We don’t always get to control what happens in our life, however, we do have the choice to control how we allow challenging moments to impact our daily lives. My name is Kaylen Leonienco, and I am a Registered Social Worker. My main goal is to help individuals, including children (8 years +), teens, and adults, navigate life’s most challenging moments. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing grief/loss, those living with or caregiving for someone with a chronic/life-limiting illness, end of life, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and neurodivergent/ASD including support for parents.

My therapeutic approach is guided by Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapy from a strengths-based, trauma-informed lens.

I am currently accepting new clients and have availability to meet virtually, either by video or phone. I look forward to meeting you and together, discovering the support you are looking for.

We don’t always get to control what happens in our life, however, we do have the choice to contro... Read More

The first step is always the hardest, but it’s one we can take together. I offer a warm, relaxed, non-judgemental approach to healing, no matter what your starting point is.

I am based in Guelph and offer in-person counselling. I am a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist with over a decade of experience providing mental health counselling to children, teens, and young adults. I identify as Queer, and often work with LGBTQ+ clients. In addition to my work at Spacious Mind Counselling, I also provide therapy and counselling to children and adolescents experiencing acute mental health crises at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener in their CAIP unit. My in-depth experience means I’m able to guide my clients confidently through the most challenging of issues.

I joined Spacious Mind Counselling with a goal of helping families and youth get ahead of problems or mitigate them before they spiral into crises.

Youth and young adults may benefit from any of a variety of modalities, including cognitive behavioural therapy, collaborative and proactive solutions, brief-solution-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy skills, mindfulness, and crisis planning.

I can assess whether there is a larger mental health difficulty contributing to a youth’s struggles. That is important if the youth may be struggling with undiagnosed conditions such as ADHD, autism, OCD, or serious mental health issues. I believe it’s important to coordinate my efforts as a therapist with families’ efforts, and that parents are an integral part of child and youth mental health treatment.

In my spare time I enjoy parenting my 3 children, playing rugby, skiing, hiking with my lab, gardening, and exercising.

The first step is always the hardest, but it’s one we can take together. I offer a warm, relaxed... Read More

The hardest part is behind you

Seeking support from a therapist can be a stressful and sometimes confusing process. Taking that first step is a positive choice towards a journey for changing something that maybe doesn’t feel quite right. Together we can look at new perspectives and strategies, and have an opportunity to reflect on what is important to you and how you’d like to live your life. If you’ve experienced the recent death of someone close to you, experiencing another form of grief, or are managing challenges around anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficult emotions, let’s get into a relaxing setting where we can make sense of it all.

What you can expect

Have you ever noticed that when you try to untie a knot in a hurry, it only gets more tangled? You’re more likely to figure it out if you give yourself just a little more time. I’m here to help you think through your challenges and reactions in a deliberate way, and at the pace that’s right for you. My clients tend to report a sense of grounding and calm when they’ve worked with me. I welcome you to a space where we can slow things down, anchor ourselves in the present moment, and explore some new perspectives together.

The hardest part is behind you Seeking support from a therapist can be a stressful and sometimes... Read More

My Approach to Therapy Seeking support should not feel like accepting defeat. As a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), my intentions are to cultivate a therapeutic relationship which prioritizes dignity and autonomy. Situated in Guelph, Ontario, I offer a collaborative and empowering approach both in-person and virtually to reflect client needs.

A current Mental Health Therapist at Homewood Health Centre, with a strong background supporting adolescents and teens through the Victoria District School Board, Waterloo District School Board, and Grand River Hospital outpatient services. Optimizing an eclectic approach, I work collaboratively to explore strategies aimed at addressing anxiety, depression, behaviour/emotion regulation, self-esteem/self-worth, experienced trauma, self-injurious behaviours, relationship issues and beyond.

Proficient in practicing from multiple lens’ including cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based practice, solution focused, motivational interviewing and beyond. Using a client-centred and trauma informed approach, I strive to build connections based on trust, and understanding.

Recognizing that mental wellness is a fundamental right, I support clients from all walks of life.

I believe it is my lived experience which has complemented me with a non-judgemental approach to service. A down-to-earth person who enjoys outdoor recreation and leisure, sports, music, reading, mindfulness, exercise, and spending time with my partner and children. Whether you’re an adolescent, teen, or adult struggling with mental wellness, I believe that together we can identify and achieve your desired goals and outcomes to further reach your best authentic version of self.

My Approach to Therapy Seeking support should not feel like accepting defeat. As a Registered Soc... Read More

Some of the concerns I often help clients on include: depression, anxiety, OCD, psychosis, trauma (of many kinds), self-endangerment, low self-esteem, relationships, grief and loss, LGBTQ2S+, sexuality and gender identity, and more. Wherever you might be in the process of working through those issues (or others) is where we will pick up.

For 7+ years I have worked as a registered Social Worker in the field of mental health. I have been fortunate enough to work with clients in various settings, including community mental health and private practice. It is a privilege to learn about and share in the journeys of others. I am passionate about providing hope and helping clients to reexamine limiting beliefs in a way that helps them achieve their goals.

I have extensive experience in supporting individuals with a wide range of mental wellness concerns using a client-centered and recovery-oriented approach, both in-person in Guelph and virtually (online). I use the Gottman Method, attachment theory, and emotion-focused therapy as my guiding framework for couples counselling – but you probably will not notice, because at root our sessions are a conversation between me and you. I try to keep it light and easy to discuss what is on your mind, while staying focused on your goals.

It’s probably your hope, as well as mine, that you won’t need therapy “forever.” There is an off-ramp. If my past clients are any indication, on the day you decide our work is done you’ll most likely feel more in-control, more confident, and feel better able to navigate stressors big and small. You may also find more self-awareness, more ease in regulating emotions, and healthier coping mechanisms. Most of all, you are likely to feel less of the pain that brought you to therapy in the first place, such as anxiety or depression.

I look forward to getting to know you in a comfortable and non-judgmental space that allows us to work together on your challenges and help you find a sense of inner calm.

Some of the concerns I often help clients on include: depression, anxiety, OCD, psychosis, trauma... Read More

Are you seeking change in your life or relationships? I approach conversations that will promote self-awareness and deeper insights that can facilitate enduring personal growth and healthier relationships. My hope is that my questions will generate new understandings and perspectives that you can use for the rest of your life. I aim to create a comfortable space where you can share and strengthen your skills and resources.

I work with individuals looking to overcome obstacles, navigate difficulties, and foster self-growth. I help couples discover new patterns of being together while restoring intimacy, passion, and commitment. With families, my hope is to strengthen relationship bonds and better understand differences.

I utilize a systemic, trauma-informed approach to therapy with individuals, couples, and families. I work with a variety of concerns and challenges from multiple therapeutic models, including dialogic therapy, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and integrative therapy. Selecting the right therapist is important and I would be happy to meet with you for a free 20-minute consultation so you can see if I am a fit for you.

Are you seeking change in your life or relationships? I approach conversations that will promote ... Read More

I believe you (my client or possible future client) to be the expert in your own life, and I am the passenger on your road to healing. As a passenger, it’s not my place to howl at you to turn left or slow down. But I will keep you company, I will help you navigate, and I will point out stop signs and animals running into the road.

If you want hard advice delivered hard, you might prefer a different style of counselling. However, if you are looking for a low-pressure therapist, you may find my approach to be just right. If you feel life is spinning around so quickly that you can’t make choices in the way you want to, I can help you calm things down enough for you to make the best choices for you. Clients I’ve worked with like that I am welcoming, positive, and inviting, and that I understand their stories without judgement. Many feel a greater sense of empowerment and freedom of choice. I gear therapy and treatment based on your unique goals and realities.

A description of my approach for other therapists or people who prefer “therapyspeak” might go something like this: I apply different theoretical lenses to assist in understanding a client’s experience and provide them with the guidance of exploring their story at their own pace.

My current approach utilizes an eclectic style, where I view my client through a variety of different lenses to help make meaning of their challeneges and experiences. Specifically, I have developed a deep appreciation for person-centered approaches, I incorporate a holistic view of health, and I understand the therapeutic effects that come from narrative approaches in telling one’s story. Furthermore, I have experience and training in acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioural interventions, and motivational interviewing. In developing a supportive relationship with my clients, I encourage effective communication that enhances a person to shape their understanding of their sense of self and empower them to take action through transformative moments where vulnerability is encouraged through a safely balanced medium.

I believe you (my client or possible future client) to be the expert in your own life, and I am t... Read More

As a psychotherapist, I am focused on enhancing the mental well-being for individuals at all life stages, from young adulthood to mature age. I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy model to illuminate the skills and values individuals already have within them. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, transitional life challenges such as education, career change, family growth or adjustments, as well as grief and bereavement. I support individuals who are neurodivergent with developing healthy lifestyle behaviours. Additionally, I am part of a consultation group on gender, identity and sexuality.

Early learning throughout our childhood can greatly impact how we manage later in life. It can impact how we see ourselves, how we see others, the world and the choices we make. However, the depth of this impact is not always so obvious. It is through deep reflection in therapy that we can learn perhaps why we manage the way we do and most importantly what we can do about it now in our lives.

As such, I believe we all have many stories to tell. Each story being unique, meaningful and worth telling. It is through this process of telling these stories that we begin to heal wounds and find ourselves again. The many stories of my life led me through loss, grief, stress and pain and also joy, connection, meaning and love. I hope we can find the strength within you to write your own story.

First and foremost I work from a person-centred approach and incorporate narrative therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy and brief solution focused therapy. Telling our stories of grief, pain, love and triumph can release the grip they may have on us and give us strength and guidance. I also utilize aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy throughout my sessions as our thought processes can strongly impact our story writing and how we interpret ours and other’s stories.

Your mental health matters and you are the author of your present story. Through our sessions, I hope we can work together to discover your role in these stories, help you build new and meaningful ones as well as prepare you to think, act and feel more adept in the face of difficult stories.

As a psychotherapist, I am focused on enhancing the mental well-being for individuals at all life... Read More

I help individuals and couples move from anxiety, stress, overwhelm, feeling stuck or in conflict to a life of well-being, connection, Purpose, and aliveness.

When we experience too much anxiety, overwhelm, frustration or disconnection too often I believe it indicates we have needs that are not getting met and unhelpful mindsets that are holding you back. And most important of all, there are dreams not being lived.

Through gentle, insightful conversation and – sometimes playful – tools and explorations together we quickly increase your capacity to be with your humanity and expand your capacity for feeling alive and connected. This is key to fully stand in our power, be grounded and confident in our ability to do what’s most important in life, which is to step forward to what matters, step forward into your values, step forward into the kind of love and relations you want and go after the life you know you need to live and your life goals.

As your coach, I can show up for you as a confidant, mentor, trainer, teacher, guide, motivator, and accountability partner who’s fully committed to your growth and building the life-skills, mindset and resilience you need to work towards your dreams.

In all my transformational engagements I create atmospheres of greatness for you to thrive in. My approach is based on the latest neuroscience, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Organization & Relationship Systems Coaching, Emotional Agility, Non-Violent Communication, Buddhist teachings, and Internal Family Systems.

Because of my commitment to my clients and their life goals, I work with most of my clients over a period of 3 to 6 months or longer. When we decide to work together after our initial consultation meeting, we will together agree on what coaching package fits best with your needs, wants, and lifestyle.

If you are feeling anxious, stuck, disconnected or overwhelmed and want big change, more resilience, and a sense of meaning and purpose back into your life, then schedule your first consultation session and we’ll dive right in! I’m looking forward to it!

“Beyond right thinking, beyond wrong thinking, there is a field, I will meet you there.” – Rumi

I help individuals and couples move from anxiety, stress, overwhelm, feeling stuck or in conflict... Read More

I am a registered psychotherapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy and the owner/clinical director of Spacious Mind Counselling. I am trained and experienced in the delivery of online therapy for the past ten years.

I believe you are the expert in your life and even though you may not know it, you have all the answers within you. Unfortunately sometimes life can make accessing these answers difficult. Trauma, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, work, family, and relationship pressures can all impact our ability to connect to peace and happiness.

I have found through personal experience that talking to a trained professional in psychotherapy who is kind, caring, non judgmental and emotionally attuned can support the process of being able to listen to ourselves and work towards living a life that is free of suffering. I am passionate about providing quality therapy to people I work with.

I was born in Ireland and qualified initially as a mechanical engineer. I became interested in psychotherapy through personal growth and engagement in my own journey. It was following a significant crisis due to overworking, anxiety and low self esteem that I decided to engage in personal therapy 15 years ago. I benefited so much from therapy that I decided to study it formally. This led me to gaining a masters in community work with an honours bachelors degree in psychotherapy and becoming a registered psychotherapist.

I moved to Canada in 2014 and have been lucky enough to study with leaders in the field of psychotherapy. I have found therapy helpful in my own life to manage symptoms of depression, compulsive behaviours and anxiety which has led to increased happiness, less reactive habits and improved personal relationships. I am grateful to be able to teach these skills to the people I work with.

I have worked in the areas of mental health and family services for over ten years. I have trained internationally in several areas of humanistic and integrative psychotherapy including dialectic behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, narrative therapy, emotionally focused therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems therapy, couples therapy and gestalt therapy. The type of therapy that was a significant game changer for me however was MiCBT. Although it required more personal work, it reaped greater peace and calmness of mind than other modalities and is now part of my daily routine and greatly informs my work.

I am a registered psychotherapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy and the ... Read More

As a psychotherapist with 9 years of experience, I have grown to know that I have a passion for witnessing clients discover the values they cherish, and utilize those to achieve their goals. I know that people flourish in therapy and counselling when they have a good relationship with their therapist. I am devoted to creating and maintaining a safe, non-judgemental, calm, and sensitive therapeutic space in which you will receive appropriate support.

I am a registered psychotherapist and a registered marriage and family therapist who has worked in a variety of settings offering specialized support to individuals confronting unique circumstances. I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach drawing from multiple disciplines and modalities to offer clients a service tailored to each person or relationship.

I look forward to working with you.

As a psychotherapist with 9 years of experience, I have grown to know that I have a passion for w... Read More

Having ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) isn’t always a plus or always a minus. It’s more like being left-handed when most people in society are right-handed and most products are made for right hands. We’re just a little different. Everything can work fine, but others occasionally need to adjust to us and we constantly need to adjust.

By the way, when I say “we” and “us” I’m referring to the fact that I’m a counsellor who also happens to have ADHD. Along with being a Canadian, a woman, and identifying as queer, it’s one part of my identity. ADHD doesn’t determine what kind of lives we lead, but you and I probably have experienced similar peaks and valleys. We’ve both felt the same changes of mood, the same urge to move quickly from this task to that task, and the same urge to pay attention to “little things” other people seem not to notice or care about. As with other types of neurodivergence, life with ADHD can be both rewarding and vexing.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or you consider it the closest thing to describing your state of mind and how you’re wired, I can help. You get to decide exactly what that help looks like: You’ll decide what kind of imprint ADHD should have on your life, and what your goals are. I am simply here to help with the “how,” using research, personal experience, and occasional outside-the-box thinking to help get you there.

Why work with a counsellor who has ADHD, too? You may be thinking, “I want help from someone who doesn’t have the same problems I do!” Fair enough: everyone has different counsellors they click with. But it’s worth realizing that most problems aren’t permanent or immutable. I can help precisely because I’ve walked in your shoes. As someone who has been a business owner, business coach, and yoga instructor, I’ve learned to adapt to the “hyper” factor and not be slowed down much by it. You can do the same.

Without an understanding of how ADHD and other executive-functioning differences affect our day-to-day lives, we too often blame ourselves for things that aren’t our fault. Too often we also fault ourselves when we’re not comfortable with things that are designed for people with brains organized a little differently from ours.

If ADHD isn’t all bad, why seek counselling for it? One word: balance. You’re not trying to eradicate your ADHD, but certain aspects of it are creating genuine problems – perhaps at work, at school, among friends, or even when you’re by yourself. You would like to keep those challenges as small as possible.

You may have noticed that I don’t list 14 different areas of practice here on my “bio” page: just this one. Helping people navigate ADHD is why I’m here, and why I wanted to become a counsellor in the first place.

I can help you beat yourself up less, minimize the parts of ADHD that drive you crazy, and build on the parts of it that you consider strengths.

What to expect as we work together Understanding and navigating your ADHD is a process. There may not be one moment when everything falls into place (though sometimes that happens, too), but there will be signs that we’re “clicking” together and that our approach is working out for you. Here are some of the moments or milestones you may experience:

Start feeling heard and understood, perhaps for the first time. Get a safe environment in which you can be yourself and not need to keep your uniqueness under wraps. Learn more about ADHD and make more sense of why you do what you do, and why you do it the way you do it. Learn more about yourself and ADHD through metaphor and examples. Realize – or be reminded – that nothing is wrong with you. Start understanding your experiences as “normal” or normalized (i.e. therapy jargon for “it’s not your fault”) Identify your executive-functioning strengths and other strengths. Develop a genuine connection with a fellow traveler – someone who can lament with you and laugh with you about the same things. Next step: a short, casual, complimentary discussion If you’ve got ADHD and feel it’s time to strike a different balance – one that makes day-to-day life easier overall – we can schedule a complimentary ~20-minute chat about you and your goals. I live in Guelph and am currently available for online therapy.

Having ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) isn’t always a plus or always a minus. It... Read More

My Approach to Counselling It’s hard for me to describe my approach to counselling, because I try to tailor it to your specific needs, personality, and story. But I can touch on a few beliefs that (I hope) give you a sense of my philosophy:

Therapy should be a space where you say what you don’t feel you can say anywhere else. That may take some getting used to, but it’s an important understanding to develop.

Laughter can be a strong medicine. As one who used to do stand-up comedy, I know how much work it can be to get to a point where you can laugh a little, or at least crack a smile. As one who has availed myself of therapy, I know how some therapists can be a “tough room” and make you feel self-conscious, despite the best of intentions. My hope is to be an “easy room” where you can be yourself and not filter yourself.

Empathy matters more than just about anything. I’m told I have a high level of empathy, but I would say that is just another way to describe curiosity. If I gloss over too many chapters of your life’s story, then of course some things won’t make as much sense. That is why I hope to cover as many chapters as you would like to share, so we can figure out what the next chapters can be about.

I operate in an anti-oppressive framework, in recognition of marginalized communities’ and individuals’ unique challenges.

I also offer consultations in collaboration with a team of Psychiatrists who may provide a diagnosis, suggestions for medical support and/or make therapeutic recommendations. If you would like to learn more about this click here or contact us.

My Approach to Counselling It’s hard for me to describe my approach to counselling, because I try... Read More

I believe that everyone comes to therapy with a unique mix of challenges and strengths so I tailor my approach to your specific needs. I think there are many ways to heal and grow and together we will find what works for you. I have experience supporting people with grief/loss, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, challenging interpersonal relationships, and other concerns.

Firstly, I work to create a space where you can share everything that is going on with your life and then we will come up with a plan of how to move forward. My goal is to help you discover different parts of yourself and become more comfortable navigating the hard places in your life. Sometimes this means sharing specific skills and sometimes it means simply listening and reflecting as you share your most important stories.

I work from a person-centred approach which means I believe that I don’t have the answers to your problems, instead we will discover them together. I use techniques from a variety of different styles of therapy: emotion-focused, narrative, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and some cognitive-behavioural therapy. With couples, I focus on building communication skills, while also focusing on the emotions that sit underneath areas of conflict and stress.

I have been practicing psychotherapy for 4 years now. Before that I worked for several years in student services at the college and university level. Outside of session, I enjoy riding my bike, and playing tennis & soccer. If I am not outside, you might find me cooking or baking bread. I always like hearing about what people do to find fulfillment and joy.

I believe that everyone comes to therapy with a unique mix of challenges and strengths so I tailo... Read More

If you’re considering therapy, there’s a fine line to walk: you probably don’t want a therapist who’s never experienced pain that resembles yours, but you also don’t want a therapist who is still in the thick of it and has no capacity to discuss and help with what pains you.

Therapy is a little easier if you don’t need to spend too much time explaining your concerns to your therapist. You may want to describe your unique situation to your therapist, but you don’t necessarily want to go through all the basics. The challenges we’ve had can be hard to explain to others, or painful to relive. You may not want to go through 5 sessions of therapy before I “get it” and we can finally start discussing practical ways to heal the sore spots. We can get to the action items a little quicker (if that’s your preference).

I don’t have a silver-bullet solution to much, and neither does anyone else. But you may be looking for someone who will “get it” sooner rather than later. You may also be looking for a therapist who knows your obstacles well enough to know what parts you can’t control at all, what parts you can navigate around, and what parts you can change – and how. If so, feel free to contact me

If you’re considering therapy, there’s a fine line to walk: you probably don’t want a therapist w... Read More

Whether you are an individual seeking support or a couple facing conflict, together we can work on your goals, explore your emotions, and develop strategies to help you overcome challenges in your life. I am dedicated to helping people feel seen, heard, and understood while supporting people in finding deeper connections to themselves, others, and building their resilience. What challenges do I understand well? Anxiety-related issues, depression, 2SLGBTQIA+ concerns, life transitions, and relationship issues (family or intimate) are some of the challenges I can help you navigate. If you value a therapist who can relate to your experiences on a personal level while guiding you through your journey toward inner healing and development, I am well-equipped and committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples I work from an attachment-based, experiential model called Emotionally Focused Therapy. In my work with couples, I help you to explore, strengthen, and repair your emotional bond while prioritizing safety for both partners. I help track and reflect repetitive negative interactional patterns moment by moment, while creating a foundation for safe expression of the vulnerability that drives the negative cycle. We all get stuck in these patterns because we dare to love and be loved, because we matter. This approach helps partners restructure the way they communicate, restores safety and connection, and fosters secure attachment through transformative conversations that solidify and deepen the emotional bond.

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals I help individuals navigate their inner worlds, bringing a deeper understanding into why we think, feel, and do what we do that blocks us from our relationship with ourselves and others. Together we will explore your experiences, gain understanding of the patterns you have been modelled and developed that were once adaptive and now impede more authentic connection to yourself and others. I will be alongside you to create a safe, supportive environment while we work to uncover and heal past wounds, grow in emotional balance and live more fully inside yourself and with important others.

2SLGBTQIA+ experience Over many years I have had the privilege of working closely with many individuals within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both personally and professionally. This experience has deepened my understanding of the specific challenges encountered from the members of this community while also enriching my appreciation for the incredible diversity and strength within the community. As an ally, I advocate for your rights, and I am truly committed to creating an inclusive environment. Your identity is valid and celebrated in my therapeutic space.

Whether you are an individual seeking support or a couple facing conflict, together we can work o... Read More