Alison Ferko, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Alison Ferko, Registered Clinical Counsellor (she/her)
AREAS OF FOCUS:
Parenting and Caregiving
Neurodivergence
Highly Sensitive People
Anxiety and Depression
Life Transitions
THERAPY MODALITIES:
AEDP
Neurodivergence-Affirming
Attachment Theory
Somatic Therapy
Mindfulness-based
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH ALISON
My approach to counselling is relational, gentle, and collaborative, and allows lots of space for the client to be the expert in their own experience. I deeply value the therapeutic relationship and the courage and vulnerability that it takes to show up in that space, and prioritizing your safety means moving at your own pace. My goal is to help you attune to the present moment feelings and sensations that we often shy away from, and generally build resiliency to face life’s inevitable challenges.
ALISON’S EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
I graduated with an Honours B.A. in Psychology from Queens University in 2010, and completed my M.A. in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University in December 2023. I did my 9 month practicum as part of that program at Bodymind Counselling, gaining experience with a variety of clients. In the years in between my two degrees, I studied and taught yoga and other movement modalities, and earned a diploma in holistic nutrition from Pacific Rim College here in Victoria.
ON A PERSONAL NOTEThe biggest part of my identity during this season of life is being a mother. My partner and I are the parents of two young (wild and wonderful) children in a neurodiverse family and have had a crash course in the past six years in caregiving, trust, acceptance, and resiliency. My own cherished relationship with my counsellor has been one of the greatest resources along my parenting journey.
Outside of work and life at home, I love being near the ocean, reading, walking, practicing yoga, and listening to podcasts.
FEESAlison’s fees are $150 per 50 minute session.
HOURSAlison is available on Sundays and Thursdays, from 8:30am-2:00pm.
Professional Development and Education
AEDP Anger Seminar - Hilary Jacobs Hendel
Working with Adults with ADHD - Dr. Elisabeth Baerg Hall and Dr. Candice Murray
Basic Principles of Somatic Experiencing
The Dos and Don’ts of Therapy with Neurodivergent Clients - with Nyck Walsh
Neurodivergent Somatics, Part 1 - with Nyck Walsh
Intro to AEDP: How to Be a Transformational Therapist and Put Neuroplasticity into Everyday Action - on demand - with Diana Fosha
Getting Started or Restarted with AEDP - on demand - with Ben Lipton
Paradigm Shift training program for parents of PDA autistic children - ongoing
500 hour trauma-informed yoga teacher training
Holistic Nutrition Diploma - Pacific Rim College
All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.
