Fees may be covered under extended health benefits. Please check with your insurance provider prior to booking your appointment.

Individual Counseling


Couples Counseling


Teen Counseling (Ages 13-17)


Youth Counseling (Ages 10-12)


Family Counseling


Affordable Therapy

Student intern therapy sessions provide a unique opportunity for individuals to access professional mental health support at a reduced cost while providing valuable training and experience for future therapists. These sessions are typically conducted by graduate or postgraduate students who are completing their clinical training under the supervision of licensed professionals in various special... Read More

Student intern therapy sessions provide a unique opportunity for individuals to access professional mental health support at a reduced cost while providing valuable training and experience for future therapists. These sessions are typically conducted by graduate or postgraduate students who are completing their clinical training under the supervision of licensed professionals in various specialties in the mental health field.
One of the advantages of affordable intern therapy sessions is their cost-effectiveness. Since interns are still in training, they often charge lower fees compared to licensed therapists, making therapy more accessible to individuals who may be unable to afford traditional rates. This affordability can be especially beneficial for those without insurance coverage for mental health services or who face financial constraints.
Client care is our top priority at Balanced life Therapy, that’s one reason we ensure our interns are providing high-quality care under the supervision of highly experienced professionals. While interns are still learning and developing their skills, they receive guidance and oversight from licensed therapists who ensure that clients receive appropriate and effective treatment. This supervision helps maintain the quality and safety of the therapy process while allowing interns to gain hands-on experience and refine their therapeutic techniques.
Additionally, intern therapy sessions offer a supportive and collaborative environment for clients. Interns are often enthusiastic, empathetic, and eager to learn, creating a dynamic and connective therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, understood, and supported. Clients also have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of future therapists by providing feedback and insights during the therapeutic process.
We encourage this service for anyone who is ready to start their journey to better mental health and wellness.

I am a student currently working in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University. Everyone deserves to be supported through their self-discovery and self-empowerment journey. And that includes you too. I love to work with women of all ages and life stages, helping them move through various challenges such as anxiety, self-esteem issues, life transitions, and interpersonal relationship issues. It is my goal to create a safe, non-judgemental, compassionate, and empathetic environment for both you and I to discuss your unique challenges. Using an integrative and holistic therapeutic approach, you and I can work as a team to rewrite your own narrative and help you reach your therapeutic goals.

I am a student currently working in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkv... Read More

Serena currently is working as a psychotherapist registered with the CRPO and conducts individual sessions for adolescents and adults—providing a holistic, integrative and client-centered approach, as she collaborates with her clients in creating a treatment plan that is specific to their concerns.

She is a passionate therapist dedicated to improving her client’s level of self-regulation emotionally, cognitively and physically.

With Serena’s experience, she has been able to help clients experiencing a number of concerns surrounding: anxiety (incl. social anxiety), depression, self-esteem, interpersonal conflicts, trauma, communication and boundaries, grief/anticipatory grief, executive functioning, borderline personality disorder, emotion dysregulation and more.   As a psychotherapist, Serena values open communication and transparency with her clients, and emphasizes the therapeutic space to be a safe, relaxed and non-judgmental environment—supporting individuals of all cultures, religions and sexualities. The comfort and safety of her clients is her utmost priority, and Serena believes a strong therapeutic relationship to be the foundation for setting her clients up for success.   Therapies: Serena has been trained in various therapeutic approaches, some of which include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Gottman Method Couple’s Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and incorporates techniques from Polyvagal Theory, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Compassionate Inquiry and Motivational Interviewing.

Serena offers in-person, virtual and phone appointments. She is currently accepting new clients, no referrals necessary. To book a free 15 minute phone consultation with Serena Manoochehri, please contact our office.

Fees may be covered under extended health benefits. Please check with your insurance provider prior to booking your appointment.

Serena currently is working as a psychotherapist registered with the CRPO and conducts individual... Read More

Asking for help to navigate life’s many challenges can be overwhelming, especially if we don’t know where to begin. Seeking help also requires vulnerability and courage. Melissa takes a collaborative approach to utilize therapeutic modalities and tools in order to help clients identify their life challenges, therapeutic goals, and a way forward according to their values.

Melissa’s goal is to apply Trauma-Informed skills to establish a safe and judgment-free environment so that clients can progress as comfortably as possible.

Melissa has Bachelor’s Degrees in both Psychology and Social Work and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. She works as a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and performs the controlled act of psychotherapy.

Melissa has been counselling clients for the past 7 years, primarily working with clients who seek to leave or recover from an abusive relationship, in addition to other life challenges, including: issues in the work environment, family dynamics, grief, mental health concerns, suicidal ideation and prevention, and symptoms of childhood and adult trauma. Melissa worked with, and advocated for post-secondary students, during her Master’s placement experience at York University’s (Keele Campus) Student Accessibilities Services.

Melissa has also completed a Trauma Group Therapist/Coaching Training Program with the Cedar Centre in Newmarket, Ontario.

Melissa offers Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Tools in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and Trauma-Informed approaches, including psychoeducation (how trauma effects the brain)

Melissa has experience working with clients dealing with general life issues, work environment, themes of racism, family dynamics, parenting, grief, and mental health concerns: emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and prevention (ASSIST), and symptoms of childhood and adult trauma. Melissa specializes in Relationship Issues including suspected relationship abuse, Trauma-Informed approaches and psychoeducation.

Client Focus: Individual sessions for Adults and Teens (14+)

More than just my work: “Always remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know.” - A.A. Milne I play (and coached) Softball/Slow-pitch, I crochet and knit, and I like to bake (Not at the same time )

Asking for help to navigate life’s many challenges can be overwhelming, especially if we don’t kn... Read More

Cindy McAfee is a graduate of the Georgian College Social Service Worker program and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and The Ontario Social Service Worker Association.

She has over 11 years of experience serving Barrie and the surrounding area by supporting Individuals, Couples, Families, Youth & Teens through healing and growth.

Cindy uses Evidence-Based Modalities such as Gottman Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), Applied Suicide Intervention, Addictions Counseling. Cindy has facilitated groups at Barrie Withdrawal Management Services and Facilitates group therapy sessions with various life issues she also has extensive experience with Self-Esteem Groups for Women.

She is a Gottman 7PP Educator and is trained in Screening for Domestic Violence, Family Mediation, and New Ways for Families Mediation.

Cindy has a client-centered individual approach that is trailered to each client’s specific needs and goals. She works with individuals by creating a treatment plan to help them achieve goals that are set out in the beginning of counselling, and fundamentally believes that each person is inherently the expert on themselves for them to live their best life.

Cindy offers in-person and virtual appointments and is not currently accepting new clients

Fees may be covered under extended health benefits. Please check with your insurance provider prior to booking your appointment.

Cindy McAfee is a graduate of the Georgian College Social Service Worker program and is registere... Read More

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Located at: 27 Gowan St., Barrie
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