"I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become."

Welcome to A Better Choice Counselling, otherwise known as ABC Counselling. ABC Counselling is a solo-practice, therefore you will never be shuffled around or forced to repeat your story with no therapeutic value.  We are a progressive neuro-divergent affirming virtual practice committed to enhancing your mental health and well-being, starting by enriching the relationship you have with yourself! At ABC Counselling, we specialize in Individual Counselling. This means we see you, and only you! We view individual therapy as a crucial first step in everyone’s mental health and wellness journey.

We invite you to partner with us as you navigate life’s challenges. We would love to walk alongside and support you as you explore your personal journey with mental health and wellness. So, whether you are struggling with your mindset, having difficulty adapting to change, feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just not sure how to cope with your current situation - this is A SAFE SPACE TO UNMASK. If you are feeling intense sadness, anger, embarrassment, guilt, or shame because of something you’ve witnessed, said, done, or failed to do - we are here to help. Our practice is grounded in the principle of unconditional positive regard; this means that we truly believe that EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE HEARD, RESPECTED, AND SUPPORTED, regardless of their past or current situation. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles and move forward to where you want to be in your life.

Ready to take control of your life? Book an Initial Assessment today. Each individual session represents dedicated time/space for you to explore what matters the most to you. To help you achieve your goals, we utilize evidence-based modalities, including but not limited to ACT, CBT, CPT, EFT, EMDR, SFBT, Motivational Interviewing and Narrative Therapy.  We strive to be inclusive, clinically competent, culturally sensitive, and are continually adapting to meet the needs of our diverse clientele. We operate outside of regular business hours in order to make therapy more accessible to traditionally under-served groups and those whose work schedule poses a barriers to receiving quality care consistently. Let's begin your journey towards enhanced emotional, relational, and mental well-being today by booking a session.

SUPPORTING RESIDENTS OF ONTARIO, MANITOBA, AND SASKATCHEWAN

Hi, I’m Kerry-Ann, a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. I am a social worker, therapist, trailblazer, advocate, Star Trek fan, and a flawed human being. Like most, everyday I strive to live life according to my values. My super power is creating A Safe Space To Unmask. In sessions, I try to cultivate an environment where people feel alright being themselves, feeling their feelings, asking others for what they need, being supported as they try to heal from their past, feel empowered as they attempt to address current challenges, and feel hopeful about their ability to navigate whatever the future has in store. I do this and more, all the while modelling self-compassion.

I’ve been where you are, I’m no stranger to anxiety, depression, trauma, or the guilt-shame spiral. I’ve been on my own journey of courageous exploration, so I have great respect for you as you navigate your unique journey. I'm passionate about the therapeutic process and supporting change. I specialize in individual counselling because I truly believe society is structured in a way that forces us to share the stage the majority of the time. In my practice you, your needs, and your desires takes centre stage.   

When I’m not working, I take long walks, I photograph interesting houses and architectural designs I find along the way, I practice French and Music (difficult being tone deaf) on Duolingo, and on any given day, I can be found watching Star Trek reruns, and enjoying a cup of coffee (yes, I like it black). I consider myself a connoisseur of hot beverages, as such I have a tendency to sip coffee and tea rather slowly (some might even say pretentiously). 

What is it like to be in session with me? First thing to note, you will be HEARD, RESPECTED, AND SUPPORTED. Secondly, I’m not a blank slate therapist - this means I will be in the room (figuratively, because it’s Teletherapy) with you! This means I’ll inquire with curiosity, I will probe for more, I will challenge you to connect mind and body, I will hear what you are saying but also draw your attention to what is being left unsaid. In short, I am not the perfect therapist for everyone, but if you are ready, willing, and committed to growing from your struggles and moving forward to where you want to be in your life, then I might be a good fit for you. 

For those of whom Identity is central to the decision-making process: 

I identify as a black, christian, cisgender woman, who is committed to fostering an inclusive space for everyone to rest, heal, and restore. I work from an anti-oppressive trauma-informed lens. My practice is neuro-divergent affirming, so if you require an accommodation to fully engage in the therapeutic process, please let me know.

Now that you know a little about me, here is some information for your insurance or EAP provider: 

I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) in good standing with the: 

OCSWSSW:  Registration # 819553 

MCSW: Registration # 6179

SASW: Registration # 7328

Education: 

Master of Clinical Social Work (MSW), University of Manitoba

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), York University

Addictions Studies Diploma, McMaster University

Disability and RTW Management, Pacific Coast University 

Advanced Crisis Counselling & Suicide Prevention Counselling, Humber College

Counselling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), Zero Suicide 

Specialized Training/Certifications: 

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) 

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) 

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Written Expression Therapy (WET)

Narrative Therapy

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Insurance Panels I am registered/registering with:

Medavie Blue Cross (CAF, VAC, RCMP)

Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)

Indigenous Services Canada (IRS, IDS, MMIWG)

Green Shield 

Sun Life (Lumino Health)

ComPsych EAP

Federal Employee EAP

For my Reddit folks, TLDR: I’m an awesome therapist and your insurance company will love me. 

                                                   Does this resonate with you?

Good therapy is grounded in openness and trust. If your "spidey sense" if telling you me or ABC Counselling might me a good fit, then I encourage you to reach out to schedule an appointment. 

*****KERRY-ANN PROUDLY SUPPORTS RESIDENTS OF ON, MB, AND SK*****