Alia Ziesman is a Registered Psychotherapist #13220 and member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She received her Master of Arts in International Development and Sociology from the University of Guelph and went on to complete her second Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. Alia has 12 years of nonprofit work experience as well as 15 years of experience volunteering in her community with diverse populations, including newcomers and refugees. Since 2012, she has served on the Leadership Council for the Guelph-Wellington Local Immigration Partnership and has previously volunteered with Women in Crisis, United Way, Immigrant Services, and The Elephant Nature Park (an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Thailand).

While living abroad for several years, Alia realized her passion for social justice and human (and animal) rights was rooted in supporting the individual. This understanding led her to pursue a career as a psychotherapist. As someone who has attended therapy for more than 20+ years, Alia understands the challenges of being vulnerable with another person. As a mother, she has experienced the various emotional, physical, and lifestyle changes of becoming a parent, which has inspired her to help other women through pregnancy, postpartum, and all steps of motherhood. Regardless of the issue, Alia will always provide you with a non-judgmental, trustworthy, supportive, and professional space where you can be yourself.

Alia can help you identify and better understand your thoughts, experiences and relationships to help you feel empowered and live your fullest life. Specializing in grief, relationships, communication and anxiety, you can learn to get out of your head and into the present moment, improving mindfulness.

Alia is also passionate about working with couples  to help reduce minor conflicts, improve communication and deepen connection. Her specialized and multidisciplinary training in couples counselling will provide you with the guidance and direction you need to better understand each other, increase your sense of intimacy, strengthen friendship and re-establish trust.

Alia views life as an ocean with waves that rise and fall. As the waves rise, you may find yourself laughing with Alia, as she believes humour is a stress reducer and important aspect of any relationship. As the waves fall and crash, she will guide you with kindness, empathy, understanding and compassion to help you find stability once again.

Outside of work, Alia can be found eating, cooking, or dreaming of her next meal, traveling, reading, playing soccer, petting random dogs, and spending time with her family, elderly dog Paco, and backyard chickens. Alia looks forward to working with you.