Welcome
Vitality Counselling Service With Barb Shannon
I meet individuals, couples and families where they are at, and help them get to where they want to go.
Barb Shannon MSW, BSW, RSW (she/her)
"The stronger the therapist-client relationship, the greater the potential for therapeutic change".
Whether you are a teen, adult, couple or family my goal is to develop a positive working relationship with you that is based on mutual respect, compassion and acceptance.
SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
Available in-person or virtually
At Vitality Counselling Services I support individuals (ages 11+) using a flexible approach. I am trained in a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mediation.
I work compassionately and effectively in the following areas:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Healthy Boundaries
- Stress
- Relationships
- Maintaining Work-Life Balance
- Adolescent Issues
- Emotion Regulation
- Parenting Strategies
- Self-Harm
- Anger
- Trauma
- Assertiveness/Self-Esteem
- Respectful Communication
COUPLES COUNSELLING
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
Available in-person or virtually
At Vitality Counselling Services I offer couples therapy for all types of partnerships and concerns. My focus is on strengthening the foundation of your relationship and rebuilding trust when there has been conflict and hurt. I support couples by helping them identify negative patterns in their communication and conflict styles, and work towards changing these patterns so that each partner feels supported and heard by the other.
I tend to work from an Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) lens rooted in attachment theories while using key philosophies and treatments from Gottman Couple Therapy.
FAMILY COUNSELLING
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE FAMILY PROFESSIONAL
Available in-person or virtually
At Vitality Counselling Services I understand that family dynamics can be complex and challenging.
My goal is to help families navigate these complexities, foster positive growth and change, and build stronger, healthier relationships. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to your family’s unique needs, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Family counselling offers a unique opportunity for all members to collectively understand and address their problems, leading to more supportive family interactions.
COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE FAMILY PROFESSIONAL
PRESENTATIONS, GUEST SPEAKING AND WORKSHOPS
COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE FAMILY PROFESSIONAL
In the collaborative divorce process, a Family Professional plays a crucial role as a neutral third-party who helps manage the emotional and psychological aspects of divorce. Collaborative Family Professionals assist clients to move through the separation process by facilitating discussions on communication, relationships, emotions, wellbeing, co-parenting and children’s best interests. Their primary focus is to support healthy communication, reduce conflict, and guide the couple toward effective co-parenting and problem-solving, all within a structured and respectful environment.
I am trained in hold a certificate in Family Mediation and Collaborative Practice. I am an active member of Collaborative Divorce Waterloo Region which is an association of collaboratively trained mental health professionals, financial professionals and lawyers.
PARENTING PLANNING
PRESENTATIONS, GUEST SPEAKING AND WORKSHOPS
PRESENTATIONS, GUEST SPEAKING AND WORKSHOPS
Separation and/or divorce is a difficult time in a child's life. During this time children need everyone to work together to support them, yet the court process often creates tension and high levels of conflict.
Parenting Plan counselling guides families through the family transition of separation or divorce and helps to shield child(ren) from any adult conflict.
A parenting plan outlines the arrangement of how parents will raise their child(ren) after a separation or divorce. It may include a parenting time schedule, decision-making and living arrangements, as well as other details such as how you will handle exchanges, extra curricular activities and/or holidays. As a therapist I help individuals sort out these details, all while improving communication and problem solving skills, and promoting cooperative co-parenting.
PRESENTATIONS, GUEST SPEAKING AND WORKSHOPS
PRESENTATIONS, GUEST SPEAKING AND WORKSHOPS
PRESENTATIONS, GUEST SPEAKING AND WORKSHOPS
My life passion is to equip people with the knowledge, skills, and tools that will help them to enjoy optimal mental health, avoid burnout, and increase their resilience. I am a dynamic, experienced, and passionate keynote speaker who engages the audience with my storytelling abilities, sense of humour and practical examples which are sure to make an impact.
For more information or to book a speaking engagement, please contact me directly.
ABOUT BARB
My Approach
Hello! My name is Barb Shannon. As a registered Social Worker I have dedicated my 24+ year career to helping individuals, couples and families. At Vitality Counselling Services I offer a down-to-earth, compassionate approach to counselling and mediation services. I strive to meet clients where they at and help them get to where they want to go. My goal is to provide you insight, support, and skill building in a relaxed, comfortable counselling environment, so you can achieve your personal goals.
My clients tell me that my energetic, friendly, genuine, yet direct style that often involves the use of humour, is what they value the most in me as a Counsellor/Therapist. My natural and authentic approach to building relationships allows me to quickly develop trust, which is extremely important to the therapeutic process.
Through a strengths-based and client-directed approach, I work with clients to establish realistic and attainable therapeutic goals. My practice draws upon a unique blend of therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mediation. I am extremely committed to regular and on-going training so I can offer the highest level of current and evidence-based therapy to my clients.
I look forward to hearing from you, and working together.
Training/Education and Experience
Education & Training
- Master of Social Work Degree (Wilfrid Laurier University)
- Certificate in Collaborative Practice
- Certificate in Family Mediation
- Bachelor of Social Worker (University of Waterloo)
- Social Services Worker diploma (Conestoga College)
- Early Childhood Education diploma (Sheridan College).
Experience
- Clinical Social Worker/Owner, Vitality Counselling Services
- School Social Worker, WCDSB and WRDSB
- Office of The Children's Lawyer, Auditor Generals Office
- Parent-Teen Mediator, Serene Horizons
- Adolescent Protection Worker, Family and Children’s Services
- Youth Service Worker, Family and Children’s Services
RESOURCES
Anxiety:
Mighty Moe! An anxiety workbook for children
www.anxietybc.com
Canadian mental health association website. Also lists local chapters.
www.macanxiety.com
McMaster Anxiety Treatment Centre
www.anxietycanada.ca
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada
www.kidsmentalhealth.ca
Parenting During Separation:
Helping Your Child Cope: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/children-and-divorce.htm
Impact of Putting Kids in the Middle of Parental Conflict: https://ideas.ted.com/the-best-possible-thing-you-can-do-to-help-your-child-through-your-divorce/
Co-Parenting Tips: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/co-parenting-tips-for-divorced-parents.htm
Community and Crisis Services:
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868 for free 24-hour confidential support.
Canadian Mental Health Association - A great website with a lot of resources and tools for parents and kids www.cmha.ca
Here 24/7 - In crisis or need immediate support, call 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247)
Suicide Crisis Helpline - Call 9-8-8