Compassionate, Approachable Psychotherapy in Guelph & Online
Do you want to feel more fulfilled and present in your life and relationships? Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Life is tragic and deeply beautiful and our relationships shape, but do not define us. At Alia Ziesman Counselling, I am passionate about your story. With active listening and gentle challenging, I strive to help you develop a stronger understanding of how you got here and where you want to go. When you come to better understand what has happened to you (your lived experience) you can begin to write new chapters for your future. Change takes time, but you should expect change with therapy. Having experienced profound and ongoing grief in my own life, I will meet you where you are, at your own pace. I'm invested in your outcomes and together, we can develop meaningful strategies that work. Reach out for a free 15-minute phone consult.
Client-Centred Support
Tailored Therapy Sessions
Safe and Comfortable Environment
Flexible Scheduling Options
My Approach
"Listening is plenty of doing." Esther Perel
I am passionate about making therapy accessible, approachable, comfortable and enjoyable. Humans are social creatures and we seek comfort in others. With me, you will not feel judged. My approach is simple: I ask that you show up; it's okay if you don't know where to start, we'll figure it out.
How I Got Here:
My great grandparents were indentured servants. My grandma and hero, Sakunat Ali had an arranged marriage at the age of 14. Growing up in a religion where girls have no rights, she was banned from school, reading, and writing and dedicated her life to her 12 children. This intergenerational trauma had ripple effects: my mom and her siblings emigrated to Canada at a young age, and, like many immigrants, worked hard and sacrificed. My grandma Sakunat was my support, always listening with warmth and kindness. She taught me how to listen and how it felt to be listened to. Her natural quick wit, sarcasm and humour made me laugh when I needed it most. When I was 13, she passed away and I carry her legacy with me. From an early age, I learned how to be my own source of emotional support.
My Specialties Are My Story:
For one decade, I worked in the non-profit industry fulfilling my passion to help others. What has shaped me into the therapist I am today was losing my favourite person: when I was 34 years old, I tragically lost my sister Tania. This broke me into pieces and I decided to channel my grief and my passion for social justice to become a registered psychotherapist.
Qualifications:
I bring my grandma's strong listening skills, unwavering support, reliability, sharp wit, intellect and honesty. I also bring two masters degrees, 40 trainings, a commitment to ongoing learning, and a lifetime of experience with grief. Over time, I've had the pleasure of witnessing clients deepen their understanding of self, grow their confidence, find their voice and begin to show up more meaningfully in their relationships.
Modalities:
I use a client-centered approach with evidence-based, integrative approaches to foster healing and resilience in the long run. Some of these approaches include psychodynamic, narrative therapy, attachment theory, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and The Gottman Method (Couples) Level Two. I tailor our sessions to your unique needs and I'm invested in your outcomes.
Specialties
I bring an attachment perspective to all of my work and specialize in couples counselling, grief and loss (including pet loss), parenting, stress, cultural diversity, perinatal, women's health, men's health, identity and anxiety disorders. I'm trained in couples therapy including The Gottman Method Level Two & Emotionally Focused Therapy. My goal is to help you reach your goals. Click 'Learn More' for details.
