Meet Our Team
Devin Wilder
CEO - Clinical Director
As CEO of First Talk Counselling and Wellness, it is my mission to advocate for self-care and self-growth, while providing the highest calibre of mental health services to our community. Inspired by my experiences working in a family-focused legal practice, First Talk was developed with the goal of creating a client centric model that is rooted in a respectful and safe environment. My goal is to empower individuals’ to explore their thoughts and feelings while equipping them with the tools required to live a healthier, happier lifestyle.
My interest in mental health sparked during my undergraduate studies when I chose to enroll into a psychology course on a whim. I found myself captivated by the area of clinical psychology. Over time and upon continued study, I recognized the value of counselling, particularly its personal healing and profound transformation characteristics.
Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I ventured into additional post secondary education with the goal of becoming a lawyer. After graduating from law school and completing my articles, I joined a legal practice in Saskatoon, specializing in the area of family law. It was through my work as a lawyer that I began to recognize the need for accessible mental health services in our community.
And thus, First Talk Counselling and Wellness was born.
To me, First Talk is more than a counselling practice; it’s a voice advocating for the complete delivery of mental health services. Reaching out for help is not a weakness or personal failing, it is a demonstration of trust, and we are dedicated to breaking stereotypes that deter and stigmatise personal care. The most impactful action one can take is having the First Talk. Whether with your friends, family, coworkers, or medical professional, the topic of mental health should be of high importance for everyone. This mindset resonates throughout our entire practice.
The First Talk team is a group of highly trained, experienced, and registered mental health counsellors. Our team is committed to providing a safe, honest, and non-judgmental space for all. We offer a comprehensive range of counselling services tailored to the individuals’ needs and we strive to ensure our services are of unprecedented standard.
Welcome! Your First Talk starts here.
Travis McNulty
Co-Founder - Licensed Mental Health Counsellor
I started my career as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, and found the standard of care for mental health services in our country needed serious improvement. I established McNulty Counseling and Wellness in 2018 and we now have 4 different practice locations (and growing) across Florida all revolutionizing the approach to how we treat mental health issues in our communities. We’ve recruited the best of the best clinicians, all of whom, ensure that making people feel their best is at the core of why we do what we do.
Devin and I met a few years ago and instantly connected over a shared passion for combatting the growing mental health epidemic. Through our diligent research, we quickly found that Canada had similar problems as the US which is the quality of care just isn’t there. We started to collaborate on opening up First Talk which shares the exact methods of MCW that have helped tens of thousands of clients to feel their best selves.
It’s our mission to bring quality mental health services to those who have lost hope, to repair those relationships that seemed irreparable, to help people find confidence when struggling with self-esteem, to affirm whatever identity that you identify with, to overcome anxiety and depression, to deliver great therapy to those who have had poor experiences with therapy in the past, to encourage loving whom you want to love, and to help you lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Life is short and you deserve to be happy, and that’s just what you’ll get from First Talk.
Ramona P. Wijesinghe
Registered Social Worker
Hi, I’m Ramona!
As a Registered Social Worker with over 16 years of experience in counselling, I am passionate about helping individuals and families find their own inner path towards a healthier life. My approach is client-focused, non-judgemental, and rooted in warmth, acceptance, empathy, compassion, and understanding. With my approach comes an extensive background in:
- Applied Suicide
- Intervention Skills,
- Crisis Response Planning,
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy,
- Fundamentals of Addiction,
- Theraplay Level 1, and
- Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 & 2.
Drawing further on my training in mental health, domestic violence, sexual abuse, cultural awareness, and relationship issues, I am well-rounded to provide meaningful support for anyone who steps through our door.
When you come to me for your counselling needs, I provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment for you to explore and process your experiences. I will listen with an open heart and mind, and will encourage you to find the best version of yourself. I understand that it can be difficult to take the first step in seeking help, but I am here to make that journey easier. I will walk with you every step of the way and guide you through the process of healing and growth. You are valuable and I believe in your capacity to find your own inner path to a healthier and happier life.
My philosophy is rooted in the understanding that we all fall, break, and fail, but then we can rise, heal, and overcome. It is a process and it takes time, but you matter and I am here to help you.
Reach out today and let’s have the First Talk towards your healing journey.
Let’s Have The First Talk