Alexandra Matheson, M.A. in Counselling Psychology
Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO), Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) and Psychometrist
**Alexandra is currently accepting new clients in Ottawa**
Alexandra provides individual psychotherapy to children (age 8+), adolescents, and adults under the supervision of Dr. Loretta Patterson. In addition to psychotherapy, she supports Dr. Patterson in providing psychoeducational and psychological assessments.
Alexandra practices from a humanistic perspective, which means she focuses on understanding the whole person, not just the problem, and believes people have a natural ability to learn about themselves, grow as a person, and make positive changes in their everyday lives. This approach is based on empathy, respect, and collaboration, and emphasizes understanding a person’s beliefs, values, and lived experiences rather than trying to “fix” them.
Alexandra primarily uses Person-Centered Therapy (PCT). In this approach, clients talk about what matters most to them, at their own pace. There is no pressure to follow a set plan or timeline. Sessions can be used for expression, reflection, or working through situations, with a strong focus on feeling heard, understood, and supported in ways clients deem helpful. Alexandra also incorporates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a well-researched approach that compliments PCT. CBT helps clients become aware of their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physical symptoms, understand how these are connected, and supports the development of practical skills for managing challenges and working toward personal goals.
Alexandra is also informed by Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and has completed training in selected techniques from these approaches. These strategies are used carefully and only when they align with a client’s individual needs and goals.
Specialty Areas:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Emotional and behavioural regulation difficulties
Executive functioning weaknesses
Unhelpful thinking patterns or coping behaviours
Low mood and depression
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, and specific phobias only)
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Self-concept, identity development, and self-esteem
Interpersonal relationship challenges (peer, family, or romantic relationships)
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Gillian Crandall, MA, BA, LCT-C, CCC and Psychometrist
**Gillian is currently accepting new clients in New Brunswick**
Gillian is a Licensed Counselling Therapist (C) and Canadian Certified Counsellor who supports clients with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, ADHD, autism, and parenting concerns. She has an MA in Counselling Psychology and BA in Psychology and Gerontology with a background in early childhood development, and supporting families, children, and adult/senior clients with exceptional mental and/or physical differences and needs.
Gillian has worked from a CBT perspective while adding holistic approaches to neurodivergent processing. She maintains a client-centred approach, while blending theories such as ACT, attachment, and somatic, through trauma and grief informed lenses. Gillian works to ensure a strong foundation of trust is built and seeks to truly understand her client’s viewpoint in order to work together in developing goals and therapeutic plans. As an integrative, holistic therapist, Gillian meets clients where they are and builds a connection based on empathy and genuine appreciation for the trust they place in sharing their healing journey with her. She is a strong advocate for her clients and ensures they have the knowledge and support needed to grow and flourish in life.
Sarah Elizabeth Smith, M.A. in Counselling Psychology
Licensed Clinical Therapist (LCT-C), Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC), Trauma Center
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F) and Psychometrist
**Sarah is currently accepting new clients in New Brunswick, please contact sesmith.counselling@outlook.com**
Sarah works as a staff therapist with Atlantic Wellness - a community clinic providing free mental health support for youth and adolescents in Moncton, NB – and in private practice at Bloom House Counselling in Sackville, NB. She also owns Atlantic Yoga Therapy. In addition to psychotherapy, Sarah supports Dr. Patterson in providing psychoeducational and psychological
assessments.
Sarah is a psychodynamic psychotherapist, practicing under the supervision of two clinical supervisors, working with clients who come to therapy with issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and personality and mood disorders. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an evidence-
based, depth psychology approach tailored to client’s individual struggles and needs. The approach focuses on an individual’s unique developmental history, personality, attachment &
defensive patterns, and core interpersonal and intrapsychic conflicts. The therapeutic relationship is very important in this approach and time is taken to build trust and relational safety within the container of the therapeutic relationship. We may work with self-awareness, identity & self-esteem, emotional acceptance & regulation, boundaries between self & others, and observing and uncovering destructive patterns that may be operating automatically and unconsciously.
Sarah’s background is in yoga therapy and trauma studies, and she integrates some cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, and somatic therapies into work with clients when appropriate.
Sarah also studies Jungian Psychology and psychoanalytic theory with the C.G. Jung Institute of New England and the Houston Psychoanalytic Society. Interested clients can work with collaborative dream-analysis and expressive arts such as drawing or writing in sessions with Sarah.
Specialty Areas:
Trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD
Borderline & Narcissistic Personality
Anxiety Disorders
Body-Based Shame & related issues
IPV and Relational Abuse
