Practitioners
Vanessa Lewis - BA, MA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist/Clinical DIrector/Clinical Supervisor
Vanessa is a Registered Psychotherapist in Bracebridge, ON. She is very familiar with Muskoka, as she has lived here most of her life. In January 2011, she opened her own private practice, after working in the local school system for many years. Vanessa believes that the counselling process is one that is very individual based, and uses different therapies depending on the needs of her clients. Vanessa is also the owner and operator of Vanessa Lewis Counselling.
Vanessa holds a Master’s degree in Professional Counselling from Liberty University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Nipissing University. Vanessa is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and in good standing. In 2019, Vanessa trained in clinical counselling supervision, and is now an approved supervisor by the CRPO. Since completing her clinical supervision training, she has dedicated time to train upcoming therapists in the private practice field.
Vanessa has experience working with a variety of issues some include: at-risk youth, marriage/couple counselling, victims counselling, trauma counselling, PTSD, personality disorders counselling, anxiety, depression, youth counselling, OCD, general counselling, grief counselling, and behavioural pre-teens and teens, using various therapeutic techniques. Vanessa is certified in Trauma I and II, Complex trauma, Narcissistic and Psychopathic Abuse,
Vanessa has been practicing in the counselling field for over 11 years. Vanessa believes that it is important to stay current in the field, and is often doing continuing education.
When Vanessa is not at the office, you can often find her spending time with her two boys and daughter, enjoying time outdoors, reading, at the hockey arena, or spending time with her family.
Emily Carty – BA, MA, RPQ
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Emily is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Bracebridge, ON. She moved to Bracebridge in 2017, but grew up in Toronto, ON.
Emily holds a Master of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Acadia University. She is currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and is completing her placement component under the supervision of Vanessa Lewis.
Emily has experience supporting children, youth, and their families in various settings, such as schools, family homes, hospitals, group homes, and their communities. She has provided support to individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, behavioural concerns, and high-conflict separations. Emily has extensive experience supporting teenagers and has a passion for supporting the family unit when possible.
When not in the office, Emily enjoys hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and camping with her husband, children, and dog.
Carol Mason, MA, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
My passion is helping others. I am here to support you and your family on your journey to improved mental health wellness and spirit. I offer a safe, empathic, strength-based, client-centered approach. The coping strategies you learn, and implement can improve your relationships, self-acceptance, and self-confidence.
I began my professional career as a microbiologist and transitioned into HR which lead me to psychotherapy. I bring to my practice the understanding and knowledge of biology and social norms that can impact the manifestation of mental illness. Using a holistic approach, together we will find solutions that will work for you.
The scope of my practice includes couples/relationships, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, workplace stress, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, victims of narcissism, suicidal ideation, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, and academic stress-related concerns. If needed I am comfortable supporting the client using their spiritual lens. You are the expert in your life so collaboratively we will build a treatment plan with tangible goals that lead to improving your well-being. We're in this together!
Jason Prichard - BTR, BEd, MACP, RPQ
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Jason is a registered Psychotherapist (qualifying ) in Bracebridge, Ontario and currently holds a Bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation, is a certified teacher in Ontario and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Over the years, Jason has worked as a special education teacher, school board behaviour consultant and an outdoor guide and manager at a residential treatment program for adolescents. Jason has experience supporting a range of client profiles including children and adolescents and their families. Areas of focus include anxiety, depression, ADHD, school based challenges, relationship/familial conflict, substance use, trauma and more.
Jason utilizes a client-centered and solution-focused approach and pulls from various modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, REBT and Narrative Therapy. Jason believes strongly in the power of the therapeutic relationship and adapts his therapeutic approach to the needs of clients.
In his spare time, Jason enjoys a range of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, climbing and fishing with his wife and dog. Jason is an avid traveller and is constantly seeking ways to expand his skills as a therapist.
Jennifer Adair, BA, MA, RPQ
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Jennifer is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and resides in Port Sydney. Jennifer has lived in the Muskoka area for 20+ years and is an active community member who serves and volunteers with several local charities.
Fourteen years ago, Jennifer helped bring the first pregnancy support centre to the Muskoka area and now sits as Board Chair for the Huntsville and Gravenhurst centres. Jennifer holds an undergraduate degree from Western University and is finishing the final course of her Master’s in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. Jennifer began working in the field of Human Resources after graduating from University in 2001 and spent 7 years working as an HR Manager in both the high tech as well as manufacturing fields. After getting married in 2006, Jennifer stayed at home to raise her two beautiful children who are now 13 and 17.
Jennifer is passionate about continuous education in the mental health field and is pursuing further education in the field of Nutritional Psychology.
With a keen interest and passion for trauma-informed therapies and CBT, Jennifer is excited to work with individuals who want to dig deeper to achieve greater self-awareness. She sees the mind and body as being interconnected and seeks to assist her clients in understanding how powerful our minds are when it comes to our physical and mental well-being.
When Jennifer isn’t reading textbooks, journal articles and writing papers you can find her at the gym where she loves to lift weights. Her greatest joy in life are being a mom to her two amazing kids
Amanda MacDonald – BA, MA, RPQ
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Amanda MacDonald is a registered Psychotherapist (qualifying) in Bracebridge, Ontario. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Criminology gave Amanda a profound understanding of how our past and current experiences influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. During her studies, she realized that her passion was rooted in listening to and understanding people’s experiences and helping them grow and improve their mental wellbeing. This inspired her to pursue a career in psychotherapy.
She strongly believes in creating a safe environment and working towards building a trusting therapeutic relationship. Where she will work collaboratively with you throughout your journey to achieve your goals. Amanda utilizes a client-centred, humanistic, and solution-focused approach and will pull from different modalities to create a unique treatment plan geared to your needs and abilities.
Amanda is interested in working with a diverse clientele, including children, youth, individuals, couples, and families. Amanda is always working towards expanding her knowledge and experience to provide everyone with the supports and services they deserve.
