The Collaborative: Stratford Psychotherapy and Consulting
The Collaborative:
Stratford Psychotherapy and Consulting Services
Collaborative: a therapeutic relationship in which both the therapist and client actively engage in the process of exploring, understanding, and improving mental health.
About Us
Psychotherapy, Counselling, and Consulting Services
At The Collaborative, we specialize in psychotherapy and consulting services, providing expert support for individuals, children, youth, and families at every stage. Whether you're pursuing personal growth, navigating challenges, managing grief or trauma, or fostering family well being, our compassionate therapists are here for you.
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But we're more than just individual counselling. The Collaborative extends its expertise to community organizations, offering consulting services to enhance mental health and well-being on a broader scale. Partner with us, and your organization can play a pivotal role in fostering a healthier, more resilient community.
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Discover a supportive journey towards well-being with The Collaborative. Contact us today to embark on a path of positive transformation. Your well-being matters, and we're here to guide you through it.
Our Practitioners
Founding Members
M.Ed, RP Registered Psychotherapist​​
Drawing from the latest knowledge in neuroscience, trauma, and attachment, I bring over 14 years of clinical experience to help you make sense of your inner world; how it impacts your relationship with yourself, with others, and how you engage in your environment. Together, we can use this awareness to move towards having more agency over your thoughts, responses, and your experience of your life.
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Individual Psychotherapy: Including but not limited to traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, sense of self-worth, and reactive/intense emotions.
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Men’s Mental Health
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Prenatal and Postpartum
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Parent/Child Psychoeducation and Psychotherapy
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Teenager and Young Adult
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Psychoeducation and Consulting to Community Groups and Organizations
Making the decision to engage in therapy can be difficult, finding the right therapist can feel even more challenging. To lessen this obstacle, I offer a No Fee first session so that you can find the right fit without the added cost.
Please click on my name for more information on my clinical background and approach.
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BFA, Registered Psychotherapist
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Working from the psychodynamic framework of psychotherapy, I work with individual adults, and couples who have experienced life, and may be struggling with the following:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Grief
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Trauma
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PTSD
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Sexuality
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Chronic Pain
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A Complicated Childhood
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Relationship difficulties
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My practice is equally rooted in classical psychoanalysis, and modern theories on trauma and attachment.
Psychodynamic therapy, in the way that I practice, is fundamentally a relational process. Our defenses develop in relationship, and they shift in relationship. No two people are alike, and as such, no two therapies are alike. Often the defenses we creatively develop in childhood, get in the way once we are all grown up. Therapy with me is a process of both shifting how you show up in the world, while also getting in touch more fundamentally with who you know yourself to be.​
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I have a lot of experience working with men from a variety of different social, economic, and racial backgrounds. I feel very passionately about creating a safe space for men to access mental health services.
"the evidence indicates that the benefits of psychodynamic treatment are lasting and not just transitory and appear to extend well beyond symptom remission. For many people, psychodynamic psychotherapy may foster inner resources and capacities that allow richer, freer, and, and more fulfilling lives." (Shedler, 2010)
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If you would like to see if we are a good fit, please feel free to reach out at: ​
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kslater@thecollaborative.ca​​
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*Shedler, J. 2010, "The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy" University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, American Psychological Association Vol. 65, No. 2, 98-109
MA, Child and Youth Worker
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Unlocking the Potential of Every Child and Youth Through Compassionate Counseling
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Maggie Blake, a seasoned Child and Youth Counsellor and Trauma-Informed Consultant with over 17 years of diverse experience, invites kids and teenagers to a space of empathy, support and understanding. Maggie's warm approach fosters a sense of ease, safety, and comfort for kids and youth navigating the complexities of life.
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Explore a range of therapeutic modalities, from play-based techniques to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, tailored to address anxiety, stress, peer pressures, parent/caregiver conflicts, and various social challenges. A proud member of the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care, Maggie's commitment to ethical standards ensures a secure and supportive environment for your child's journey to healing and resilience.
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Associates
Independent Practitioners working in association with The Collaborative
Sara Wilken
MSW, RSW, PhD
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
519-703-9070
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I work with adults at all stages of life, and I have a special interest in supporting people through the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy, postpartum and early parenthood.
I offer a warm, reflective space where you can feel understood and explore patterns that may be holding you back. Rather than focusing on coping skills, I help you build a more cohesive and confident sense of self that comes from feeling understood and from exploring who you are and how you relate to others. Together, we can work at processing attachment wounds, strengthening self-esteem, and fostering authentic relationships-with others and yourself. It isn't always easy to open oneself up and be truly known by another, but this part of therapy can lead to a sense of great relief and growth.
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A good way to see if you think we may work well together is to connect for a free 45 minute in-person (or online) session. This will give you a better sense of how I work and how we might work together.
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Please feel free to reach out:
705-703-9070
Anna Dalton
RP
Registered Psychotherapist
www.adaltonpsychotherapy.com ​
In Anna's practice she uses a creative, relational approach. She holds a deep respect for a client’s life experience and courage, and celebrates the differences in each person. With patience and presence, she will challenge you to make the changes you want to see in your life.
You can count on being seen clearly, and on seeing your own reflection.
Anna's focus has been on working with individuals and couples as they confront where they are stuck and struggling.
With Gestalt Therapy as her base, she builds on the idea that we have given up essential parts of ourselves in order to belong. By becoming aware of these parts we can find opportunities to expand not only our own sense of self but also our connection with the world around us.
Please feel free to reach out at: annadaltonpsychotherapy@gmail.com
Lisa Aldworth
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
www.lisaaldworthcounselling.com​
lisaaldworthcounselling@gmail.com
Hello and welcome!
I am a psychotherapist with over 20 years experience. I began my
career as a social worker in domestic violence shelters and healthcare (cancer, labour & delivery, NICU, pediatrics). After a long and fulfilling career in the public sector I went into private practice 10 years ago.
I offer an empathic and compassionate experience to those dealing with life stressors, big or small.
I believe it takes bravery to walk through the door and be honest about what is weighing on you. As Mr. Rogers once said, “what is mentionable is manageable”. If you are brave enough to ‘mention’ your struggle I can help you manage it by making you feel heard, supported and validated. I look forward to the privilege of working with you on your healing journey.
Areas of expertise include:
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Relationships: Divorce & Dating
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Issues affecting the LGBTQ2SIA+ community
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Post Partum Depression/Anxiety, Birth Trauma and Parenting
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Cancer and recovery
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Self esteem and self worth
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Grief and loss
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Trauma including childhood sexual abuse
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Racism and microaggressions
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Navigating neurodivergence
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Self-harm, suicidal thoughts and impulses
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Clinical supervision to therapists seeking personal and professional support
Kelly Richards
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
kellyrichardscounselling@gmail.com​
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With over 10 years of clinical experience, I have worked with children, youth, and families in a variety of roles and settings. I draw from several different modalities, and have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, Trauma-Centred Psychotherapy Techniques, McMaster Model of Family Therapy, and Family Systems Theory.
You are not alone. And you do not have to navigate difficult emotions and situations on your own. Our nervous systems are wired for connection with others, and yet we so often struggle
with feelings of isolation and disconnection. We fear being judged by others and sometimes minimize the depth of our emotional needs. Whether you are just starting therapy or looking for a new therapist, I recognize the vulnerability that comes with telling your story. My goal is to create a place of safety to help you explore and tune into that vulnerability.
If you are experiencing issues with anxiety, depression, low self-worth, self-criticism, shame, relationship issues, or are going through a difficult life transition, I welcome you to reach out for support. Together we can identify what you are hoping for and how to take steps in a new direction.
I am currently accepting individual clients. Finding the right therapist is an important aspect of growth and healing. To help with this process, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to
better understand your needs and goals.
Dominique Williams
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker​
Hi!​
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I’m Dominique, Registered Social Worker (MSW), and founder of Brisqette Inc.
Brisqette offers individualized and specialized counselling services for women experiencing challenging symptoms as a result of peri-menopause and menopause.
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I use an evidenced based, CBT approach to improve issues such as hot flashes, anxiety, low mood and re-emerging eating disorders that can be associated with this stage of life.
I also work with partners, employers, or anyone who would like to learn more about how to best support women throughout the menopause journey.
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I am now accepting clients both virtually and in person. Schedule a 15 min free consultation with me by emailing: info@brisqette.com
Brent Cairn Pleasance
CCPCP-R
Integrative Counsellor
Welcome to The Collaborative! I'm a trained counsellor in addictions and mental health and I am informed in humanistic and psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have a background in social work, specifically with homeless youth and addiction.
I work with people from a diversity of backgrounds on issues like addiction, anxiety, depression, communication, relationships, self-esteem and more. I use an integrative approach so that I can adapt to what each person needs.
A cairn is a waystone that marks your path, and it is a way of honouring those who’ve passed. As a counsellor, I try to be a guide that helps you find your way so that you can honour and put to rest the parts of yourself that are no longer serving you. I believe that:
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counselling should be tailored to the individual; there is no one-size-fits-all approach
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the quality of the relationship with your counsellor is paramount
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for lasting growth, we must acknowledge and unpack the emotions, patterns and energy that we both hold unconsciously and in our bodies
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the solutions to our problems are usually the most simple: a safe place, a trusting relationship, reconnecting with nature, a sense of community
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we all have an inner wisdom we can find and learn to trust
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there are no ‘quick fixes’ – real change takes work and time
Feel free to reach out and book a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Students
Students working under supervision with their training institutions, in association with The Collaborative
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Saxon Elmore
I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ryerson University, and am completing my master's level certificate in psychotherapy at TCPCE in Toronto. I founded Fizz Therapy and partnered with The Collaborative to provide affordable services and build community.
I believe therapy is for everyone, whether you're navigating challenges or celebrating successes. My practice offers a compassionate space for youth, adults, couples and families to explore their emotional well-being, grounded in the belief that human connection is essential for healing and growth.
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My approach is relationally driven, focusing on how past experiences and current relationships shape our emotional lives. I help clients reflect on these dynamics to build deeper, more meaningful connections with themselves and others.
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Inspired by Carl Jung’s idea that therapists can only guide clients as far as they’ve gone themselves, I bring my own journey of healing and growth into my work. This informs my empathetic approach, allowing me to understand the fears and vulnerabilities we all carry. With a commitment to curiosity, safety, and resilience, I strive to create a space where clients feel truly seen.
Trauma-informed. Accessible. Inclusive.
Contact me about sliding scale pricing for both individual and couples therapy.
Contact Us
Address
206 Ontario Street, suite 101
Stratford, Ontario
N5A 3H4
Contact
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A Note
Please note email communication should be used for non-urgent administrative purposes only.
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If you are in crisis, please contact your local crisis line, or proceed to the nearest emergency department.
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Email will be monitored during business hours, Monday-Friday