Mary Lee Knox-Bauer
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.
Why Work with Me?
Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision. You deserve someone who sees you as a whole person — not a diagnosis, not a set of symptoms, and not a problem to be solved. My work is grounded in warmth, collaboration, and a deep respect for your lived experience.
Here’s what clients often appreciate about working with me:
A Warm, Relational Presence
You’ll be met with compassion, curiosity, and steadiness — never judgment or pressure. I move at your pace, and I honour the wisdom of your nervous system.
A Holistic, Biopsychosocial‑Spiritual Lens
I look at the whole picture: your body, your thoughts, your relationships, your environment, your identity, and your sense of meaning. Healing is rarely about one thing — it’s about understanding how all the pieces fit together.
An Eclectic, Research‑Aligned Approach
I blend modalities intentionally — not randomly — so therapy fits you, not a formula. My training includes advanced IFS (21.25 hours), RLT with Terry Real, ADHD training with David Nowell, PhD, Hypnotherapy, CBT, Solution‑Focused Therapy, Family Systems, Gestalt, Strength‑Based approaches, Gottman Method, trauma‑informed work, and Brainspotting (in progress).
A Focus on Real‑Life Change
Talking is important — it’s the director of the process — but real transformation happens in the small, doable shifts you make between sessions. We build changes that are sustainable, compassionate, and aligned with your authentic self.
Creativity, Movement & Connection as Healing Tools
I believe deeply in the healing power of creativity, movement, and social connection. These aren’t “extras” — they’re powerful regulators of the nervous system. I integrate these elements into therapy when it feels right, and I live them in my own life through painting, singing, writing, and staying connected with friends.
A Space to Reconnect With Your Spark
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of who you are right now, therapy becomes a place to rediscover what brings you meaning, joy, and a sense of aliveness.
Qualifications and Professional Training
Licensing & Credentials
• Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) — CRPO
• Canadian Certified Counsellor — CCPA
Advanced Clinical Training
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) — 21.25 hours of advanced training with certificates for each module; taught by Frank Anderson, MD; Richard Schwartz, PhD; Cece Sykes, LCSW; Jeanne Catanzaro, PhD; Toni Herbine‑Blank, MSN, RN; Pamela Krause, LCSW; and others
• Relational Life Therapy (RLT) — Level 1 Certification (in progress), trained directly with Terry Real, founder of RLT
• ADHD: Changing the ADHD Brain — Moving Beyond Medication — Certificate completed with David Nowell, PhD
• Hypnotherapy — Certificate completed
University Specializations
• Solution‑Focused Therapy — specialization
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — specialization
• Family Systems Therapy — specialization
• Gestalt Therapy — university coursework
• Strength‑Based Approaches — university coursework
Additional Training
• Gottman Method — coursework completed
• Brainspotting — training in progress
• Trauma‑informed and attachment‑based approaches