Matt Barnes
MSW, RSW
Matt Barnes obtained his Bachelor of Honors Psychology degree (2008) from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Masters of Social Work degree (2011) from the University of Windsor. He is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers as well as the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Matt provides individual, couples and family counselling. He works with youth and adults impacted by trauma, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, sports related issues, stress and a variety of cognitive, behavioral and social issues.
Additionally, Matt is an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained clinician. Matt’s training and education also includes crisis intervention models including: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Managing Aggressive Behaviours (UMAB, PMAB), and Critical Incident Group Debriefing (CIGD). Matt has also been trained in Gottman’s Method for couples, Emotion Focused Therapy Level 1 & 2, Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples, as well as a variety of training in the areas of grief/bereavement, trauma, dissociation, depression and anxiety. Matt utilizes an eclectic approach with his clients with a primary focus on Emotion Focused Therapy and EMDR Therapy.
Matt is passionate about helping clients achieve health and wellness through the use of alternative and complementary forms of therapy which include; exercise, outdoor recreation, art/music therapy, meditation, legacy work, play therapy and sensory-based activities.
Other Team Members
Dawn Whalls
MSW, RSW
Dawn Whalls is a certified EMDR therapist, EMDR Consultant-in-Training and a Registered Social Worker. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work Degree in 1991 and a Master Degree in Social Work in 2013 from the University of Western Ontario.
Dawn has over twenty-five years of counselling experience working with children, youth, individuals and families. She has practiced in the areas of mental health, child welfare, domestic violence, addictions and supporting persons with disabilities.
Dawn Whalls is a certified EMDR therapist, EMDR Consultant-in-Training and a Registered Social Worker. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work Degree in 1991 and a Master Degree in Social Work in 2013 from the University of Western Ontario.
Dawn has over twenty-five years of counselling experience working with children, youth, individuals and families. She has practiced in the areas of mental health, child welfare, domestic violence, addictions and supporting persons with disabilities.
Taryn Barnes
MSW, RSW
Taryn Barnes obtained her Bachelor of Honors Psychology (2009) and Masters of Social Work (2011) degrees from the University of Windsor. She is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers (OCSW) as well as the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).
Taryn has over a decade of experience in the field of counselling and psychotherapy and is very passionate about her work with children, teens, families, and adults who have experienced trauma in their childhood. Taryn uses a variety of different tools in working with her clients such as play and art therapy, sandtray, exercise, outdoor recreation, meditation, and sensory-based activities.
Taryn Barnes obtained her Bachelor of Honors Psychology (2009) and Masters of Social Work (2011) degrees from the University of Windsor. She is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers (OCSW) as well as the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).
Taryn has over a decade of experience in the field of counselling and psychotherapy and is very passionate about her work with children, teens, families, and adults who have experienced trauma in their childhood. Taryn uses a variety of different tools in working with her clients such as play and art therapy, sandtray, exercise, outdoor recreation, meditation, and sensory-based activities.
Matt Barnes
MSW, RSW
Matt Barnes obtained his Bachelor of Honors Psychology degree (2008) from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Masters of Social Work degree (2011) from the University of Windsor. He is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers as well as the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Matt provides individual, couples and family counselling. He works with youth and adults impacted by trauma, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, sports related issues, stress and a variety of cognitive, behavioral and social issues.
Matt Barnes obtained his Bachelor of Honors Psychology degree (2008) from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Masters of Social Work degree (2011) from the University of Windsor. He is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers as well as the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Matt provides individual, couples and family counselling. He works with youth and adults impacted by trauma, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, sports related issues, stress and a variety of cognitive, behavioral and social issues.
Michele McPherson
MSW, RSW
Michele McPherson obtained her Honours Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Guelph (2011) and a Social Service Worker Diploma from Humber College (2011). Michele completed her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Windsor in 2019. She is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers as well as the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Michele offers services to individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) as well as couples and families. She employs her passion for health and wellness in the therapeutic realm by using several components of the mind-body connection within her practice, including exercise, meditation, yoga, and mindful movement.
Michele McPherson obtained her Honours Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Guelph (2011) and a Social Service Worker Diploma from Humber College (2011). Michele completed her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Windsor in 2019. She is a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers as well as the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Michele offers services to individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) as well as couples and families. She employs her passion for health and wellness in the therapeutic realm by using several components of the mind-body connection within her practice, including exercise, meditation, yoga, and mindful movement.
Cara McCormack
MSW, RSW
Cara McCormack graduated with her BSW from the University of Windsor in 1999 and with her MSW, also from the University of Windsor, in 2018. In 2012 she completed the Play Therapy Certificate Program through the Canadian Association of Play Therapy and in 2018 she earned a certificate in Responding to Trauma Using Play Therapy. In 2019, she became an EMDR trained clinician and is working towards certification.
Cara works with children, adults and families and her practice is attachment centered, emotion focused and trauma informed. Emphasis is placed on mindfulness, self-compassion and helping people develop a positive sense of self.
Cara McCormack graduated with her BSW from the University of Windsor in 1999 and with her MSW, also from the University of Windsor, in 2018. In 2012 she completed the Play Therapy Certificate Program through the Canadian Association of Play Therapy and in 2018 she earned a certificate in Responding to Trauma Using Play Therapy. In 2019, she became an EMDR trained clinician and is working towards certification.
Cara works with children, adults and families and her practice is attachment centered, emotion focused and trauma informed. Emphasis is placed on mindfulness, self-compassion and helping people develop a positive sense of self.
Kristen Freitas
Kristen completed the Office Administrative Health Services Program at Lambton College in 2018. She has previous background in the medical field and childhood studies.