Joan Lahey, Registered Clinical Counsellor (#22689)

I am privileged to support individuals on their journey to make positive change and I am deeply moved by their openness and desire to grow. I especially enjoy providing support to children, youth and their parents or caregivers. It gives me joy to work with individuals and I want you to succeed. I believe, with strategies designed just for you and with support, you can find greater ease. I am inviting you to reach out so we can work together through the challenges life presents.

I have always had an interest in counselling and mental health, and after teaching for 25 years in the public school system I took the opportunity to return to university and receive a Master’s Degree in Education (School Counselling). I bring much experience of working with children and their families. I continue to enjoy being engaged in learning and I am committed to ongoing professional development. In 2024 I completed a yearlong study of interpersonal neurobiology within community, and I have studied online courses in mental health, some of which include anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, self-regulation for children and adolescents, and polyvagal theory which emphasizes safety and self-regulation.

I use a client-centered and collaborative approach which is built on trust, and it is within this positive and trusting relationship that an individual may begin to explore their challenges and consider their strengths. Some of the areas in which I have provided support include stress, anxiety, sadness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, relationships, and adapting differently to some of life’s challenges. I use a combination of several modalities in my approach, and they include client-centered, aspects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and self-compassion, and Acceptance and Commitment Theory (ACT). I also use psychoeducation and the use of art and games as a therapeutic approach.

Joan Lahey is accepting new clients in-person and via telehealth. She is seeing child and youth clients in-person, with subsequent sessions occurring via telehealth only when appropriate (e.g., with older adolescent clients and young adults).