James Barber is a skilled and compassionate therapist with over 18 years of direct clinical experience. He believes that everyone has the capacity to learn, heal, and grow, no matter their starting point. He loves helping his clients, both individuals and couples, rewrite their stories in a way that empowers them to move forward.

James draws from advanced training in many evidence-based therapy models, integrated from a rich career helping individuals and couples heal and grow. His approach includes Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. 

James is licensed as a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. He is also a Registered Marriage/Couple & Family Therapist with both the Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He has a Master’s degree with a focus on Clinical Counselling from Tyndale Seminary and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from McMaster University. James has worked in a variety of clinical settings, both as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, including a leading addictions and mental health agency in York Region, multidisciplinary health clinics, and in his own private practice.

Individuals working with James can expect an encouraging and approachable demeanour, careful and care-filled questions and discussions to guide you back on to the path you want to be on. The one you, and you alone, envision and choose for yourself, according to your core values. James brings a safe, non-judgmental and inclusive approach to his work on many issues, including anxiety & stress, depression, life transitions, loss of life meaning or direction, relationships, self-worth and shame.

Couples working with James can expect a calming and grounding influence. Drawing heavily from the work of Dr. Sue Johnson (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and Drs. John & Julia Gottman (The Gottman Institute), James views safe, secure, connected relationships with key figures in our lives - our attachment person(s) - as the primary landscape where people grow, learn and thrive. James works with couples looking to heal and get “unstuck” from a variety of wounds; including emotional disconnection, betrayal, communication issues, abandonment, and intimacy concerns.