Discover your Path to Personal Growth

Our psychotherapy office offers caring support for children, adolescents, adults, families and couples, helping you thrive within your environment.

With appointments available both in-person and online.

Why MindGarden

Working with Children

Why MindGarden?

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process where individuals, families and couples engage in therapeutic conversations and experiences with a trained professional.

Through your journey, you can gain insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading to enhanced self-awareness and personal growth. The benefits of psychotherapy include improved mental well-being, enhanced coping strategies, strengthened relationships, and increased self-confidence.

In therapy, you can expect a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can openly express your concerns, explore your experiences, develop effective coping skills, and work towards positive change in your life.

About our Therapists

Stacey Gudmundsson
MSW, RSW

Stacey Gudmundsson MSW, RSW has worked with children, youth and their families for twelve years. In the last year, she has expanded to working with adults and couples, and has completed additional training in couples and family therapy through the University of Guelph.

Stacey has experience supporting complex mental health and wellbeing issues, and is comfortable working with clients who are, or who have, experienced trauma, complex family systems issues, and life transitions (including grief and loss). She has specific training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, working with children who have been sexually abused or who have sexual behaviour problems, Narrative Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

Stacey’s focus during therapy is to create a collaborative environment where individuals can work at their own pace, while being supported, challenged and celebrated.

Mackenzie Durst
MSW, RSW

Mackenzie Durst MSW, RSW has worked with children, youth and families for the last five years. She offers a client centred and strength-based approach, utilizing client’s interests to support them in achieving their goals.

Mackenzie has experience supporting individuals with complex mental health, trauma and life transitions. She uses an integrative approach when working with the diverse needs and goals of each individual. She has specific training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy.

Mackenzie believes in collaboration through the therapeutic process to support individuals in achieving their goals. She offers an empathetic, genuine, and compassionate approach in meeting clients where they are. She is dedicated in ensuring that each unique experience is personalized and a judgement free space is offered.

Ruth-Ellen Baker,
Registered Psychotherapist

Ruth-Ellen Baker, Registered Psychotherapist, has graduate and post-graduate training in Family Therapy and Play Therapy and, about ten years ago, shifted from a general practice to a focus on children, youth and their families. She strongly believes that, wherever possible, caregivers need to be consistently involved in their child's therapy, in order to make long-term change possible outside of sessions. She is also committed to strengthening attachments in family relationships, as another important factor in creating positive change. She assists people who have experienced trauma, abuse (physical, sexual, verbal/emotional), anxiety, depression, grief and loss, low self esteem, attention deficits, parenting/family-related concerns and the strong emotions which accompany these and other issues in life. Upon request, faith-based (Christianity) work can be provided. Also, upon request, indigenous concerns can be addressed.

Ruth-Ellen uses an integrated approach, incorporating ideas and activities into Play Therapy and Family Therapy from within these approaches and also from others - such as Cognitive Behavioural, Dialectical Behaviour, Brief/Solution-focused, Narrative, and Emotion Focused therapies. She says that children generally don't use "talk therapy." Instead, they use toys to represent people and situations and proceed to role play/process real-life experiences in this way. Therefore, in Play Therapy sessions, Ruth-Ellen might use story telling, puppetry, role play, games, visual art, music, movement and fun attachment activities.

Meet Our Team

Montana Jeffery, CYW

Intake Coordinator/Office Manager

Montana Jeffery graduated from the Child and Youth Worker program at Seneca college in 2016, and has worked in the child and youth mental health field since then. She is detail oriented, client focused, and a ton of fun! Montana keeps the office running smoothly, answering client calls, managing billing, and coordinating new intakes. If you contact our office, Montana will happily answer any questions, as well as guide you through our intake process, making things as simple as possible.

Already a Client? You can access your account online.

Take me to my Account

At MindGarden, we understand that your child's well-being is of utmost importance.

Working with Children

When working with children, we approach therapy with great care and sensitivity. We recognize the concerns you may have and want to assure you that we always prioritize your child's needs.

Our therapists are experienced in creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can express themselves freely. We believe in the power of genuine conversations, allowing your child to openly share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through play-based techniques, creative expression, and age-appropriate interventions, we foster a trusting relationship with your child, enabling them to explore their concerns and find healthy ways to cope.

MindGarden centres its work with children and adolescents around a philosophy of environmental and systems change. Family support is critical to creating and maintaining change for children and youth, and your participation will be discussed during the assessment phase of therapy, and reevaluated throughout the therapeutic process.

Supervision and Case Consultation Services

Stacey has completed course work through the University of Ottawa to meet the requirements of the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario supervision policies. She is available for ongoing supervision (individual, dyad, group) or case consultation services to Registered Social Workers, Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying). Her primary area of supervision interest is children, youth and families. Please contact us to discuss this opportunity further.

Contact Us

Virtual Therapy

CONVENIENT | FLEXIBLE | SUPPORTIVE | NON-JUDGEMENTAL

Virtual therapy, also known as teletherapy or online therapy, offers a convenient and flexible way to access therapeutic support. Virtual Therapy allows us to provide services to individuals whose primary residence is anywhere in Ontario.

Through secure and confidential video sessions, you can expect the same level of care and effectiveness as in-person sessions. The process is simple: using a computer, smartphone, or tablet, you can connect with MindGarden from the comfort of your own space. Virtual therapy allows for greater accessibility, eliminating geographical barriers and accommodating busy schedules.

You can expect a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can openly discuss your concerns, explore emotions, and work towards personal growth. Our therapists are committed to providing a safe and confidential space, ensuring that your therapeutic journey remains confidential and beneficial, regardless of physical distance.

Pricing

Our services are often covered through employer health benefits under social work or psychotherapy services. We do not offer direct billing, payment is due at the time of session and a receipt to submit to your insurance will be provided. It is your responsibility to ensure our services are covered by your specific plan.