Brenda Shackles
She/HerBSW
Registered Social Worker
EnglishWelcome—I'm so glad you're here. Starting therapy is a meaningful and courageous step, especially when you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, or burnout. This is a space where you can slow down, breathe, and be fully seen—without judgment. I offer online counselling across Ontario, rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep respect for your unique story. My approach is client-centered and trauma-informed, designed to help you feel supported and empowered as you move toward healing.
Background
My journey in mental health began at Children’s Aid, working as a Youth in Care Worker and then as a Foster Parent Support Worker and Trainer. I completed placements at an acute care hospital, a youth institution, and a group home for teens. These experiences deepened my respect for resilience and the vital role of safe, supportive relationships during hard times. As a former foster parent, I bring real-life insight to my trauma-informed approach, understanding challenges faced by children, caregivers, and families. Now in private practice, I offer online therapy across Ontario for individuals, couples, and families, creating space for healing, growth, and connection.
Your therapeutic experience with me
My trauma-informed, client-centered approach provides a supportive and secure online environment for healing from anxiety, depression, PTSD, medical trauma, grief, and burnout. Using evidence-based methods tailored to your unique needs, I help clients build resilience, enhance emotional regulation, and promote mental wellness. I also offer online support for relationship challenges and virtual mediation to facilitate effective communication and conflict resolution. Through confidential and compassionate online therapy, I empower individuals, couples, and families across Ontario to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful, lasting growth.
Therapeutic approaches
These are the approaches at the heart of my work, and I use them often because they help create meaningful change:
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) helps clients manage anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, and stress by identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts. It’s a practical, structured approach that supports healthier thinking, emotional resilience, and lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps clients reduce anxiety, depression, and stress by identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with healthier, more realistic ones. CBT is goal-oriented, evidence-based, and effective for managing mood, building coping skills, and improving daily functioning.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness-Based Therapy helps clients reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by teaching present-moment awareness and acceptance. It improves emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being, supporting healing from trauma, burnout, and chronic pain.
Strength-based Approach
This approach highlights your strengths and resilience to boost confidence and motivation. It helps overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges by focusing on what’s working well, promoting lasting positive change.
I also draw on other evidence based approaches that can gently support you when they align with what you need:
Brief Solution-oriented Therapy
Collaborative Therapy
Focused populations and cultural backgrounds
These are the communities and cultural backgrounds I focus on, and I bring a sincere commitment to supporting you in a way that feels respectful and genuine:
Populations
Adults
Young Adults
Older Adults
Couples
People Facing Chronic Illness Or Pain
Professional credentials
Registered Social Worker
- No.842092
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Educational background
Bachelor of Social Work
University of Windsor, Canada
Specialized training
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy
Frontenac Youth Services
Disaster Relief
Red Cross of Canada
NOVA Foster Parenting Training
Florida Department of Children and Families
Practice locations & services
FAQ
Did you know?
Finding stillness in nature helps me reconnect with myself and bring calm into my daily life.
This is my favourite place near home to visit whenever I want to find peace and feel truly grounded.
Immediate crisis support available
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available right now:
- 🚨 Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance
- 💬 Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support and suicide prevention