ALISON COLLISON
MSW RSW
I am committed to help my clients gain emotional balance in their lives. Having personally faced several life challenges, I understand the need for support during difficult times, and the desire to develop balance and perspective for personal well-being. I pride myself in being very straightforward in my personal and professional relationships. Humour and deep empathy are essential parts of who I am. I am trained in and use many different therapeutic models: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
My experience includes work as a faculty member at George Brown College for over 15 years and working as a clinical therapist at North York General Hospital. I have been working as a Therapist in Private Practice from the past 12 years. I hold a Masters of Social Work Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. I am a mother of two adult sons, who have taught me more about life that I could ever learn from a textbook.
The best way to contact me is by email at alisoncollison@gmail.com
Individual Therapy
Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that is used to support personal well-being and mental health. There are many different variations of psychotherapy, but generally it is a process that helps individuals understand themselves and their life interactions. Life is full of ups and downs and sometimes we need support coping with life’s adversities. Some people reach out to me because they are feeling ‘stuck’ in their lives or they are struggling with their mental health. Others have more specific life circumstances that they are managing.
I work with people at their pace, creating a safe, non-judgmental environment. Through the therapeutic process I help my clients discover and understand the different parts of themselves and how these parts interact both internally and externally in the world around them. Through this process, my clients begin to discover a new understanding of themselves and a more balanced way to move forward.
Alison can be reached at alisoncollison@gmail.com
Couple Therapy
I have learned through the study and practice of Relational Life Therapy that we are all somewhat ill-prepared for our relational adult lives! We enter relationships with limited tools and generally have to learn how to be relational. We hope and believe that our relationships will be smooth, but for most of us – it’s not. I love helping couples become more relational with one another. I help couples understand what they need as individuals as well as how to best support their partners.
Through my direct and empathetic approach, I guide couples in establishing new patterns of interacting and a greater understanding of one another. Many clients who seek Couple Therapy are interested in finding support for their partner/intimate relationships; however, Relational Life Therapy can be very beneficial for any relationship – parent/child, siblings and friendships.
I use Relational Life Therapy in my all my personal relationships. I do walk the talk.
Alison can be reached at alisoncollison@gmail.com
Family Therapy
Working with families is another aspect of my practice that I am passionate about. Family life has many wonderful aspects, but also unavoidable complexities. Family therapy is about understanding each other; each differing perspectives and the patterns of interacting. Whether it is short term advice or longer-term support families need, I keep sessions creative, productive and interactive.
Alison can be reached at alisoncollison@gmail.com