ABOUT Finding Forward Therapy

Dr. Barbara Ward is a leader in mental health services with over 30 years of experience serving in community organizations, private practice and the public education system. Her work includes providing clinical supervision to both new and experienced clinicians. She is especially focused on brain science and on researching, teaching, training and consulting particularly in regards to how trauma impacts children’s wellbeing and adult development. Embedded in Barbara’s work is the belief and significance in providing a trauma-informed, healing-centred system that is identity affirming and responsive to the needs of individuals, communities, children/youth & families. Barbara brings curiosity, compassion and a sense of humour to all her work, offering a relaxed and engaging style. 

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Barbara has a strong focus on integrating positive psychology, third wave cognitive behavioural practices, and social emotional learning concepts into her work - always in ways that are identity affirming.  She also understands and recognizes the interconnections between staff wellness, organizational trauma, and stress. Believing in the power of collaboration, she values the partnerships that successfully created “a village to raise a child”.

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Her practice includes providing  clinical supervision and professional training for staff, along with direct service to clients through individual therapy.).  She also serves as a consultant and implementation coach for School Mental Health Ontario.  

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Barbara completed her PhD studies in Psychology from the Taos Institute & Vrije University (2015), and has a Masters in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University (1992). She is a Registered Social Worker. Her dissertation focused on identifying and implementing effective “Story Shifters” - an approach that helps move individuals from feeling victimized, blamed and, isolated by childhood trauma, to experiencing resilience, strength, and connection with themselves and others.