Our Team of Compassionate Therapists
Samantha Barnes (she/her) Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor
Rates $200/session (individual) Ages 16 and up
Clinical Supervision $200/Individual $110/dyad Groups $75 and up
Accepting in-person clients on Wednesdays, 10-3/Supervisees on Tuesdays/Thursdays
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 a small group practice where amazing clinicians surround me, each one dedicated to helping families and youth in our community live their best lives.
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario (CRPO) with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, beginning my journey as a Child and Youth Counsellor. I’m also a proud single mom to three amazing kids — including some neuro spicy ones as well as a few beloved fur babies one who always accompanies me here a the office. You can read Charlies bio below!
Supporting women through transformation is at the heart of my work. I specialize in helping those who are navigating sadness, loss, and anxiety — especially when those emotions feel too heavy to carry alone. I’m passionate about guiding clients toward greater self-esteem and self-worth, and empowering them to move beyond their pain into the lives they want to lead.
Much of my work has been rooted in supporting survivors of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse, and helping women walk the often-complex path of divorce, co-parenting, and motherhood.
In addition to therapy, I offer Clinical Supervision for both new and established psychotherapists (including RP Qualifying clinicians), whether you’re fulfilling CRPO requirements or simply looking to deepen your clinical skills. Supervision is available in individual, dyadic, or group formats, with ongoing groups and drop-in sessions offered year-round.
My clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based models including CBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Family and Child Therapy frameworks.
New Offering: I now provide individual and small group coaching for therapists who are ready to launch or grow their private practice with clarity, confidence, and support.
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!
Jim van Schie, Registered Psychotherapist (he/him) Senior Therapist
Rates $190 (60 min Individual) and $245 (75 min Couples or Family Sessions)
Offering Virtual and In-Person Sessions in our Barrie, Ontario Office for clients
Hi, my name is Jim. I am a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario and have a background as a Child and Youth Counsellor. I have been practicing in this field for over 30 years.
My focus 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 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 other 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
$170 (50 min Individual) ***WAITLISTED for New Clients ages 6 and up
Accepting a limited amount of new daytime clients
For several years, I have supported all ages with providing a judgement free space to grow, build coping tools, and explore who you are.
I am a Neurodiversity affirming Autism Clinical Specialist and I work from a strengths-based approach, exploring each individual’s unique strengths and helping empower them to achieve their goals. I’m passionate about finding the coping skills and strategies that work best for your brain and your lifestyle. Because of this, my therapy approach is eclectic and collaborative. I am always open to feedback around how to better support you on your journey and will adapt my style to find an approach that resonates.
I believe connection and self compassion are powerful tools for change. At the core of my therapy approach is learning how to both challenge and accept yourself at the same time.
In my time outside of the office, you can spot me outside with my dog (photos of pets are always welcome!)
Sydney Osborne, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) she/her
Rate $150/Individual $170/Family/Couples
Accepting Limited New Clients 7 and up – Evenings and Weekends Available
Hello! My name is Sydney (she/her), and I am a Registered Psychotherapist at at Sweet Spot Family Counselling. I recently graduated with my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University.
My own personal experience with therapy and mental health inspired me to shift into this career
path, and since then I have had the privilege of working with individuals of all ages, from
children to teenagers and adults with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. My goal is to be a
compassionate, empathetic, safe space for clients to come to, and I strive to work collaboratively with you to ensure the best course of action for treatment. I use an eclectic approach, meaning we work together to determine what your therapeutic goals are, and from there we can move forward with evidence-based treatment with elements from CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and more.
A little bit About me…I love taking my dogs Willow (Husky/Shep mix) and Evie (Corgi) out for walks and I enjoy exploring different restaurants in our area. I can talk Pop Culture for days and if you put on a Taylor Swift or Stevie Wonder album I will be the happiest person in the room.
Alysa Hoftyzer, Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying. Clinical Intern, MACP Yorkville
Low Cost Rate $90/Individual Session $125 Couples Session
Sliding Scale fee Spots may be available
Accepting New Clients age 10 and up – Evening and Weekend Availability
I am excited to join the Sweet Spot Family Counselling team. My journey into the mental health field has been influenced by my own experiences, as well as those of my peers, with mental health and grief. This has ignited my passion for supporting children and youth on their paths to healing.
I have experience as a crisis responder at Kids Help Phone, a grief facilitator with the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, and a crisis worker for the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Ontario Provincial Police, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds with many challenges, including grief, suicidality, anxiety, depression, PTSD, divorce, abuse, and addiction.
I offer my clients a warm and welcoming environment filled with empathy and positive regard. My goal is to empower clients by highlighting their strengths and inner resources and fostering self-compassion as we navigate life’s challenges together.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I love spending time with my partner and our kitten, Aspyn, and dog, Scylla, a shepherd, and husky mix. Whether hiking, skiing, snowboarding, or camping, you’ll likely find me outdoors! Currently, I’m on a mission to visit every provincial park in Ontario! I look forward to starting this journey with you at Sweet Spot Family Counselling.
Kate Kinniburgh, Clinical Intern
Low Cost Rate $90/Individual Session $125 Couples Session
Sliding Scale fee Spots are available
Accepting New Clients age 10 and up – Evening and Weekend Availability
I am a graduate student in my third year at Martin Luther University College, federated with Wilfred Laurier University. I am currently enrolled in the Master of Arts program majoring in theology, with a concentration on spiritual care and psychotherapy. I am joining Sweet Spot as a clinical intern starting May 2025.
I have a passion for working with youth and young adults and have experience working with them as a front-line community worker and a live-in resident advisor. While I hope to provide a safe space for my clients, beyond this, I aspire to facilitate a relationship in which they can find that place within themselves.
I live with my partner Karlie, Sawyer-Stitch (our kitten), and Stella (our dog) – I love my little family. While I enjoy spending my time outdoors, I also appreciate a good show or video game. I like to start my day by making myself an iced latte and sitting down in my cozy spot with my journal. When I am not studying, I love to spend time playing the piano, guitar, and singing.
I think that the stories that we tell ourselves are powerful, and everyone’s story deserves to be heard. I have an empathetic, compassionate, and flexible approach, and I look forward to uncovering stories together.