Wanda Nayduk,
Barrie Mental Healthcare Professional
Nice to meet you
Wanda Nayduk,
Barrie Mental Healthcare Professional
Nice to meet you
At the heart of it all, my practice is guided by a belief that healing is always possible—that resilience is within reach, and that every person deserves to feel supported as they move toward balance, clarity, and wholeness.
My path into this work began with a degree in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University in 1987, but the deeper truth is that I was drawn to this field long before any formal training. I’ve always been curious about people—their stories, their struggles, and the inner strength that allows them to keep going. My years working at Waypoint Mental Health Centre were formative, not only because of the diverse programs I was part of, but because they showed me how layered and sacred the healing journey really is. Whether I was working with individuals facing psychiatric illness, complex trauma, or life transitions, I witnessed again and again the courage it takes to heal and the transformation that becomes possible when someone feels truly seen.
At the same time, I was on my own journey of healing from childhood trauma. That experience humbled me and deepened my practice—it gave me empathy not just as a clinician, but as a fellow traveler. My continuing education over the years has never been about collecting credentials; it has been about seeking wisdom, insight, and practices that allow me to show up more fully for the people I serve.
At the heart of it all, my practice is guided by a belief that healing is always possible—that resilience is within reach, and that every person deserves to feel supported as they move toward balance, clarity, and wholeness.
My path into this work began with a degree in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University in 1987, but the deeper truth is that I was drawn to this field long before any formal training. I’ve always been curious about people—their stories, their struggles, and the inner strength that allows them to keep going. My years working at Waypoint Mental Health Centre were formative, not only because of the diverse programs I was part of, but because they showed me how layered and sacred the healing journey really is. Whether I was working with individuals facing psychiatric illness, complex trauma, or life transitions, I witnessed again and again the courage it takes to heal and the transformation that becomes possible when someone feels truly seen.
At the same time, I was on my own journey of healing from childhood trauma. That experience humbled me and deepened my practice—it gave me empathy not just as a clinician, but as a fellow traveler. My continuing education over the years has never been about collecting credentials; it has been about seeking wisdom, insight, and practices that allow me to show up more fully for the people I serve.
Since 2003, I’ve carried this work into private practice in Barrie. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with people navigating so many facets of life—trauma, anxiety, relationship struggles, identity questions, burnout, grief, and the search for meaning. Each story is unique, and each journey sacred. My role is to meet people exactly where they are, whether through psychotherapy, life coaching, or spiritual direction, and walk with them as they uncover what’s possible for their own lives.
Beyond one-to-one work, I’ve contributed to the wider field—helping create resources around professional boundaries and safe, respectful practice, and sharing reflections in my Live and Learn newspaper column about personal growth and life enrichment. I also continue to expand my learning by attending seminars and gatherings across the world, finding inspiration in both ancient traditions and modern approaches to healing.
And while my professional life is deeply fulfilling, who I am outside of it also shapes how I show up. In addition to being a psychotherapist, I’ve always been a creative at heart. Writing has been a lifelong passion, along with collecting antiques that carry whispers of history and blending them with modern design. I love the way objects and spaces tell stories—much like people do. Fitness, health, and lifelong learning are cornerstones of my life, and animals—especially cats—have always held a special place in my heart.”
Since 2003, I’ve carried this work into private practice in Barrie. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with people navigating so many facets of life—trauma, anxiety, relationship struggles, identity questions, burnout, grief, and the search for meaning. Each story is unique, and each journey sacred. My role is to meet people exactly where they are, whether through psychotherapy, life coaching, or spiritual direction, and walk with them as they uncover what’s possible for their own lives.
Beyond one-to-one work, I’ve contributed to the wider field—helping create resources around professional boundaries and safe, respectful practice, and sharing reflections in my Live and Learn newspaper column about personal growth and life enrichment. I also continue to expand my learning by attending seminars and gatherings across the world, finding inspiration in both ancient traditions and modern approaches to healing.
And while my professional life is deeply fulfilling, who I am outside of it also shapes how I show up. In addition to being a psychotherapist, I’ve always been a creative at heart. Writing has been a lifelong passion, along with collecting antiques that carry whispers of history and blending them with modern design. I love the way objects and spaces tell stories—much like people do. Fitness, health, and lifelong learning are cornerstones of my life, and animals—especially cats—have always held a special place in my heart.”
