Our Team

Geoff completed a Masters degree in Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, and is registered through the Ontario College of Social Workers. He is trained and certified as a Narrative Therapist, and through the Ontario Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. It has been his privilege to have supported a multitude of people over the past 20 years—children and adolescents, couples and families, as they work through issues that interfere with their ability to adequately function and to achieve their goals. Geoff is skilled in supporting people as they work to overcome the problems associated with mood disorders, addictions, managing anger, grief and anxiety.

In family therapy Geoff believes that all members have a role in the construction of problems in the family unit, and supports them in understanding and responding to these relationship issues. In working with couples Geoff often deals with issues of divorce, extra-marital relationships and conflict. An important part of his work with couples is offering them ways to turn towards each other, to revitalize intimacy, and rediscover effective communication techniques.

Within his practice, Geoff strives to create a space where people are recognized for their inherent worth and uniqueness. He practices from a non-judgemental approach where all are respected and valued. During a session, he collaborates with people to assist them in recognizing their full potential and promoting empowerment in their lives. Geoff feels that he has a tremendous responsibility to attend, to listen, and to seek to understand.

The southern Georgian Bay area has been Geoff's home for over 30 years. When not working, he loves to cycle, play tennis and participate actively as a member of local groups and organizations.  

Heather is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of  Social Workers and Social Service Workers (registration number 322521) and has been practicing psychotherapy in several capacities for 30 years. As a counsellor for individuals, couples and families she works collaboratively to assist people in seeking change, self- awareness and support in their lives.  Heather has been trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities including Solution Focused, Narrative and Cognitive Behavioural therapy.

Heather's professional focus includes treating adults, families and seniors experiencing anxiety, depression, or behavioural changes as a result of the challenges of aging, family transitions and the prospect of end of life issues. She offers advocacy, consultation and support for families negotiating systems of care for elderly family members. Individual, couple and family counselling is offered in a comfortable and confidential office setting. Accreditation has been achieved in Narrative Therapy, Restorative Justice Practices, Treating Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Parents For Youth.

Interests include psychology, health, travel, cooking, and staying vibrant and resilient while holding onto a sense of humour.

Gillian has two degrees from McGill University: Honours BA in the Social Studies of Medicine and a Bachelor of Social Work. Since graduating in 2003, she has continued her professional development and has successfully completed education and training in therapy modalities such as: CBT, DBT, collaborative problem solving, mindfulness, narrative therapy and trauma counselling.

Gillian is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers (OCSWSSW) and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). Gillian has practiced for the past fifteen years as a clinical social worker in the area of mental health. She has been fortunate to work in a variety of different health care settings and with adults, families, children and youth. Gillian has extensive experience developing collaborative care plans and is highly skilled working with physicians and other healthcare professionals for her client’s best interest.

Gillian's practice orientation is strength-based. She believes that her role as a therapist is to assist people to develop their fullest potential! Some of the ways she achieves this is through advocacy work, insight-oriented dialogue and teaching/exploring new skills. By shedding light onto some of the areas in a person's life (beliefs, thoughts, feelings, behaviours, relationships) that may be holding them back, space is opened up for transformative change. Counselling is a collaborative process and a joint commitment. 

Gillian is honoured and privileged to accompany people on their journey towards self-discovery and fulfilment. She has a special interest in working with children, adolescents and young adults. Supporting families as they navigate various transitions - including separation/divorce, adolescence, and other developmental changes - is her passion.

Outside of work, you can find Gillian cross country skiing, practicing yoga, spending time with family and friends, and performing improv theatre!

Catherine has a Bachelor degree in Social Work from Laurentian University and a Masters degree from York University. She is currently completing a Certificate in Death, Dying and Bereavement through Wilfred Laurier University. Catherine is registered through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Catherine has extensive training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MCBT), Grief and Loss, and is also trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for individuals with post-traumatic stress. 

She has considerable work experience with individuals who struggle with anxiety-related issues, and depression, and also women struggling to cope with the misuse of power in their intimate relationships. Catherine also has experience working with bereaved individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one, as well as those in conflict within their relationships, stress, and significant transitions in their life. Catherine also enjoys working with a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds and she values the differences they all present.

  She offers secular psychotherapy as well as spiritually-sensitive counselling for people of faith. Catherine is aware of the importance of integrating religious and/or spiritual themes into her dialogue with clients who wish to do so. In this way, Catherine strives to create a service that is holistic and one that values and respects the faith-based belief systems of her clients.

Adopting an approach that is rooted in empathy and compassion, and which fosters strength and skills development, she guides her clients in marshalling the essential tools they need to overcome the challenges they face and gain confidence.

Catherine’s work in the counselling role is fueled by a passion for collaborative relationships with people, working together through the problems they are experiencing, and creating goals that will support them in reaching their full potential. She believes strongly in the individual dignity and worth of all people, and this approach creates  space for people to be able to openly talk, and reflect in a safe and trusting place, free of judgement. Catherine values and honours the courage it can take to step out and search for change.

Catherine is a mother of two teenage children first and foremost. She is a cancer survivor and passionate about empowering individuals in their efforts to cope with adversity. She loves reading, catching up with close friends, and being active outdoors when she is not working.   

Eric completed his Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Toronto and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. He has an extensive background in systemic and competency-based family and individual therapy in a range of contexts including: mental health clinics, residential treatment centers, and school settings.

Eric spent ten years as the director of family programs at Pine River Institute, a therapeutic boarding school and wilderness program for teens struggling with addictions and mental health issues. Eric has had a successful part-time clinical practice in Toronto of nearly thirty years. He has been a trainer and consultant to mental health professionals in brief and family therapy since 1989 as faculty at the Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health, Gail Appel Institute. Eric also has a cross-appointment with the Department of Child Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Eric has a career-long passion about his work with adolescents, young adults and their families. While every family is unique, Eric’s focus is on utilizing the strengths of family members to explore stuck patterns of communication and behavior. In reviewing stories and beliefs embedded in them he sees that new meanings can be co-developed that serve as a base for finding new ways of relating.

Eric and his wife have lived just outside of Creemore for more than 20 years. He is an active mountain biker, cross country skier and basketballer. He is chairperson of Water First, a rapidly growing NGO collaboratively addressing multiple water challenges in First Nations.

Lisa has spent 35 years in a variety of clinical settings in Toronto, Barrie and Collingwood. She completed a Masters of Science at the University of Guelph with dual specialties in marital and family therapy and human sexuality. Lisa is also a certified Sex Therapist with the Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling of Ontario. She has presented at a number of conferences in the United States and Canada. Lisa is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Lisa enjoys working with individuals, couples and families of all ages. She uses strength based, solution focused, narrative and family systems approaches. Her specialties include separation and divorce, grief and loss, and sexual concerns throughout the lifespan.

Lisa has lived in the Collingwood area full time since 2012. She values community and can often be found dancing, biking, listening to live music, skiing, snowboarding and swimming. She has two wonderful grown daughters who mean the world to her.