Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Kingston, ON

Janalyn Dodds MSW, BSW, RSW

Janalyn Dodds MSW, BSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist

Virtual

I am a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist with The Support Station, a Canadian-based, woman-owned organization that believes cost shouldn't be a barrier to accessing quality mental health and wellness support. Each client's session fees are adjusted according to not only their monthly income, but also any bills and debts paid out regularly get considered as well.

Feel Your Way Therapy

Feel Your Way Therapy

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Feel Your Way Therapy is a Toronto-based psychotherapy clinic offering individual, couples, child, and family therapy. Our diverse team of therapists provides support for anxiety, trauma, ADHD, depression, stress, and relationship issues, using evidence-based approaches in a compassionate and client-centered way.

Connie Coda

Connie Coda

Registered Nurse Psychotherapist, Certified Nurse Psychotherapist

Virtual

Connie is a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist and Certified Nurse Psychotherapist offering virtual therapy to individuals aged 16 and up across Ontario. She supports clients coping with chronic illness, anxiety, grief (including pet loss), stress, and life transitions, using a compassionate and collaborative approach.

Chantelle Vaz

Chantelle Vaz

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

I offer a warm and collaborative space where you can explore your experiences with curiosity and care. My approach is rooted in empathy and authenticity, supporting you in understanding your story, building self-compassion, and creating meaningful change. I draw from narrative, attachment, and emotion-focused therapies to meet your unique needs.

Caitlin Kemmett

Caitlin Kemmett

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I’m Caitlin, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) offering individual and couples therapy in Ottawa and virtually across Ontario. I support adults facing anxiety, burnout, ADHD, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My warm, collaborative approach blends CBT, ACT, and the Gottman Method to help you feel grounded, connected, and confident moving forward.

Amanda Rennick-Hazen

Amanda Rennick-Hazen

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

I enjoy using a variety of techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Strategies, Mindfulness Meditation, Trauma Informed, Compassion Focused, & Emotion Focused. Depression & Sadness Anxiety & Worry Work , Home, & School Stress ​Grief & Loss Divorce & Separation Unexpected life transitions, unexpected change, lost opportunities

Johanna Benoit

Johanna Benoit

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

NIHB provider, specializing in CPTSD and trauma, perinatal grief and loss, PTSD, anxiety, depression and borderline personality disorder.

Sadaf Khan

Sadaf Khan

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

At Horizon Healing Psychotherapy, we believe that every journey toward growth and healing begins with a safe space and a compassionate guide. Under the thoughtful care of Sadaf, our clinic offers a sanctuary where your story matters, your voice is heard, your experience and your path to well-being are honoured. Welcome to Horizon Healing Psychotherapy, a new horizon of hope and healing awaits you.

Mala Dorai

Mala Dorai

Therapist Intern

Virtual

I offer a collaborative, trauma-informed therapy space for adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, neurodivergence (including ADHD/autism), grief, and life transitions. Grounded in neuroscience and cultural humility, my work integrates mind, body, and environment, with gentle structure, practical tools, and care for meaningful growth.

Arianne Nicole Palmares

Arianne Nicole Palmares

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

Hi, I’m Arianne. I’m glad you’re here. I believe everyone deserves therapy access, regardless of background or identity. As a first-generation immigrant, I combine lived experience with clinical training to create a safe and brave space where you can be seen, heard, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want.

Sarah Perone

Sarah Perone

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I help individuals and couples break painful relationship cycles so they can feel more connected, secure, and confident. I support concerns like recurrent conflict, relationship anxiety (and ROCD), limerence, and resentment. Using an attachment- and evidence-based approach, I offer warm, non-judgmental virtual therapy across Ontario. Book a free 15-minute consultation to get started.

DeRoux Jones

DeRoux Jones

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

I’m DeRoux Jones, a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario with a Master of Counselling Psychology specializing in Marriage & Family Therapy. I serve individuals, couples, and families, helping with anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, and Christian counselling. My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and client-centered, creating a safe space for growth and healing.

Jessica DeMille

Jessica DeMille

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, B.Sc (Hons)

Virtual

I work with individuals, couples, families, and children (10+), providing a safe, supportive space for exploration and growth. Using an integrative, client-centered approach, I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, relationships, and life transitions, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful change. Together, we explore tools and strategies to support emotional well-being.

Anna Marson

Anna Marson

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Anna Marson is a registered psychotherapist specializing in ADHD, trauma, neurodiversity, attachment, stress, and emotion regulation. She integrates evidence-based therapies, mindfulness, and ADHD coaching to help clients build resilience, regulate emotions, and develop practical skills for lasting, positive change. Her approach is compassionate, brain/body-informed, and strength-based.

Amanda Rout

Amanda Rout

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Have you been struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or self-esteem? Have you been feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stuck? You are not alone. I offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space for you to show up as your authentic self and feel heard and understood. Working from a client-centred and collaborative approach, I strive to meet you where you are and support you in navigating th…

Mara Behan

Mara Behan

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I help couples and individuals find growth, healing, and stronger connections. Using evidence-based and individualized approaches, I support those struggling with women's health concerns (e.g., pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause), relationship concerns (e.g., resentment, infidelity), and life transitions (e.g., separation/divorce, parenting). I offer a free 15-minute consultation!

Caroline D Souza

Caroline D Souza

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with over six years of experience supporting individuals across hospital, school, community, and outpatient mental health settings. I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can slow down, feel genuinely heard, and explore your experiences without judgment.

Lylla Goheen

Lylla Goheen

Registered Psychotherapist RP (Qualifying), Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC)

Virtual

Do you and your partner speak different languages? Whether it’s the silence of a "roommate phase," sexual dysfunction, or the weight of chronic illness, you don't have to navigate it alone. I provide inclusive Sex Therapy, Gottman Couples Counselling, and Chronic Pain support in Etobicoke & Toronto. My practice is judgment-free and not "one-size-fits-all." Let's start your new era.

Mackenzie Fournier

Mackenzie Fournier

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Hi, I’m Mackenzie! I’m a Psychotherapist who loves keeping therapy real, down-to-earth, and practical. I help people untangle patterns around anxiety, food, and self-trust using tools grounded in science. In sessions, I bring my authentic self—you can expect a mix of support, guidance, and maybe a little humour when it feels right—so we can tackle challenges together without the extra pressure.

Carla Barbosa

Carla Barbosa

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

I’m a bilingual psychotherapist (English | Portuguese) offering LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent-affirming therapy for adults navigating autism, ADHD, burnout, and identity exploration. I integrate compassion, cultural awareness, and evidence-based care to help clients feel seen and empowered across life’s transitions.

How do therapists in Kingston, ON compare?

Number of therapists listed

48

Average years in practice

6.6 Years

Currently accepting new clients

100 %

Therapists in Kingston, ON who prioritize treating:

77% Anxiety
54% Depression
52% Relationship Issues
33% Emotional Dysregulation
33% Trauma and PTSD
33% Self Esteem
31% ADHD
21% Stress

How therapists see their clients

100% Online Only

Top therapy approaches used in Kingston, ON:

100% Motivational Interviewing
94% Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
73% Strength-Based
71% Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
69% Trauma Focused
62% Dialectical Behaviour (DBT)
62% Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
56% Person-Centered

Frequently Asked Questions About Motivational Interviewing

What is motivational interviewing?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, goal-oriented communication style developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick to strengthen a person's own motivation and commitment to change. MI is based on the premise that ambivalence about change is normal — people simultaneously want to change and want to stay the same — and that the therapist's role is to help the person explore and resolve this ambivalence in the direction of their own values and goals, rather than imposing change or providing advice. It is person-centred, evidence-based, and widely used in addiction treatment, health behaviour change, and mental health.

What are the core skills of motivational interviewing?

The core MI skills (OARS) are Open-ended questions (inviting exploration), Affirmations (recognizing strengths and efforts), Reflections (reflecting back what the person has said to deepen understanding), and Summaries (pulling together what has been discussed). The spirit of MI is as important as the skills: a collaborative, evocative, honouring approach that respects the person's autonomy. MI involves selectively attending to and amplifying "change talk" (the person's own arguments for change) while avoiding the righting reflex (the urge to argue for change or give advice).

What does motivational interviewing treat or help with?

MI has strong evidence for substance use disorders (alcohol, opioids, cannabis), smoking cessation, medication adherence, diet and exercise change, weight management, and engaging people who are ambivalent about treatment. It is used as a standalone treatment and as a pre-treatment "engagement" phase before other evidence-based therapies (CBT, community reinforcement approach). MI is also widely used in healthcare settings for health behaviour change.

What is the difference between motivational interviewing and advice-giving?

MI deliberately avoids advice-giving, confrontation, and persuasion — approaches that tend to increase resistance in ambivalent people. When a practitioner argues for change or lists the reasons someone should stop drinking (for example), the person often responds by articulating the reasons they shouldn't — and convincing themselves to stay the same. MI flips this: it evokes the person's own reasons for change and their own arguments, which are far more persuasive to them than arguments from an external authority.

How many sessions of motivational interviewing are needed?

MI has demonstrated efficacy in as few as 1–4 sessions. In many studies, brief MI interventions (even a single 45-minute session) produce significant effects on substance use and behaviour change. MI is often used as an engagement or pre-treatment phase before longer therapy rather than as a prolonged standalone treatment. The brevity makes it particularly valuable in primary care, emergency departments, and settings where extended contact is limited.