My name is Barbara Shields. I am a registered clinical counsellor with a Master's Degree in Counselling specializing in counselling psychology. Choosing a counsellor is not always easy. I hope by telling you a bit about myself and my approach you will be able to get a sense of what working with me might be like. While I can say without a doubt I have had a good life, it has not always been easy. From early trauma, to spiritual awakening, to reading Psychology Today magazine when I was 16, it seems I have always been trying to figure out what the heck was wrong with me. I struggled with self-esteem, body image, anxiety and feelings of never fitting in. Obviously, I have grown up a lot since then but I would say it has been a journey around many of these themes. At times searching, at times giving up, at times thinking I had found the cure and at other times thinking there was no hope at all. Now I know that each person has their own journey and their own search for fulfilling common human needs such as love, belonging, connection, purpose and meaning. By listening to each story the unmet need can be heard, named and moved toward with greater self-awareness and intention. Sometimes, suggestions and tools are needed and sometimes deeper understanding can bring out the individual's own inner wisdom about what is best. I won't tell you what is best for you but I will join with you in exploring your concern and helping you move toward your desired outcome. You will be respected, you will be met with compassion, and together we will build a path to your new future. I look forward to working with you whenever the time feels right for you.