About Me: Shani Ellis-Alman
About Me: Shani Ellis-Alman
Want to take steps toward living your best life? Are there areas where you are stuck?
I am here to help people like you overcome things that make you feel stuck.
I have worked in the helping field for over 13 years. Now, in January 2024, I have decided to shift into private practice. Why? The world has changed since the pandemic.
Working in healthcare, I have witnessed many people struggling without their usual coping strategies and outlets. They are discovering things about themselves that were previously unknown, and there is a global call for change. This change excites me because, as the social work phrase goes, "lean into the discomfort." Change brings opportunities. I see a shift in the world of social work, and I start this practice in response to my calling to support this change.
As with all professional counsellors and clinicians, I am human first. I have tried counselling in the past and found that there are parts of my life and my experience that I am only willing to share with the right person. All too often, I have set limitations, saying I am prepared to address ‘this’ and ‘that’, but I am not ready to talk about ‘not here’. Well guess what, all of our stories, experiences, journeys, losses, hurts, are what make us who we are. In counselling we seek to discover what lies inside, secret belief, ‘truths’ that help us or hold us back, and as we travel these roads, we always find our way back to the ‘this’ the ‘that’, and especially the ‘not here’.
Finding the right clinician is so important, someone who you are willing to open up to, someone you can be vulnerable with, someone who you feel will understand and hold value to your experiences. On this journey, I bring openness, humility, empathy and genuineness- never judgement. And don’t mistake this vulnerability for a weakness, because it takes the most strength to ask for help, and admit we can't do this alone.
What led me to starting this practice is you… people, humanity, life, and inevitably, struggle. These experiences give us texture, they give us sustenance, and I believe they are meant to build us up, not take us under. For me to walk with you for a short while on your journey, and help you make sense of your experience is an honour. To support you in finding the best version of yourself, and live your best life even in the presence of hurt and pain… after all, pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a commodity- no pressure, no diamond; no struggle, no strength.
Shani Ellis-Alman
Culturally Safe & Affirming Whole Person Care
With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University, my professional experience spans across healthcare and academia. I have specialized in mental health and wellness, addiction and maladaptive coping, as well as concurrent disorders—situations where individuals face both mental health and substance use concerns. Throughout my career, I have worked in hospital settings, crisis intervention, community mental health, and have developed and facilitated various mental health and addiction groups, including gender-specific groups addressing unique experiences.
fundamental in fostering self-esteem and discovering your authentic self.
Working from a strength-based and empowerment-focused perspective, my passion lies in serving oppressed and marginalized populations. I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and development. It is my sincere intention to be welcoming and open, establishing a strong foundation for our collaborative work together.
I have also ventured into the corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion space, delivering workshops on cultural safety, Black mental health, and Racially Based Traumatic Stress, drawing from my firsthand experience.
My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Additionally, I incorporate mindfulness and grounding techniques to support you during distressing times. Taking inspiration from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, I prioritize building safety and interpersonal relationships as
Certifications
Certified Counsellor
Anti-Racism Certified
San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Certified
Trainer in using an Afrocentric Approach to Treatment
How I Work
My Therapeutic Approach
I integrate various therapeutic modalities, continuously expanding my knowledge and skills to better serve you. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Feminist Theories, Harm Reduction philosophies, Seeking Safety, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). As a lifelong learner, I embrace new training opportunities, stay updated with the latest research and literature, and adapt my modalities accordingly.
Your input is essential to our therapeutic journey. I value your perspective and encourage you to share which methods you find helpful and those you may not resonate with. Together, we can tailor our approach to best meet your needs and preferences.
Counselling Services
Life Wellness Includes Mental Wellness
It is time you take control of your well-being.
Individual Counselling
Explore the Path to Inner Harmony: Personalized Counseling for Growth and Wellness.
Our personalized counseling sessions create a secure and private environment, inviting you to delve into your thoughts, emotions, and worries alongside a neutral and encouraging expert. With expertise across diverse areas, we tailor our approach to effectively meet your distinct challenges.
case management
An approach that is best suited to more complex needs. It not only involves individual counselling work, but it involves creating a circle of care with other supports and providers (community groups, peer groups, physicians and psychiatrists, naturopaths. etc).
