Meet Your Therapist

Hi, I’m Mary. I am a Registered Social Worker and the founder of Black Onyx Counselling. 

My path to becoming a therapist is windy, but the highlights are that I started my early career supporting people with developmental disabilities in direct support work, both in group homes and in community-based supports. From here, I moved into case management and then finally landed here, as a therapist. I am passionate about working with people who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability, neurodivergence or learning disability. I also see lots of people who suspect that they fall into one of these categories or don’t have a formal diagnosis. I also work with lots of people who have experienced trauma, particularly if that trauma is relational or family based. 

My Approach to Therapy

My approach to this work is eclectic, but it is always grounded in the connection and relationship that I build with my clients. I practice from a trauma informed, Neurodiversity affirming and Queer and Gender affirming framework and strive to create a space where you can show up exactly as you need to. Sometimes, therapy can be hard, and I know first-hand how important it is to be able to feel safe, seen and understood by your therapist. The primary modalities that I draw from include:

• Compassion Focused Therapy

• Narrative Therapy

• Internal Family Systems

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Who I work with

• Individuals, families and those who practice ethical non-monogamy 

• Children, Teens and Adults of any age

• In person in London, Ontario, virtually across Ontario and Alberta (estimated to begin in Alberta in November 2026)

Areas of Focus

• Neurodiversity, developmental disabilities and learning disabilities

• Trauma – particularly childhood, family based and relational traumas 

• Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar disorder and those who experience psychosis 

• Navigating diverse relationship structures

• Exploring gender, sexuality and identity 

• Self/harm, suicidal ideation

• Burnout, stress, and chronic nervous system dysregulation

• Bullying, self-esteem and self-confidence