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Therapies & Populations
Alison draws upon an eclectic composition of therapeutic modalities, selecting most the appropriate combination based on the client at hand. Her frequently chosen theoretical frameworks include Narrative Therapy, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Attachment and Psychodynamic Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, and the Polyvagal Theory. Alison integrates Family Systems theory when supporting a family unit, and infuses all her work with cultural humility, trauma-informed care, person-centered and strengths-based counselling. She had the opportunity to learn directly from a Registered Horticulture Therapist, and will be focusing on delivering some nature-based programming and therapeutic horticulture in the coming months.
Alison: Who I Am
As counselor...
As a counselor, my approach to wellness is quite multi-faceted. I believe in caring for the whole person in an attentive and mindful capacity, while honouring what feels most helpful to who I am supporting. Sometimes this falls under pop-culture endowed methodology like meditation or yoga, and in many instances, it involves small shifts in day-to-day patterns that are often overlooked or feel impossible. Contextual factors are influential on a person's potential and life satisfaction, but I view the means of wellness and peace as something that comes from within. From this standpoint, the client is the expert whom I feel privileged to walk alongside. I am here to listen, make observations, to offer objective insights and theoretical explanations. Each of these may be accepted or rejected by a client, and I welcome a counter as this helps me adapt my approach based on what I am hearing.
Most importantly, I see it not only as my job, but my calling to provide validation, respect, and compassion. I am not here to judge you, nor impose my unsolicited opinions. I tend to prompt folks toward noticing what is occurring in their mind and body, to develop greater self-awareness and uncover how others have influenced these experiences, thoughts, or beliefs. Something I have found exciting about my own therapy journey was the unexpected opportunity to learn about myself in a deeper way, and as a result, better prioritize my needs. I can support you whether you are ready or not to make tangible changes, because I believe very strongly in the stages of change readiness, and can relate to change resistance. This resistance can point us in helpful directions as we find what the true work will be.
As person...
I hail from our local village of Heatherton, and feel very privileged to have the opportunity to offer counselling services out of the same community where I attended local fun days 4-H, and school growing up. In my personal life, my routine is quite simplistic. I thoroughly enjoy attending local markets with friends (especially the holiday ones), I love coffee, and spending cozy time with my two beagles June and Cash. We have added a cat named Daisy to the mix, so I can say I also cherish my downtime spent in her company. I feel privileged to remain connected to my family by living in my hometown, and this is a large part of my downtime as well.
As a person...
I enjoy working on typical household projects with my husband, or just watching the latest Netflix series hit (Bridgerton, Peaky Blinders, The Handmaid’s Tale, Suits… to name a few). My favourite time of year is Spring, and watching my garden of tulips, daffodils, peonies, and roses forge their way above ground. Summer is not the same without tending to a garden, and I quite like maintaining house plants during winter months (the ones that survive the kitten’s wrath, at least). Music makes my heart sing, even though I can’t carry a tune, and I love learning about human behaviour and new things by way of local workshops, podcasts and docuseries. I am a community-minded person, and the Heatherton community has influenced my passion for making a difference in the lives of others. I am always seeking new ways to improve the wellbeing of our community in this town and county, and enjoy getting involved in events and resource-provision projects.
I cannot wait to get to know YOU!