About Sparks Counselling
Background, education, specializations and approaches.
Therapeutic Approach
An Integrated, Trauma Informed, Client Centred Approach.
My work is grounded in the belief that healing begins with genuine human connection — and I’m here to walk alongside you with warmth, curiosity, and care. My approach supports not only emotional healing, but also the resolution of long‑held patterns and the creation of a more peaceful, grounded inner world.
Areas of Specialization
Life Transitions​
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Menopause
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Perimenopause
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Andropause (males)
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Miscarriage
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Divorce
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Pregnancy
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Postpartum Depression
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Chronic illness
PTSD
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Guilt, Blame or Shame
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Anxiety & Depression
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Chronic Pain
Relationships
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Infidelity
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Betrayal
Rejection Sensitivity
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School Issues
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Spirituality
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Transgender
Mary Lee Knox-Bauer
Mary Lee is described as a welcoming, open-minded and accepting individual who has always been interested in seeing the world through others' eyes. She provides a safe and non-judgmental space as she knows how hard it can be for clients to reach out for support. She approaches therapy by using Humanistic, Solution-focused, and Strength-based therapy. She also borrows tools from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS). She is enthusiastic about working with her clients to develop healthy coping strategies and tools to support them as they navigate daily struggles and major life issues. Mary Lee also uses a biopsychosocial and spiritual framework during the assessment process to rule out biological and social factors which can impact mental health. This can be particularly helpful if clients have yet to respond to traditional styles of therapy in the past. The framework is based on a research-supported theory that found biological and social factors occur before psychological symptoms develop. Therefore, the findings can be used to formulate a treatment plan to improve or resolve mental health issues​
Education and Qaulifications
BA (Honours) in Psychology
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Distinction)
Minor in Anthropology and Culture
Additional coursework in Neuropsychology, Brain Injury Diagnosis, Treatment & Recovery
Studies in neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and the effects of inflammation on mental health.
Mary Lee is a Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying), having completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) degree (Honors Program) from Yorkville University. She also completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree (Honors Program) in Psychology at The University of Guelph. Mary Lee furthered her understanding of the biological, social and spiritual factors associated with clients' mental health by taking courses on the biological, social and spiritual effects on mental health. She also took courses and completed training, which provided her with knowledge of the neuroplasticity of the brain and insight into how we can enhance our present abilities, such as attention, memory, and empathy. Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication. She is passionate about helping those struggling with chronic pain, social isolation, social avoidance, self-esteem issues, depression, ADHD, anxiety, procrastination, burnout, gender identity, LGBTQIA2S+ struggles with life transitions, blended families, anger issues, relationships and suicidal ideation.
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During my life, I have had to overcome many health challenges and pain to reshape my identity and achieve my goals, while at times raising children on my own. My husband and I have been married and part of a blended family of seven for over 12 years.
I am passionate about helping clients adopt positive coping strategies, and lower stress levels to bring a greater sense of healing, harmony and joy back into their lives.
I do my best to create a space where you can share your unique experiences, strengths, values and beliefs without fear of judgement. Then together we can design a treatment plan that ignites a spark, and represents healing to you.
