Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Oakville, ON

Jordan Best

Jordan Best

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

Anxiety can make your world feel smaller. Whether you're struggling with OCD, panic, health anxiety, social anxiety, an overwhelming phobia or constant worry, therapy can help you break free from the cycle. I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy using ERP, CBT, and ACT to help you face fear, build confidence, and reconnect with the life you want to live.

Laila Crawford

Laila Crawford

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

I am a warm, friendly and non-judgemental therapist who believes in moving with you rather than trying to move you. I practice from an Existential therapy lens, and utilise ACT, CBT, EMDR for trauma, and EFT for couples therapy. I help clients with any and all presenting concerns - often seeing folks with AuDHD, anxiety, addictions, intimacy issues, trauma, couples, and career/life transitions.

Haley Moore

Haley Moore

Registered Social Worker (RSW)

Virtual

Welcome to Therapy Uninterrupted, where your mental well-being is our top priority. We understand that life can be challenging, and sometimes we all need a little extra support. As a team of dedicated clinicians, we are here to help you navigate through your journey and find the strength within yourself to heal and grow.

Christina Hong

Christina Hong

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Virtual

Hello there! I am Christina, I have a genuine love and care for connecting with people. I’m here to support you if anxiety has been making life feel heavy or overwhelming. I believe that, counselling at its core is the genuine collaborative connection of individuals coming together to navigate this wonderfully bizarrely life of ours. In my role, my mission is to create a warm, supportive, and j…

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.

Alysha Leal

Alysha Leal

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

Life can throw us curveballs that may seem impossible to navigate or process through emotionally. I understand the courage it takes to seek support, and I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Regardless of where you are in your journey, I will meet you there and work collaboratively with you to get to where you want to be.

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.

Josephine Loko

Josephine Loko

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck? You may be navigating grief, relationship struggles, burnout, or a major life transition. I offer adults and couples a space to slow down, feel heard, and make sense of what you’re going through. As an immigrant, I also understand the challenges of balancing cultural values with life in Canada.

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!

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.

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.

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…

Katharine De Santos

Katharine De Santos

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Healthy Minds Psychotherapy was founded in 2018 with the mission of providing psychotherapeutic care to individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering resilience in each person and our community as a whole.

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.

Nikki Ward

Nikki Ward

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Therapist & Clinic Owner at Electric City Wellness Accepting new clients both In-Person in Peterborough & Virtually throughout Ontario! Offering FREE 20-minute consultations!

Siobhan McCarthy, MSW, RSW

Siobhan McCarthy, MSW, RSW

Registered Individual and Family Therapist , Clinical Consultant

Virtual

If you feel that you are not living your best life, your relationships are not what you hoped they would be, or the conflict in your life is not going away, perhaps it is time to talk to someone about it. Starting counselling is a brave first step and I will be there to support you through this process. Additionally, I provide supervision to Social Workers in Private Practice.

Abby Tait

Abby Tait

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

You might come to therapy feeling stuck in familiar patterns - ways of coping, thinking, or relating that once made sense but now feel hard to shift. You may be thoughtful and self-aware, yet find yourself overthinking, avoiding certain emotions, or feeling disconnected from who you are or where you’re headed. Questions about identity, values, and purpose often sit quietly underneath these experi…

Teodora Kostadinovska

Teodora Kostadinovska

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I am dedicated to supporting youth, adults, and couples who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their next steps in life. Reaching out for support can be a vulnerable and courageous decision, and my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and understood. Therapy is a journey, and I am here to offer a steady hand as you move toward growth and greater well-being.

Margot Hovey

Margot Hovey

Counselling Therapy

Virtual

About me I’m embracing Eldership in my counselling practice: individuals, dyads, and families through transitions and challenges. During our conversation your life story, influences, and challenges emerge. We’ll collaborate on how to best shape the life you want to lead. Integral counselling weaves mind, body, and spirit into healing. I bring a deep appreciation of wholeness to our work.​

How do therapists in Oakville, ON compare?

Number of therapists listed

50

Average years in practice

6.6 Years

Currently accepting new clients

100 %

Therapists in Oakville, ON who prioritize treating:

76% Anxiety
56% Relationship Issues
52% Depression
34% Trauma and PTSD
32% Self Esteem
30% Emotional Dysregulation
30% ADHD
24% Grief

How therapists see their clients

2% In Person & Online
98% Online Only

Top therapy approaches used in Oakville, ON:

100% Motivational Interviewing
96% Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
72% Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
72% Strength-Based
68% Trauma Focused
64% Dialectical Behaviour (DBT)
62% Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
60% 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.