Abby Simpson

Education

Abby completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) with a minor in Psychology at McMaster University and is currently pursuing her Master of Psychotherapy at the University of Guelph.

Her education reflects a strong foundation in evidence-based care, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and narrative therapy, all grounded in a trauma-informed lens.

Work Experience

Abby has worked with youth, adults, couples, and families, offering a collaborative and supportive approach that meets clients where they are. She understands that starting therapy, especially affordable therapy, can feel like a big step, and focuses on making that first experience feel approachable and safe. Her approach is warm, curious, and non-judgmental, with a focus on helping clients feel understood while also gently supporting growth and change over time.

Her experience as a Crisis Responder with Kids Help Phone allowed her to support individuals navigating anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional distress in real time, strengthening her ability to stay grounded and present during difficult moments.

Abby has also supported children and families through her work with Ronald McDonald House, after-school programs, and community initiatives, deepening her understanding of family dynamics, developmental stages, and the impact of early experiences.

In addition to her clinical work, Abby brings experience in research, digital health, and physician wellness, giving her a broader perspective on how mental health, stress, and performance intersect in everyday life.

Abby is especially passionate about supporting young people and individuals who feel unsure of where to start. Many of the clients she works with are navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, or a sense that something feels “off” but hard to name.

She believes therapy should feel like a collaborative process, not something being done to you, but something you actively take part in. Abby creates space for clients to explore patterns, reflect on past experiences, and build a stronger, more grounded sense of self.

If you’re looking for affordable therapy in Burlington, working with a student therapist like Abby can be a meaningful way to begin your therapy journey with support, intention, and care.

Personal Life

In her personal life, Abby’s favourite pastimes are creative ones. Music was her first passion. Growing up, her dad would play Maple Leaf Rag as she danced around the living room with her sister (they called it the dancing song). Since then, playing the piano and listening to music have continued to be sources of joy and balance in her life.

Writing has also been a meaningful creative outlet for Abby. She spends a lot of time exploring experiences and perspectives through storytelling. Abby connects her love of stories closely to her work as a therapist. To her, hearing and honouring people’s stories is one of the most important things a therapist could do.

In her free time, Abby also loves to dabble in drawing and painting (with mixed results but plenty of enjoyment), spend time with her friends, and go to the movies. She is a particularly avid enjoyer of psychological thrillers! She is also an animal lover, with a family dog named Coco and two guinea pigs named Francine and Muffy – named after the Arthur characters!

Abby also enjoys hiking and travelling. Recently, she has been to the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, and Mexico. She is happiest when she’s by the ocean, particularly on the Canadian east coast, where her family is from. She has many fond memories of campfires, beach days, and sunset walks in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEI.