When you come to Kelly Mental Health, you aren’t just another appointment. We understand that reaching out for counselling takes courage and trust. From your very first contact, our mission is to ensure you feel heard, respected, and safe. Our clinic provides a comfortable, confidential atmosphere so you can open up at your own pace, knowing your privacy is always our top priority.
Our counselling services are designed with your individual needs in mind. Life can throw a lot at us—grief, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, trauma, and so much more. Our experienced and compassionate therapists work with a wide variety of concerns. We recognize that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution in mental health. That’s why we use evidence-based approaches tailored specifically for you, whether you are seeking individual therapy, couples counselling, or support as a family.

We believe in meeting you where you’re at—no judgment, just support. Counselling at our practice is a collaborative process. We take the time to listen, understand your unique story, and help you discover practical strategies for progress. Our role isn’t to give you all the answers, but to walk with you as you explore your thoughts and feelings, helping you build resilience and reclaim hope.

What makes our Thunder Bay counselling services unique is our dedication to accessibility and genuine care. Mental health support should never feel intimidating or out of reach—so we work hard to create a warm, inviting clinic where you truly feel comfortable. Many of our clients have told us that they quickly feel “at home” here, and that sense of safety can make all the difference as you begin the healing process.

​We also understand the unique challenges faced by people living in Thunder Bay; whether it’s work stress, family pressures, or personal struggles that can often feel more intense in a close-knit community. That’s why we are committed to being a trustworthy and reliable support system for our neighbours and friends.

If you are struggling or simply want to take proactive steps to support your mental wellbeing, I invite you to reach out to Kelly Mental Health. Counselling here in Thunder Bay can be a turning point in your journey, and we are with you every step of the way. Your story matters and your wellbeing is important. Contact us today to begin your path toward healing with Thunder Bay counselling services designed with you in mind.

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health challenges can affect anyone—regardless of age, background, or circumstance. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, seeking help is a powerful first step. At Kelly Mental Health, we’re proud to offer compassionate and professional Thunder Bay counselling services designed to support individuals, couples, and families on their journey to wellness.
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Our Thunder Bay counselling services include:

• Individual Therapy: Personalized support for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and more.
• Couples Counselling: Helping partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen their relationships.
• Family Therapy: Supporting families in navigating conflict, transitions, and emotional challenges together.
• Youth and Teen Counselling: Creating a safe space for young people to express themselves and build resilience.

Each treatment plan is evidence-based and collaboratively developed to empower clients with the tools they need to thrive.

​Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a unique and effective form of psychotherapy that has been gaining recognition for its ability to help individuals overcome trauma and psychological distress. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR therapy combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with bilateral stimulation, most commonly through guided eye movements. This innovative approach aims to reprocess traumatic memories and alleviate the emotional burden associated with them. Kelly Mental Health offers EMDR therapy in Thunder Bay, both in-person and through virtual appointments. 

At the core of EMDR therapy is the concept of bilateral stimulation, which involves engaging both hemispheres of the brain to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. This stimulation can take various forms, including side-to-side eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile sensations. The therapy is typically structured into eight phases:

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning: This type of therapy can be intense. Taking a detailed history before developing a treatment plan is important to ensure the safety of the client.
2. Preparation: We will review the EMDR process, and establish a sense of trust and safety, and teaches the client coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques.
3. Assessment: The therapist and client identify specific target memories and associated negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations.
4. Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation while the individual recalls the traumatic memory, this helps to desensitize them to the emotional impact of the memory.
5. Installation: The therapist helps the client replace negative beliefs with positive, adaptive ones while continuing bilateral stimulation.
6. Body Scan: The client scans their body for any remaining physical tension or discomfort related to the memory, addressing any residual issues.
7. Closure: The therapist ensures the client returns to a stable state and provides resources for self-care between sessions.
8. Reevaluation: The therapist and client review progress and determine if additional sessions are needed to address other target memories.

EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and is considered an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, its applications extend beyond PTSD to a wide range of psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and complicated grief. Some key benefits of EMDR therapy include:

• Rapid Results: Many clients experience significant improvement after just a few sessions.
• Holistic Healing: EMDR addresses the emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of trauma, promoting comprehensive healing.
• Minimal Reliving of Trauma: Unlike some traditional therapies, EMDR does not require clients to extensively recount their traumatic experiences, reducing the risk of re-traumatization.

​EMDR therapy offers a promising path to healing for individuals struggling with the lingering effects of trauma. By harnessing the brain's natural capacity for processing information, EMDR helps clients reframe negative memories, alleviate psychological distress, and build a more resilient, adaptive self. Kelly Mental Health is proud to offer EMDR therapy in Thunder Bay and across Ontario. Contact us today to set up an intake appointment.