Maria-Ashley Kersnik

Hi, I’m Maria-Ashley (she/her), a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) based in Barrie, Ontario. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a diploma in General Arts, Science, and Organizational Behaviour. I work with children (7+), teens, adults, and families, offering both in-person and virtual therapy.

You might be the person who seems to have everything under control on the outside, but inside your mind rarely slows down. You replay conversations, overthink decisions, put pressure on yourself to get everything “right,” and often find yourself taking care of everyone else before your own needs. Maybe anxiety has become exhausting, you’re feeling burnt out, struggling with OCD or ADHD, navigating a difficult relationship, or simply wondering why life feels so overwhelming. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

This is where therapy can help.

I believe therapy is more than learning coping skills, it’s about understanding yourself with compassion, making sense of the experiences that have shaped you, and creating lasting change. Together, we’ll explore what’s keeping you stuck while building practical tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life.

My approach is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your unique goals. I draw from evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy (ERP/ET), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Every session is individualized because no two people or their stories are the same.

I strive to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. Whether we’re helping you manage anxiety, strengthen your relationships, process difficult experiences, or build healthier patterns, we’ll work together at a pace that feels right for you. My goal isn’t to tell you who you should be, it’s to help you reconnect with who you already are beneath the stress, self-doubt, and overwhelm.

If you’re ready to take the first step, I’d be honoured to be part of your journey toward greater clarity, confidence, and emotional well-being. I look forward to meeting you.