Christine Dalgity – M.A. (Counselling Psych.), Registered Psychotherapist / Owner

I’m Christine Dalgity, a Registered Psychotherapist and owner of Dalgity Counselling & Psychotherapy. I worked in education for over 24 years with children and teens experiencing social, emotional, and behavioural learning deficits. I thought this is what I would always do; however, after personally experiencing the emotions, confusion, grief, and family dynamics involved when an individual or family member is experiencing chronic and/or terminal illness, and observing other families experiencing similar situations, I realized that residents of Almonte and surrounding areas would benefit from a therapist offering help to individuals and families working through these experiences. I decided to be that therapist, not only offering services for anxiety, depression, stress and relationship issues but also offering a supportive, confidential, non-judgmental environment to help individuals and families work through trauma, grief and loss. I understand the small town mindset, the community experience when we are going through a loss or difficulty, but also the vulnerability that may also come from experiencing times when we need extra help without “everyone knowing”.  Although I live in Almonte, your confidentiality is guaranteed. The most crucial aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship and that includes trust and non-judgment.  I stand by this belief and have seen first hand the progress that can be made when there is trust, humour, and alliance.  As a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and of associations such as the OAMHP, I am bound by ethical codes of confidentiality which are clearly stated.  (Look at FAQs for more on confidentiality).

As a counsellor and psychotherapist, I take a client centred approach, working together to find a fit that works for you.  I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and I will help guide you through your process of change.  We will start with your personal experience and identify beliefs, thoughts, perceptions and feelings to build awareness as to what has, or is, happening to get you to where you are now.  I use mainly a cognitive behavioural therapy approach, but believe a more eclectic, integrative approach of different cognitive and behavioural therapies, mindfulness, and positive psychology, works well to meet the needs of each individual or family. I have now added eye movement de-sensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma and other mental health needs such as OCD, anxiety, chronic pain, etc. There is no quick fix, but together we can learn to understand your experiences, and gain new perspectives to allow you to live the life you choose and move forward.

I have a BA in Social Development Studies from the University of Waterloo, and an MA (Counselling Psychology) from Yorkville University, which allowed me to gain valuable experience working with adults in a health setting. I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and I’m registered with the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals.

Jade Ferguson – M.A. (Counselling Psych), Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Canadian Counsellor

I’m Jade Ferguson and I am excited to be joining the team at Dalgity Counselling & Psychotherapy. I am eager to continue to learn and grow as a practitioner within a local setting. I have a passion for learning about each individual and their unique life experiences. I will provide a collaborative, supportive therapeutic experience to ensure that each individual is able to get the most out of the therapeutic process. I have a great deal of experience working with children and youth with social, emotional, behavioural, developmental, and mental health needs.

I have experience with children, youth and adults in many different areas including depression, anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, trauma and emotion-regulation. I use a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, interpersonal therapy and narrative therapy. I work from a client-centred approach and because every individual is unique, I collaborate with clients in order to tailor their therapeutic process to best suit their needs. I pride myself on creating a safe, positive space for individuals to heal, grow and work towards their goal.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I hold a Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a B.A. in Psychology and Health Studies from Queen’s University. I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and I am currently in good standing as a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I am also a member of the Ontario Association for Infant and Child Development (OAICD).

Carissa Rathwell – M.A. (Counselling Psych), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

I am Carissa Rathwell, and I am a current Registered Psychotherapist-Qualifying with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.  I am very excited to now be a part of the staff here at Dalgity Counselling and Psychotherapy and am looking forward to being a resource for those in Almonte and surrounding areas.

Meeting individuals where they are at is something that I pride myself on in my work with those who are wanting to take a step ahead. I tend to work from a Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioural approach to help clients gain new perspective and address the barriers that seem too difficult to overcome on their own.

My background is in Social Work, providing support to youth, adolescents, and their parents addressing many different topics such as depression, anxiety, feeling out of control, grief, etc. and those topics are what lead me to finishing my master’s and entering into counselling and therapy.

“Your speed doesn’t matter, forward is forward.”

Erin Hawkins – OT Reg. (Ont.), Registered Occupational Therapist / Psychotherapy

I’m Erin Hawkins and I am excited to be joining the team at Dalgity Counselling & Psychotherapy. I have experience working with clients of all ages recovering from various physical, cognitive and psychological conditions, including stroke, cancer, concussion/traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

I am passionate about working in a client-centered manner, enabling clients to engage in the activities that they need, want and love to do. I strive to work collaboratively with clients to identify strategies and plans to best support them in achieving their goals and to live a meaningful life.

I am dedicated to being a life-long learner and participate in continuing education courses to further enhance my clinical knowledge and skills. I have participated in various workshops related to suicide awareness, current best practices in concussion management and recovery, motivational interviewing, coaching, child and youth mental health interventions, developing cognitive skills through play, mindfulness practice, memory/cognitive strategies post-stroke, and chronic pain management.

Being a Registered Occuptional Therapist allows me the opportunity to perform the Regulated Act of Psychotherapy. I am continuing to increase my skills in psychotherapy through increased professional development.

I am a Registered Occupational Therapist in Good Standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology from Trent University, and my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. I am a member of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) as well as the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT).

Kyla Herman – Office Administrator

I’m Kyla Herman the Office Administrator at Dalgity Counselling & Psychotherapy. Organization, and making people feel at ease and welcome are two things that I strive for. I use both of these skill sets daily when running a busy practice with individuals from many walks of life, with varying needs .  As the first person you see when you walk into our office, and the first voice you hear when you call us, I will ensure you feel comfortable and at home.