About Calming Minds Welness

Lindsay has been with Calming Minds Wellness & Therapy since May 1, 2022 and comes to us with a strong background in mental health, substance use and trauma. Lindsay will have evening and weekend availability.

Making change can feel like a daunting process. I am glad you are here.  I support change through curiosity and being in the present moment. Though your past is important to help us understand your story, it is important to focus on how we can change in the “here and now”.  Suffering and distress can manifest in various ways, mentally, emotionally and physically. Listening and understanding to the cues your body gives you will arm you with the necessary tools to make changes in alignment with your goals. Only once we bring our thoughts, feelings and behaviours into our awareness can we make the necessary changes to heal and grow.

I work collaboratively with folks to assist them in achieving their goals while uncovering their strengths with a focus on healing and growth. I have experience in the areas of mental health and substance use, with a specific focus on anxiety, depression, and trauma. Depending on your individual needs, I will use techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), solution focused therapy (SFT), motivational interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic theory.

I look forward to sitting with you and hearing your story while allowing you to shed light on the things you feel are most important to you. The client-therapist relationship is of the utmost importance so please reach out so we can determine if we are the right fit before moving forward.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi

Meet Korina Wynd! Korina is a counselling therapist associate who has been with Calming Minds Wellness & Therapy since September 6th 2022. Korina comes to us with a strong background in mental health and teaching. She will be offers counselling session times at convenient times including, the evenings, and during the daytime. Korina is available for therapy sessions both in person (at the Cobourg office) and by secure video or phone.

I offer trauma-informed therapy for clients ages 16 years of age and older who need support with anxiety, depression, stress management and navigating life transitions. I approach therapy from a humanistic, person-centred orientation, which means we will look at not only your mental health struggles, but also who you are as a person. Together we will help you to connect more with your innate strength and inner wisdom. I believe your unique experiences and personal perspective on life can be a central part in your healing process. You are the expert on you!

Before choosing a career in psychotherapy, I was a music teacher for 25 years. I worked in both the Montessori school system and as a private instructor offering lessons to members of the community. I have taught beginners and advanced students ranging in ages from 3 to 73 years old. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students grow and develop as people through a shared love of music. The transition towards becoming a therapist is one that feels quite natural because music and therapy both require active listening and a passion for working with people. During the past few years, I have felt the next stage in my life’s journey was to facilitate personal growth in people beyond their musical abilities. Counselling seemed like a natural next step.

Throughout my life, I have seen therapists to overcome various personal struggles as well as for grief counselling. I found talking to someone outside of my own circle and being listened to in a non-judgemental manner so affirming and helpful.

For my own daily self-care I look to my animals. I live on a small farm and every day I get the joy of greeting my eclectic mix of horses, chickens, alpacas, and llamas that over the years have become a part of the farm (and really, also my family). I find animals to be amazing beings, ones that we can learn so much from. It’s my hope to incorporate equine therapy into my counselling practice at some point in the future. If you’d like to try a consultation to see if I’m a good fit for your counselling needs, please reach out. I am currently accepting new clients. I’m under the direct supervision of a registered psychotherapist, so I may be covered under your insurance. Please check with your individual provider to confirm coverage.

Meet Catherine!  Catherine is a counselling therapist associate who has been with Calming Minds Wellness & Therapy since January 2023. I am excited to walk with you on your healing journey. Before training as a therapist, I worked in Autism Services. I also have experience in mental health, and substance use. This background helps me to understand the unique needs and cultures of a diverse range of people including those in the neurodiverse community.

My approach is culturally sensitive, and humanistic, which means that I believe that you are the expert of your life and experiences. I am here to hear your struggles and your story, to offer support while you explore your truth and change old habits and patterns as needed. It is my belief that to find ultimate healing and your authentic self, a wonderful thing to begin with is learning how to listen to your inner voice and tune into what your body is sharing with you (those “gut feelings”). It is important to me to honour your individual lived experience and culture, as this can play a big role in how you move towards personal development and healing.

While recognizing your strengths and focusing on healing and growth, we will work together towards achieving your goals. I’ll tailor my approach to meet your specific needs by using techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Psychodynamic Theory.

If what I’ve shared here connects with you, please reach out to book a consultation to see if I’m a good fit for your needs. I look forward to learning how I can better support you on your journey through life.

We welcome Nikki to the associate team! Meet Nikki who has been with the clinic January 2023.

Often in life you face barriers and challenges that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, anxious or stressed. Whether you are in need of support to help you work through specific challenges, or you want to explore your values, goals, and inner truth to live a more fulfilling life in general, I am here to help. I understand first-hand the positive impact that counselling can have, and I’m passionate about providing others with the same opportunities for wellness that have made such a difference for me in my life.

My approach to counselling has been influenced by my own life’s ups and downs, as well as my previous experience working in the mental health sector over the last 12 years. During that time I have provided counselling and case management support to at-risk and marginalized communities, including women, families and youth in the shelter system, as well as incarcerated individuals.

I specialize in addictions, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, ADHD and life transitions. My approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based, drawing on techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and stress reduction. You can expect that I will work collaboratively with you to help you achieve your goals and improve your overall wellbeing. I believe you are the expert of your life, and I am here to help you get to where you want to be.

Reaching Out Is The First Step Towards Support

It can be hard to reach out that first time, but it’s so worth it. I know, I’ve seen a therapist myself and the hardest part is that first step of actually asking for help. 

My Personal Journey May Help Me To Understand Yours

I grew up with immigrant parents and often I felt caught between two worlds. For a long time growing up I struggled to find balance between family values and societal norms. I battled low self-esteem for a long time until I started learning more about mental health and healthy relationships, acknowledging my limitations was the first step in finding out what I really wanted in life. 

I started going to therapy in university, this is when I gained confidence and learned to listen, and value my own inner voice. By telling a counsellor that I trusted my hopes, wishes, and goals, I was able to gain more personal integrity, and live my values, by following through on what I said I would do.

I was born and raised in Alberta, and there is a special place in my heart for the mountains. I’m a mother to an active lacrosse loving boy. Since moving to Ontario, I’ve learned a lot about big life changes,  what it’s like to start over with your support system far away. 

I have deep empathy for those experiencing life changes – because even when they are positive, they still can be challenging to navigate.

My Approach As A Counsellor

I work from a client centred approach which means I see you as a person first, your story, your day to day life, and any mental health challenges will be supported as well. The main mental health modality I use is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which can help with bringing more awareness into many different areas of your life (and with awareness comes the opportunity for growth and change).

Seeing A Therapist Can Help You To See Things Differently

Getting started in therapy isn’t just about finding solutions to problems, but it’s also a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and growth. I’m here to welcome you into a time and space that is just for you, free from judgment or assumptions. You will be encouraged to speak your mind, and express your feelings – so that together we can find ways to make your day to day life more peaceful, enjoyable, and meaningful. If you’re curious about therapy, reach out, let’s talk – I offer free consultations.

Haley is a Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying and a student-intern therapist at Calming Minds. Wellness. We welcome Haley who will be joining the clinic September 7, 2023, offering in person and virtual appointments. 

I provide counselling services for people ages 14 years of age and older. If you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, or your own unique life struggles, I’m here to support you. Currently I am a therapist in training, which is kind of like being a new doctor in a teaching hospital. I’ve finished my studies and, under Lori’s thoughtful guidance and with my professors’ support, I’m able to provide counseling, at a budget friendly rate. Also, when you receive therapy with me, you’re tapping into my training, life experiences, and the wisdom of several top mental health professionals.

Your Story Is Unique, and So Should Your Therapy

I have a Humanistic approach to therapeutic support, which means that who you are informs how I provide my care. This means that if you do well with structure, and feel good when you’ve completed a task, I may offer therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as it can be quite step by step oriented. Or,if I notice that you are feeling highly anxious,burned out,  and overwhelmed in your life right now, I’ll recognize that CBT homework may end up feeling like another chore, rather than a support to you, so I’d use a different approach, such as Gestalt, or Midnfulness to help you with your struggles. The most important thing to me is that you feel supported at this particular time in your life.

In My Life, I’ve Benefited From The Support Of A Counsellor

If you’re feeling a bit nervous about seeing a therapist for the first time, know that I’ve been where you are. I’ve sought out the support of a counsellor for managing anxiety over health issues, as well as making some important choices regarding a big surgery (which really helped – and I’m now healed from). 

In My Prior Career, I Witnessed Folks Escape Seemingly Impossible Situations

Before starting my journey to become a therapist, I worked as a case worker for a social services agency, specializing in helping human trafficking and domestic abuse survivors, as well as refugees. This work helped me to understand the nuances behind how hard it can be to break free from harm (and the lengths that they may have to go in order to do so), and the amazing strength that people have, especially when given the right opportunities and support. 

Therapy Is Your Time 

Sometimes it can be hard to accept time that is “just for you” but having a space and a brief few moments where the focus is on your wellbeing is something that you (and everyone) needs. Seeing a therapist isn’t just for crisis moments; it’s like a tune-up for your mind. Everyone needs a safe space to unpack thoughts and feelings. Honestly, it’s one of the kindest things you can do for yourself. If you feel ready to begin counselling, please reach out. I’m accepting new clients and look forward to hearing from you.