Alisa Chirpicinic

About Me

I believe that all problems that seem to defy solutions are directly affected – even determined - by how you experience and relate to yourself and others. Exploring the psychological meaning and emotional sense you attach to your specific internal struggles, feelings, and experiences can bring new insights and creative changes to your life. I am deeply committed to facilitating a safe, trusting relationship that can help you heal, grow, and become more fully yourself. I work with a wide range of individuals and couples, focusing on helping people create healthy and fulfilling lives in their internal and external worlds. My experience includes working with people who may seek increased clarity in their everyday lives as well as with people who may feel that anxiety, depression, or past trauma is hindering them from achieving their goals.

As a result of my work with couples, I have developed sensitivity to a relationship’s areas of tension and the expertise to guide couples toward more mature ways of relating to each other. Regardless of the challenges my clients might face, I am very passionate about finding a way of guiding their growth and achievement in whatever they feel is important for them. I welcome clients with diverse backgrounds and needs.

Therapeutic Approach

I am a strong believer in viewing our challenges from a holistic lens, and the importance of attending to the body-mind connection. I retain compassion and curiosity for everyone that I meet and understand peoples’ struggles through significant life events and social-cultural narratives.

In terms of my counseling approach, I am largely guided by psychodynamic and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches. However, I understand that no one approach fits all, and I draw from a range of modalities to meet you where you’re at. These modalities include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as well as client-centered and somatic approaches. Above all, I value and encourage your input – while still guiding and structuring sessions as needed.

Working with Couples

I will help you identify your specific relationship issues and gain insight into patterns that cause relationship distress. You will learn various tools that will help you to restore trust, enhance intimacy, improve communication skills, and strengthen mutual respect. I have the experience and welcomes the opportunity to work with couples in monogamous, non-monogamous, same, and opposite-sex relationships.

I have been trained in Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy and Gottman’s Couples Therapy Method.

Training and Modalities

I hold a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from City University in Canada and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. I am also a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC). ​I am currently training in psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on a deeper understanding of our inner experiences. 

I offer Individual, Couples and Family Counselling both in English and Russian.