Meet Ainslie (she/her)

I am a Toronto-based Registered Psychotherapist, Art Therapist, and Canadian Certified Counsellor with over twelve years experience supporting young adults and individuals who are pregnant, postpartum or parenting. I’m big on self-compassion, creative expression and giving yourself permission to feel your feelings.

My own life experiences as a parent, as a queer white cis woman, as a spouse, and as a long-term therapy client myself all contribute to informing my view of the world. I am an intersectional feminist striving towards an anti-racist practice. Our similarities or differences in these areas or others may simply be present or may be useful in our work together.

I work with individuals virtually (phone / video) across Ontario.

In my personal life, I have two silly, wonderful kids who make me a better person and therapist. In my solo time, I love to get out for a bike ride, read, listen to podcasts and support my local roller derby scene.

“All emotions can be damaging if you imprison them, just as all emotions can be healing when you know how to work with them honourably.”

— Karla McLaren, M.Ed, Author of The Language of Emotions

Therapeutic Approach

My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices tailored to each client’s unique needs, goals and preferences. My primary therapeutic modalities include:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Attachment

  • Art Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Family Systems Theory

  • Mindfulness

  • Narrative

  • Solution-Focused

  • Person-centered

  • Strengths-based

My work is informed by feminist, anti-racist and anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, queer- and trans-affirming perspectives. I also have specialized training in maternal and infant mental health practices.

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Professional Qualifications

  • Registered Psychotherapist (#002214) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

  • Certified Canadian Counsellor (#3738) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

  • Masters of Arts in Creative Art Therapies: Art Therapy Specialization, Honours (Concordia University, Montreal QC)

  • Bachelors of Fine Arts & Psychology, Honours (Concordia University, Montreal QC)

  • Completed trainings in Maternal Mental Health (Postpartum Support International)

  • Certificate in Infant Mental Health (Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion via Sick Kids)

  • I regularly engage in continuing education activities by attending trainings, lectures, readings and conferences

Want to connect?

If my approach resonates with you, reach out for a free 15-minute call to see if we’re a good fit for working together. Have questions first? Check out my FAQ page.