Ellison Counselling

Helping You Move Toward a Better Place

My goal as a counsellor is simple: to help you move toward a healthier, more grounded, and meaningful place in your life. I bring professional training, extensive clinical experience, and genuine empathy to every session. Together, we will work to understand your challenges and develop practical, sustainable ways forward.

Are You Considering Counselling?

If you are reading this, you—or someone you care about—may be going through a difficult time. You might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, stuck, or unsure how to cope with unresolved issues. Perhaps you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, helplessness, or a persistent sense that something just isn’t right.

Whatever has brought you here, you do not have to face it alone. At our core, we all long for acceptance, connection, security, trust, and support. Counselling offers a space where those needs can begin to be restored. Too often, people wait until they are in deep distress before seeking help. While counselling is certainly effective in times of crisis, preventative work can reduce the impact of stress before it becomes overwhelming. Many individuals suffer silently, unaware that support is available—and that it truly helps.

This website is designed to help you determine whether counselling may be right for you and whether I may be a good fit as your therapist.

About Me

Brief Biography

I was raised in Toronto and spent several years living near Washington, DC before returning to Canada. I later settled in London, Ontario, where I began working in social services while completing my university education.

Family has been one of the most meaningful and transformative influences in my life. I am in a committed relationship and am the proud parent of three wonderful children.

Throughout my life, I have remained physically active and enjoy outdoor pursuits such as scuba diving and sailing. I am also an accomplished musician, which continues to nurture my creative side. Additionally, I served for 12 years as an Auxiliary Police Officer—an experience that broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of people under stress.

I have often been described as creative and an “out-of-the-box” thinker. I strive to see not only how situations are, but how they could be. My diverse life experiences, education, and decades of clinical work provide a grounded, practical foundation that I bring into every

Career Overview

Education and Professional Background

I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Western University and later completed my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Wilfrid Laurier University. I remain committed to lifelong learning and have pursued advanced training in trauma work, family counselling, and critical incident response.

I began my career in a hospital-based clinical mental health setting, working in both inpatient and outpatient services. I spent over twenty years in mental health care and have also worked in the private sector.

In addition to my private practice, I serve as a Trauma Specialist consultant for several Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), supporting individuals, groups, and organizations in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events.

Professional Credentials

Therapist/Counsellor since 1997

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Registered Social Worker (RSW)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Member, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Member, Ontario Association of Social Workers

Liability insurance in good standing

Post-Master’s training in Critical Incident Response

Over 20 years’ experience in hospital-based mental health care

Specialties

Areas of Specialty

Trauma and multi-systemic resiliency

Suicide assessment, prevention, and postvention support

Organizational consultation and crisis response

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Substance use and addiction

Couples and family mediation

Individual Counselling

Most people seek counselling because something in life feels unsettled—relationships are strained, emotions feel overwhelming, or meaning feels lost.

We all seek love, acceptance, security, trust, and fulfillment. When these feel out of reach, it can seem as though we’re searching for a needle in a haystack. Counselling can help you develop the insight, tools, and resilience needed to find clarity and direction.

The Process

In individual therapy, we work one-on-one to explore the concerns that matter most to you. Sometimes the difficulty is clear; other times, there is simply a sense of discomfort or dissatisfaction.

It is important to understand that I do not “fix” people. My role is to provide perspective, tools, and professional guidance. The real and lasting work comes from you. Often, the answers you are seeking already exist within you—they may simply be buried beneath stress, fear, or painful experiences.

Together, we will explore the emotional, relational, environmental, spiritual, and practical aspects of your life that may be contributing to distress. Common concerns include:

Anxiety and depression
Grief and loss
Relationship difficulties
Anger and frustration
Self-worth and identity struggles
Fear, avoidance, or life transitions

Our work will take place in a confidential, respectful, and non-judgmental environment.

Couples Counselling

Most couples seek therapy because they want something better—better communication, deeper intimacy, restored trust, or renewed connection.Every relationship is unique. Each partner brings different histories, values, personalities, and expectations. These differences can create growth—or tension.

The Relationship Puzzle

In every relationship, there are three elements: you, your partner, and the relationship itself. Integrating these elements can be surprisingly complex.When partners are unaware of each other’s internal worlds—beliefs, fears, expectations—it can feel as though the puzzle pieces are upside down. Misunderstandings may show up as conflict, withdrawal, anxiety, resentment, or even betrayal. My role is to help you “turn over the pieces,” increase understanding, and identify patterns that are not working. Together, we develop practical strategies that fit your specific relationship dynamic.

My role is to help you “turn over the pieces,” increase understanding, and identify patterns that are not working. Together, we develop practical strategies that fit your specific relationship dynamic. Meaningful, warm, and connected relationships are possible—even if they feel distant right now.

Trauma Counselling

Trauma can temporarily derail even the strongest individuals. It can leave you feeling disconnected, vulnerable, or fundamentally changed.

I have worked extensively with individuals and organizations responding to trauma, and I understand both the clinical and human side of these experiences. Knowledge alone does not shield us from trauma—but understanding how the mind and body respond can make recovery possible.

What Is Trauma?

Psychological trauma occurs when an event overwhelms your ability to cope. It often involves experiences that are:

Trauma is subjective. Two people may experience the same event very differently. Symptoms may appear immediately—or weeks, months, even years later.

Common Trauma Symptoms

The longer trauma symptoms go untreated, the more disruptive they can become. Professional support can help restore stability and resilience.

Therapy

How It Works

Counselling is a collaborative process. It involves working with a trained professional to better understand your emotional patterns, thinking styles, behaviors, and relationships.

Emotions are often signals—your mind and body alerting you that something needs attention. By learning to interpret these signals, you can begin to make meaningful changes.

I practice from an integrative therapeutic approach. This means I draw from multiple evidence-based models and adapt them to fit you as a unique individual. Rather than fitting you into a rigid framework, I tailor the process to your needs.

The Counselling Process

My practice operates from a private home-based office, which many clients find comfortable and welcoming. In our first session, we will review initial paperwork and discuss what has brought you in. This session helps clarify your goals and determine whether we are a good fit to work together. From there, we explore your concerns within the broader context of your life experiences, values, beliefs, biology, and environment. As you gain tools and insight, the goal is for you to move forward independently, equipped to manage future challenges.

You are free to end counselling at any time.

Frequency of Sessions

Frequency depends on your needs and circumstances. Generally:

Weekly sessions for more acute concerns

Biweekly sessions as stability improves

Monthly sessions for maintenance or follow-up

This plan is always individualized.

Hear From Our Clients

Discover How Therapy Transforms Lives

Read inspiring testimonials from individuals and couples who have found healing and growth through our therapy services. Your journey to wellness starts here!

This therapy has truly changed my life for the better. I am now more confident and equipped to handle life’s challenges.

Working with this therapist has been life-changing. I felt heard and supported throughout my journey, which helped me overcome my challenges.

The support I received was invaluable. I learned so much about myself and my relationships, and I feel empowered to move forward.

The therapy sessions provided a safe environment where I could express my feelings without judgment. I highly recommend this practice to anyone seeking help.