Get Started
Counselling in Barrie & Online Across Ontario
Therapy & Counselling
in Barrie, ON
start with a free 20-minute consultation
Talk with a registered therapist about what is going on and whether we are the right fit — before you commit to anything. In person in Barrie or online anywhere in Ontario. No referral needed.
Free · 20 Minutes · No Obligation
how it works
Starting therapy in Barrie takes three steps
Step One
Book your free call
Pick a time online in under two minutes, or phone us. No forms about your history, no payment details — just a time that works.
Step Two
Talk for 20 minutes
Tell us what is going on in your own words. Ask anything — about cost, the process, or the therapist. There is no pressure to continue.
Step Three
Get matched & begin
If it feels right, we match you with the clinician who fits your needs and schedule — in person at our Barrie office or online anywhere in Ontario.
Already know who you want to work with? Skip the consult and book with them directly.
the people behind the practice
Choose the therapist who feels right
what we help with
Counselling for whatever brought you here
Not sure what kind of support you need? That is exactly what the free consultation is for — or explore the areas we work in below.
Anxiety
Worry, panic, overthinking, and a nervous system that will not switch off.
Depression
Low mood, low energy, and the feeling of moving through life on empty.
Couples & Marriage
Communication, trust, and conflict — with a certified Gottman therapist.
Trauma & PTSD
Paced, EMDR-informed trauma therapy. You will not have to relive every detail.
Stress & Burnout
Overwhelm, boundaries, and carrying more than one person should.
Grief & Loss
Support after a death, a diagnosis, a separation, or any major loss.
Teens & Children
A safe, judgment-free space for young people — and support for parents too.
All Services
Family counselling, anger management, groups, EMDR, DBT, and more.
who you will meet
A local Barrie practice, not a platform
Balanced Life Therapy is a locally owned counselling practice at 27 Gowan St in Barrie, founded by Cindy McAfee. Our team of five registered clinicians — Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers — includes EMDR trained clinicians and a certified Gottman couples therapist.
When you book here, you are not routed through a call centre or matched by an algorithm. You talk to our practice, we listen to what you need, and we match you with the clinician whose training and style actually fit — for individuals, couples, teens, and families.
what the call actually is
A conversation, not a commitment
The free consultation is 20 minutes on the phone or by video. You do not need to prepare anything, know what kind of therapy you want, or have the right words for what you are feeling.
Cost, approach, availability, insurance, what a session actually looks like — nothing is off the table, and no question is too basic.
You do not need therapy language or a tidy summary. “Things have been a lot lately” is a perfectly good place to start.
We listen first, then suggest the clinician whose training and style fit what you need — not just whoever has the next opening.
By the end of the call you will know what we would suggest and what it costs — even if the right next step is not with us.
before you book
Questions people ask before their first call
01Is the consultation really free?+
Yes. The 20-minute consultation is completely free, with no obligation to book anything afterward. It exists so you can get a feel for the practice and ask your questions before deciding.
02Do I need a referral from a doctor?+
No. You can book directly with us — no referral, no intake gatekeeping. Many extended health plans also cover services from Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers without a referral, though some require one for reimbursement, so it is worth checking your plan.
03Is what I share confidential?+
Yes. Our clinicians are regulated health professionals, and what you share — on the consultation and in sessions — is confidential within the limits the law sets for every therapist in Ontario. If you have questions about how that works, ask on the call and we will walk you through it plainly.
04What if I do not know what kind of therapy I need?+
That is exactly what the consultation is for. You describe what is going on in your own words, and we help you figure out what kind of support fits — whether that is individual therapy, couples counselling, or something else. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or a plan.
05Can I do sessions online instead of in person?+
Yes. We offer in-person sessions at our Barrie office and virtual sessions for clients anywhere in Ontario. Many clients mix both depending on their week.
06Is therapy covered by insurance?+
Many workplace and extended health benefit plans cover sessions with Registered Psychotherapists or Registered Social Workers. Coverage varies by plan, so check yours for those two categories — and bring your questions to the consultation, where we can talk through it.
07How soon can I get in?+
Booking the free consultation takes about two minutes online, and consultations are typically available within days, not months. Ongoing session availability depends on the clinician and your schedule — including evening and virtual options.
The hardest part is the first step. Make it a small one.
Twenty minutes. Free. No obligation. Talk to a Barrie therapy practice that will actually listen — and leave with a clear next step either way.