Who We Are:

Our counsellors have both specialized in advanced clinical practice using Narrative, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioural, and Family Systems Therapies.

Fundamental to their approach is the view that the client is the expert on his/her own issue and that he or she has, with the collaboration of a counsellor, the ability to overcome the issues that they face.  By basing their therapy on a cognitive structure, Murray and Ruby help the client to become aware of the connections between how their thoughts influence feelings and, consequently, their behaviours.  Their approach focuses on the strengths of the individual while rejecting the judgements and labels that pathologise us.

They are registered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers and with Canadian Association of Social Workers and adhere to the Ethical Standards and Principals of their profession.

Murray Smith

BA (Hons), MSW, RSW

Murray started working with homeless youth in Toronto in 1994 and has since gone on to providing services to a diverse clientele with a wide variety of issues from various backgrounds.  His experience includes work in mental health counselling, community development, mediation, advocacy, research, and providing seminars and workshops.  Murray has been involved in several grass-root initiatives to reduce homelessness and to improve the quality of life for people living in marginalised conditions.

He completed his Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science at York University and went on to finish his Bachelor of Social Work degree from Ryerson University in Toronto.  He received his Master of Social Work degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland where he specialised in addiction counselling and mediation.

Client empowerment is the cornerstone of his approach to working with people; as well as his use of honesty, empathy, humour, and respect.  Murray believes in the importance of meeting people at their level of readiness to change and collaborating to establish goals.

 MSW, RSW

Ruby began her career working with children with developmental disabilities as a student assistant working within the school setting.  Prior to joining us, she was providing mental health and addictions counselling on the west coast of Newfoundland.  While there, she was worked with other members of her community in the local Council.  Following that she provided clinical therapy and mediation with the Department of Justice.

Ruby received her Bachelor and her Master of Social Work degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland where she specialised in advanced clinical practice.

She has experience in working with and advocating on behalf of children and families.  Ruby has worked throughout Western Newfoundland, Nunavut, and the United Kingdom and brings to her practice an understanding of, and respect for the importance of social differences.  Her work within various cultural settings, both rural and urban, has enhanced her ability to effectively meet her client’s needs.