Britney Avery, MSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Yoga & Mindfulness Practitioner
Clients often describe me as warm, non-judgmental, and genuine, someone who helps them feel both seen and supported.
My curiosity about what it means to be human — how we are shaped, grow, and make meaning — led me to study psychology and sociology at Queen’s University, and later complete my Master of Social Work at Western University. Today, I’m licensed and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW).
In addition to working in social services, community development, and psychotherapy, my professional path has included formal training as a Hatha yoga teacher (200-hour YTT) and as a Registered Massage Therapist (Advanced Diploma in Massage Therapy, Fanshawe College).
After settling in London, ON and becoming a mother, I chose to narrow my professional focus and dedicate my practice fully to holistic and trauma-informed psychotherapy. My registration with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) is now inactive. While I no longer practice massage therapy, this background shapes how I understand distress: not simply as cognitive patterns, but as nervous system responses that live in the body. My approach integrates attachment-based therapy, mindfulness, and somatic awareness to help clients understand their reactions without becoming overwhelmed by them.
Mindfulness and presence are not only tools reserved for the therapy room, but they are also the foundation of how I listen and relate to others. These practices are less about striving for calm and more about increasing capacity; noticing the breath during moments of tension, staying present in difficult conversations, and holding space for strong emotion, without shutting down or escalating.
In therapy, this translates into work that is steady, grounded, and attuned.
Our experiences shape our perspective.
As a white woman (she/her) of European settler heritage, my perspective is shaped by my history and lived experiences—my family’s blended structure, neurodiversity, and long history of military service with the Canadian Armed Forces. Over the years, I’ve lived in both rural and urban communities across Canada, backpacked internationally, and eventually found home in the Forest City of London, Ontario, where I now live with my husband and son.
Outside of work, I enjoy home projects, cooking, and mindful movement, like yoga, spinning, weightlifting, swimming, and hiking the surrounding nature trails. When I’m not spending quality time with my family and friends, you’ll likely find me curled up with a warm cup of tea and a book.
If something here resonates with you, I’d be happy to connect!
My Values
Integrity means upholding personal and professional ethics, where honesty, competence, and compassion are non-negotiable. I aim to speak openly and kindly, while remaining accountable for my actions and their impact.
INTEGRITY
Connection is showing up authentically, without judgment, and being a steady presence in the lives of others. I’m intentional in bringing genuineness, warmth, and reliability to my professional and personal relationships.
CONNECTION
Growth asks us to embrace change in all aspects of our lives, while remaining grounded in our values. I'm enthusiastically committed to lifelong learning and meeting discomfort with curiosity rather than avoidance.
GROWTH
Why Balbodhi Wellness?
Balbodhi Wellness began in 2018, offering trauma-informed yoga and massage therapy. Over time, it has evolved into a psychotherapy practice shaped by an understanding and deep respect for the interconnectedness of the mind-body, and a continued commitment to trauma-informed, relational care.
The name Balbodhi combines two Sanskrit words that reflect the heart of this work:
Bal (Bala) — strength or inner power
Bodhi — awakening or deep insight
Placed together, they represent a vision of health and wellbeing that is uniquely embodied by each person through the connection with their own inner strength and wisdom. From this place, we find balance, awaken, and live well.