Counselling For Individuals, Couples & Families

Nurse

Crystal Hampel

While I was on my second maternity leave, I had time to reflect on my well-being and make decisions to optimize my own mental health. As a nurse, I have often listened to others discuss their mental health journey, but I never really considered my own. This self-reflection made it apparent that the mental health field is where I should be practicing.

I am a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) who has worked in many areas of health care. I want to help and support people to optimize their own mental health and I am hoping that the people I care for will not feel as vulnerable in their time of need.

I administer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatments and Esketamine and Ketamine treatments at HeadWay Clinic in North Bay.

Psychotherapist

Anick Labonte

My name is Anick Labonté and I am a bilingual (French and English) Registered Psychotherapist at HeadWay Clinic.

In 2013, I graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Laurentian University and in 2019, I later graduated with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.

Growing up in a smaller Northern community, I quickly noticed that mental health supports were limited. I became increasingly aware of the impact that positive mental health has on an individual and their community. From there, my passion for promoting mental health and well-being began. I have always wanted to help others by bringing positivity to their lives and in my role as a Registered Psychotherapist, I am able to just that. I am a great listener and enjoy hearing about others’ unique journeys.

At HeadWay Clinic, I provide individual and couples counselling. I mostly work with adults and teens, and will occasionally work with children and youth. Some of the modalities that I apply during therapy are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I strongly believe that there is always room to grow and am continuously learning new modalities in order to provide the best-tailored service to each of my clients. I have experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, grief, stress and other mental health-related concerns.

Outside of the clinic, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am someone who enjoys outdoor activities including fishing, four wheeling, canoeing, camping and snowshoeing. When the weather does not permit outdoor activities, you can find me in my kitchen trying new recipes, listening to music or watching movies.

Psychotherapist

Lanah Hart

Having personally experienced anxiety throughout my life, I can appreciate the difficulties that every day can bring. This appreciation is also what inspired me to help others. Support and understanding can go a long way to help individuals cope with life’s uncertainties.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist and have always been passionate about mental health. I returned to my studies later in life, once my daily mom duties were lessened, to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (with honours), at Laurentian University. Inspired to help others, I went on to complete a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology, through Yorkville University.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of professionals, here at HeadWay Clinic. I offer client-centred counselling services to individuals of all ages, as well as couples. I treat a range of issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Injury, Anger Management, Phobias, Family-Related issues and more. I work with clients to help them find effective strategies and coping mechanisms that fit their personalities and lifestyles.

When I am away from the office, I like to spend time outdoors with my family and our dogs. I enjoy travelling, meeting new people and exploring different cultures. I find balance in my life through self-care measures, such as yoga, meditation, physical activities, reading and cooking.

Being a lover of all things Pooh Bear, this is one of my favourite quotes:

Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

-A. A. Milne

Counsellor

Kayla Aelick

I became passionate about mental health through my experiences working with vulnerable populations and was witness to how poor mental health impacts every part of a person’s life.  In my professional role, I expanded on that passion and use my prior knowledge to specialize in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and stress.  My mantra is that “Recovery is Possible” and this is ultimately rooted in the belief that people need to care for themselves as a whole person (mental, spiritually, emotionally and physically) in order to thrive.

I am a Registered Social Worker since 2016.  I hold a Masters in Social Work, in addition to a Bachelors of Social Work and Bachelors of Science (Psychology). Being a member of a multidisciplinary team allows for a holistic approach to care and one that I am both passionate and excited about.

In my personal life, I love all things nature and my family and I spend a lot of time outdoors, regardless of the season.  From feeding the birds in my backyard to meditating, hiking, canoeing, and skiing, you will likely find me outside to enjoy whatever Mother Nature has to offer that day!

Some of the people who I look up to as professionals and mental health advocates are: Ariana Huffington (Balance), Kiersten Neff (Self-Compassion), Brené Brown (Shame), and Jon Kabat-Zinn (Mindfulness).  Guided by these individuals, I practice using a recovery-oriented lens that includes a strengths-based and anti-oppressive perspective. Specifically, common modalities that I use in my practice are Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution-focused.

Nurse

Kaitlin Larocque

My name is Kaitlin Larocque and I am a Registered Nurse here at HeadWay Clinic! In 2017, I graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, with Honours. At HeadWay, I administer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatments and Esketamine and Ketamine treatments.

As a young girl, I always knew I wanted to be a Registered Nurse. Growing up with a family of healthcare professionals, I have experienced many avenues of the healthcare system. Mental health has always been a fascinating area for me. Having personally experienced mental health challenges within my family, I truly understand just how much these struggles can impact an individual’s world.

My interest in mental health became greater when I completed one of my many clinical placements on the Acute Inpatient Psychiatry (AIP) unit at Health Sciences North (HSN). It was then that I had the opportunity to witness many different mental health diagnoses and their specific effects on the brain. This further ignited my passion for mental health.

I feel that it is extremely important to support and advocate for individuals struggling with mental health difficulties. There is such a strong stigma associated with mental illness and because of this, many individuals struggle in silence. My goal is to provide client-centred services that assist individuals with improving their depressive, anxious, and posttraumatic symptomology in a safe, confidential, and judgement-free space. Mental health must be a priority where no one struggles in silence!

When I am away from the office, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, relaxing at camp, enjoying the outdoors, and being a dog mom!

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t” – John Green

Psychotherapist

Sarah Belland

I am currently on Maternity Leave!

I am a Registered Psychotherapist with Headway Clinic where I provide individual, couples, and group counselling and psychotherapy. I also facilitate several psychotherapeutic and psycho-educational groups including a pain management group and a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group. I graduated from Laurentian University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and continued on to complete her Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2015. I have has been registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists since December 2016.

I treat patients with depression and anxiety and patients who have suffered trauma. I provide services to children, adolescents, adults and older adults. Counselling and psychotherapy services are provided in a safe, warm and confidential setting.

Dietitian

Paula Ross

Paula Ross is a Registered Dietitian at Headway Clinic. In her role, Paula helps her clients improve their quality of life using a down to earth and evidence-based approach. She aims to promote health and wellbeing by empowering her clients to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Paula has a wealth of experience providing education and skill-building opportunities to diverse populations in a variety of settings. Some of her workshops and presentations have focused on general healthy eating concepts such as eating on a budget, label reading and meal planning, as well as how to achieve a healthy weight. Over the years Paula has been featured on CBC Radio and CTV Northern Ontario News discussing several different topics related to nutrition and lifestyle.
Paula can assist with weight loss, special diet planning and digestive issues. She is a Certified Craving Change Facilitator™ and can help clients to explore their unique relationship with food and combat problematic eating behaviours.
Paula graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition and Food, and a minor degree in Family Supports and Community Practice in 2011. In 2013 she completed her Masters of Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph. She is a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario and Dietitians of Canada.
When she isn’t working, Paula enjoys spending time with her family and friends, practicing yoga, and preparing special recipes for her family and friends.

Psychotherapist

Vanessa Wilkins

I am currently on Maternity Leave! See you when I come back!

I first developed an interest in mental health in high school. It was clear to me when our school counsellor created positive change for struggling students and close friends. I became very passionate about mental health during my first year of Psychology class at Laurentian University. This enlightened a larger understanding of mental health and its effect on the brain. I developed an interest in child and adolescent development during my undergrad. This led me to carry on my studies in Education.

I have been a Registered Psychotherapist at HeadWay Clinic since 2012. I graduated from Laurentian University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. I also have a Bachelor of Education degree from Nipissing University.

At HeadWay Clinic, I provide individual, family and couples counselling. I help clients with social and cognitive rehabilitation and exposure therapy. My special interest is working and tutoring children and adolescents. I specialize in treating Depression, Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and other mental illnesses. It is very rewarding to offer client-centered care in a warm, safe and confidential environment. I am humbled to work alongside such a genuine, caring, and diverse group of colleagues. We also facilitate and provide psychotherapeutic groups and workshops.

When I am not in the clinic, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. We are passionate about self-sustainable living by gardening, canning, chicken keeping, hunting and fishing. I am very proud of my outgoing and fearless daughter who will not pass up the opportunity to take on an adventure. Another important role in my life is being a parent to my French Bulldog. I admire the breed, and during my free time, I volunteer at the French Bulldog Rescue Network.

Inspiration and self-motivators in my life are to follow and educate myself with material on self-compassion. More specifically, Dr Kristin Neff, who is recognized as one of the world’s learning experts on self-compassion.

My most valuable resource is: The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristen Neff, PhD and Christopher Germer, PhD.

Counsellor - Intern

Katie McMullan

Hello and welcome!

As a social worker, my frontline and community work have given me a great appreciation for compassionate mental health supports. Working in the fields of housing, education, mental health, Indigenous services, and youth services have shown me that even when someone may be seeking assistance in a seemingly unrelated situation, mental health considerations are important and inform that individual’s experiences.

I am passionate about supporting the mental wellness of others in a kind, considerate, and respectful way that creates safe spaces and empowers those I am working with. In my counselling practice, I am informed by kind sharing, lived experiences, holistic understandings of self, and learning through connecting with others. I also utilize narrative therapy and DBT (dialectical behavioural therapy) practices in my work.

In 2020, I graduated with a Bachelors of Social Work from the University of Windsor, and I completed my Masters of Social Work (Wholistic & Indigenous-Informed Field of Study), through Wilfrid Laurier University, in 2021.

As someone of white European ancestry (Irish, Scottish, English, Italian, and Hungarian), I am constantly reflecting on what my roles & responsibilities are as a guest on Indigenous lands, as well as how I can support decolonization efforts and foster respectful inter-cultural community relationships.

Outside of work, I love reading, thrifting, mystery shows, and trying out new recipes; I also enjoy knitting, weaving, cross-stitching, and beading. I hope to spend some time this winter learning how to ski and exploring the beautiful north.

Psychotherapist

Carolynn Michlowski

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Previous to this I worked for many years in the not-for-profit sector, focusing on supporting individuals struggling with substance misuse/abuse and victims/perpetrators of domestic violence. These experiences left me with a profound awareness and understanding of the complexities of being a human and taught me that from suffering we can grow and find our strength.

Finding it incredibly meaningful in my own life, I utilize primarily an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to support you in achieving a life that feels more rich, full, and meaningful, with added awareness regarding the impacts of past trauma. I thoroughly enjoy working with couples as well and am actively pursuing becoming a Gottman Certified Couples Therapist. I work utilizing this approach in order to help couples reach greater understanding of one another, achieve better communication, and reach their goals as a couple, which may be different for each partnership. I support all sorts of couples including polyamorous couples; I do not believe there is one correct cookie cutter way to be in a relationship.

I believe that therapy should focus on collaboration between you the individual and your therapist. If this has not happened for you in the past, it may be because you and your therapist were not well suited for one another and therefore you may be more hesitant to reach out for help again. Assessing what hasn’t worked in the past can be helpful in determining the best moves forward. I work from a mindset that you are a professional in your own life whereas I am the professional of psychotherapeutic interventions that can support you with some distressing things in your life. Ideally, we can come together as a team so that you can live a values-based life that feels purposeful.

Counsellor

Trisha Obanor

Working as a nurse for over 14 years in various settings including hospital, community and long-term care exposed me to the impact of mental health on our physiological health and overall well-being. I am in a rare position of being a social worker and a nurse. My practice experiences have helped refine my skills in my holistic approach with individuals, couples and families.

A client-centred approach that focuses on empathetic and supportive listening has been the core of my practice as a nurse and a social worker. I provide a non-judgmental and safe space in which you and I can work together towards your desired outcomes. I offer a holistic approach to therapy and create a collaborative therapeutic relationship to address concerns that are specific to you. My approach focuses on developing life skills, building strengths and positive coping skills. I am experienced in working with people on issues relating to anxiety, depression, chronic and acute ill health, grief, life skills, etc.

I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers. I hold a Masters of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ryerson University (Toronto).

Counsellor

Gabrielle Brunet

I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. 

I do my best to be a non-judgmental, compassionate, and authentic person who will meet them where they are in their lives. I have worked in many frontline sectors including but not limited to, the interpersonal violence sector, the child welfare sector, and the housing sector. I have worked with children and adolescents who struggle with transitions, loss, trauma, self-esteem, interpersonal challenges, learning disabilities, healthy relationships, and life skills. I have supported adults in finding housing; developing healthy relationships; living with mental health challenges and with substance use. I have worked in the helping profession for a little over 10 years.

I like to take a person-centred, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive approach in my work as a social worker. Some ways in which I like to support clients is by utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and self-compassion. I like to also use a harm reduction approach when working with people as well as a Strengths-Based Approach. Furthermore, I have been working to expand my skills in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and using play in therapy with children and adolescents who are grieving and experiencing other trauma.

When I am not working, I enjoy going hiking with my partner and watching reruns of Gilmore Girls with my cat. In order to be an effective clinician for my clients, I make time to nurture every part of myself (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially). I believe in practicing the skills I invite clients to utilize to the best of my ability.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Being a part of an interdisciplinary team is exciting for me. Make an appointment for counselling today!