“It’s Transformative”: A Therapist Shares What Collaborative Care Means in Practice
At Psychotherapy Matters (PM), we believe that collaboration is the future of mental health care. We recently sat down with one of our experienced members, Tala El-Ackhar, a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, to hear how working with Psychotherapy Matters Virtual Collaboration (PMVC) has shaped their practice and supported their clients.
Interview conducted by Nandini, PM Co-op Student & Aspiring Psychotherapist
Q: Tell us a bit about your path into psychotherapy.
I completed my diploma at the Ontario Psychotherapy and Counselling Program and pursued additional training in trauma-informed care and somatic interventions. I also hold a Master’s in Social Justice Education, which informs the way I approach structural and identity-related concerns in therapy.
Q: What types of clients do you typically work with?
Most of my caseload includes clients with complex presentations such as trauma and bipolar II, or C-PTSD alongside borderline personality traits. Many also present with dissociative symptoms or long-standing attachment disruptions. Over time, I’ve grown to really appreciate the depth of this work.
Q: How did you first get involved with Psychotherapy Matters?
I joined around 2022. What drew me to PM was the ability to consult with psychiatrists while staying closely involved in the care of my clients.
Q: What has your collaboration with PM psychiatrists been like?
Honestly, it’s been excellent. I’ve worked repeatedly with two psychiatrists in particular. The consultations have expanded my understanding of clients and have often repaired their trust in psychiatric care, especially those who previously felt dismissed or misunderstood. Clients often open up in these sessions—sometimes revealing things they hadn’t even told me yet. That deepens the therapeutic alliance on all sides.
Q: Can you share more about how this impacts your clients?
I would say, for many of my clients—especially racialized or BIPOC individuals—there are real barriers to navigating traditional psychiatric spaces. Being part of the consultation helps bridge that gap. Clients feel seen, and more often than not, we land on a more accurate or nuanced understanding of their needs.
Q: What typically prompts a referral for a psychiatric consultation?
Recently, it’s been related to ADHD and ASD assessments, especially in cases where trauma masks or complicates the presentation. Often, clients come in with partial diagnoses or medication plans that aren’t working well. The Psychotherapy Matters consult helps us reassess, reframe, and move forward with more clarity and confidence.
Q: Have you used any of the provider resources on the PM platform?
Not until recently! I didn’t realize the past Collaborative Care Conference recordings were all available on the website. I’ve now bookmarked the provider resources page to explore more. I’d love to see supervision groups return, especially for therapists handling complex trauma cases.
Q: Final thoughts?
I love this platform. It helps me offer my clients the kind of coordinated, respectful care they often can’t find elsewhere. And it strengthens my practice—I’ve referred 17 clients for consults through PMVC and continue to recommend it to others.
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Why This Matters 🌿
This interview reflects what so many therapists tell us: collaborative care isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. Creating a space where therapists, psychiatrists, and family doctors work together makes meaningful progress possible for clients who might otherwise fall through the cracks. To learn more about joining our network or supporting your practice through collaboration, visit psychotherapymatters.com.