Wanda Nayduk,
Barrie Mental Healthcare Professional
Nice to meet you
Wanda Nayduk,
Barrie Mental Healthcare Professional
Nice to meet you
In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I’m a creative at heart. I love writing, and collecting pieces of history—especially beautiful antiques that tell a story and blending with modern day decor. I’m passionate about fitness, health, and lifelong learning, and I’ve always had a deep love for animals, especially cats.
These personal passions shape the way I show up in my work. I bring curiosity, empathy, and a deep respect for each person’s unique journey into every session.
I graduated from Queen’s University in 1987 with a Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy (B.Sc. OT., OT. Reg. (ON)). I worked for sixteen years at Waypoint Mental Health Center in Penetanguishine, Ontario, initially as a staff Occupational Therapist before moving into a supervisory role across several programs: the Dual Diagnosis Program, Forensic Services Program, Acute Adult Psychiatry, Oakridges division for Criminally Insane Men, and the Psychogeriatric Program.
I also worked in the Outreach Program, providing community assessment, treatment, and consultation related to psychiatric and physical dysfunction. During this time, I was also on my own journey of personal growth and healing from childhood trauma. This led me to explore more complex forms of continuing education, deepening my insight and shaping my therapeutic approach.
Wanda graduated from Queens University in 1987 with a Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy B.Sc. OT., OT. Reg.(ON). She worked for sixteen years at Waypoint Mental Heath Center in Penetanguishine, Ontario, initially as a staff Occupational Therapist until she was promoted into a supervisory role in the following areas: Dual Diagnosis Program, Forensic Services Program, Acute Adult Psychiatry, Oakridges division for Criminally Insane Men and the Psychogeriatric Program.
Wanda also worked in the Outreach Program which provided community assessment, treatment and consultation of psychiatric/physical dysfunction to other disciplines in Mental Health. Simultaneously, Wanda went though her own therapeutic and personal growth process and began to explore continuing education of a more complex and in-depth nature which allowed her greater insight in understanding and treating her client’s issues.
Since 2003, I’ve run a private practice in Barrie, where I support clients navigating a wide range of challenges—from relationship conflict, anxiety, and mood disorders, to trauma, identity exploration, ADHD, chronic pain, caregiver burnout, and more.
Over the years, I’ve also contributed to the field beyond my practice. I served on the Patient Relations Committee for the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, helping to develop resources on professional boundaries and sexual abuse prevention in the client-therapist relationship. I also led a seminar for council members on this important topic.
For several years, I wrote a bi-weekly column called “Live and Learn” for The Barrie Advance and Mirror newspapers, where I explored themes of personal growth and life enrichment.
Today, I continue to provide full-time psychotherapy, life coaching, and in-depth counselling tailored to each client’s individual needs, preferences, and style. I regularly attend seminars and conferences across the world to expand my knowledge and better serve the people I work with.
