Southwest Counselling Services

08/13/2026

VIP Rail committed to starting the conversation about mental health in the workplace.

We are so thankful for Chris Dobbelaar, CF Industries and Matt Barnes from Southwest Counselling Services for spending time with the Team at VIP. Chris has an extraordinary story that he openly shares and we have such gratitude for his willingness to do so, all in an effort to help others.

Thank you Chris and VIP for choosing Project Mental Wellness as the recipient of your generous donation. Your trust in our dedication to mental
health awareness means so much.

07/28/2026

The faces & the names behind the Male Ally Coalition.

These are the dedicated AMBASSADORS who represent the Male Ally Coalition and are committed to creating positive change through allyship, education, and community action.

Erik Cherski, Ron Smith, Brian White, Matt Barnes, Blayne Mowbray, Zackery Roos, and Matthew Shepley.

06/23/2026

June is Men's Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and encourage meaningful conversations around mental wellness.

Recently, Matt had the opportunity to speak at Vision Nursing & Rest Home alongside Brian Knowles on the topic of men's mental health. Together, they explored how generations such as The Silent Generation and the Baby Boomers have shaped many of our ideas about masculinity, emotional expression, and seeking support. Brian also shared insights from his years in policing and his experiences with PTSD.

One of the key messages from the discussion was simple: mental health support needs to be offered in ways that work for men. Whether it's checking in on a friend, starting a conversation, or reaching out for help yourself, connection matters.

A special thank you to Vision Nursing and Rest Home for hosting the event and for their generous $500 donation to Project Mental Wellness.

06/18/2026

🎙️ The latest episode of Social Work Me is now available.

In Episode 49, Michele gathers with hobbyist illustrator and author Brittany Sciolla for a great conversation to support parents, caregivers, and those connected with kids on ways to enjoy connective opportunities and to intentionally tap into those moments. This is not a “doing more” conversation but one that allows parents and caregivers to recognize and relish the moments that are already presented and how simplicity is key.

🎧 Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/48ec8lBed8bpNrs3onnPjB?si=go8pvKGLRvqrJ0uS4NCqNg

06/12/2026

Today at 2pm at Vision Nursing Home! 💚

This will be a fantastic event - Both Brian and Matt are wonderful speakers and experts in their respective areas of knowledge! Hats off to Vision Nursing Home for planning this amazing opportunity for folks to learn more about men’s mental health - through the life span!

Join us tomorrow Friday June 12@2:00pm in the Grand Room to hear about Men’s Mental Health. This session is open to everyone. Please wear your GREEN in support of Mental Health Awareness.

05/29/2026

🎒 Back to school!

We’re excited to share that this fall, Matt will be heading back to the classroom to pursue his PhD in Social Work at the University of Windsor.

Unlike Billy Madison, Matt already passed elementary school… but he’s choosing to do more homework anyway.

As he takes on this next chapter, Matt will be stepping away from clinical counselling work for the academic year to focus on his studies. The good news? He’ll continue working with sports and corporate teams, helping optimize mental health, resilience, leadership, and performance.

We’re incredibly proud of Matt’s commitment to lifelong learning and can’t wait to see what this journey brings. Please join us in wishing him success!

05/21/2026

Award winning journalist Cathy Dobson and photographer Glenn Ogilvie have recently published a series titled ‘Roads to Recovery’ with the Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton.

The series features powerful stories of addiction and different paths to recovery while giving a hopeful outlook from local advocates and service providers in Sarnia-Lambton.

Here is a glimpse and you can view the whole series via the link in our stories 💛

05/16/2026

A story of hope and optimism from Cathy Dobson and Glen Ogilvie ❤️

ROADS TO RECOVERY: EXPERTS IN LAMBTON HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HOPEFUL

The first of series from The Independent from Journalist Cathy Dobson and Photo Journalist Glenn Ogilvie

https://fb-news-sharer.pebmac.workers.dev/https://petrolialambtonindependent.ca/2026/05/15/roads-to-recovery-experts-have-never-been-so-hopeful/

05/05/2026

That’s a wrap on another successful Skills Ontario Competition in Toronto 🙌

As the largest skilled trades competition in Canada, the event brought together over 2,400 competitors across 70+ contests, with more than 20,000 spectators in attendance—serving as a qualifier for the national stage 🇨🇦

For our Mental Performance team, it was a great reminder that preparation is everything when it comes to competition. Nerves, stress, and performance anxiety thrive on a lack of preparation. Through visualization, mental rehearsal, routines, and intentional practice, competitors can step in feeling calm, confident, and focused.

Whether it’s plating a culinary dish or hitting a free throw, mental skills are your greatest ally. 🧠💪

03/12/2026

🎙️ The latest episode of Social Work Me is now available.

On Episode 48, Matt is joined by an international guest - Yasmine Loupis who is an Australian social worker, rehabilitation case manager, and podcaster. Yasmine specializes in the area of rehabilitation and brings a wealth of experience in supporting people who experience long-term problems with movement, thinking and emotions resulting from an accident or sudden injury or illness, as well as the people who care for them.

🎧 Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3imR1dLAzyJVCCI4Yx4k4T?si=dyOSycDdQm2hrNWlKjoi2w