Alissa is a Registered Provisional Psychologist whose academic achievements and personal dedication to her clients shine through her work. At Concordia, as a research assistant in the Nature Meaning in Life Laboratory, Alissa delved into the heart of well-being and Positive Psychology Interventions, sparking a deep-seated passion for guiding individuals toward lives abundant with meaning, compassion, and understanding.
Alissa Caskey
Areas of Practice SpiritualityAbuseADHDAnxietyBlended FamiliesDepressionGender IdentityGrief/LossLife Adjustment/TransitionLGBTQ+OCDParentingPersonal Development/GrowthPre-Marital CounselingRelationship ProblemsSelf-Esteem/Self-CompassionSeparation and DivorceStress/BurnoutTraumaHealth/Medical ConcernsWomen's Health Counseling
Adoption||Child-Parent Relationships|Anger Management|Body Image||Career/Vocation|Communication|Infertility|Infidelity|Loneliness/Isolation|Mediation|Pain Management|Panic Attacks|Phobias|Post-Partum Adjustment|Pre-Marital Counselling|Self-Injury|Sleep problems|
Approach
Alissa firmly believes in the transformative power of therapy to enrich lives at any stage. Embracing the principle that, while the past cannot be changed, the future is full of possibilities, she empowers her clients to take proactive steps toward a fulfilling life. Therapy, to Alissa, is an empowering journey toward flourishing and deep healing.
Her approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and deeply respectful of the client-therapist relationship, which she views as crucial for navigating and overcoming life’s challenges. She collaborates with clients to help them process their experiences, accept themselves, and build resilience.
Alissa’s approach integrates:
Attachment-Based Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Person-Centred Therapy
Art / Creative-Based Approaches
Systematic Exposure and Response Prevention
Trauma-Informed
Alissa’s holistic approach is tailored to meet the diverse needs of her clients. Her goal is to provide a healing space where individuals feel heard, understood, and supported on their journey toward growth and well-being — a safe haven for those seeking to heal and grow, at a pace that feels right for them. Sue Johnson’s insights on love’s healing power and its vital role in a compassionate society resonate with Alissa’s approach to therapeutic practice.
Background
Alissa earned her Master’s in Counselling Psychology with honours from Yorkville University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from Concordia University of Edmonton, building a robust foundation in the field.
Her professional expertise includes certifications from Berkeley University in the Science of Happiness, and Mindfulness and Resilience to Stress. With Level 1 and Level 2 certifications in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy and completion of an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) externship, she is well-equipped to support her clients. Her commitment to professional development continues as she works toward her Certification in Complex Trauma and PTSD, enhancing her trauma-informed approach to counselling.
Favorite Quote
Happiness is “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.”
— Sonja Lyubomirsky
Wellness Matters Videos
See Alissa’s talks below to get to know her and an area she often works with in therapy
How Alissa works with…
Children
In my therapeutic work with children, I integrate principles of attachment theory with techniques designed to enhance emotional regulation. Recognizing the importance of secure attachments, I create a nurturing and accepting space that allows children to express themselves and learn to manage their emotions through play and interaction. This approach not only supports their immediate well-being but also lays the groundwork for healthy emotional development.Adolescent / Teen
Working with teens, I bring a blend of compassion and understanding to help navigate the unique challenges of adolescence. My approach is to create a safe space where teens can explore their identity, manage emotional stress, and build resilience for the future, all underpinned by my trauma-informed training and dedication to positive psychology. This approach empowers couples to seek and find strength in their partnership, deepening their connection and equipping them to navigate conflicts together. By fostering strong, secure bonds, I facilitate a process where partners learn to truly understand each other's emotional landscapes, thereby paving the way for lasting intimacy and a resilient trust that can weather life's challenges.Couples
In my couples therapy practice, I emphasize the importance of 'turning toward' one another as a foundational element of Emotionally Focused Therapy. This approach empowers couples to seek and find strength in their partnership, deepening their connection and equipping them to navigate conflicts together. By fostering strong, secure bonds, I facilitate a process where partners learn to truly understand each other's emotional landscapes, thereby paving the way for lasting intimacy and a resilient trust that can weather life's challenges.Trauma/PTSD
As a counsellor with specialized training in Complex Trauma, I embrace a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. I meet each client where they are, joining them on their journey toward healing. Together, we work to reclaim a sense of safety and control, using evidence-based practices tailored to individual needs. With patience and a deep respect for the resilience within each person, I guide clients through their process of recovery, supporting them every step of the way.Pre-Marriage Counselling
Pre-marriage counselling is a journey I navigate with couples to build strong foundations for their future together. Leveraging my expertise in communication and relationship dynamics, I facilitate open discussions that foster mutual understanding, helping couples set the stage for a fulfilling partnership.LGBTQ+ and Gender Identity
My practice is a welcoming and affirmative space for LGBTQ+ individuals and those exploring gender identity. I provide informed and empathetic support, empowering clients to live authentically and embrace their full selves, while navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and societal expectations.We’ll help you find the right fit.
Our client care team works with each new client to ensure they are matched to the right therapist.
It’s essential to find a therapist who aligns with your unique needs and preferences. If you’re unsure where to begin, you don’t have to figure it out alone.