Business Details
Trusted Mental Health Therapy and Family Mediation Services in Toronto
As a dedicated mental health professional with over 15 years of clinical experience, I specialize in providing individual, couples, child and youth therapy, and family mediation services. My practice is rooted in creating a safe, inclusive environment for clients of all backgrounds, with a commitment to anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and 2SLGBTQ+ affirming care. I hold advanced certifications in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Trauma Counselling, and Therapeutic Family Mediation, and have collaborated with leading institutions like SickKids Hospital and the University of Toronto.My approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Solution-Focused Therapy and Attachment-Focused Therapy to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and family conflict. I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and maintain active memberships in professional organizations including the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Ontario Association of Family Mediators.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Child and Youth Therapy
Family Mediation
Trauma Counselling
Highlights and features
- 15+ years of clinical experience in mental health and family mediation
- Anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and 2SLGBTQ+ affirming practice framework
- Certified in CBT, Trauma Counselling, and Therapeutic Family Mediation
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals at SickKids Hospital
- Specialized training in attachment-focused adult psychotherapy and family systems
Associations and certifications
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
- Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
- Ontario Association of Family Mediators (OAFM)
- The Hincks Dellcrest Institute, The Hospital for SickKids (CBT Certification)
- University of Toronto (Therapeutic Family Mediation Training)
Services
Individual Therapy
Personalized therapy sessions addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional dysregulation through evidence-based approaches like CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy. Clients develop self-awareness and behavior modification strategies in a confidential setting. Targets adults seeking mental health support with a focus on long-term wellness.
Family Mediation
Collaborative mediation process for families navigating separation or divorce, specializing in parenting plans and child-related decision-making. Utilizes Therapeutic Family Mediation methods to reduce conflict while prioritizing child safety and well-being. Excludes cases involving domestic violence or power imbalances.
Child and Youth Therapy
Specialized mental health support for children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, behavioral issues, and trauma. Combines CBT, behavioral therapy, and school collaboration to address developmental needs. Services include parent consultation and evidence-based interventions for emotional regulation challenges.
Trauma Counselling
Certified trauma therapy addressing PTSD, grief, and complex trauma through evidence-informed modalities including CBT and Emotion-Centred Therapy. Focuses on building coping mechanisms and processing traumatic experiences in a safe therapeutic environment for individuals and families.
Couples Therapy
Non-judgmental couples counselling improving communication and conflict resolution skills. Addresses relationship triggers and patterns using Solution-Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy approaches. Designed for partners seeking to strengthen emotional connections and resolve interpersonal challenges.
People
Merrill Barber
Registered Social Worker, Accredited Family Mediator
MSW, RSW, ACCR FM with 15+ years clinical experience at SickKids Hospital and private practice. Specializes in CBT, trauma therapy, and family mediation. Holds advanced certifications in attachment-focused psychotherapy and therapeutic family mediation.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I utilize evidence-based methods including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotion-Centred Therapy, and Therapeutic Family Mediation tailored to individual client needs.
Do you offer virtual therapy sessions?
Yes, I provide both in-person and virtual sessions for clients located in Ontario, Canada, ensuring accessibility to mental health support.
What experience do you have with child and youth therapy?
I have extensive experience at Boomerang Health (SickKids Hospital) and private practice treating anxiety, behavioral issues, and trauma in children and adolescents using age-appropriate interventions.
Are family mediation services appropriate for high-conflict situations?
Family mediation requires mutual cooperation. High-conflict cases involving domestic violence or power imbalances are not suitable for this process due to safety concerns.
What mental health specializations do you have?
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, grief, and family conflict using certified therapeutic approaches and trauma-informed care.
