Joanne Astley
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist · Master's (Wilfrid Laurier University, 06/19)
Member of Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Psychotherapy Provider (Registered Social Worker) and Complementary/Alternative Service (Yoga instructor)
I am a highly compassionate, respectful and active counsellor who listens to your needs and adapts sessions accordingly, using a variety of mind and body approaches. I believe that life’s struggles are part of being human and that counselling is a collaboration — an opportunity to “walk with” you through difficulties by providing empathetic listening and concrete skills.
I aim to help you connect with your curiosity, compassion and internal felt sense as a way to discover the qualities of your authentic self, as well as your own values, feelings and corresponding needs. I’m fully aware that finding a therapist who aligns well with you is an essential component of successful therapy.
Not only do I have training in a wide variety of evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, I have also “walked the walk” in therapy myself, and experienced the benefits of counselling/psychotherapy. As much as I am committed to professional development and training, I am also equally committed to my own personal growth. This has given me the ability to develop tremendous empathy for clients, the capacity to be with clients in their hardest moments, or when sharing what they’ve been through, and remain steady and grounded.
I’m a lifelong learner who continues training to stay up to date with current treatment practices to best benefit my clients. I’m passionate about learning, as well as sharing what I know with others for the benefit of others. I aim to empower clients not only with knowledge but also with skills to develop their inner wisdom to know how to move forward in a way that aligns with their values, passions, needs and goals. This is my reason for being a therapist; I gain tremendous joy and satisfaction from seeing my clients grow, change and flourish.
Prior to completing a Master of Social Work, I earned a Master of English and Creative Writing, and worked for over twenty years with immigrants, refugees and international students in both community and post-secondary settings, teaching English. I have also lived on three continents and had multiple cross-country moves over decades, which helps me to be cognizant of the challenges newcomers may face, and the difficulties of significant life transitions.
Additionally, I’m a yoga teacher with 600 hours of training in various approaches. I have an extensive background in mindfulness, strengthened by years of teaching yoga, participating in retreats, and leading groups in clinical settings.
In my spare time, you might find me journeying to familiar or new places with my partner of over thirty-five years and our now-adult child, practicing yoga and mindfulness, hiking, reading, writing, and, as much as possible, finding time for laughter.
It can feel daunting to start this process, especially if you’re not feeling your best. I bring years of training and experience to support you; I will provide clear guidance regarding the next steps. Your well-being is my top priority.
Primary Practice Location
Guelph, Ontario
Phone: (519) 900-0383
Extended office hours: evenings
Website: https://www.aligningmindscounselling.com/ (opens in new tab)
Years of Experience
7
Certifications
Please go to the "About Me" page of my website (and scroll to end of the page) for a complete list of additional trainings & certifications,