Counselling and Psychotherapy in Guelph
and virtually across Ontario
Alessia Morrell, MA
Owner, Clinical Director
Registered Psychotherapist
"Trauma is not the event itself, it is the internal, unprocessed experience that remains when we lack an empathetic witness"
-Peter Levine
Therapy for anxiety, trauma and illness - Survival wrote the first chapters, but you deserve a different ending.
​
Your nervous system carries a story shaped by everything you’ve lived through—especially the moments where you had to stay alert, guarded, and anticipating history repeating itself. The anxiety, the overthinking, the constant sense of unease… it all makes sense. In our work together, we focus on identifying and rewiring survival patterns that no longer serve you, and build a new internal experience—one where you feel safer, more grounded, and back in control of your life.
​
Support that meets you exactly where you are
​
I value creating a very human, authentic environment which involves integrating thoughtful use of humour and a wide range of creative strategies designed to reduce anxiety, address your concerns, and improve overall wellness.
Why clients choose Authentic Minds
​
-
Meeting you exactly where you are—without pressure or expectation.
-
Rapid Access to a therapist
-
15+ years in mental health care
-
Trauma-informed approaches
-
Specialized support for first responders
-
Evidence-based therapies (CBT, ACT, ART)
-
Ethical, value-based counselling
Services
The following services are available at Authentic Minds...
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
(Eye movement therapy)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a unique, evidence-based, non-talk therapy approach that combines rapid eye movements with voluntary image replacement to alleviate distressing symptoms. Improvements can be seen in as little as one session.
​
**Intake Session Required**
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is designed to help partners address and resolve conflicts, improve communication, enhance intimacy and connection, and increase the overall quality of their relationship.
​
*NOT ACCEPTING CLIENTS*
What you can expect at your first appointment...
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step. Our goal is to make that first meeting feel as comfortable, respectful, and grounded as possible. We’ll start by reviewing confidentiality, consent, and the practical details of the space, so you know exactly what to expect. From there, your therapist will take time to understand your story—gently exploring the experiences that have brought you here. This helps us tailor our approach to your individual needs. Always moving at a pace that feels right for you. Throughout the process, our priority is to ensure that you feel heard, in control, and supported every step of the way.
​​
We may also take time to:
-
Understand your preferences for how sessions are guided
-
Answer any questions about the counselling process
-
Offer small comforts like drinks or snacks, to help you feel at ease
-
Explore next steps, if and when you feel ready​
Therapeutic Approaches
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Polyvagal Theory
Internal Family Systems
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy
Person-centered Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
"We may not be responsible for the world that created our minds, but we can take responsibility for the mind that creates our world." - Gabor Mate