Ashley Sabourin

Registered Psychotherapist

I work from a client-centered, integrative approach to therapy that honours Client autonomy and choice.

I am always working to create a space where people can feel safe, accepted, and understood so they are able to work toward growth and healing. I aim to achieve this by operating through a feminist, anti-oppressive, trauma informed perspective that holds space for each Client's unique experiences.

I believe in a holistic approach to mental health and therefore like to create space to understand and explore the connection between the mind and body, social/cultural factors, relationships, and identity.

I have specialized training to support in treatment of addictions.
I enjoy working with individuals on identity exploration and relationship with self, interpersonal issues, and life transitions.
My experience working in a Family Health Team and community mental health has exposed me to a wide variety of presenting concerns.

Q & A with Ashley

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about mental health?

"I believe the biggest misconceptions about mental health are that we don't all live with mental health and that when we struggle with aspects of this, we are not 'capable'."

What do you like most about what you do?

"I love the opportunity to work with individuals to learn about themselves and grow."

What would you like a client to say about you?

"I would like a Client to say they felt understood, supported, heard, and safe. My greatest hope is that Clients are able to feel they are honoured for their authentic self."

What made you decide to choose your role as a therapist?

"I cannot remember a time when this wasn't the role I hoped to fulfill. Even in adolescence I found a great sense of purpose in providing space for people to be."

What do you value most in a client?

"I value honesty, commitment, and willingness to collaborate."

Why should a potential client come to everwell?

"Everwell has a diverse team who have extensive areas of experience and practice. This is a community within our community that works at allowing people a space to feel included, safe, and accepted."

What's the best piece of advice that you ever received?

Do not light yourself on fire to warm someone else.
Failure is opportunity.
Everyone deserves the opportunity of compassion.

What is your personal mantra or favourite quote?

Approach

• Integrative

• Collaborative

• Client-centred

• Emotion-focused

• Feminist

• Anti-oppressive

• Trauma-informed

Education / Accomplishments /Awards

• M.Ed. Counselling Psychology; Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of Toronto

• Postgraduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health

Professional Memberships

• Registered Psychotherapist - College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

Average Cost

• $135.00 + HST

• Check with your insurance provider for coverage opportunities

What personal qualities are important for the job that you do?

Compassion
Empathy
Resilience
Open-mindedness
Flexibility
Creativity

What are the top 3 things you do to keep healthy?

"1. Exercise
2. Engaging in creative hands on activities
3. Connecting with others"

What is your favourite place to find inspiration?

"My favourite place to find inspiration is outside amongst the trees. I have always found I do my best thinking when I feel closer to nature, often at the edge of a hill so I can look out at the expanse of the world."

Just for fun

Fav season

"Definitely Fall! There is something about the transition of seasons, the colours and smell in the air that I have always loved."

Fav book

“It's hard for me to pick just one book, rather I find I have favourite books for different parts of my life.
The Harry Potter series, The Hobbit, Siddhartha, and Anil's Ghost are among some of these."

Coffee or Tea?

"I drink my coffee black, though often add some nondairy milk to cool it down.
I drink my tea with a little sugar and milk. Yum!"

What's your favourite thing to do on weekends?

"I enjoy working on projects that let me use my hands to tap into my creativity energy. Things like knitting/crocheting, building furniture and home decor, painting, and drawing.
I love to spend time outside in nature when it's not quite so cold out!
Curling up and getting lost in the world of a good book."