Psychology Services: Meet our team

Paula Boanta has worked with psychologist Dr. Barbera providing supervised psychology services since 2017. She was a previous graduate intern therapist. Paula is a bilingual therapist speaking both English & Romanian. She holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour & a Masters degree in Clinical/Counselling Psychology. Paula graduated in June 2019 & has been working as a clinical therapist since. She has experience assisting individuals with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, trauma, depression, OCD, social anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder & workplace injury. Paula also has experience with assessment & diagnosis. As a therapist, Paula provides a very empathic & supportive therapeutic relationship to explore & better understand oneself. Paula uses a variety of approaches including CBT, ACT, DBT, EFT, Mindfulness and Internal Family Systems. She has experience working with individuals referred through the WSIB and Veteran Affairs. Paula is currently completing her post-masters work towards registering as a psychological associate in supervised practice. Paula works with both adults & adolescents in Hamilton or online. Outside of the office Paula enjoys hiking in nature, traveling to new destinations, & drawing, which has been a passion of hers since childhood. 

Jenn Struth has worked as a therapist with Psychologist Dr. Barbera in Hamilton since June 2019. Jenn completed a Masters degree in Psychology from  Adler.  Jenn is now providing supervised psychology services and completing her post-masters work towards registering as a Psychological Associate in supervised practice. As a therapist, Jenn likes to work collaboratively with her clients creating a safe, empathic, and nonjudgmental space to assist them in reaching their goals. Jenn prefers to fit the approach to the needs and personality of each individual client utilizing techniques from CBT, ACT, DBT, EFT, and Internal Family Systems. She has experience using these approaches to assist individuals with concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, worry, panic, substance use, low self-esteem, and relationship conflict. Jenn works with adults, adolescents & couples.

​Melissa has worked with Psychologist Dr. Barbera, providing supervised psychology services since 2015. Melissa  is  a  Registered  Psychotherapist.  She has a Bachelors degree in Psychology as well as a Masters degree in mental health counselling with a number of years of experience providing counselling to others for concerns with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma & PTSD, social anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction, and workplace injury. Melissa attends much of the same clinical training as Dr. Barbera, including advanced EMDR, EFT, CBT, treating first responders, & IFS. Prior to beginning to practice as a therapist, Melissa spent nearly a decade working in the community, providing support to those in poverty by way of the Good Sheppard organization, as well as volunteering in crisis support with the sexual assault center of Hamilton. Melissa works with both adults & adolescents and has a passion to help individuals discover their true Selves by guiding them to self-compassion, confidence, and understanding. She is devoted to the individuals she works with which is evidenced by the healing that transpires in the therapy room. Outside of providing therapy, Melissa enjoy’s hiking with her husband, spending time with family & traveling in search of new destinations & cultural experiences. 

Audrey Gutierrez has worked with Dr. Barbera providing supervised psychology services since 2018, first as a graduate intern therapist and currently as Post Masters Clinical Therapist. Audrey is a bilingual therapist, speaking both French and English fluently who is originally from Montreal, QC where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Behavioral Sciences and Sociology, from McGill University. Additionally, she obtained a master’s in clinical/Counselling Psychology. While living in Montreal, she gained experience working with teenagers in a community outreach center, working the crisis and intervention line for an E.A.P and conducting psychiatric assessments for the schizophrenic population., Audrey has lived in Ontario for over ten years and has gained a range of experience as a counsellor assisting with a variety of challenges which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• anxiety, 
• depression, 
• complex trauma, 
• grief, 
• suicidal ideation,
• relationship conflict, 
• marital issues, 
• post traumatic stress disorder, 
• OCD, 
• low self esteem and 
• emotional regulation. 

Audrey prefers an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing several therapeutic modalities such CBT, DBT, ACT, IFS and trauma informed. Regardless of the approach used in therapy, Audrey strongly believes in creating a warm, supportive, safe and judgment free space in session. She also strives to create a trustworthy relationship and therapeutic bond with her clients. Audrey works with adults and couples. In her free time, Audrey enjoys swimming, traveling, cooking and just having fun with her husband and three children.

Kim Friesen worked for over 10 years in the health care field as well as working in various capacities in a women’s transitional home. She completed a practicum placement as a therapist in psychologist Dr. Barbera's practice, where she provided supervised psychology services from September 2019 to April 2020. Kim  is  a  Registered  Psychotherapist (Qualifying).  She graduated with a Master’s degree in counselling and psychotherapy in June 2020. Previously she was an intern therapist at a counselling agency as part of her undergrad in Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies. In addition, she has an Addictions Careworker Diploma through McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario.  As a therapist, Kim likes to work collaboratively with her clients creating a safe, nonjudgmental space to assist them to reach their goals. She prefers to fit the approach to her clients and uses CBT, DBT, EFT, Narrative Therapy and Internal Family Systems. She works with adults, adolescents & couples. 

Samantha is currently completing her Masters degree in Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional school, and is in line to graduate by August 2021. Samantha completed her undergraduate degree in 2019, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, from the University of Western Ontario. As a new therapist, Samantha is motivated to provide a therapeutic modality that best fits the client’s needs and cultivate a warm, supportive therapeutic environment. She is working under the supervision of psychologist Dr. Barbera C. Psych in Hamilton Ontario.  Samantha can provide counselling and therapy for issues related to stress, works-life balance, low-mood, anxiety, low self-esteem,  relationship conflict, decision conflict and sleep disruption and trauma. Samantha uses a combination of CBT, ACT, DBT & mindfulness, as well as an EFT & IFS informed approach.​​ Samantha  works with adults, adolescents & couples. Available for supervised psychology services starting in September, 2020.