Psychotherapy Services
with Colleen Leafloor
In-person in Carleton Place
Virtual throughout Ontario
Briar is individually owned and operated. I opened Briar as an opportunity to infuse my practice with the values that are central to my work as a therapist and myself as an individual. Embedded within the ethos of Briar are my values of accountability, honesty, levity, clarity, and respect. I bring a vehement commitment to theoretical knowledge, empirically validated approaches, and ethical practice while maintaining the laxity of a rural therapist who has no desire to take themselves too seriously.
The demographic, or therapeutic work, I would consider central to my practice as a therapist would be my work with couples. I am particularly passionate about working with couples through the evolution of their relationship, creating connection, prioritizing communication, exploring conflict resolution, intimacy, infidelity, trust, and the building of collaborative communication skills that respect and honour the needs of both presenting parties. I approach couples work with the same commitment to authenticity I attend all of my work with, and I believe that is one element that makes a difference in my approach to therapy. We are not here to perform for one another, and I am not here to convince you I know everything. We are here to work together, to respect one another, and to collaborate on collective goals.
Prior to my work as a therapist, I worked for many years supporting people living with chronic illness (IBD). As such, I would consider my work supporting those living with chronic illnesses (i.e., IBD, PCOS, POTS, etc.,) to also be amongst my more informed and impassioned work.
I provide in-person therapy to clients with access to Carleton Place, Ontario and virtual therapy to any Ontario residents.
About
Briar Psychotherapy
White Lake, Ontario
Colleen Leafloor
Owner
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, BCoMS
My intention is to bring a sense of humanity and comfort to therapy, creating an environment founded on non-judgement, empathy, openness, compassion, and humour. I believe that therapeutic progress is best achieved collaboratively, working together to determine realistic goals that incorporate your own worldview and beliefs.
I favour an integrative approach to psychotherapy, pulling elements from cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic approaches. My approach is always client-directed, as my belief in the collaborative nature of therapy is deeply rooted in my stance towards care. I am passionate about strengthening communication skills, particularly in the context of couple’s therapy, and would welcome the opportunity to support individuals and couples in developing more adaptive methods of communication/conflict resolution.
I hope to support you in challenging yourself, deepening your discussions, improving your relationships with yourself and others, and achieving your goals all while maintaining an openness to the humour and irony of life and its challenges.
Some of my areas of focus include: communication, relationship issues (i.e., infidelity, communicative issues, etc.,), chronic illness, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, family issues, and coping with major life transitions.
I am offering in-person and virtual therapy options for individuals, couples, and other people in relationships, as well as free consultations. I am working under the clinical supervision of Ulla Woodard (MSW, RSW, CMFSW, MHt).
My time outside of my practice is spent with Daniel and our three dogs; enjoying the outdoors, cottaging, cooking beautiful food, and exploring.
Ottawa Valley based
but not bound
Briar is operated out of Carleton Place, Ontario and is within 30 minutes of most surrounding communities (Kanata, Stittsville, Almonte, Perth, Smiths Falls, Pakenham). The drive times to the office for these communities include:
Kanata therapy clients: 20-35 min drive
Stittsville therapy clients: 20-30 min drive
Almonte therapy clients: 5-15 min drive
Perth therapy clients: 25-30 min drive
Smiths Falls therapy clients: 20-30 min drive
Pakenham therapy clients: 15-20 min drive
Maintaining availability for virtual therapy helps prioritize accessibility. Briar is currently accepting clients living throughout Ontario.
Clients living in Ontario can schedule directly through the booking page, and should always check directly with their insurance provider for coverage details. I am registered with the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) and my credentials are covered by most insurance plans for Ontario residents. I am also registered as a professional member with the CCPA (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association) in good standing.
White Lake, Ontario