About Great Lakes Counselling Services

To work collaboratively with individuals, couples, families, and employers to enhance their quality of life/workplace, knowledge, health and wellbeing by offering person-centered and evidenced-based counselling techniques and consultation services to assist in the achievement of their determined goals.

The communities of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton and Oxford have access to quality and professional counselling, training, consulting and coaching services within their respective community.

Tara has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health and addictions. In addition to founding Great Lakes Counselling and Consultation Services, Tara is currently employed as a Clinical Services Manager at a community mental health and addiction agency and is a professor at a local college in the Social Service Worker Program. She has previously worked at a local hospital in the mental health and addiction inpatient, outpatient and emergency mental health programs, on the medical and palliative floors at another hospital and at a local Children’s Aid Society and Housing and Social Services.

Tara engages in continuing competence activities and has offered strength-based, client-centred, solution focused, culturally aware, non-judgmental and anti-oppressive counselling to individuals, groups, children, youth, couples and families. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1 &2, and Motivational Interviewing. Tara holds additional certificates in mental health and addiction, trauma and attachment, suicide intervention, safe and positive spaces, and Indigenous cultural competency.

Tara has extensive experience in providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions for a variety of presenting issues, such as:

Jesse Near has completed a Bachelor of Psychology (2003) and Bachelor of Social Work (2006) from the University of Waterloo and a Masters of Social Work (2014) from Wilfrid Laurier University.  She is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Jesse has been employed for 14 years with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and worked extensively with at-risk youth.  She is a highly qualified and compassionate clinician who has also offered strengths-based counselling services to individuals, groups, children, youth, adults and couples for over six years in community counselling services settings.  Jesse has extensive post graduate training including advanced certifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) specializing in Adult Mental Health and Children and Youth.  She is trained and skilled in Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy and Attachment and Trauma Integration.  Jesse is also trained in suicide and crisis intervention and Indigenous cultural competency.  She has also completed Cybercounselling Online Level 2 and is familiar with the unique ethical and therapeutic considerations of telephone and digitally based therapy.

Judy has worked with both youth and adults in conflict with the law in the areas of grief, trauma, diversity, spirituality and restorative justice. She has worked with leaders from diverse backgrounds and has derived a great deal of satisfaction helping clients to identify and work towards their goals.

Judy received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario with a major in History and English. She received her Masters of Divinity from Emmanuel College, Victoria University, University of Toronto. Her Spiritual and Religious Care Internship was facilitated at the Ontario Correctional Institute and the Vanier Centre for Women. Judy is also a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

When she isn’t working, Judy enjoys reading, walking, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Lori has completed a Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Laurentian University, and Leadership and Management at McMaster University. She is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. With over 25 years working in health and community sectors, her experience spans across mental health, geriatrics and education at the post-secondary level. She is certified in lean six sigma greenbelt and adult learning.

Amongst her various leadership agency roles Lori has participated in committees to support local community change. As a previous caregiver for many years, Lori understands how emotional and physical well being is a necessary part of maintaining strong mental and physical health.

Lori is a strong supporter of community volunteering and when not at work enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Rayne utilizes CBT, DBT skills, emotion-focused, mindfulness and solution-focused therapies to address client health, addiction, mental health and social needs. Their love and belief in community has driven their commitment to an intersectional and anti-oppressive approach that meets clients exactly where they are. They are currently the Consumption & Treatment Services Support Coordinator at the Guelph Community Health Centre. Their work at Brantford General Hospital and Pine River Institute engrained in them a multi-disciplinary approach that focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance skills, healthy boundaries, and healthy relationships. Wellness is too often only available to those with a variety of privileges and Rayne seeks to change that global reality in all that they do.

Jessica has completed a Bachelors of Child and Youth Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

Jessica has worked in many different sectors in the field of Social Services over the last 6 years, including working with children and youth, families, as well as individuals in adulthood. Jessica is certified in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and trained as a Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP). Jessica’s approach is client centered and she uses an eclectic therapy approach as she believes that therapy is a collaborative partnership between a client and their therapist to work towards reaching the clients therapeutic goals.

Jessica is currently a Social Worker at the Woodstock Hospital working in a specialized program providing Trauma treatment to First Responders. Previously to that, she worked with the outpatient mental health team providing counselling services to individuals aged 12 and above. Jessica provides a safe, welcoming and nonjudgmental space and will meet you where you are at in your healing process. She honours your vulnerability and willingness to show up.

Pamela is a registered social worker (RSW) who completed a double honours Bachelor degree in Sociology and Criminology prior to going onto completing her Masters of Social Work degree (MSW) all at the University Of Windsor. Pamela is accredited and licensed by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Pamela has over 20+ years of counselling experience within the mental health and addiction fields. She has worked in a variety of settings, including group homes, youth homes and corrections, victim services, addiction centres, and community health centres. Further, Pamela has maintained a private practice for the past 11+ years, in addition to supporting the Nishnawbe Aski Mental Health and Addictions Support Access Program. Pamela also has experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Pamela has a unique expertise in trauma counselling, including the Traumatic Incident Reduction technique, as well as specialities in addictions, mood disorders and mindfulness-based strategies. She also has a holistic approach to counselling supports and like to explore the mind, body, spirit supports using her certification as an Integrative Mental Health Professional.

Pamela has an eclectic approach to counselling using a range of complementary techniques such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy, as well as others, to help meet you where you are at in your process of growth. Her goal as a practitioner has been to help clients get through stressful challenges by questioning negative thoughts and understanding the source of specific behaviours and emotional patterns to empower them to make functional changes.

Devi is a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with over 9 years of experience in the field. With a strong commitment to the betterment of the community, she strives to help individuals empower themselves and overcome emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges and she believes in the holistic wellness of all beings. Devi is dedicated to maintaining professional standards and striving to make a positive impact in the community and believes that everyone deserves to live their life to the fullest.

Having obtained a Master of Social Work from Loyola College of Social Sciences, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mahatma Gandhi College and a Community Service Worker Diploma from Trios College , Ontario Devi possesses a solid educational foundation. She is a registered Social Worker with a good standing with OCSWSSW and holds certifications in Trauma and Violence Informed Care (TVIC), Positive Space Training (PST), and RYS Yoga Alliance 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Course.

Devi offers individual, couple, and family counseling services. She excels in developing comprehensive treatment plans and employing evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing. Additionally, they provide short and long-term counseling services to clients referred through various programs.

Megan is a registered social worker (RSW) who completed a Masters of Social Work degree (MSW) at Wilfrid Laurier University. Megan is licensed by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Megan has years of counselling experience within the mental health field and wellness field. She has worked in a variety of settings, including group homes, youth homes, long term care, and as a medical social worker. Megan has special interests in geriatric populations, chronic illnesses and mental health, and grief and loss. Megan also has experience working with adolescents and adults.

Megan enjoys working with people who experience anxiety and depression using CBT. Her master of Social Work Degree focused on the Indigenous Field of Study, allowing Megan to develop a wholistic approach to counselling and support with special consideration of the experiences of Indigenous people, including oppression, intergenerational trauma and collective grief. She provides great understanding to clients who experience adversity.
Megan helps diverse client populations get through difficult experiences, thoughts and emotions by building on inherent strengths, developing self awareness and integrating coping skills that are practical and kind.

With a career spanning four decades Chris’ journey as a Masters Level Social Worker has, not only influenced countless lives, but has been a source of wisdom for those navigating the complexities of relationships.

Chris’s career includes working with children at REACH, teaching in the DSW program at Fanshawe to prepare students to work with the developmentally challenged and their families. For over 15 years she provided social work services to the elderly and disabled through the Local Home Care agency (CCAC), also providing support to caregivers who struggled with the load they were carrying. Chris’ encounters with a diverse array of clients, of all ages, and their issues at Mike Fidlers and Associates over the past 25 years, have cultivated a unique insight into the human condition which has taught her to approach each situation with compassion, patience and cultural sensitivity.

Using a holistic approach, based on a number of evidence-based interventions (including CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Level 2 Gottman Training, etc.) Chris helps individuals in setting goals to, not only overcome obstacles, but also emerge stronger, more self assured and capable of charting their own paths to success. She has a special interest in women’s issues, depression/anxiety, interpersonal dynamics , grief management and issues related to Trauma.

In her off time Chris likes to be active-biking, paddleboarding, golfing, hiking and puttering around their farm.

John is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario. He attended Concordia University in Montreal, The University of Toronto and the Fielding Graduate University in California. He holds a BSc in Psychology, a Masters in Psychology and a PhD in Psychology and Human Development. He received extensive clinical training at The Western Institute For Group and Family Therapy in California and at the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara. He works with individuals, couples and families. He focuses on introducing clients to tools and behavioural practices as well as understanding their personalities, their relationships and their life objectives.

He has been trained in and utilizes many different approaches such as Re-Decision therapy, Tranactional Analysis, Gestalt, CBT, EMDR, DNMS, Gottman Marriage Therapy, Level 3.

Jennifer is a Registered Social Worker with over 10 years of social work experience, including work in residential facilities, social service agencies, and counselling.

Tailoring therapeutic techniques and approaches, she addresses the unique concerns, experiences, and goals of each client. Jennifer approaches work with clients from a strengths-based lens using modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Also incorporated in counselling sessions are self-compassion techniques.

Jennifer is furthering her training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy by completing her certification at the Beck Institute, an international Cognitive Behaviour Therapy training and research centre.

Additionally, Jennifer is expanding her competencies by completing a Mindfulness for Chronic Pain certification at the University of Toronto, certification in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and an advanced certificate from Pain Canada. She has a passion for helping people feel better by changing their perception of pain as chronic pain is something she herself experiences. Using mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural therapy, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy she has been able to reclaim her life and wants to help others do the same.

Dave is a therapist who brings a spirituality informed and client centred perspective to his practice. He seeks to help those who are struggling to make sense of the world they are living in and to guide them to a better place. He offers a supportive non-judgmental space where you can explore the causes of your worries and why the world seems so harsh towards you.

He is a trauma informed practitioner, who as a former paramedic, spent many years witnessing and assisting people in pain when they were having the worst day of their life. Dave has embarked on this new career to provide support and assistance for those who experience mental pain regardless of the cause, offering a welcoming space and a kind shoulder to lean on

Dave has attended Martin Luther University College at Wilfred Laurier University and has completed the M.A. in Theology, Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy program. Dave is an EMDR trained therapist and works with CBT, DBT and other therapies as appropriate for his clients. He has extensive experience in crisis intervention and critical incident stress management techniques.

Dave is member of EMDR Canada as well as the Ontario Mental Health Professionals Association and is an associate member of the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care. He is currently a Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

When Dave isn’t working he enjoys being with his family and doing solo activities like scuba diving, photography and exploring the backroads on his motorcycles.

Over the past fifteen years, Jennifer has worked with persons with disabilities and employers in employment programming and return to work services. During this time she has placed clients in employment from WSIB, CPP-D, ODSP and insurance companies. Since it was passed into law in 2005, Jennifer has worked with employers from across the province on complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and non-occupational return to work programs complying with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Jennifer obtained her Certified Disability Management Professional designation in June of 2016. Jennifer was the AODA Specialist at Workplace Safety and Prevention Services for over six years and helped hundreds of employers comply with the AODA.

Beth has worked in the mental health industry for a close to a decade, primarily focusing on client intake and office management. Beth is currently taking the Social Service Worker program at the Simcoe campus of Fanshaw College and is hoping to focus on the survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) once she graduates.

Previously, Beth spent 8 years on the board of directors for a crisis hotline and has trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Beth is very client-centric and strives to find clients the best possible match with a therapist. In her free time, Beth enjoys swimming, kayaking, and takes tap at a local dance studio.

Dahlia has educational roots in hospitality and is passionate about working with people. Having worked in the hospitality industry for several years in various roles, Dahlia is a creative who strives to learn all she can about the community and world around her.