ABOUT
Julie Belanger
EDUCATION
Masters in Counselling Psychology (Honours) from Yorkville University
Honours BA in Psychology from Brock University
Diploma in Managing Early Learning and Childhood Settings from Sheridan College
Trained with Canadian Association of Play Therapy (CAPT)
Daniel Hirst
EDUCATION
Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Studies - Professional Social Care from the Institute of Technology Carlow (Wexford, Ireland)
Diploma in Psychology from Senior College Dun Laoghaire (Dublin, Ireland)
Levels one and two for couples therapy from the Gottman institute along with addition training in working with trauma and affairs.
Trauma Exposed Professionals (TExP) training through the Wounded Warriors Canada and the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families.
I’ve always been drawn to people. To understanding what helps us cope, keep going, and get through the harder parts of life. Growing up between Scotland and Ireland, humour, connection, and a certain kind of resilience were just part of everyday life, and those things still shape how I work today.
Before training as a therapist, I spent years in youth work and support roles. I saw how much people carry, often quietly and without much acknowledgement, and I kept finding myself wanting to do more than just help in the moment. That’s what ultimately led me to complete my Master’s in Counselling Psychology and move into psychotherapy.
I now work as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with individuals and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, self-doubt, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I know that reaching out in the first place can feel like a lot, and I try to make the whole process feel as easy and comfortable as possible from the start. The way I work is warm and pretty collaborative. I genuinely think you’re the expert on your own life, and my job is to help you make sense of things, not tell you what to do or hand you a “one size fits all” plan.
Depending on what’s most helpful, I draw on CBT, ACT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, and the Gottman Method for couples. I also check in regularly using feedback tools, because therapy should actually feel like it’s working, not just something you turn up to week after week.
It doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time either. Honesty, humour, and real conversation have a place in this work too, sometimes all in the same session.
More than anything, I want you to feel like you can show up as you are, without it feeling as though you are in a doctors office or having to filter yourself. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not quite like yourself, we can work together to make sense of what’s going on and find something that actually feels right for you.
Seeking support can feel like a big step, and my goal is to create a space where you, your child, or your family feel comfortable, supported, and understood throughout the process.
Working with children and families has been a constant throughout my life. Before the title "Social Worker", I held the titles of babysitter, nanny, camp counsellor, and outdoor educator. One of my favourite things about working with children is seeing the many different ways they communicate, learn, and make sense of the world. Those early experiences sparked my passion for this work and continue to shape the way I approach therapy today.
My experience working in childcare, the disability sector, and most recently, the Intensive Care Unit has given me the opportunity to support people through a wide range of life experiences. While these roles looked very different on the surface, they all shared commonalities: helping people navigate change, build resilience, and feel supported during many of life's most challenging moments. They taught me the importance of taking the time to truly understand what someone is experiencing before working together to build a path forward that feels realistic and meaningful for them.
I enjoy working with clients across the lifespan and have a particular interest in supporting children, families, and individuals navigating life transitions, caregiver stress, and grief (of all kinds). I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership. Together, we'll focus on
understanding what's getting in the way, building on your strengths, and working toward the goals that matter most to you.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you through whatever life is bringing your way.
Courtney Thibert
EDUCATION
Master of Social Work (MSW) from Wilfrid Laurier University
Honours BSc in Psychology from Trent University
Ongoing professional development in palliative care, grief and bereavement, mental health, substance use, counselling, crisis intervention, and de-escalation.
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