Individual Counselling | Trauma Therapy
A Bit About Me
Ashley McIntosh, MA, RCC, and Turtle, her therapy dog.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I work with individuals in recovery from disordered eating and addiction who may appear to be functioning on the outside but still feel stuck, conflicted, or disconnected within. Through my own recovery, I’ve come to know these feelings well and bring that understanding into my work.
With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I offer a trauma‑informed, relational, and somatic (body‑based) approach to therapy. My background also includes years in private practice specializing in disordered eating—a foundation that continues to inform my work today.
Currently, I work as an individual and group psychotherapist at an addiction recovery center, supporting clients healing from substance use disorder and trauma. I am also the author of The Girl and the Sun, a children’s book that uses playful metaphor to explore emotions and the inner self—a story that has also become a meaningful tool for adults in recovery.
Counselling Approach
Counselling sessions with me honor the wisdom of the body and emotions. Gentle attention is given to the protective parts within that have learned to cope through control, food, substances, or overthinking. Healing means slowly untangling the past from the present so the inner adult self can lead with clarity, compassion, and values.
I recognize that emotional injury doesn’t happen in isolation. Systems of power—such as gender, race, class, body-size, and culture —shape how we experience trauma, safety, and belonging. Bringing this awareness into therapy helps deepen understanding of both the inner world and the larger contexts that have shaped it. And self-understanding leads to self-compassion.
My work is guided by a deep respect for the courage it takes to face what’s underneath. Therapy isn’t about fixing—it’s about meeting our stories with compassion and finding a sense of home within.
“Ashley’s vulnerability in expressing her own fears and sharing her transformation is nothing less than courageous and inspires courage in others. Through her work, I have learned to trust my own intuition and embrace my deepest fears as my greatest gifts. I am so grateful to have received her light and contribution. ”
Cost
$180 per one hour online session
Trainings and Modalities
Master of Counselling (MA); Registered Clinical Counselling (RCC) from City University through BCACC.
Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM) for Trauma and Addiction with Jan Winhall.
Focusing-Oriented Therapy (FOT) through the FSPM: A somatic therapy that connects with the body’s wisdom with Jan Winhall.
Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment: Parts work specifically for trauma healing with Janina Fisher.
Internal Family Systems Therapy with Frank Anderson.
Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Russ Harris.
