COUNSELLING at Barrantes

At Barrantes Community Inc., we take a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to counselling that honours the individuality of each person we support. Our therapists are committed to creating safe, affirming spaces where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore challenges, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change at their own pace.

We offer counselling with a developmental lens, recognizing that emotional, social, and behavioural needs are deeply connected to each person’s stage of growth, cognitive profile, and lived experience. Our team specializes in supporting children, youth, and adults with developmental differences, including those with Autism, intellectual disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental diagnoses. We understand the importance of pacing, communication style, sensory needs, and collaborative support in creating meaningful therapeutic experiences.

Our approach is:

• Neurodiversity-Affirming: We honour and celebrate neurodivergent experiences, recognizing that there is no single “right” way to think, feel, or relate to the world. 
• Collaborative: We work with clients (and, where appropriate, their families and care teams) to co-create goals and strategies that align with what’s most important to them.
• Culturally Sensitive: We strive to understand and respect each individual’s cultural background, identity, and lived experiences, and provide care that is inclusive and responsive.
• Flexible and Accessible: We offer in-person and virtual sessions to meet the diverse needs of our community, reducing barriers to care and meeting people where they’re most comfortable.
   

Our counselling team integrates a range of evidence-based and strength-based modalities, including:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to explore and shift unhelpful thought patterns
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills to support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy relationships
• Mindfulness and grounding practices to foster calm, focus, and connection
• Narrative Therapy to help individuals make sense of their experiences and build empowering personal stories
• Developmentally Informed Play-Based and Visual Supports to increase engagement and accessibility for younger clients or those with communication needs
• Strengths-Based Approaches to highlight and build on each person’s existing skills and capacity
   

Above all, our goal is to offer a space where people of all abilities feel safe to express themselves openly as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward their goals. Whether you're seeking short-term guidance or long-term support, we’re here to walk beside you with care, flexibility, and respect.