About Tali, MSW

Tali Barclay, Registered Social Worker

Tali works with youth (16+), adults and couples, and specializes in utilizing an integrative, trauma-informed approach for a broad range of psychological challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and relationship concerns.

Offering in-person and virtual counselling sessions, Tali uses a trauma-informed and client-centred approach in supporting those she works with to create the positive change they are hoping for.

She is especially passionate about helping individuals prevent operational stress from developing into long-term psychological suffering. Operational stress can present as burnout, increased fatigue, anxiety, irritability, disturbed sleep and hyper-/hypo-arousal. Tali has an interest in supporting first responders and those experiencing acute or cumulative occupational stress and trauma, and has extensive experience working with police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, nurses, and military personnel. Her utilization of trauma-focused modalities fosters a therapeutic environment to address trauma-related symptoms, stress, burnout and to cultivate greater mental health resilience. 

Having completed Level I and Level II training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Tali draws upon her skills and experience to support couples with healing and strengthening their relationship, and to overcome various challenges, such as communication, emotional disconnect, trust, intimacy, and infidelity. Ultimately, Tali aims to help those she works with to build greater harmony and understanding across individual differences so their relationship can grow and thrive.

Tali also offers parenting sessions, working with one or both partners, to develop a more effective “same page” parenting approach and to foster improved relationships with their children. Additionally, Tali works with parents and their adolescent children to strengthen their relationships by facilitating safe sharing in sessions, building more effective communication skills, seeking to understand the hurts and needs of one another, and to elicit the possibilities for positive change and connections moving forward.

Approach: Tali uses an evidence-based, integrative approach to counselling, drawing on a number of therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal, and emotion-focused therapies, along with the Gottman approach for couples, to address clients’ distinct needs and goals. She works compassionately and collaboratively with her clients both virtually and in person.

Populations: Youth (16+), adults, first responders, parents and couples. 

Specializations: Occupational Stress, Couples Counselling, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and Addictions.

Educational Background: Tali is a registered social worker with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW). Her educational background includes a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto, in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Development.

Beyond the Work: Outside of work, Tali finds joy in spending time with the people she loves, cooking, creating art and exploring the beautiful outdoors.