Therapist - Dr. Mavis Kerr M.D.

Individual, couple and family counselling. Groups and workshops Registered Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice since 1991 Clinical member of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (www.aamft.org) (# 24381)

Practice Description

I work with individuals, couples and families who believe they can benefit from some input from a professional with skills, information, compassion, and a sense of humour. Because I am in private practice this affords the most confidential setting and I am working for my clients and not an institution. My approach is very much individualized to the needs, preferences and learning styles of my clients.

In additions to certification as a registered Marriage and Family Therapist, I also have sought out continuing education in many areas including cognitive therapy, sexual and gender issues, and abuse. I have been thrilled by the addition of EMDR to my range of treatment modalities and continue to take further education in this area.

Because my background is in family medicine I have particular expertise in areas where medical knowledge is an asset such as families coping with physical or mental illness, sexuality related issues, parenting, and ageing issues. Though I have a degree in medicine, I am not currently licenced to practice and do not practice medicine and therefore do not treat or diagnose medical conditions. I can however be helpful in navigating the medical system and can assist with communications with your health professionals as well as exploring the psychological aspects of the situation. My fees are not covered by OHIP. Most of my clients pay privately and some have insurance coverage or employee assistance plans to reimburse them.

My clients include a large number of teachers. I also have a background in farming and understand and enjoy working with people in the agricultural field. People have worked effectively with me on couple conflict, divorce, depression, anxiety, grief, work or family stress, and parenting (especially with bright children with learning disabilities ). I also very much enjoy helping people who are not in acute stress but wish to explore their life choices and unlearn some of the less healthy patterns they may have learned earlier in life.

I encourage the explicit setting of goals with all my folks. I find most clients benefit from improving their self awareness, their communication skills, their assertiveness and their ability to set boundaries with others.

I love my work (most of the time) in all its infinite variety and richness. Helping people connect with themselves and others in a healthy way is very fulfilling, fascinating, and often joyful. I limit the number of clients I see to ensure that I stay fresh, get sufficient continuing education and balance in my life.

Office Information

I see clients in my relaxed and cosy office at Southern Ontario Counselling Centre in St. Agatha, five minutes from Waterloo and twenty five minutes from Stratford. I am in on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday by appointment. Times vary and include mornings, afternoons and evenings. Contact is easily made by leaving a message at my confidential voice mail (519) 746 2323 ext 302 any time 24 hours. That phone is not picked up live but I will return your call as soon as I am able and in accordance with your instructions. Please be clear about any need for confidentiality such as whether you wish a message left with another person at your number. Feel free to leave details about several times when you are most reachable to reduce our telephone tag. I welcome a short telephone interview in which you can have your questions answered in order to help you choose the therapist that is a good match for you. I can refer you to other resources if appropriate.

Fees are determined on a sliding scale, related to family income and are in the standard range of therapists in this community

As a person in private practice I do not pretend to provide emergency access for people in severe crisis who would be more appropriately supported by an organization with professionals on call.

Education

B.A., University of Western Ontario, Biology and English Literature, 1969
M.D., McMaster University, family medicine, 1981
Marriage and Family Therapy Internship, Interfaith Pastoral Counselling Centre, 1991