My mission is to provide a safe, therapeutic space where you can come exactly as you are. In this space, we integrate mind, body, and spirit as we work together to cultivate healing, transformation, and self-acceptance.

Behind the Practice:

Welcome – I’m Shelley

As a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist, I’ve spent over 30 years walking alongside people through grief, trauma, change, and growth. From a young age, I felt called to help others navigate life’s challenges with compassion, respect, and a holistic mindset.

My approach is client-centred, trauma-informed, and integrative — which means our work is guided by your unique needs and your lived experience. Whether you’re working through stress or deep wounds, I believe that you are your own greatest healer. I’m simply here to help you reconnect with that inner strength.

Together, we’ll create a space where healing feels possible, supported, and sustainable.

Who I Help

Whether you’re navigating daily stress or recovering from trauma, you don’t have to do it alone.

I support adults 17+ through:

• Trauma Therapy: PTSD, complex trauma, and developmental/relational trauma
• Anxiety & Depression: Mood disorders, panic, overwhelm, and stuckness
• Substance Use & Addiction: Compassionate support using recovery and harm-reduction principles
• Grief & Loss: Space to process all forms of grief — clear or complicated
• Life Transitions: Separation, caregiving, retirement, health changes, relocation
• Intimate Partner Violence: Trauma-informed care for survivors of abuse

My Philosophy & Approach

Healing is not one-size-fits-all.

I offer personalized, evidence-informed therapy that respects your culture, identity, pace, and values. Our work is rooted in:

• Compassion and Collaboration
• Safety, trust, and choice
• A whole-person view — emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being
• Empowerment, not dependency

You don’t need to know anything about therapy to begin. If you’re overwhelmed, unsure, or hesitant — that’s okay. We’ll start wherever you are.

How I Work

Some people come to talk. Others want tools, structure, or nervous system support. Many need space to rest and just be. We’ll figure it out together.

Therapy with me may include:

• Support to untangle patterns and emotional reactions
• Tools for calm, clarity, and connection
• Body-based strategies to ease anxiety and tension
• Practices that reconnect you to your voice, values, and goals
• Gentle pacing, especially with trauma or grief
• Encouragement and space to celebrate small wins

My role is to offer options, hold space, and walk alongside you — never ahead or behind.

Therapy on Your Terms

Choose what fits you best:

• In-Person Sessions in my private practice in Marathon, Ontario
• Virtual Therapy (video or phone) anywhere in Ontario
• Walk-and-Talk Therapy outdoors, for those who feel more at ease in motion
• Distance Walk-and-Talk — we walk together by phone, even if we’re miles apart. Note: All new clients begin with an Intake Session (virtual or in-person) before starting Walk-and-Talk.

“The essence of trauma is disconnection from the self. Therefore, the essence of healing is not just uncovering the past, but reconnecting with the self in the present.”

What to Expect

Every session is a space where you can feel seen, supported, and respected.

You can expect:

Authentic, compassionate connection

An approach that adapts to you — not the other way around

Practical support for emotional regulation, healing, and self-understanding

A focus on long-term wellness, not short-term fixes

A grounded, inclusive space for Northern Ontario residents — and beyond

Meet Khaleesi – Chief Snuggle Officer 🐾

Khaleesi is my one-eyed, fawn-colored pug and therapy assistant. At 8 years old, she’s mastered the art of comfort: soft snores, perfectly timed head tilts, and a tail that never quits.

In 2024, she lost one eye — but not her spirit.
Her gentle presence can ease anxiety, provide grounding, or simply make the space feel a little more like home.

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