Psychotherapy Rooted in Story, Healing, and You.
With a foundation in evidence-based approaches and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, my work is designed to foster safety, build resilience, and strengthen your sense of self amid life’s challenges. Whether we’re exploring patterns shaped by systemic barriers, healing past wounds, or nurturing your evolving identity, my goal is to walk alongside you with compassion, clarity, and collaborative intent—empowering you to move forward with agency and meaning.
This is a slower, protective space to explore your full story—without edits, without rush. Together, we’ll honour the many parts of you, and gently make room for new stories to emerge.
Hello, I am Lisa Barnwell
MSW, RSW (she/her)
I’m a Toronto-based social worker and psychotherapist offering both in-person and virtual care across the GTA. With deep roots in this city and a rich Caribbean heritage, I bring a trauma-informed, culturally grounded approach to therapy. My work is shaped by lived experience, professional training, and a lifelong commitment to supporting those facing systemic and mental health challenges.
OFFERED THERAPY SERVICES
How We Can Help
Individual Psychotherapy
60-minute sessions with adults & transitional-aged youth focused on the individual needs of the client.
EMDR
60-90 minute sessions with a focus on reprocessing traumatic feeder memories, neutralizing present-day triggers, and strengthening future scenes
Clinical Consultation & Supervision
60-minute sessions with adults & transitional-aged youth focused on the individual needs of the client.
Areas Of Focus
Support Rooted in Understanding, Identity, and Resilience
Childhood Trauma
Exploring and healing early experiences that continue to shape your emotional world and relationships today.
Single Event Trauma
Support for processing overwhelming experiences like accidents, assaults, or medical emergencies that may still affect you.
Racial Trauma & Stress
A space to name, explore, and begin healing the emotional wounds caused by racism, discrimination, and systemic harm.
Adjustment Stress
Guidance through life changes—expected or unexpected—that feel difficult to manage on your own.
Mood & Anxiety
Support for navigating persistent worry, low mood, panic, or emotional overwhelm with compassion and care.
Parenting
Helping you show up for your children while staying connected to your own needs, values, and challenges.
Perinatal Mental Health
Care during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond—supporting your mental health through every stage of parenthood.
Life Transitions
Therapy for times of change—whether starting something new or grieving what’s been left behind.
Racism-Related Stress
A space to unpack the daily toll of racism, microaggressions, and cultural invalidation in a world not built for everyone.
Self-Esteem
Work toward a more compassionate relationship with yourself by challenging inner critics and outdated stories.
Stress
Support for managing chronic stress and finding sustainable ways to restore balance and calm in your life.
Relationship Challenges
Whether with partners, family, or friends, therapy can help you navigate connection, boundaries, and conflict.
