Business Details
7 Years
experience
Professional Mental Health Counselling Services in Ontario
Southwest Counselling Services is a professional collective of qualified counselors dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. Our team comprises registered social workers with master's degrees, each bringing extensive experience in trauma therapy, mental health, and performance counseling. We serve Sarnia, Tillsonburg, Walpole Island, and surrounding areas, offering evidence-based treatments such as EMDR, play therapy, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Our approach integrates innovative techniques like the Safe & Sound Protocol and VR meditation pods to enhance mental well-being.We prioritize client-centered care, utilizing modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy and emotion-focused therapy to address diverse needs. With a commitment to accessibility, we provide telemental health services and outreach programs. Our counselors hold decades of combined experience in child welfare, domestic violence, and sports performance counseling. We emphasize continuous professional development through regular supervision and clinical consultations. Our mission is to foster resilience and growth through personalized, compassionate support tailored to each client's unique journey.
Services
Individual Counselling
Trauma Therapy
Group Therapy
Play Therapy
Mental Performance
Psychedelic Therapy
Mind Body Therapy
Telemental Health
EMDR Treatment
Family Counselling
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- Our team includes certified EMDR therapists with decades of trauma counseling experience
- We offer evidence-based psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant conditions
- Specialized sports performance counseling for athletes at all levels
- Registered social workers maintain strict professional standards with Ontario College
- Innovative integration of VR meditation technology with traditional therapy methods
Services
Trauma Therapy
Our trauma therapy program utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to treat trauma symptoms in children and adults. This evidence-based approach helps clients process distressing memories and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Our certified EMDR therapists work with individuals experiencing PTSD, anxiety, and complex trauma from various life experiences.
Psychedelic Therapy
This innovative program combines legal psychedelic medicine with psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Our therapists guide clients through structured sessions that integrate psychedelic experiences with therapeutic processing. This client-centered approach offers alternative healing pathways when traditional talk therapy proves insufficient.
Play Therapy
Specially designed for children experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties, our play therapy sessions use therapeutic play techniques to help young clients express themselves. This developmentally appropriate approach addresses challenges in school, home, and social settings through guided play activities that promote emotional regulation and communication skills.
Mental Performance
The Perform Program develops athletes' mental resilience and performance capabilities through targeted workshops. Our sports performance counselors work with athletes at all levels to enhance focus, manage pressure, and overcome performance barriers. The program combines sports psychology principles with practical skill-building exercises tailored to individual and team sports.
Telemental Health
Our telemental health services deliver evidence-based therapy through secure video conferencing and digital communication platforms. This accessible option maintains the same therapeutic quality as in-person sessions while overcoming geographical barriers. Clients receive comprehensive care through virtual individual, couple, and family counseling sessions conducted by fully licensed therapists.
People
Dawn Whalls
Registered Social Worker
Certified EMDR therapist with 25+ years of counseling experience specializing in trauma, domestic violence, and disability support. Holds master's degree from University of Western Ontario and maintains EMDRIA consultant status.
Taryn Barnes
Registered Social Worker
Trauma specialist with decade of experience in child and family counseling. Utilizes play therapy, art therapy, and outdoor recreation techniques. Master's graduate from University of Windsor with focus on childhood trauma recovery.
Michele McPherson
Registered Social Worker
Integrates health and wellness into therapeutic practice using yoga, meditation, and mindful movement. Specializes in mind-body connection approaches. Holds master's degree from University of Windsor and focuses on holistic client care.
Lauren Markos
Registered Social Worker
Virtual counseling provider with trauma-informed practice. Recipient of Haseltine T. Clements Memorial Fund Award. Specializes in solution-focused therapy and EMDR treatment for diverse client populations.
Taylor Dunlop
Registered Social Worker
Certified addiction counselor with dual expertise in mental health and addictions. Holds master's degree from University of Windsor and specializes in integrated treatment approaches for co-occurring disorders.
Questions
What types of counseling services do you offer?
We provide individual, couple, and family counseling with specializations in trauma therapy, play therapy, sports performance counseling, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy using evidence-based approaches.
Are your counselors qualified and licensed?
All our counselors hold Master's degrees in Social Work and are registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, maintaining strict professional standards.
Do you offer virtual therapy options?
Yes, we provide secure telemental health services through video conferencing platforms, maintaining the same therapeutic quality as in-person sessions while offering greater accessibility.
What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps process traumatic memories. Our certified therapists use guided eye movements to reduce distress from traumatic experiences.
How can I start the counseling process?
Begin by completing our online intake form or contacting us directly. Our team will help match you with the appropriate counselor and schedule your initial session at your convenience.
Do you have specialized programs for athletes?
Yes, our Perform Program offers sports performance counseling with workshops designed to enhance mental resilience and optimize athletic performance through psychological skill development techniques.
