Alisa Al Haj
Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology (B.A.Sc.), Master of Arts in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care (MA), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

You may be someone who others see as capable, thoughtful, and strong. You manage responsibilities, show up for the people around you, and keep moving forward even when things feel heavy. Yet privately, you might feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, or unsure why certain patterns in your life keep repeating themselves. Perhaps relationships feel complicated, your thoughts spiral late at night, or experiences from the past still shape how you see yourself and the world.You may also find yourself wondering why things feel so difficult when, on paper, everything should be fine. Many people who come to therapy feel this way. They have spent years carrying expectations, navigating pressure, or trying to make sense of experiences that never had the space to be fully processed. Over time, this can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself, uncertain about your direction, or stuck in cycles that are hard to step out of alone. Therapy offers a place to slow down and begin making sense of what has been weighing on you.

In our work together, we focus on understanding the patterns that shape your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. This process often helps bring clarity to experiences that previously felt confusing or overwhelming. As that clarity develops, people begin to reconnect with their own sense of direction and the choices available to them.

Our work together is often guided by a few important steps:

• Bringing awareness to the thoughts, emotions, and experiences that have been shaping your current patterns.

• Exploring these experiences with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment.

• Developing practical ways to navigate anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and relationship challenges.

• Strengthening your sense of identity, boundaries, and the direction you want your life to move toward.

Change rarely happens all at once. More often, it begins with understanding, small shifts in perspective, and gradually building the confidence to move forward differently. If you feel ready to understand yourself more deeply and begin creating meaningful change, therapy can be a place to start that process. 

Beginning therapy is often the first step toward gaining clarity about yourself and the direction you want your life to take. As Carl Rogers wrote, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Therapy offers a space where that kind of understanding and growth can begin.

If you feel ready to start that process, I invite you to reach out, hit the Get Started Now button and ask for me (Alisa) to begin your mental health journey.

Clinical Background and Interests

• Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

• Master of Arts in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care, Wilfrid Laurier University

• Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Toronto, with additional studies in Biology and Anthropology

• Bachelor of Arts (Major in Classics), University of Alberta

• My work is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and a respect for each person’s lived experience. I aim to create a space where people feel understood, supported, and able to explore the questions that matter most to them.

• My therapeutic approach integrates several evidence-based modalities, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Trauma-informed therapy

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Client-centred therapy

• I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma and complex trauma

  • Relationship and attachment challenges

  • Life transitions and identity development

  • Emotional regulation and stress

  • Cultural and immigrant identity experiences

  • Spiritual exploration and religious trauma

• I work with individual adolescents (), young adults (), and adults, (18-65).

• Outside of my clinical work: I enjoy spending time outdoors, being around animals (especially my chihuahua, Tima), and staying involved in mentorship and youth programs within the community.

Hit the Get Started Now button, and ask for Alisa to begin your mental health journey.