About
Alison Leach, MSW, RSW
I hope you can learn how to pull from your strengths and develop the tools and skills to manage challenging situations.
I am Alison Leach (she/her), a Registered Social Worker who supports individuals who have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships or are recovering from relationship breakdown or loss. I am passionate about working with people struggling to manage anxiety and/or who are overwhelmed by stress.
I also support adults who have experienced adversity during childhood and want to process their early experiences to understand how these experiences contribute to present-day functioning.
My practice is trauma-informed, and the modalities I work from include the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. I also incorporate mindfulness practices to help you calm your body and mind.
Together, we can determine which approach works best for you depending on your personal goals and where you are at in your journey.
Why Work With Me
I bring a personal touch to the therapeutic relationship as someone who knows firsthand how stress, anxiety and burnout can take a toll on one's physical and mental well-being. I believe the following when working with my clients:
Resilience
My work encompasses a client-centred, strengths-based approach, as I believe that all human beings have an inherent ability to draw from their strengths, abilities, and resources. We show impressive resiliency when times are difficult.
Courage
Sometimes we get ‘stuck’ in our life's journey because we are ruminating about our past and/or are overwhelmed with our present-day life. I am here to help you calm your mind so that you can begin to move forward and reach your full potential.
Safety
My practice is rooted in an anti-oppressive and anti-racism perspective, and these values are held close to my heart. I provide a non-judgemental environment that allows for a safe space to build trust so that you feel comfortable being yourself.
Our Sessions Are Focused On You
There is truly nothing better than seeing people grow, find their strengths and make positive changes. I am committed to guiding you to where things feel manageable again.
Our sessions will provide you with the space to feel what you need to feel. In feeling safe and comfortable, you will be able to gain clarity and explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals.
There is not a "one size fits all" approach to counselling. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns.
My Professional Background
I am a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and a member with the Ontario Association of Social Workers. I completed a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Psychology in 2006 and went on to complete a Masters in Social Work in 2014. Since then, I have completed additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma Counselling and Grief and Loss Counselling.
For the past 17 years, I have been providing social work services to children, teens, families and individuals from diverse backgrounds in the city of Toronto. I have worked with people experiencing a variety of life stressors and personal difficulties related to developmental and complex trauma, mental health challenges and interpersonal relationship struggles in both the public and private sectors.
Let’s Discover How I Can Help
Counselling can make a big difference in your life. Receive a free 15-minute consultation to discuss what is concerning you and the outcomes working together can provide. I am here to support you.