Thank you for being here. I’ve been told by my clients that working with me feels like talking to a “real person.” At Alia Ziesman Counselling, I am passionate about helping you to feel welcome, supported and comfortable. I believe that effective therapy involves more than validating (“I’m sorry to hear that”); though we all need (and deserve to feel validated), it is often the tools, knowledge and ideas we receive which leave us inspired and empowered to create lasting, meaningful change. Working with me looks like a long-term relationship where you feel less overwhelmed and more capable in moving through life’s challenges. Sometimes, you may even find yourself laughing, as I’ve found humour helps through hard times.
I often hear from clients that they have tried therapy in the past and have not found it “effective”; though they felt validated, they wanted more. This makes sense to me, as I believe therapy should lead to change. Although we all need and deserve to feel validated (“I’m sorry to hear that”), we also need tools, knowledge and ideas so we can feel inspired and empowered to create lasting, meaningful change in our lives. I strive to give my clients these tools, this is my passion.
I can work with you in the long term to help you feel more fulfilled, empowered, and present in your life. Life is hard and beautiful, trauma is real, and inequality is systemic. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to feel how you feel, as you come to better understand your thoughts, experiences, and relationships. I am passionate about helping you to write a new story, despite what has happened to you.
Working with me looks like a long-term relationship where you feel less overwhelmed and more capable to move through life’s challenges. Together, we can strengthen your ability to move through life’s challenges by developing skills and coping mechanisms.
As a guide in your story, I can help you to channel your inner strengths and resources. In our therapy, you may even find yourself laughing, as humour helps through hard times.
My personal and ongoing experience with grief allows me to meet you ‘where you are’, at your own pace, as we co-develop strategies that work for you. We can work together to help you get out of your head and into the moment.
Experience
Clinical: Five years, plus 10+ years in Nonprofit with diverse populations, including refugees and newcomers.
Education: Two Masters degrees (Sociology & Counselling Psychology)
Trainings & Education: Trained in working with couples (The Gottman Method, Level Two and EFT). Completed more than 40 professional trainings in a variety of areas.
Specialties:
1) Relationships: couples, parenting, anxiety, stress, work, family
2) Grief and Loss
3) Cultural Diversity: I’m a mixed race child of two immigrants who worked hard to build a life in Canada. Working with diverse populations is one of my passions and specialties.
4) Perinatal, health and fertility, postpartum
5) Women’s unique mental health needs, motherhood, identity shifts, marriages
6) Men’s Health, masculinity, navigating life’s transitions and relationships
7) Anxiety & Anxiety Disorders: stress, burnout, OCD, PTSD
8) 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, focusing on safety, support and advocacy
Modalities:
I utilize evidence-based, integrative approaches, including Narrative Therapy, Attachment Theory, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Person-Centered, Strengths-Based
My Commitment To You:
As someone who attends therapy, I understand the challenges in being vulnerable and taking time for yourself. Life is an ocean with waves that rise and fall, and we can learn to adapt to ebbs and flows. With time, patience, and dedication, therapy can be a powerful experience. I look forward to working with you. I also offer in person (and walk and talk) sessions in Guelph or online sessions across Ontario.
