mindfulness Therapy

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Michelle Farrow

CLINIC OWNER & DIRECTOR, REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
In-Person & Online Therapy Available
Specialties: EMDR, Families of First Responders, First Responders, Maternal Mental Health, Perinatal Health

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