I provide clinical supervision; as well as assessments and psychotherapy for a wide variety of concerns, including but not limited to:
TREATMENT
- Veterans and current military
- First Responders
- Trauma/stressor-related disorders
- Adjustment issues
- Anxiety
- Attachment concerns
(child and adult)
- Behavioural problems
- Personality disorders
- Depression
- Emotion regulation (e.g., anger)
- Existential concerns
- Relationship difficulties
- School or work difficulties
- Self-harm
ASSESSMENT
- Learning disabilities
- ADHD
- Executive functioning problems
- Intellectual disability
- Autism
- Personality Disorders and more…
Founder of Pembroke Psychological Services
Dr. Alisha Henson, Ph.D., C. Psych
LGBTQ+ and multiculturally sensitive therapist
Approach
We will explore new skills and strategies for confronting and overcoming hardships. We will work on managing problematic symptoms, behaviours, and emotions in a supportive environment. We will also focus on addressing social and family communication. I am passionate about working collaboratively with individuals and families to overcome their challenges, instill hope, reduce stress, and increase well-being. Together, we will develop a more concrete understanding of the presenting struggles and create an evidence-based intervention plan to help you reach your goals. I am trained in several intervention modalities (e.g., ACT, DBT, EMDR, PE, SE, CBT, Trauma-focused CBT, Brainspotting, and Solution-Focused, Somatic Experiencing). I predominantly focus on symptom reduction, increasing empowerment and helping you live your best life.
I offer thorough and collaborative assessments for mental health and academic challenges. This assessment process includes a clinical interview, evidence-based measurements, collaboration with relevant parties (as needed), and diagnosis. The aim is to create specific recommendations and develop a personalized plan to support you or your child (ages seven and up).
Education and Experience
Before pursuing a psychology degree, I studied at Randolph College for the Performing Arts and worked as an Assistant Director in the Toronto film industry. My interest in human motivations led me to earn an undergraduate honours degree in psychology at Trent University, focusing on human development and attachment relationships. I then earned a master's degree in Drama Therapy from Concordia University. I completed internships with the Montreal Association for the Blind and the Jewish General Hospital, researching the bond between single mothers and their children facing behavioural and emotional challenges.
After my master's, I worked at the Phoenix Centre with children, adolescents, and families, taking on roles as a child and family therapist, in a day-treatment classroom, in local high schools and as a youth engagement facilitator for the Centre of Excellence in Child and Youth Mental Health.
I completed my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at McGill University, with placements at Concordia, Agence Ometz, and the Phoenix Centre, focusing on diverse cultural and gender backgrounds. My dissertation examined engaging youth with mental health challenges in refining a self-compassion program to improve well-being.
Since 2014, I have worked with veterans, and now I work with veterans, active military members, and first responders.