Allison Cassidy

We all are the same in this:

"We have an internal world that we need to negotiate in our external environment."

To help people do this successfully, I approach the internal psyche and the spiritual connectedness of my clients as one. I believe in looking at the whole person/couple in context. Where indicated, I refer my clients to other health practitioners for supplemental attention and I sometimes include teaching meditation techniques and share the wisdom of Yoga and Zen teachings where applicable. I have followed a meditation path for 30 years.

I enjoy helping people deal with;

• relationship problems / couples therapy • depression • anxiety • managing anger

• health (chronic illness or pain, palliative care family support, transplant support, eating disorders) • grief, trauma, crisis counseling • parenting issues • stress reduction techniques • relocation adjustment (eg. immigration )and the difficulties presented by this) • self-hypnosis / hypnotherapy and meditation • difficult working relationships • post rehab addiction issues

Brief Background;

Now based in Toronto, Canada, I received my Masters in Educational Psychology from the University of the Witswatersrand in Johannesburg (which specialized in working therapeutically with children, families and couples), and then a post graduate diploma in Integrative Clinical Psychotherapy (which specialized in working clinically with adults and couples) through the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy in England.

I worked in research in careers counselling and 'change management' in industry in South Africa (1984-1990) before my registration as a psychologist. I practiced as a psychologist for 10 years (1993-2003) in Johannesburg before moving to Toronto in 2003. I work via Skype when the situation requires, and include phone consults and e-mailing when it's appropriate.

Fees;

Although I have a standard structure, I prefer to leave this to be discussed individually upon first contact. I work on a sliding scale. People that are well reimbursed through employment usually pay full price, but it's often in times of unemployment that people most need a space to reflect and take a new route.

Sessions for couples are 60 to 90 minutes, and an hour for individuals and need to take place once a week and in some instances more. Toward the end of treatment, we often move to once every two weeks. Frequency depends on each individual case.

I do not prescribe medication am not billable via OHIP, or medical insurance at this point.

Phone: +1 (416) 557-1055 (text only)

 email: allison(at)allisoncassidy.com