I am currently not taking new clients until February 2025

Barbara Kates, MSc, MC, RCC, CCC

Everyone suffers or feels stuck or lost at some point in life. 

Or, perhaps you are worried about someone you care about. Maybe I can help.

Professional therapy offers a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where you can gain understanding or explore ways that bring relief or greater peace and wellbeing. Even the most difficult of life challenges can present opportunities for growth and change. You don’t need to tough it out alone.

Some people have trouble describing exactly what they are looking for, or multiple concerns seem to overlap.  You may notice that something seems “off”, but you can’t pinpoint exactly what it is. Or, you find yourself repeating the same mistake. Maybe you are unhappy with where your life is headed. Therapy can offer the structure and support to help you sort through these issues. Please feel free to call me to briefly to discuss whether working together might be useful.

What I can help with….

I help clients resolve or manage troubling symptoms or difficulties, or who are looking for more connection, balance, or growth in their lives. I address specific concerns such as relationship issues, anxiety, stress (work/life), depression, loss and grief, eating disorders, chronic health problems, personality issues, existential/identity issues, or trauma (developmental and major event) (see common concerns). Some clients have multiple concerns that overlap. My integrative approach applies to most presenting issues, even those that are unique to you and your life situation.

How I work

My warm, empathic, and accepting stance informs all of my work. I strive to create a relaxed and respectful space where you can be yourself and gain clarity around what you need during our time together. Every individual is unique, and “one size fits all” strategies are limiting.  Building on your strengths, I use an integrative/process-based approach that draws from a variety of therapy models in ways that work best for you, yet also feels safe and manageable.

I provide both short and long term therapy. I can be focused and strategic if necessary, but I also enjoy working in a more open-ended and exploratory manner. After brief therapy, many clients choose to extend their therapy to achieve deeper gains. I provide steady and consistent support even when clients feel defeated or tempted to give up. Find out more in my approach. See FAQ for answers to common questions regarding therapy.

Who I work with

I primarily work individually with teens and adults, although a small part of my practice involves couple and family work.   I welcome diversity and work with people of all cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations (LGBTQ+).

Research shows that factors such as age or gender can influence how troubling symptoms and underlying mental health concerns can present. See my resources page and common concerns for more information.

Education and background

I am educated and trained in a broad range of physical and mental health approaches, and I have over 20 years of experience as a healthcare professional.  After a degree in human nutrition and a brief foray into medical school, I trained as a dietitian and pursued further graduate study in eating behavior and health psychology. My  interest in psychotherapy led me to complete another graduate degree in counselling psychology. Becoming a registered clinical counsellor has deepened my knowledge and skill base, particularly in dynamic, systemic, and expressive approaches. I have family therapy experience, and I have trained in sensorimotor psychotherapy, traumatic stress studies, and EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing). For more information, please see my LinkedIn account.

I’d love to hear from you.

If you have any questions, to set up an appointment, or to discuss whether counselling is the right option for you, please send me an e-mail at barbarakatesrcc@gmail.com .  I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation (in-person or by phone) so you can decide if I’m the right fit for you.