Our Therapists & Counsellors
Samantha Barnes, Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Clinic Owner (she/her)
Rates $190+Hst (50 mins Individual) $230 +HST (75 mins Family Sessions)
Clinical Supervision $190/Individual $100/dyad Groups $65 and up +HST
Only accepting daytime clients at this time.
Hello and welcome to Sweet Spot Family Counselling. After 18 years of working in community mental health with women and children, in 2018, I began a new adventure into private practice here in my hometown of Barrie, Ontario, and have had the pleasure of watching my once solo practice grow into an amazing small group practice where I am surrounded by amazing clinicians, each one dedicated to helping families and youth in our community live their best lives.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario (CRPO) and have a background as a Child and Youth Counsellor. I have been practicing in this field for over 20 years now. I am a single mother to 3 beautiful children and some “fur” babies as well. If you come into the Sweet Spot office, you may meet Charlie, our office mascot and lover of belly rubs!
I am passionate about seeing my clients transform into their best selves and leaving their pain behind. I focus on supporting women, families, and teens dealing with sadness, loss, and worries in their life that they just can’t quite seem to manage on their own. Working with women on self-esteem and self-worth issues is a special niche of mine. I have spent many years working with survivors of domestic violence and or narcissistic partners as well as helping women navigate the emotional path of divorce and motherhood.
Helping my clients tap into their true beauty, gifts, and value in this world brings me great joy. I am extensively trained in Family therapy techniques and provide support to families in crisis to strengthen their relationships.
I also provide Clinical Supervision to new and established psychotherapists looking to fulfill their CRPO requirements or strengthen their clinical skills through group, individual, or dyadic supervision. I run regular groups throughout the year as well as drop ins.
NEW– I now offer individual and small group coaching for clinicians wishing to launch and grow their own private practice.
Charlie Brown – Comfort and Support Animal – Rate – All the Belly Rubs Please
Did I mention that there is an office dog here too? His name is Charlie, and he belongs to the clinic owner. Many days he can be found here, tail wagging, bringing joy to our clients. Charlie is non-shedding, making him allergy friendly. I often say that the clients come to see us initially, but Charlie brings them back!
Here is a picture of Charlie hanging out at the office.
Jim van Schie, Registered Psychotherapist (he/him) Senior Therapist
Rates $175 (60 min Individual) and $230 (75 min Couples or Family Sessions)
Offering Virtual and In-Person Sessions in our Barrie, Ontario Office for clients 10+
***Accepting a Limited Amount of New Clients – Evenings available
Hi, my name is Jim. I am a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario (CRPO) and have a background as a Child and Youth Counsellor. I have been practicing in this field for over 30 years.
My passion is centered on working with couples, families, and youth. I spent many years running a specialized program that supported teenage boys in overcoming their challenges with family conflict, peer issues, grief, anger, and depression. Supporting these youth and seeing them take steps towards a happier healthier life has been extremely fulfilling. I have spent a lot of time focused on parent coaching and support, which has been equally rewarding. I have extensive knowledge about ADHD and how to help my clients navigate some of the challenges that this diagnosis can bring. Helping my clients recognize their strengths within their diagnosis is an important piece of our work together. Working with individuals and families processing their Grief is another specialized area of practice for me.
Additionally, I support families and couples looking to strengthen their relationships with each other and improve their communication to create more peace and joy in their daily lives.
I am a genuine and down-to-earth therapist. I provide my clients with a safe and non-judgmental space to explore their challenges. I meet my clients where they are, working collaboratively with them to encourage change and growth. Clinically I utilize strength-based approaches and evidence-based practices such as CBT and solution-focused strategies.
Over my 30 years, I have seen the importance of the therapeutic alliance and believe it is one of the most powerful tools we have to affect positive change. I look forward to supporting you with your goals.
Emily Simms, Registered Psychotherapist (she/her) Clinical Associate
Offering Both Virtual and In-Person Sessions in our Barrie, Ontario Office
$160 plus HST (50 min Individual) ***Accepting New Clients ages 6 and up
For several years, I have supported children and teens with unique needs and abilities in their intellectual, emotional, and academic development as well as supporting their families. I work from a strengths-based approach, exploring each individual’s unique strengths and helping to empower them to grow.
I am passionate about providing a space where there can be a judgment-free exploration of self. I respect the individuality of each person and will adapt my style to find an approach that resonates.
My style is eclectic and includes elements of CBT, psychodynamic, ACT, experiential, and play therapy. I welcome feedback and believe in a collaborative approach.
Stephanie Crema, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) (she/her)
Rate $160/Individual $170/Couples and Families ***Accepting New Clients ages 10 & up
Now Trained in EMDR
Hello! My name is Stephanie (she/her).
My own experience with therapy and healing and my empathy and compassion for others lead me down this career path. I firmly believe that much healing can be done by speaking your truth and being heard. I take a holistic, nonjudgmental, affirming, and person-centered approach to helping clients navigate life’s challenges and find deeper meaning, inner peace, and more joy in their lives. As a mother, I am deeply passionate about supporting other mothers and families in navigating the challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood and offering support for postpartum depression and anxiety.
I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and therefore I work with my clients collaboratively to find the best path to meet their unique goals and needs. I take an integrative and trauma-informed approach to counselling incorporating modalities such as CBT, mindfulness, strengths-based therapy, narrative therapy, attachment work, and emotion-focused therapy. I recently became trained in EMDR and can use this a specialized tool as well. Whether you are experiencing a major life transition, low self-esteem, attachment wounds, trauma, depression, or anxiety, I can support you in finding your inner strength and resilience.
My name is Lianne, and I am a clinician Sweet Spot Family Counselling. I recently graduated from Yorkville University completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and hold Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying Status with the CRPO.
I have previous experience working with both adults and children with unique needs in accessibility centers and summer camps. In these settings, I worked collaboratively with individuals to help empower them to achieve their goals using different techniques and tools. I previously worked as a Music Educator for adults, and this was an incredibly rewarding experience being able to see the therapeutic benefits music had on their development and in elevating their mood, which further motivated me to pursue my dreams of becoming a psychotherapist.
My therapeutic style is holistic, and I incorporate solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy into my practice. It is my priority to work alongside each client to determine which approach fits best with their individual needs, all while maintaining a genuine therapeutic relationship within a safe space.
Sydney Osborne, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Clinical Intern (MACP Yorkville)
Affordable Rate $110/Individual $125/Couples ***Accepting New Clients 10 and up
Hello! My name is Sydney (she/her), and I am completing my practicum internship at Sweet Spot Family Counselling. I am currently studying for my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University, and I have my Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying Status with the CRPO.
My own personal experiences of therapy and mental health motivated me to shift into this career path. I pride myself on my ability to work with people and be respectful, empathetic, and accommodating to each individual’s needs. I hope to practice a blend of solution-focused therapy, client-centered therapy, and CBT while also working with you to find the best approach that resonates the most. I am passionate about working collaboratively with clients, and I am here to help you in your own unique healing journey.
A little bit about me! I believe our minds should be a safe place to be as we must live with ourselves our entire lives, and wasted time is never actually wasted if you enjoyed it! I love being outside especially for sunset walks. I also love animals, and I have a little cat at home and frequently visit my family’s dog, Evie the corgi. Pop on a Stevie Wonder or Taylor Swift record and I will be the happiest person in the room!
