Psychotherapist With Local Roots Now Practicing In Frontenac County

Anne Douglas first came to the Arden area with her husband Andrew, to run Circle Square Ranch in Arden.

After several years, they moved on from managing the camp, but settled locally on Frontenac Road. Andrew started a digital marketing company that is thriving, and Anne has been working for Inter-Varsity, the national organisation that operates Circle Square and Pioneer camps, across Canada.

In her job she travels across the country, and helps all of the camps address a variety of issues that arise. Early in the Covid time, when camps were not running, she began to consider moving in a new direction in her career, towards mental health counselling.

While still working for Inter-Varsity, she enrolled in Tyndale College, a faith-based university based in Toronto, that offers in person and online psychotherapy programs. Taking courses on a part-time basis, it has taken some time, but she has now graduated, and a year ago she achieved the designation of psychotherapist, (qualifying) from the Ontario College of Psychotherapists.

“Life can be painful, especially during times of transition, loss, and adversity. It is normal to struggle. However, hope is real. Anxiety, low mood, difficult relationships, trauma, grief or complicated family dynamics can feel overwhelming,” she said, in a profile in Psychology Today.

She added that she sees her role as someone who, drawing on her decades of experience, “in non-profit leadership and supporting people through change, can come alongside clients to help them gain a deeper understanding of themselves, discover their strengths, and move toward the life they want.

She works with teens and adults of all ages and welcomes individuals, couples, and families.

She has started working out of Perth Road at Lakeview Counselling and Psychotherapy, and in Sharbot Lake at the Sharbot Lake Chiropractic and Wellness Centre.

“I am looking forward to helping people in both rural centres, who may have had to go to Kingston or Perth in the past, but can now get the support they need closer to home,” she said, in a phone interview with the Frontenac News, this week.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and family systems. She also offers spiritually integrated therapy for those who would like to integrate their faith.

In her work, she recognises that not every therapist is right for every patient and that a positive therapist to client relationship is based on comfort and trust.

“That is why I offer an initial consultation session. It is a 15-20 minute phone call or meeting. It gives people chance to get a feel for who I am, and my approach.”

The fee for her service is $140 per hour ($150 for couples) and while her services are not covered by OHIP, they are covered by employee insurance plans, for those who have them in place.

Getting connected with two clinics in Frontenac County has been a welcome bonus for her as she takes on more clients, and she offers in person, as well as virtual internet-based service.

Anne Douglas can be reached directly at (343) 501-0930, or through Sharbot Lake Chiropractic at 613-279-5555.