Billie-Jo Bennett, MSW RSW, CPT

Billie-Jo is the owner, lead therapist, and clinical director of The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre.

She holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. Billie-Jo is a Registered Social Worker (RSW), Certified Play Therapist with the Canadian Association of Play therapy (CAPT), EMDR Certified Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. She is also a qualifying play therapy (CAPT) supervisor. Billie-Jo is an EMDR child Specialist (AGATE) trained to work with various levels of trauma including simple, complex and dissociative disorders. Billie-Jo is also trained in the EMDR Sand tray protocol (AGATE) for complex trauma and dissociation. Billie-Jo is an integrative therapist who uses a variety of modalities including Child Centered Play therapy, EMDR, Theraplay®, Sand tray, and NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback to support the healing journey for her clients.

Billie-Jo is also a Circle of Security® facilitator and is well versed in attachment and supporting parents in their parenting journey. In addition to the above specializations, Billie-Jo is also faculty at Envision Workshops, offering facilitation of basic EMDR training. She is available for EMDR consultation for certification, case consultation as well as for those wanting to become an EMDRIA Approved consultant. Billie-Jo works with all ages including children, adolescents and children. She has worked with complex trauma over the span of her career, including twenty years in child welfare and residential settings prior to transitioning into private practice.

Billie-Jo is passionate about cultivating the healing space at The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre for children, teens, adults, and families. The clinic is nestled in the heart of downtown Hespeler in a 180-year-old historic building. Much thought and care has gone into the development of two fully equipped play therapy rooms, counselling spaces, and a neurofeedback office to support the healing journey for clients that seek refuge at The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre.

Rachel Porter, MSW

Rachel joined the team at The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre Services in September 2021 as a child and adolescent therapy intern. She holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. Rachel completed her intensive training in play therapy through the Canadian Association for Play therapy (CAPT) in 2022. Rachel is working toward certification in play therapy. She has a rare and unique skill at being able to bridge theory to practice. Rachel is certified in NeurOptimal®Neurofeedback, and is the coordinator and lead provider of Neurofeedback for our clients here at The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre.

Rachel is available Monday to Friday for neurofeedback sessions.

Additionally, Rachel has completed training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and has special interest in narrative therapy, solution focused therapy, and play therapy.
Rachel has clinical counselling experience with C-PTSD clients, as well as a wealth of experience working with and applying her knowledge of child development with children and youth.
Rachel strives to make families, children and adolescents feel comfortable and welcomed on their therapeutic journey.
Rachel is supervised by Billie-Jo Bennett in her clinical practice. A team approach is also offered with Rachel offering play therapy and Billie-Jo providing parent sessions.

Our Healing Space

The Purple Butterfly Healing Centre is located in a historic 180-year-old office space nestled in old Hespeler Village (Cambridge, Ontario).

Our healing space is designed to support all client populations including adults, adolescents, and children.

Our vision is to provide a warm and welcoming space for all.