Siena McLaven, RP (Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) | Barrie, ON
When You're Carrying More Than Anyone Can See
Sometimes it isn't one big thing. It's the overthinking that won't stop, the constant checking of how you're coming across, the mind that won't slow down once the lights go off.
A lot of the young adults and teens I work with are exhausted in a way that's hard to explain to anyone who isn't living it. They replay conversations and second-guess decisions they already made. Tomorrow starts weighing on them before today is even finished. They want something to change. They're just not sure where to start.
I'm Siena McLaven, RP (Qualifying), a student psychotherapist in Barrie with five years of experience supporting young adults, adolescents, and teens.
Availability:
In-person therapy in Barrie and virtual therapy across Ontario
Services:
Individual therapy for young adults, adolescents, and teens
Specialties:
Anxiety and depression
Self-esteem and identity
Relationship stress
Chronic illness and health challenges
ADHD, autism, and other different ways of thinking
Life transitions
Why Work With Me
My path here started early. In high school, I was one of the youngest Child Life volunteers at SickKids, working in the Emergency and Pre-Operative departments. That experience showed me what it means to support someone through fear and uncertainty, and it has stayed with me since.
I spent time as a lifeguard and swim instructor with the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, teaching kids of every ability and watching their confidence build week to week. During my degree in Child and Youth Care, I worked in a live-in treatment setting with youth and families facing complex emotional needs, and co-facilitated emotional regulation groups for kids and teens as young as three.
None of that happened in a therapy room, and I don't think the work should either. It has to make sense in real life.
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone learns and processes things differently, so I tailor sessions to how you actually think, not a script.
How I Help Young Adults, Adolescents, and Teens
My approach is person-centred, collaborative, and grounded in what's actually happening for you, not a checklist of symptoms.
I draw on cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused and strengths-based approaches, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. In plain terms, that means we look at your thoughts and patterns, and what has helped before, and build from there.
We take complicated feelings and experiences and break them into pieces that feel manageable. One step at a time, we get curious about what's happening, find what works for you, and build confidence to keep going.
What Working With Me Feels Like
I know reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, scary, even vulnerable. My goal is for you to feel welcomed, safe, supported, and heard without judgment, right from the start.
In sessions, I can be gentle, and I can push on the patterns that are getting in your way. You don't have to have the right words or explain yourself perfectly before we start.
This is your process. We go at whatever pace feels right for you.
A Bit About Me
Outside of the therapy room, I love reading, going for walks, and swimming. I have a pet bunny who has a way of reminding me to slow down and notice the small things. Lately, I've picked up colouring, which has become its own kind of quiet.
I also live with my own physical and mental health challenges. I know what it's like to feel different or misunderstood, and that's part of why I try to meet clients with real compassion, not the performance of it.
Start Therapy in Barrie or Online Across Ontario
I offer in-person therapy in Barrie and virtual therapy across Ontario for young adults, adolescents, and teens.
If anxiety, self-esteem, relationship stress, health challenges, or the feeling that your brain works differently than everyone expects is part of what's going on, we can start there. There's no need to have it figured out before reaching out.
Clinical Training & Credentials
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Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CRPO #23099
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (in progress, expected 2027)
Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), 2024
Come as you are, not as you think you should be
If you’re tired of circling the same questions, schedule a consultation with Driftwood Psychotherapy. In-person therapy is available in Barrie, with virtual therapy across Ontario.