About James
Finding a therapist isn’t just about qualifications or experience. It’s also about finding someone you can talk to; someone who listens carefully, asks good questions and helps you look at things from a different perspective.
That’s the kind of relationship James works to create.
His approach is warm, thoughtful and straightforward. He doesn’t assume he knows what’s best for you or arrive with a predetermined idea of what therapy should look like. Instead, he takes the time to understand what’s happening in your life, what matters to you and what you want to be different.
Sometimes that means working through something difficult. Sometimes it means understanding patterns that keep showing up. And sometimes you may simply know that something doesn’t feel quite right, even if you can’t put your finger on why.
You don’t need to have it figured out before you start.
How James works
James sees therapy as a conversation with a purpose.
He brings an outside perspective without taking sides or telling you what you should do. So you can slow things down, look at what’s happening more clearly and explore possibilities that can be difficult to see when you’re in the middle of them.
James’s work is informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Rather than applying one approach to everyone, he draws from different methods depending on the person, relationship and situation in front of him.
Experience, education and professional background
James Barber, MDiv, RP, RMFT, has 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from McMaster University and a Master of Divinity in Counselling from Tyndale University. He is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
James is also a Registered Marriage & Family Therapist (RMFT) through the Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy (CACFT/ACTCF) and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). His training includes advanced work in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
In addition to his work with clients, James provides clinical supervision to psychotherapy students, RP (Qualifying) registrants and other Registered Psychotherapists. Supporting other therapists in their development keeps him engaged with the profession and creates space for ongoing reflection on the work itself.
His education, professional training and two decades of clinical experience give James a strong foundation for his work, but his approach remains personal. The person or couple sitting across from him always comes first.
See if James feels like the right fit
Reading about a therapist can only tell you so much. A conversation can tell you more.
If you’re considering individual or couples therapy, you can start with a free consultation with James. There’s no need to prepare anything in advance. It’s simply a chance to talk about what brings you to therapy and get a sense of whether working together feels right.
License and certifications
Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and qualified to offer clinical supervision approved by the College
Registered Marriage and Family Therapist with the Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)
Certified Couples and Family Therapist with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Specialties include Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.