an empowered approach to healing
alison smethurst rsw
foundations of compassionate care
- Compassionate, warm, and non-judgmental care
- Commitment to professional growth and clinical supervision
- Belief in each person’s innate capacity for healing and growth
- Inclusivity and emotional safety for all
- All feelings are valid and welcome
Compassionate, warm, and non-judgmental care
Commitment to professional growth and clinical supervision
Belief in each person’s innate capacity for healing and growth
Inclusivity and emotional safety for all
All feelings are valid and welcome
My professional journey has given me extensive experience supporting individuals and families across a wide range of mental health concerns. My work at McMaster Children’s Hospital focused on supporting children, youth, and their families as they navigated complex mental health needs. Through supporting parents in accessing their own healing and sense of empowerment, I developed a deep respect for the innate capacity for growth and healing within each person. I bring this belief into my private practice, where I continue to support individuals and parents as they navigate life stressors and work toward purposeful change.
My practice approach is grounded in empathy, acceptance, and partnership. I strive to help clients to explore and understand emotions, make sense of their inner world and relationships, and live more fully in alignment with their values. I am committed to creating a warm, non-judgemental environment where people feel safe, supported, and understood. I strongly believe that meaningful and lasting change begins with cultivating a deeper and more compassionate understanding of yourself.
hi, I'm alison
- Trauma
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Interpersonal and Relational Issues
- Grief, Loss and Bereavement
- Parenting
- ADHD
Theraputic Focus Areas:
I am a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service workers with a Masters Degree from Toronto Metropolitan University. I currently offer in-person appointments in Waterdown and Burlington, and virtual appointments across Ontario.
If you’re interested in learning more or beginning your therapy journey, I invite you to reach out.
- Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Emotion Focused Skill Training for Parents
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Trauma and Attachment Theory
- Somatic and Polyvagal Theory
Training Foundations:
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services
individual therapy
Individual therapy offers a personalized approach to mental health and well-being. In a safe and supportive space, you can develop a deeper, more compassionate understanding of yourself, explore what’s truly driving your feelings and behaviors, and discover new ways to cope and grow.
I work with individuals addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, grief and bereavement. While I engage many evidence-based therapies, I am grounded in the transformative change of working with emotions. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or looking to better understand yourself, individual therapy provides a compassionate space for healing and self-discovery.
services
parent therapy
Many parents come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or stuck in patterns that don’t serve their families—sometimes afraid to make changes or unsure how to move forward. Parent therapy aims to increase parent well-being and empowerment by supporting parents in accessing their innate wisdom and capacity for growth.
I draw from training and experience working with Emotion Focused Skills Training, equipping parents with practical tools and skills to navigate emotions effectively, enhance motivation and transform relationships through boundaries without judgement. Parents will be supported in identifying and addressing barriers that may interfere with their best intentions, helping them feel more confident and empowered in their parenting journey.
Parent therapy is appropriate for parents or caregivers with children of any age. Focus can range from navigating mental health, increasing connection, repairing relationships and/or supporting emotional well-being and the development of healthy parent child relationships.
services
clinical consultation
Clinical consultation services are available to Registered Social Workers and Registered or Qualifying Psychotherapists seeking professional support and guidance in their practice. In consultation, I will provide a collaborative space to discuss clinical cases, explore treatment approaches, and address ethical dilemmas. The process is rooted in mutual respect, aiming to nurture clinical skills, foster reflective practice, and support ongoing professional growth and well-being.
faq's
I currently provide in-person appointments in Waterdown and Burlington, Ontario.
Yes, virtual therapy is available to anyone living within the province of Ontario. Virtual therapy appointments are conducted through a secure, confidential video platform.
You do not need a referral to access service. Please contact me directly for more information on how to get started.
My fee is $200 per hour. Therapy is typically about 50 minutes of in-session time, with the remaining 10 minutes used to complete session notes and prepare for your next session.
Psychotherapy fees are not covered by Ontario provincial health insurance. Most private insurance providers provide some reimbursement for psychotherapy services by Registered Social Workers. Please check with your insurance provider for details.
Invoices must be made out to the person who attended the appointment. Your child’s name as well as indication that the appointment is for parent therapy can be added to the invoice details. With these additions, many insurance providers will allow parent therapy appointments to be submitted for reimbursement under the child’s name. Please check with your insurance company to confirm.
I require at least one business day (24 hours) notice for cancellations. If you need to cancel within this window, a fee equivalent to the full appointment rate may apply. This policy helps respect everyone’s time and allows appointments to be offered to others who may need it.
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for therapy. Appointment frequency and length of treatment vary based on your needs, goals, history, and current life circumstances. Many clients begin with more frequent appointments and gradually space them out as they build stability and support. We will work collaboratively to clarify your expectations and determine an approach that feels supportive and sustainable for you.
The first appointment is an opportunity to get to know one another and to begin creating a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. I will encourage you to share what’s bringing you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and any questions or concerns you may have. By the end of the session, you can expect to have a clearer sense of next steps and what therapy together might look like.