ASSIST and Parry Sound Counselling are full-service counselling centres that provide a variety of counselling and psychiatric services to people experiencing difficulties in their life. Our services include lifestyle coaching, peer support, counselling, psychotherapy and psychiatric assessment.
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10 customer reviews
Pamela Hennessy
Counselling
Very compassionate and helpful!
Lauren
Counselling
This has been my first time seeking counselling, and I couldn't feel more fortunate having found Michelle. The automatic connection and validation I felt was so comforting. Her knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity has helped me immensely. The resources she has available are endless in whatever capacity I need guidance. Not to mention the ease and flexibility of billing. I can't begin to explain the positive impact this service has had on my life. More...
JETHRO
Counselling
I was having a tough time navigating through things in my life late 2022 and was considering therapy again. I have been in and out of therapy, but could not seem to find a therapist that would stick and got through to me. I felt like I was giving answers I thought they wanted. Because of this, I was initially skeptical when I met Michelle but that pattern was soon changed. I was very surprised with how much I connected with Michelle and how much she got through to me. She truly helped me navigate through a confusing and low time for me and I wasn't sure I could handle and helped me feel like myself again. I not only came to her for my personal issues, but I also reached out for couples therapy. She helped my partner and I explore some really sensitive, triggering topics that we struggled to talk about and would often fight about. She has helped make huge impacts on my relationship and self esteem. I have recommended her to anyone in my life that is seeking out therapy and would recommend her to you. More...
Kalei Huddlestone
Counselling
In may of last year I was in need of help and someone to speak to. I was in a time of self doubt and overthinking which caused anxiety to skyrocket.
I was very quickly connected with Michelle she has helped to bring my confidence in myself back. She has been timely, respectful and wonderful support through my battle with anxiety.
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Ryen
Counselling
I was in a place of need and Stuart at Assist stepped up to the plate and delivered. I was always nervous about seeking therapy and from the beginning I felt important and accepted. I felt that I was guided along with respect and clarity. Stuart was easy to contact and very available. We connected well and it was/is a pleasure being able to work with him. More...
Maxine
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
I was feeling very overwhelmed and stressed, dealing with a lot of negative self talk and challenging family dynamics when I found Stuart McVitte on Bark. In our brief initial consultation, I immediately felt at ease and after saying very few words, got the impression that he really understood my challenges and would be able to help. During our sessions, my feelings and experiences were validated, while identifying patterns that were not serving me. Stuart has a very genuine way of interacting which makes you feel like you are chatting with a good friend who really gets you. More...
Lisa
Counselling
I needed some help with navigating a new relationship, while I transitioned through retirement and a move. I found Stuart McVittie through BARK and he was very helpful with guidance during these life changes. Mr McVittie gave me sound advice and tools to help me in my everyday life and I am grateful for his assistance. His knowledgeable approach is friendly and kind and his use of analogies made his counselling easy to understand and absorb. I highly recommend Stuart McVittie. More...
Reply from ASSIST Psychotherapy and Psychiatric Services
Thank you for your review, Lisa. I enjoyed all our conversations and playing a small part in finding your direction. Have fun, and I am available if you want a tune-up.
Devrann Wilton
Counselling
Fast to reach out, professional and very kind. I’m really looking forward to being their client!
Diana L
Counselling
I am so glad to have connected with Stuart McVittie. He is extremely helpful and funny. Stuart gave me new insights, and is a great listener. I was hesitant at first to begin therapy however I am now recommending that anyone seeking help ought to talk with someone and hopefully that someone is Stuart McVittie. More...
Reply from ASSIST Psychotherapy and Psychiatric Services
Thank you for your kind words, Diana. I enjoyed our talks and watching you regain your laugh. I was privileged to be part of your journey. You know you have all the tools, but I will continue to be available if you want help uncovering them.
Kalei Huddlestone
Counselling
Parry Sound Counselling was respectful, timely and professional. I would highly recommend.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
We provide teletherapy options through an encrypted PIPEDA compliant platform.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
We provide virtual teletherapy options along with in-person therapy for our clients in/around Kitchener and Parry Sound area.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was developed by Arron Beck in the 1960s and it is still considered to be one of the most effective and well-researched therapies available today. It is considered the gold standard in treating people with depression, anxiety, and trauma. CBT is often used to help with mood disorders (such as depression), anxiety disorders, and a wide variety of traumas and phobias. CBT is also used to help people with substance use problems, personality disorders, eating disorders, sexual problems, and psychosis.
Learn more here:
https://parrysoundcounselling.ca/cbt-in-muskokaparry-sound
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a modern take on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) that was developed by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan in the 1980s. It was originally developed to help people diagnosed with personality disorders, however, more recently it has been used for a wide range of mental health concerns. DBT has been the subject of significant research and is considered a best practice approach for mood disorders, anxiety, and suicide risk
Learn more about DBT here:
https://parrysoundcounselling.ca/dbt-in-muskokaparry-sound
Trauma Resolution Services
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective therapy for treating a wide range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma and grief.
Trauma resolution services includes treatment approaches such as EMDR and ART. EMDR was initially developed to heal people who suffered from post-traumatic stress and other traumatic disorders. It has been widely used in the military and with first responders. After much research, EMDR has been found to be an effective therapy for a wide variety of mental and emotional challenges. EMDR makes use of new research into how the brain works.
Learn more about EMDR here:
https://parrysoundcounselling.ca/emdr-in-muskoka-parry-sound
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is recognized psychotherapy that provides rapid relief from PTSD, Trauma and other mental health concerns. Created by Lanny Rosenwig, ART is quickly becoming one of the most recognized and talked about treatments.
Learn more about here:
https://parrysoundcounselling.ca/art-in-muskokaparry-sound
Group Synergy
Group Synergy offers live online, structured, skills-based groups designed to support individuals in building practical strategies for managing focus, emotions, and daily stress. These are psychoeducational and skills-focused, with an emphasis on real-life application. Current offerings include an ADHD Skills Group focused on time management, organization, reducing overwhelm, and relationship struggles; an Anxiety & Depression Skills Group focused on managing stress, low mood, overthinking, and building stability; and a DBT Skills Group focused on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. Groups are offered online in small-group, weekly sessions that are structured and interactive, incorporating teaching, exercises, and discussion. These groups are best suited for individuals seeking practical tools and structured support between therapy sessions, as well as those who are not ready for or not interested in individual therapy.
