Spear Counselling & Psychotherapy team

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Clinic Owner

Registered Psychotherapist 

Certified EMDR Therapist 

Approved EMDRIA Consultant (in-training)

IFS Level 1 Trained (IFS Institute)

Trained Psychedelic Assisted Therapist 

Blue Cross Provider + VAC Provider

Brittnee (she/her) is a self-led trauma therapist whose practice embodies a holistic approach to wellness, using the alchemy of science + spirituality to facilitate meaningful and long lasting positive changes. Brittnee is passionate about helping others achieve balance and harmony within their internal system and creates a safe container to support personal transformation so you can find your way back home - to yourself. 

Brittnee primarily works with adults who are suffering from acute or historical trauma and specializes in working with individuals with PTSD and complex trauma, as well as survivors of sexual abuse. Brittnee is an approved provider with Blue Cross and has a keen desire to help first responders and veterans experiencing PTSD + moral injury. 

Brittnee's practice, at this time, includes EMDR therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, as well as psychedelic preparation, integration, and harm reduction approaches for those who are interested and would benefit from engaging in psychedelic assisted therapy and medicine journeys. 

Brittnee has completed trainings for psychedelic assisted therapy with Inbodied Life Therapy, TheraPsil (Psilocybin and MDMA), and advanced training in California with Three Cups Psychedelics (Ketamine). Brittnee is also able to support those who are looking to prepare for or integrate experiences from other psychedelic medicines, not listed above. 

Brittnee also provides EMDRIA approved Consultation services to EMDR therapists who are basic trained and working towards certification.

Outside of work, Brittnee enjoys spending time outdoors and lives on the water with her husband and five (yes, five!) children. Brittnee understands the difficult terrain that comes with balancing a healthy work, family, and personal life and has a ton of compassion for women and parents who are navigating parenthood, while embarking on their own healing journey.

Clinic Owner

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Trained EMDR Therapist 

Addiction-Focused Therapy

Performance Coach - EMDR & Performance: Removing Blocks and Raising Bar Clinical Strategies for Athletes & Creatives

Blue Cross Provider

Zack is a compassionate psychotherapist and trained EMDR therapist who supports individuals aged 16+ facing challenges related to trauma, mental health, and substance use. Zack combines evidence-based practices with a holistic approach to help clients break free from emotional barriers and achieve meaningful progress. 

EMDR is used to help clients address the emotional roots of trauma, guiding them to heal from past wounds. In addiction-focused therapy, Zack targets the trauma and distress that often fuel substance use, as he recognizes the link between addiction and trauma and has the tools to treat them both simultaneously to create long-lasting change. Having served as a Team Lead for various community programs focusing on the treatment of addiction and mental health & supporting the communities’ vulnerable populations, Zack excels at connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each person's unique needs. He is also a published author, contributing to the research paper "Isolation to Stabilization: A Housing First Approach to Address Homelessness in Kingston, Ontario" in Canadian Journal of Public Health (2024). Read the paper here.

Zack has received specialized training in using EMDR with high-performing athletes, performers, creatives, or professionals working in demanding environments. Zack integrates EMDR with performance coaching to overcome mental blocks, performance anxiety, and self-limiting beliefs, improving focus, resilience, and performance. Zack’s personal experience as a former competitive athlete, particularly navigating sports-related injuries, has shaped his therapeutic approach. Understanding the challenges of recovery, he is dedicated to helping individuals overcome obstacles in both athletic performance and personal growth. 

Outside of his work, Zack remains active in the community, enjoys spending time with his three rescue dogs, and cherishes moments with family and friends. 

Whether addressing unresolved trauma, mental health challenges, substance use, or enhancing your performance, Zack can help you overcome obstacles and unlock your true potential.

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Trained EMDR Therapist 

Blue Cross Provider

Alicia Sergeant (she/her) is an integrative Registered Psychotherapist (Q) with over fourteen years of experience providing individual and group interventions. Her practice is based on a creative and holistic approach to healing and wellness. Together, with Alicia, you will create a safe space to address trauma, substance use, mental health concerns, relational challenges, or any other issues that are bringing you to your therapy journey. Alicia is passionate about tapping into your strengths and supporting you through personalized and meaningful work.

 Alicia’s therapeutic energy is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and curiosity. In her work, she validates the profound impact of childhood trauma, intergenerational patterns, attachment wounds, and oppression on you and your relationships. Alicia is committed to lifelong learning and has dedicated training in areas close to her heart. Including therapeutic methods such as EMDR therapy, Certification as an Addiction Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP), and a Trauma Sensitive Yoga Practitioner (TCTSY). Additionally, Alicia incorporates concepts from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) into her work. 

Alicia offers experienced support to First Responders and those affected by substance use, dual diagnosis, incarceration, childhood trauma, sexual trauma, and complex trauma. 

Alicia is honoured to support Indigenous Canadians on their journey to healing and empowerment, incorporating traditional healing practices into her work as requested. You can continue your journey with warmth, authenticity, and genuine intention working with Alicia.

Registered Psychotherapist

Registered Nurse 

Trained EMDR Therapist 

Couple's Therapist

Blue Cross Provider + VAC Provider

Yasmin (she/her) provides Virtual Services to anyone in Ontario via secure video conferencing. Yasmin is committed to a non-judgmental, client-centered approach to support individuals and couples. Yasmin looks forward to listening to your unique story and working collaboratively with you to find your inner strength, confidence, and resilience. She will work with you to reframe negative beliefs and use more compassionate, kinder, self-talk. For Individuals, Yasmin will tailor concepts from CBT, ACT, EMDR, IFS & DBT. Yasmin often work with clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and relationship conflict. 

Additionally, Yasmin very much enjoys working with couples using a blend of the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Yasmin places emphasis on how couples can learn to use mutually respectful communication skills and create a more intimate and deeper connection. Yasmin works with couples struggling with communication challenges, infidelity, intimacy, or those who are contemplating a break-up.

Registered Psychotherapist

Trained EMDR Therapist 

Brainspotting

Blue Cross Provider + VAC Provider

CRPO Clinical Supervision for Therapists

Cathy Lumsden (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor with the CRPO, author and speaker with over 30 years experience in the field. 

In her therapy, Cathy provides effective therapeutic brain based modalities, such as EMDR and Brainspotting. She has extensive experience working with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, separation/divorce and stress.

Cathy is the author of two books - one for adults, "The Best Advice Your Mother Never Gave You" and one for children, "Debugging Those Bad Thoughts". She was the host of a successful TV show called "The Best Advice", focusing on topics such as anxiety, depression, domestic violence, and mental health.  

Registered Psychotherapist 

Individual and Family Therapist

Blue Cross Provider + VAC Provider

Shelley (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist with over twenty-six years experience supporting children, adolescents and their families through community-based social service programs. She has been in private practice for the past three years working mostly with adults and couples through stress and fractured relationships as well as helping others better understand their adult needs through the lens of their childhood experiences. Prior to this, she spent seventeen years working in children’s mental health specializing in mood, anxiety and trauma treatment. Shelley has a comprehensive understanding of the intricate role the microbiome plays in mental health through the gut-brain axis.

Shelley is trained in a variety of models, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Solution Focused, Narrative, Eco-systemic and Structural Family Therapy. Through collaborative and strengths-based approaches she works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, distress, challenges in parenting, disruptive child behaviors, compromised family functioning and relationships, as well as trauma impact and other daily life challenges.

Shelley’s passion is helping people feel better, live happier and healthier lives as viewed through a holistic, integrative and functional lens.

Registered Psychotherapist 

Basic ART Trained Therapist

Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

Blue Cross Provider + VAC Provider

Matthew (Matt) (he/him) comes with over 15 years of experience in the mental health and addictions field. Matt prefers an eclectic and integrative psychotherapeutic approach to meet individualized needs and believes in the importance of building client capacity to manage symptoms through the course of treatment.

Matt is currently accepting clients 16+ years of age and his specialty population areas are youth (16-24), students, and those who are in conflict with the law. Matt's preferred therapeutic modalities are cognitive and dialectical behavioural therapies, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, narrative, and internal family systems. Matt is a basic accelerated resolution therapy (ART) trained therapist, which is an effective treatment for trauma, depression, and other mental health concerns.  Matt's practice is guided through a trauma and a polyvagal-informed lens.

Matt offers optional non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to compliment psychotherapy sessions. Dolphin VNS uses microcurrent to activate the parasympathetic nervous system to help decrease stress, which also might provide improvements in other areas (e.g., mood, sleep, digestion, respiration).

Please see https://www.dolphinmps.com/what-is-vagus-nerve/

 for more information.

They say that "laughter is the best medicine." Matt is known for his sense of humour and has a knack for dad jokes, so please do not be surprised if these show up in session. Psychotherapy is difficult enough, and Matt is happy to provide a laugh or two. 

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Youth and Young Adults

Blue Cross Provider

Taylor (she/her) believes in a holistic, client-centered and collaborative approach to psychotherapy. Taylor sees her clients as the expert in their own story and her intention is to provide the space, tools and support to aid in her clients journey to personal growth.

Taylor's goal is for you to feel seen, heard and valued. She strives to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space where you can work together to identify your values, strengths, and the steps you want to take to move forward. Taylor believes in incorporating a variety of therapeutic approaches to best fit the clients individual needs and goals.

Taylor is passionate about working with youth and young adults to manage a variety of mental health related challenges. This includes, but is not limited to; trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, neurodivergence, relationships, life transitions, self-esteem, coping with daily stressors, and relationships. Taylor is currently accepting new clients, ages 12+

Registered Social Worker

RSW, MSW

Children, Youth & Caregivers

Blue Cross Provider + VAC Provider + Canadian Armed Forces Provider (CAF)

With over a decade of experience in the field of mental health and counseling, Martha (she/her) is a dedicated and compassionate professional specializing in providing support and guidance to youth. Martha has a deep passion for working with young people, particularly those facing significant challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, self-esteem issues, anger management, and relationship difficulties.

Martha employs a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, ensuring that each individual’s inherent strengths and resilience are recognized and fostered. This method not only helps in addressing immediate concerns but also empowers youth to build a solid foundation for their future well-being. Martha is committed to using evidence-based practices to ensure the highest standard of care, continually integrating the latest research and techniques into her work.

Throughout Martha's career, she has gained extensive experience working with diverse groups of youth, including military youth, Indigenous youth, and LGBTQ+, and those in conflict with the law. This broad experience has equipped Martha with a unique understanding of the varied and complex issues faced by these populations, allowing for tailored and effective interventions.

Martha is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people, guiding them through their struggles and helping them to emerge stronger and more resilient. Her dedication, sense of humour and empathetic nature, combined with a compassionate and informed approach, makes Martha a trusted and effective counselor in the field of youth mental health.

Martha offers a range of counseling services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and families. Her mission is to provide compassionate and effective support through various therapeutic approaches, ensuring each client receives personalized care. Martha provides individuals ages 12-18, as well as joint sessions for Youth and their Parent(s)/ Caregiver(s)/ Guardian(s). Martha understands the unique dynamics and challenges within families. Her joint sessions for parents, caregivers, guardians, and youth aim to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. By addressing the needs of both adults and young people, Martha strives to foster a supportive and nurturing environment at home.