The Relationship Centre

Feeling Better Starts Here

The Relationship Centre is a team of caring therapy professionals dedicated to helping get through anything holding you back.

Discover how to feel happy and handle whatever life throws at you.

We Believe Getting Help Should Be Easy

“We know how hard it is to ask for help. It takes courage. To contact someone you’ve never met and share that you’re struggling. But we encourage you to take that first step. Because we know what’s waiting for you on the other side. A better way to live.”

Mary Joan Brinson MSW, RSW
Founder & Director

Because we understand how discouraging and stressful life can be when you don’t have the support you need. Getting help shouldn’t be difficult too.

You want to feel safe and secure with people you can trust. That is why you can request a therapist or have one carefully chosen for you. Each therapist is trained with expertise in trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, perinatal mood disorders and couples therapy.

You Weren’t Meant To Solve Every Problem On Your Own

Because struggling to feel better on your own can be a lonely battle. And sometimes, you need to reach out and ask for help.

Whatever brought you here today know that you are not alone and you are one step closer to feeling better.

Take That First Step

Asking for help puts you one step closer to the happy life you deserve.

Our Team is Built Around A Common Desire to Help

We share a joint vision to offer a safe place where people can do this important work.

Mary Joan Brinson MSW, RSW

Founder & Director

Mary Joan has taken her 25 years of clinical experience helping clients and couples to now directing and supporting the work of The Relationship Centre. She is committed to helping people experience the incredible growth and healing that can come from doing deeper emotional work.
[more about Mary Joan...]

Sonya Ross MSW, RSW

Clinical Director

Sonya believes in offering her best and full self to others, fostering a space of safety and trust through warmth, compassion, and unconditional acceptance. With over 20 years of experience in the Social Service area, she draws on various therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance Therapy, Polyvagal Therapy, Solution Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
[more about Sonya...]

Courtney Kelso

Administrative Team Lead

Courtney is one of the first points of contact you may have at The Relationship Centre, as the Administrative Team Lead. Whether you schedule an inquiry consultation, or simply phone or email the office, she is happy to connect with our clients and help them meet with the therapist that best suits their needs. Courtney believes every client should have an exceptional experience at The Relationship Centre, and she takes special care in the role she plays in that experience.

Mandi Hickman, MSW, RSW ​​

Registered Social Worker

Mandi creates a warm, supportive environment where clients are invited to explore their thoughts and feelings. Her holistic and integrative approach includes tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic practices.

[more about Mandi...]

Tara Gingrich, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Tara believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship to heal, transform, and nurture growth. She helps people form a holistic understanding of themselves while developing emotional awareness and achieving their potential.
[more about Tara...]

Julie Wiltshire, B,Sc., RP

Registered Psychotherapist

Julie experiences a sense of joy in working collaboratively with people as she helps them tap into their strengths. She sees people as the experts in their own lives and she helps them navigate through challenges to experience positive change in their lives.
[more about Julie...]

Andrew Garnett, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Andrew provides a safe, supportive, warm and calming environment for exploration and discovery to happen.  He understands that we can sometimes behave or engage in ways that we don’t understand or want, and that can take us off course.  He helps people understand what drives their behaviour so they can make better choices and move towards their desired outcomes.
[more about Andrew...]

Jenni Beaver, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Jenni’s goal is to provide therapy from a place of sincerity, kindness, and compassion. She shares that she doesn’t take herself too seriously and has a good sense of humour creating a safe calm space for sharing and collaboration.
[more about Jenni...]

Daniel Forsythe

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Daniel understands the struggle of feeling trapped in cycles of pain and disconnection. Armed with an MA in Counseling Psychology, he specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals and couples, fostering connection over labels. Specializing in Solutions-Focused Therapy for Complex PTSD, he offers hope without reliving trauma.

[more about Daniel...]

Holly Knowles, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Holly is a compassionate therapist with 20+ years of experience. She specializes in depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, she empowers clients to cultivate joy and calm. Inspired by nature and yoga, she finds balance alongside her cherished family and goofy chocolate lab, Nala.
[more about Holly...]

Lindsay Steele, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Lindsay believes in practicing from a heart-centred approach that is grounded in acceptance and presence. She helps people understand how their experiences have shaped the person they are and decide how they want to show up in their lives now and in the future.
[more about Lindsay...]

Tara Buchan

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Tara guides individuals on their journey to self-discovery and healing, drawing from 18 years of varied experience, including roles as a Clinical Therapist and Police Constable. Her client-centered approach tailors therapy to individual preferences, values, and beliefs. Utilizing evidence-based modalities like Emotional Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Tara specializes in emotion regulation, stress management, and more, collaborating with clients to foster growth and healing.

[more about Tara...]
Jenna Raymond intern for The Relationship Therapy Centre

Jenna Raymond​

Intern​

Jenna is a dedicated social worker with a Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University and currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. With a commitment to fostering safe and supportive environments, Jenna aims to integrate Indigenous and medical models to help clients navigate their thoughts and feelings effectively. 
 
[more about Jenna...]
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MaryClair Walker, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

MaryClair is deeply committed to creating a warm, nurturing, and inclusive environment where clients feel safe to reflect on their experiences. This space encourages open dialogue and vulnerability, which are crucial for connection, personal growth and healing. She believes that when clients feel truly empowered, validated, and understood, they unlock their potential for growth and transformation.
[more about MaryClair...]
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Paula Leite

Therapist in Training

Paula has joined our clinic with a deep passion for helping others overcome their most difficult
life moments. From a young age, she always loved listening to other peoples’ life stories and that passion shaped the course of her career life years later. Paula has been working with the local school board helping neurodivergent children and
adolescents navigating many academic and social obstacles.

[more about Paula...]

Step Inside Our New Sanctuary of Support Where Your Comfort Matters

We've just opened the doors to our calm, soothing office space – your haven for healing and growth.

At The Relationship Centre, we believe getting help should feel easy and uplifting. That's why we've designed every aspect with your comfort and well-being in mind. It's your retreat from life's stresses — where you can breathe, connect, grow, and heal.

Our doors have been open since 2006 as Mary Joan Brinson’s private practice. The Relationship Centre was established in 2018 to help even more people love deeply and live fully.

Your journey to a happier, healthier you starts here. Come on in. We look forward to welcoming you soon.