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.

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.

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.

dark green office with warm brown chairs and a lamp creating a cozy office atmosphere

honey yellow couch and dark green walls creating an inviting office space

Our Practitioners

Founding Members

Rebecca Cuthbert

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.

Individual Psychotherapy: Including but not limited to traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, sense of self-worth, and reactive/intense emotions.
Men’s Mental Health
Prenatal and Postpartum
Parent/Child Psychoeducation and Psychotherapy
Teenager and Young Adult
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.

cuthbert@thecollaborative.ca

Karen Slater

BFA, Registered Psychotherapist

Working from the psychodynamic framework of psychotherapy, I work with adults who have experienced life, and may be struggling with the following:

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Trauma
PTSD
Sexuality
Chronic Pain
A Complicated Childhood

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.

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)

If you would like to see if we are a good fit, please feel free to reach out at:

kslater@thecollaborative.ca

*Shedler, J. 2010, "The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy" University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, American Psychological Association Vol. 65, No. 2, 98-109

Maggie Blake

MA, Child and Youth Worker

Unlocking the Potential of Every Child and Youth Through Compassionate Counseling

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.

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.

blake@thecollaborative.ca

Associates

Independent Practitioners working in association with The Collaborative

Sara Wilken

MSW, RSW, PhD

Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist

https://sarawilken.com

I’m a therapist with 20 years of experience working in agencies and community health settings, and I have been in private practice for 7 years.

I specialize in working with children ages 4 to 12, adults who are seeking support and more self understanding, and pregnant or new parents.

If you're here for you, you may be experiencing overwhelming feelings that are hard to make sense of or challenges in your relationships that are difficult to navigate alone. Therapy can help with exploring and understanding these difficulties. It really makes a difference to talk about experiences and feelings with a person who is on your side and who seeks to understand your internal world with you.

If you’re seeking support for your child, I offer many years of experience providing play therapy. Play serves as a powerful tool for children to convey complex and sometimes overwhelming feelings that they are not yet able to express through words. This type of therapy is child-led and involves slowly helping children to process and understand their emotions. In this work I collaborate frequently with parents so that we can work together to support your child.

Complimentary consultations:

A consultation is an important first step in a therapeutic relationship and in working towards feeling better. This free 15-minute phone consultation is an opportunity for us to connect and see if we are a good fit for one another. Making the first contact can be difficult, but I find that people feel more at ease about starting therapy after this initial conversation.

I can be reached by email at sarawilkenrsw@gmail.com or at

416-951-7183

Anna Dalton

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:

Relationships: Divorce & Dating
Issues affecting the LGBTQ2SIA+ community
Post Partum Depression/Anxiety, Birth Trauma and Parenting
Cancer and recovery
Self esteem and self worth
Grief and loss
Trauma including childhood sexual abuse
Racism and microaggressions
Navigating neurodivergence
Self-harm, suicidal thoughts and impulses
Clinical supervision to therapists seeking personal and professional support

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Kelly Richards

MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist

k.gilbert@live.ca

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

http://www.brisqette.com

info@brisqette.com

Hi!

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.

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.

I am now accepting clients both virtually and in person. Schedule a 15 min free consultation with me by emailing: info@brisqette.com

Students

Students working under supervision with their training institutions, in association with The Collaborative

Saxon Elmore

BA, Therapist in Training

saxon@fizztherapy.com

www.fizztherapy.com

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.

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.

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.

saxon@fizztherapy.com

www.fizztherapy.com