Barbara Smith, BFA, MFA, GIT., MS. Psych

Gestalt Therapist  Gestalt Institute of Toronto

Clinical member OACCPP

Clinical Psychology

"When we are no longer able to change the situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."  Victor E. Frankl

I am a mature multifaceted psychotherapist coming from a diverse experiential background of fine arts, business, and agriculture. I am a trained Kryia Yoga instructor, Satyananda Ashram, and a Reiki practitioner. I have trained in Satir Family therapy, Alexander Technique, Energy Psychology (EdxTM), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Sexual Addiction with Patrick Carnes, Rogerian client-centered therapy, Chi Kong, and Art Therapy.  I am a graduate of the Four Winds, Healing the Light Body School headed by  Dr. Alberto Villoldo (author, Shaman, Healer Sage) and am a shamanic practitioner.

My life experiences include being an artist, a mother and grandmother, self-sustaining farmer, owner-operator-small business, creator and workshop leader, yoga instructor, Reiki practitioner, educator and supervisor, and mental health counsellor with the Hamilton Family Health Team.

I have extensive professional experience as a group leader in Toronto, Burlington and Hamilton and have created and lead groups on anxiety, procrastination, art therapy, and personal growth at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto, North York Women's Centre, Eglinton Community Centre, New Directions, Family Services (Toronto), Working Skills for Women (YWCA), Karyl Pope (Burlington) Community Counselling Centre, and Catholic Family Services (Hamilton).

I am a compassionate humanistic psychotherapist who believes individuals possess a mind, body and spirit. I create a safe environment for the process of change to take place. As a Gestalt therapist, I use a holistic approach, which addresses the whole person not just fragments or parts of an individual. I also look for opportunity to apply humour in the therapuetic setting.

I am available to see individuals, couples, some families, and groups in Toronto, Burlington, and Hamilton. If I feel I cannot be of assistance to you, I will attempt to refer you to someone who may be of a better fit.

The service I provide is:

Confidential

Compassionate

Effective

Third party coverage is available through most insurance plans.

905 304 4733

bsmith@hwcn.org