Hi, I’m Amber.

MSW, RSW

With more than 25 years as an active social worker and therapist, I bring a strong academic, practical & personal foundation to my practice.

Having earned an Honours Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work, plus specialized training and certification in multiple therapeutic modalities, my abilities as an effective counsellor go well beyond a formal education:

I offer a deeply personal perspective shaped by lived experience.

My own journey, marked by childhood and relationship trauma, led me to the helping profession.

Through education, reflection, and personal growth, I now enjoy meaningful relationships and fulfillment in life.

And it is this transformation that fuels my passion for guiding individuals and families toward similar healing and empowerment.

As a Métis woman, my business name reflects my heritage and commitment.

The Prairie Rose, a symbol of Métis women, represents love, resilience, and growth, and those are the values that define both my personal journey and therapeutic approach.

Through empathy, understanding, and professional expertise, I aim to support people from all walks of life in their path toward healing and personal transformation.

About Amber Ballam, MSW-RSW-owner of Prairie Rose Counselling
About Amber Ballam, MSW-RSW-owner of Prairie Rose Counselling

What Starting Your Therapy Looks Like

Starting therapy can feel nerve-wracking, but knowing what to expect can ease the anxiety. Your first session is a chance to set personal goals, share relevant background, and get comfortable with the process.
Treatment Roadmap: First Step

Reaching Out:

You'll get the ball rolling by sending me a contact form so we can schedule a call that works on your schedule.

Our First Call:

During our first call, you'll tell me a bit about yourself, your challenges, and we'll generally get to know one another.

Treatment Roadmap: Third Step

Moving Forward:

If you think we'd be a good fit for one another, we can schedule a virtual counselling session.

Treatment Roadmap: Fourth Step

Planning & Treatment:

If you would like to continue our sessions, I will put together an ongoing plan to help you meet your goals.

Treatment Roadmap: Fifth Step

Ending Your Therapy:

We'll regularly assess any treatment progress you've made and plan any next-steps to help you going forward.

Virtual Counselling Services

Services: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Counselling

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Counselling

Also known as "CBT", Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps individuals manage mental health challenges by addressing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a trained therapist in a safe environment.

Services: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counselling

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Counselling

Commonly referred to as "PTSD", this type of counseling involves a variety of trauma-focused therapies that help individuals process and manage the effects of their traumatic experiences.

Services: Intimate Partner Violence Counselling

Intimate Partner Violence Counselling

Intimate Partner Violence, or "IPV", helps clients by providing a safe space for victims to express their feelings, identify abusive patterns, and understand that the abuse is not their fault.

Services: Addiction & Recovery Counselling

Addiction & Recovery Counselling

Helping people struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs), provided by a trained and experienced counselor who offers support, guidance, and education about addiction and the recovery journey.

Services: Perinatal Mental Health Counselling

Perinatal Mental Health Counselling

Expectant parents may have concerns, anxieties, or unresolved issues related to their own childhood, past traumas, or relationship dynamics that need to be addressed before the baby arrives.

Services: Grief & Grieving Counselling

Grief & Grieving Counselling

Grief counseling is a type of mental health support that helps individuals cope with the emotional, psychological, and social impacts of loss, such as the death of a loved one, a relationship breakup, or other significant life changes.

Services: Family Dynamics Counselling

Family Dynamics Counselling

Family dynamics counselling, also known as family therapy or marriage and family therapy (MFT), focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and understanding the intricate patterns within family systems.

Services: Emotional & Psychological Trauma Counselling

Personal & Emotional Trauma Counselling

Personal and Emotional Trauma Counselling is a specialized form of therapy that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences, including those that have had a significant impact on their emotional well-being.

Education & Continued Studies

University Of Manitoba School of Social Work Masters Degree
University Of Manitoba School of Social Work Masters Degree (MSW)
University Of Manitoba School of Social Work Degree
University Of Manitoba School of Social Work Degree (BSW)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training with The Hospital For Sick Children
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training with The Hospital For Sick Children
Ontario College Of Social Workers Professional Membership
Ontario College Of Social Workers Professional Membership
Certified Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) training with Candice Monson
Certified Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) training with Candice Monson
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy training with Equilibrium Mental Health & Wellness
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy training with Equilibrium Mental Health & Wellness

Let's Talk!

Contact me today and we'll schedule a convenient day & time for your free, 15 minute phone consultation. Simple!

virtual appointment sessions are available to local residents in the Durham Region area:

virtual online appointments are also available for residents throughout Ontario: