Alicia Fortin

Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to feel seen, understood, and appreciated for exactly who they are, but it can be so hard to feel this way when difficult environments, experiences, thoughts, and feelings have given us an alternative message.

I work to get to know each individual and their particular goals and needs while also ensuring we have time in sessions to recognize your strengths, efforts, and things that bring you hope and joy.

It is an incredible privilege to be able to hear clients’ stories and learn about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In my work, I always strive to create a sense of teamwork and self compassion so that you can express yourself authentically without any kind of judgement.

Experience: I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph. My educational background has given me the opportunity to not only understand individual origins of traumatic response in my work, but to explore the ways our society and environments perpetuate trauma. I have over five years’ experience working with adolescents, young adults, and families experiencing trauma, mental health, and addictions related concerns in Ontario and New Brunswick. I also have training and experience in supporting trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive youth and their families in coming out, navigating social transitions, accessing gender affirming community care, and building community supports. I am so grateful to continue to have the opportunity to learn and grow with each new client I meet.

Client Focus: I work with individuals including adults and adolescents 13 and over, and provide support to families and particularly families of adolescents who are interested in services.

Types of therapy:  I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities depending on a client’s goals for therapy and their preferences for services. I use specialized trauma therapies including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC), with polyvagal theory to supplement our understanding of physiological responses to stress. I regularly integrate Attachment and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), to facilitate opportunities for growth and movement towards your goals. Finally, I have completed trainings with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and can facilitate assessments for hormone therapy and surgery readiness for transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive individuals looking for gender affirming medical care.

Issues: Common challenges include trauma, depression, and anxiety, in addition to attachment injuries and adverse childhood experiences.

Specialties include acute and complex trauma, attachment injuries/adverse childhood events, addictions, gender & sexuality exploration, gender affirming care/hormone readiness assessments, and minority stress.

More than just my work: I love to spend time in nature, and feel a sense of fulfillment and connection when I can learn about our local flora and fauna. In the spring I can be found in the woods just before sunrise with binoculars and a field guide, waiting to welcome our migrating birds back for the season.

Let’s Connect: If you’re looking for support to navigate life’s challenges and regain a sense of hope and direction, I’m here to help. Book an appointment today, and let’s work together to foster your growth and achieve your goals.