Alison Collison

MSW RSW

I am committed to helping my clients gain emotional balance in their lives. Having personally faced a number of life challenges, I understand the need for support during difficult times, and the desire to develop balance and perspective for personal well-being. As a Clinical Social Worker, I work with Individuals, couples and families.
I pride myself in being very straightforward in my personal and professional relationships. Humour and deep empathy are essential parts of who I am. My professional training in a number of theoretical models allows me to support my clients in a manner that they find useful. We figure out together what would be helpful. Some of the models that I draw from are: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
My experience includes working as a Faculty member at George Brown College for over 15 years, and working as a Clinical Therapist at North York General Hospital. I have been working as a Therapist in Private Practice from the past 8 years. I hold a Masters of Social Work Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. I am the mother to two young men, who have taught me more about life that I could ever learn from a text book.
The best way to contact me is by email at alison@papetherapy.ca
I look forward to meeting with you at The Pape Therapy Centre.

Psychotherapy for Individuals

Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that is used to support personal well-being and mental health. There are many different variations of psychotherapy, but generally it is a process that helps individuals understand themselves and their life interactions.
People contact me for a number of reasons. Life is full of ups and downs and sometimes we need support coping with life’s adversities. Some people reach out to me because they are feeling ‘stuck’ in their lives or they are struggling with their mental health. Others have more specific life circumstances that they are managing.
I work with people at their pace, creating a safe, non-judgmental environment. Through the therapeutic process I help my clients discover and understand the different parts of themselves and how these parts interact both internally and externally in the world around them. Through this process, my clients begin to discover a new understanding of themselves and a more balanced way to move forward.

Alison can be reached at Alison@papetherapy.ca or 416-543-0295

Couple Therapy

I have learned through the study and practice of Relational Life Therapy that we are all somewhat ill-prepared for our relational adult lives! We enter relationships with limited tools, and generally have to learn how to be relational. We hope and believe that our relationships will be smooth, but for most of us – it’s not so smooth. I love helping couples become more relational with one another. I help couples understand what they need as individuals as well as how to best support their partners.
Relational Life Therapy is an approach that uses both a therapeutic model and a coaching model. I start with highlighting what couples are doing well, and then identify what they could be doing better. Through my empathetic yet directive approach I guide couples in establishing new patterns of interactions and a new appreciations and understanding of one another.
The majority of clients who seek Couple Therapy are interested in finding support for their partner/intimate relationships, however, Relational Life Therapy can be very beneficial for any relationship – parent/child, siblings, friendships.
I use Relational Life Therapy in my all my personal relationships. I do walk the talk.
Alison can be reached at Alison@papetherapy.ca or 416-543-0295

Family Therapy

Working with families is another aspect of my practice that I am passionate about. Family life has many wonderful aspects, but also unavoidable complexities. Family therapy is all about understanding each other; each differing perspectives and the patterns of interacting. Many families are managing difficult life situations; a sudden change or transition. Some families seek support in helping them understand one another and communicate better. Whether it is short term advice or longer term support families need, I keep sessions creative, productive and interactive.
Alison can be reached at Alison@papetherapy.ca or 416-543-0295

Adolescent Coaching

The reason this stage of life can be so challenging is that adolescents have a lot going on! Teenagers are learning about themselves as well as how they interact with the others. They are learning how to manage peer and family relationships while trying to juggle academic pressures. Their social media world can be overwhelming. They are beginning to separate from their families, but very much need the love and support of the adults in their lives. This can be an exciting and challenging time for everyone involved.
Some teenagers experience anxious thoughts and/or low moods and at times, make poor choices in an attempt to cope. During this time, support is often needed to help navigate this state of constant change. I love working with teenagers. I enjoy helping them be curious about themselves. I use a coaching model while working with them, always focusing on what is important to them. We engage in lots of problem solving, critical thinking and challenging our thoughts and beliefs.
Alison can be reached at Alison@papetherapy.ca or 416-543-0295

Workshops

I offer a number of community workshops collaboratively with my colleagues Suzanne Gard and Daniel Collison. These workshops are diverse in topic and designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in specific areas.
Two of our most popular workshops are :
Marriage & Money
Marriage Myths
Please check our main homepage for details regarding upcoming workshops.
Alison can be reached at Alison@papetherapy.ca or 416-543-0295

Alison Collison

MSW RSW

Book Your Appointment Today

Alison can be reached at Alison@papetherapy.ca or 416-543-0295