Meet The Founder
Cindy McAfee – Founder
RSSW, Psychotherapist
Areas of focus: Partner Betrayal, Infidelity, Relationship Challenges, Intimacy Reunification, Life Transitions, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Alcohol and Drug Addiction, Relapse, Symptoms of Childhood/Adult Trauma, Self-Esteem, and Emotional Dysregulation.
My Style & Approach
Signs of a stressful marriage or relationship can manifest in various ways. Have you and your partner lost intimacy or sexual satisfaction? Do you feel resentment or bitterness towards your partner? Have you or your partner been emotionally distancing from one another or feel a sense of disconnect? As an individual, do you have increased levels of stress, anxiety or depression? Persistent feelings of unhappiness or dissatisfaction in your life and relationships? Are you concerned about substance abuse? Ongoing problems in our lives can lead to feeling overwhelmed and alone. I use a client-centred approach sprinkled with a little humour from time to time throughout the therapeutic process to accommodate each client’s unique experience, needs, and goals for therapy.
Education, Training & Personal Development
Cindy is a graduate of the Georgian College Social Service Worker program and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and The Ontario Social Service Worker Association. She has over 15 years of experience working with adults and supporting individuals, couples, and families. She is a Group Therapy facilitator for Worthy Women’s Self Esteem Group, and has facilitated groups at Barrie Withdrawal Management Services.
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Cindy is certified in Gottman Couples Therapy and is a Gottman 7PP Educator. She is trained in screening for Domestic Violence, Family Mediation, New Ways for Families Mediation, and has worked with Gabor Mate through his Compassionate Inquiry for childhood developmental trauma.
Cindy uses evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), Applied Suicide Intervention, and Addictions Counselling.
Cindy works with clients who may be experiencing alcohol and drug addiction, relapse, grief, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship challenges, childhood trauma, partner betrayal & infidelity, and emotional regulation.
Personal Interests
Aside from running my practice and my work as a Counsellor, I am a proud “Glama” of two boys that bring immense joy and fulfilment to my life. It is a blessing witnessing their growth and development, from infancy to childhood and beyond, and being part of their milestones and achievements. I too get to be childlike by having playful moments, and share laughter by engaging in fun activities and shared experiences together.
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I pray I am sharing wisdom, values, and family traditions with them, and being a source of guidance and support as they navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. Overall, being a grandmother of two boys is a precious role filled with unconditional love, joy, and the opportunity to make lasting memories together.
I also enjoy spending time on my motorcycle; riding offers a sense of freedom, adventure and connection to the outdoors. I enjoy the thrill of speed and the immersive experience of freedom and liberation that comes with being on the open road. The fragrance of a clover field or a freshly cut field of hay while I am riding often brings back childhood memories of being raised on a farm.
Discover Your Balance
About Balanced Life Therapy
At Balanced Life Therapy, we believe that meaningful healing begins with connection, understanding, and compassionate support. Our practice was founded on the belief that every individual deserves a safe and welcoming space to explore life’s challenges, strengthen relationships, and move toward greater emotional well-being.
Where We Work
In Person & Online
Based in Barrie, Ontario, we provide professional counselling and psychotherapy services both in person and through secure virtual sessions across Ontario. We understand that life can be busy and unpredictable, which is why we offer flexible therapy options that allow clients to access support in a way that best fits their lifestyle and personal needs.
Who We Support
Individuals, Couples, Teens & Families
Our team works with individuals, couples, teens, and families experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, addiction recovery, and stress-related challenges. We recognize that no two people share the same experiences, and we are committed to providing personalized care that respects each client’s unique story, strengths, and goals.
How We Help
Evidence-Based Approaches
At Balanced Life Therapy, we utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based practices, and trauma-informed interventions. Our goal is to help clients build practical skills, increase self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, we are dedicated to providing a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic experience. We strive to create an environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and balance in their lives.
WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE BALANCED LIFE THERAPY
Trusted support for individuals, couples, teens, and families.
Personalized Care
Every client’s journey is unique. We tailor therapy to your individual experiences, goals, strengths, and pace to ensure meaningful and lasting progress.
Evidence-Based Approaches
We utilize proven therapeutic methods including CBT, DBT, EMDR, Gottman Couples Therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-informed care.
Experienced Professional Support
Led by Cindy McAfee and a team of qualified therapists, we bring years of experience helping individuals, couples, teens, and families.
In-Person & Virtual Therapy
Meet with us at our Barrie office or access secure online therapy services from anywhere in Ontario with flexible scheduling options.
Safe & Supportive Environment
We provide a confidential, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.
Support for Life’s Challenges
Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, addiction recovery, or major life transitions, we’re here to help.