Our Team
Our therapists, as a group, have extensive experience in all aspects of psychotherapy, including work with children and youth, adults, and older-aged adults. Our goal is to connect you with a therapist that is a good fit for what you need.
Geoff Ayton, MSW, RSW (Co-Founder of Turning Point Counselling)
Geoff completed a Master’s degree in Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, and is registered through the Ontario College of Social Workers. He has completed certification programs in Narrative Therapy, and through the Ontario Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and is currently working on his certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy
It has been his privilege to have supported a multitude of people over the past 20 years—children and adolescents, couples and families, as they work through issues that interfere with their ability to function adequately and achieve their goals.
In family therapy, Geoff believes that all members have a role in the construction of problems in the family unit, and supports them in understanding and responding to these relationship issues. In working with couples Geoff often deals with issues of divorce, extra-marital relationships and conflict. An important part of his work with couples is offering them ways to turn towards each other, to revitalize intimacy, and rediscover effective communication techniques.
Within his practice, Geoff strives to create a space where people are recognized for their inherent worth and uniqueness. He practices from a non-judgemental approach where all are respected and valued. Geoff believes that he has a tremendous responsibility to attend, to listen, and to seek to understand.
The southern Georgian Bay area has been Geoff’s home for over 30 years. When not working, he loves to cycle, play tennis and participate actively as a member of local groups and organizations.
Catherine Cilia, MSW, RSW (Co-Founder of Turning Point Counselling)
Catherine has completed a Master of Social Work and has a Certificate in Death, Dying, and Bereavement. She has extensive training in various therapeutic frameworks such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (including, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy), Grief and Loss, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and trauma therapy. Catherine uses an attachment-based lens with all of her clients and incorporates mindfulness-based practices into her work.
Catherine has considerable experience meeting individuals and couples with experiences of, anxiety-related issues, past trauma, grief and loss, self-esteem, and relationship distress.
Catherine’s work in the counselling role is fueled by a passion for collaborative relationships with people where clients feel safe, seen, and deeply understood. Catherine believes healing begins in the context of connection. To this end, she helps people access and make sense of their emotional world and create new patterns of connection both within, and with others. Catherine walks alongside those she works with, helping them to discover their own resilience, and to nurture the possibility of hope and change. She believes strongly in the dignity and worth of all people, and this approach creates space for people to be able to openly talk, and reflect in a safe and trusting place, free of judgment.
Catherine is a mother of two teenagers, and a Goldendoodle named Nala. She is a cancer survivor and passionate about empowering individuals in their efforts to cope with adversity. She loves reading, socializing with friends, and hiking.
Heather Morris, MSW, RSW
Heather has a Masters of Social Work and is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and has been practising psychotherapy in several capacities for over 35 years. As a counsellor for individuals, couples and families, she works collaboratively to assist people in seeking change, self-awareness, emotional regulation and support in their lives. Heather has been trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities including EMDR, Solution Focused, Narrative, and Cognitive Behavioural therapies.
Heather’s professional focus includes working with adults, couples and seniors who have experienced shame, anxiety, depression, or behavioural changes as a result of trauma, shame and life transitions.
Accreditation has been achieved in Narrative Therapy, Restorative Justice Practices, Treating Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Parents For Youth. Her interests include skiing, fitness, travel, cooking, and staying vibrant and resilient while holding onto a sense of humour.
Michael Bartlett, MSW, RSW
Mike is a registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from York University. He has experience in his private practice and in community work with children, youth, and families.
He strongly believes in the value of a safe, validating, and empathetic relationship as the starting point for the pursuit of any therapeutic goal. Mike is dedicated to supporting individuals across the lifespan and frequently works with children (10+), youth, and adults who are coping with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, anger, relationship difficulties, and histories of trauma.
Mike views therapy as a collaborative process where individuals explore the stories and experiences that have shaped them. Clients are seen as the experts of their own experiences, carrying the wisdom of their personal journeys and the influence of those experiences. Through compassion and curiosity, Mike works alongside clients to explore their stories and build new relationships with their experiences, others, and themselves.
He believes that when individuals feel truly and deeply understood, they can also feel less alone in their struggles and more open to change in their lives. Mike integrates relational and attachment-based therapies to foster a strong therapeutic connection, while also incorporating other evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Therapy (MBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This ensures that clients receive both emotional support and practical strategies for managing life’s challenges.
When not practicing therapy, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, developing his DIY skills, and reading large fantasy epics. He also stays active by strength training, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and crafting wood furniture and toys.
Erin Johnson, MSW, RSW
Erin is a Registered Social Worker who specializes in trauma, emotional dysregulation, shame, depression, and anxiety. She draws upon a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Self-Compassion, and EMDR.
Erin recognizes that many of the ‘problems’ that have people seeking therapy started as a way of coping with overwhelming circumstances. Trauma, challenging emotions, and difficult life circumstances can create a present that feels intolerable. When this happens, we try to manage our suffering the best we can.
Outside of work, Erin loves to read, cook, and work on puzzles. She is a fan of critters of all shapes and sizes and will always be interested in seeing photos of yours.
Jane Flindall, MSW, RSW
Jane is a registered social worker and has obtained her Masters of Social work. She has training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Basic Principles of DBT, Birth and Reproductive Trauma, and Perinatal Grief and Loss. She has worked in the hospital setting as a former Registered Midwife for 7 years.
She believes that compassion, empathy, and understanding are the most essential components of a therapeutic relationship. She has experience with adults living with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. In addition, she provides psychotherapy for perinatal mental health and that includes the prenatal period and up to two years postpartum.
Jane is a strong advocate for the need for education and awareness about mental health and reduction of stigma. She believes that change is supported by a strengths-based approach combined with uncovering individual values and core beliefs.
Jane and her family live in Wasaga Beach and love the active outdoor lifestyle that the Georgian Bay area offers. She is a huge animal lover and has a husky and 3 cats. She is passionate about traveling, has lived in several countries, and has done maternal infant health work internationally.
Lori Lanktree, MSW, RSW
Lori is a registered Social Worker with a Masters of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Lori has training in a variety of frameworks including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. She has extensive experience working with adolescents struggling with emotion dysregulation, depression and or anxiety. Lori also has experience and training in helping clients heal and process trauma, one of these trainings being through the Attachment and Trauma Healing Centre in Niagara. She includes in her treatment a focus on the mind and body, and the connection between the two while caring for and improving our mental health.
Lori’s goal while working in the counselling role is to develop a collaborative and positive relationship that respects the client’s needs, goals and sense of self. She understands that attending counselling initially can be anxiety provoking. As a result, Lori focuses on getting to know her clients and focuses on developing a trusting relationship. Lori is LGBTQIA+ friendly, has a holistic approach, and values kindness, compassion, diversity, and anti-racism.
Lori is a mother to three children, two of whom are teenagers. She loves pets including her dog and two cats. Lori loves to spend time outdoors and with her children and friends. She enjoys being active by jogging, yoga or hiking with her dog.
Skye Casey, MA, RP
Skye Casey (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Skye holds a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in addictions from Lewis & Clark College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon. She has also completed certificates in DBT through the University of Toronto and Behavioral Activation for perinatal anxiety and depression through The SUMMIT Trial team. Skye has worked as a psychotherapist for over 8 years in hospital, residential, and outpatient settings, and specializes in treating clients struggling with mood disorders, emotion dysregulation, substance abuse, self-esteem, and relationship challenges. Skye works with individuals and dyad familial relationships.
Skye has also completed the Foundations of Clinical Supervision training through the University of Ottawa and the Field Instructor certificate through the Canadian Association for Social Work Education. She provides clinical supervision to Bachelors- and Masters-level social work and psychotherapy students.
Skye believes that at the centre of a positive therapeutic relationship is a safe, validating, and compassionate dynamic between herself and her clients. Skye utilizes a compassion-focused, strengths-based approach to her therapeutic practice. Her work with clients is informed by the factors and systems that influence our attachment and ability to connect with others. She draws on such modalities as DBT, ACT, EFT, and IFS. Skye believes that the practice of acceptance and willingness can lead toward sustainable change in establishing a rich and meaningful life.
In her spare time, Skye enjoys reading psychological thrillers, getting outside, and spending time with her son.
Helen Rudin (Client Care Coordinator)
Helen earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto and has many years experience working in an administrative role at a large primary care mental health centre. She has found that the interactions she experienced with clients have been the most personally rewarding aspects of her role. Helen’s experiences within a mental health setting have inspired her to work towards a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Helen is a formally trained ceramic artist/potter. She is an avid reader, travel lover, pug owner, and butter tart eater. She is the Mum of teenage twins.