Joan is a neurodiverse (ND) Counsellor and ADHD/Autism Navigator with the lived experience of Inattentive Type ADHD. She is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Registered Nurse (RN) and the sole proprietor of Best Life Counselling RP. She is an Executive Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Spirituality Chapter and is certified with Hospice Palliative Care Ontario . Joan believes individuals actively work to find solutions to life’s challenges.  She offers holistic support through coping strategies and techniques tailored to Best Life Therapy clients’ needs. Joan fosters a mutually respectful and non-judgemental attitude with her clients.

Living as an Older Adult with ADHD by Joan

Specialties

• Mood Disorders
• Grief/Loss and Pet Bereavement
• Neuro Divergent Specialty – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
• Spiritual Counselling and Spirituality
• Mental Health Return-to-Work Support

Techniques

• Client-Centred Counselling
• Certified Brainspotting Practitioner,  Phase 1 and 2
• Pet Loss Grief Counsellor with APLB

Joan’s clinical experience includes hospital, community based mental health and private practice. In addition to incorporating a positive client care outcome, her groundwork training begins with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) base. She incorporates Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Single Session Thinking/One At A Time Therapy, ABA Client-Centered Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy and Positive Psychology to deliver services that are unique to the client. Education Joan has a Graduate Diploma in counselling from Athabasca University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from DePauw University. She is a member of the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement and Volunteers with the VON DURHAM HOSPICE SERVICES