Joe-Ann Watkins, a registered psychotherapist, smiling indoors with shoulder-length light brown hair and green eyes, with potted plants and a window in the background, representing compassionate counselling and therapy.

My Story

I’ve always had a feeling I’d end up here. People used to tell me I should become a therapist, and deep down, I hoped they were right. But like many journeys, the path wasn’t a straight line.

I began my career in developmental services, supporting individuals with diverse needs, and later became a Registered Nurse after earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Over the years, I worked in medical, mental health, and forensic settings. What stayed with me most weren’t the charts or procedures, it was the quiet moments of connection, of truly listening and simply being with someone in their pain, their hope, their humanity.

That calling grew louder, and I followed it. I returned to school to complete my Master’s in Counselling Psychology and am now a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I offer compassionate, trauma-informed support to individuals, couples, families, and first responders.

My approach is grounded in evidence-based models such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFIT, EFCT, and EFFT), EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy. But beyond techniques, I bring warmth, humour, and a deep belief in people’s capacity to grow and heal. I see therapy as a collaborative space where you’re not just supported , and you’re truly seen.

I'm also a proud mom to two grown sons. Being their mother has taught me so much about love, vulnerability, and resilience, all qualities that show up in my work every day.

This work feels like home to me. It’s not just what I do, it’s who I’ve always been.