Ashley Sunstrum

Ashley is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Qualifying indicates that she is working under the close supervision of Registered Psychologist, Frances Hammel-Kampus as Ashley works to complete supervised hours as required by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. 

Young children experience big emotions! Because they often have difficulty expressing themselves verbally they may “act out” with aggression, or alternatively withdraw. This can affect their engagement with friends and family, participation at school, interest in activities, and how they feel about themselves.  I utilize a person-centered, holistic approach to support the unique needs of each child and their family. Play helps children to convey the difficulties they are experiencing in a developmentally appropriate way. Often children will draw or act out the problems that mirror what they are struggling with internally. Through careful observation and collaboration with parents, I can support children struggling with anxiety, aggression, trauma, depression, intense emotions, family conflicts, social problems, self-esteem, etc.

By incorporating parents in the child’s sessions, we are able to further strengthen and nurture your relationship with your child to promote ongoing wellness. I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment and value the importance of my relationship with you and your child as a foundation for meaningful change.

Experience:

Ashley is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a Yorkville University graduate with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Ashley’s Qualifying status means that she continues to work under supervision of a fully qualified practitioner. Over the past ten years, Ashley has worked with individuals with anxiety, depression, addiction, grief and loss, and trauma experiences. She has worked with children and families providing support and crisis intervention for clients striving to make lasting changes in both a clinical and an outreach setting. Not only has Ashley completed Play Therapy and Theraplay training programs, she has gained valuable experience working in a play therapy clinic in Ontario. To ensure best outcomes Ashley continues to work with supervision of a certified play therapy supervisor recognized by the Canadian Association for Play Therapy.  

Client Focus:

Individuals, children (12 years and under)

Types of therapy:  

Ashley takes a person-centred, holistic approach to care, incorporating components from a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT),  Play Therapy and Theraplay.

Issues:  Anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, depression, emotion regulation, parenting issues

More than just my work:

When not supporting families in the clinic, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and her puppy. In the summertime you will find her lounging on her sailboat.