Alison Whitty
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade immersed in the world of high-performance sport and higher education. I was a Division I NCAA student-athlete at the University of Miami, a Canadian National Team rower, and later, a university coach and support staff member at institutions including the University of Louisville, the University of Iowa, and Brock University. While physical strength was part of the job, what truly set me apart was my mindset—my curiosity about what drives us, connects us, and at times, holds us back.
When I eventually stepped away from competitive sport, I realized that what had drawn me in all along wasn’t just performance—it was people. I was deeply interested in the emotional terrain we all navigate: self-worth, relationships, resilience, and identity. I had seen firsthand how the roles we play, the beliefs we carry, and the dynamics we experience can both shape and limit us. This insight, paired with a deep sense of empathy, led me to a new calling: walking alongside others as they work through life’s internal challenges and reconnect with their true selves—and the people who matter most.
My perspective has also been profoundly influenced by my personal experience as the spouse of a first responder. This has given me intimate insight into the unique emotional demands, communication hurdles, and relational strains that come with high-stakes, service-based careers. It allows me to support individuals and couples navigating similar dynamics with nuance, respect, and compassion.
In my therapy practice, I take a warm, collaborative, and emotionally focused approach. I work with individuals and couples experiencing transitions, relationship struggles, or identity shifts—often those who appear high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure on the inside. Many of my clients are athletes, parents, first responders, or high-performing professionals seeking greater balance between their inner experience and external responsibilities.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a deeply compassionate, evidence-based method that helps clients develop emotional awareness, strengthen connection, and foster lasting change. My approach is also informed by somatic practices, mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, and mental performance psychology—tools rooted in both my clinical training and athletic background.
Whether you're feeling stuck, facing a life transition, or longing for a more grounded and authentic connection with yourself or others, I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of self-trust.