Richard Avery

BASc, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist (Guelph & Online)

My office address is:
21 Yarmouth St
Guelph, ON N1H 4G2

I am located in Guelph, and work with clients throughout Ontario (and beyond) in an online therapy (phone or video) setting.

Contact
Phone: 647-879-7041

Get your free 20-minute consultation to see if you think we are the right people to help you.

Seeking support from a therapist can be a stressful and sometimes confusing process. Taking that first step is a positive choice towards a journey for changing something that maybe doesn’t feel quite right. Together we can look at new perspectives and strategies, and have an opportunity to reflect on what is important to you and how you’d like to live your life. If you’ve experienced the recent death of someone close to you, or are managing challenges around anxiety, depression, emotions or trauma, let’s take the time and make space to begin a compassionate conversation for fostering your vibrant life.

I am a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW), and the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). Following a career in IT, I returned to school and received my Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. I have participated in specialized training in Narrative Therapy practice, EMDR, grief counselling, and suicide bereavement. I utilize an eclectic mix of therapeutic approaches drawing on elements of CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused therapies, while my core framework is a Narrative Therapy practice framework.

Regardless of the therapy approach, my technique is client-centred and collaborative in nature, and unique to each person’s circumstances, strengths and abilities. I have supported clients addressing challenges around acquired brain injury, anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, self-esteem and self-confidence, and trauma. My previous work with clients has been with individuals, couples, children and families, and some specific work with first-responders. I am currently focused on working with individual or first-responder adult clients in the areas of death and dying, grief and trauma.

Wherever you are on your journey, let’s walk together and navigate the challenges that have brought you here. I offer free consultation appointments where we can talk about any questions you may have. I look forward to meeting with you.

Education

  • University of Guelph, BASc in Adult Development & Aging

  • Wilfrid Laurier, MSW (Master of Social Work)

Certifications / Affiliations

  • OCSWSSW – Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers – Registered Social Worker (RSW)
  • OASW/CASW – Ontario and Canadian Association of Social Workers

Additional Training

  • Brief and Narrative Therapy Certificate with the Windz Institute

  • EMDR Basic Training (Part 1 & 2), Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic

  • Suicide Bereavement Clinician Training, Suicide Prevention Community Council, Hamilton

  • Death, Dying & Bereavement Certificate, Wilfrid Laurier University

  • Children’s Grief & Bereavement Certificate, SickKids Centre For Community Mental Health

  • Specialized Indigenous Canada Certificate, University of Alberta

Compassionate mental health support for people that are feeling overwhelmed.

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