THRIVING ROOTS WELLNESS COLLECTIVE
Helping you grow
ABOUT THRIVING ROOTS
Thriving Roots Wellness Collective is a philosophical movement, with a focus on getting to the root of the problem to help you live the life you want to live.
Some quick facts:
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As founder of Thriving Roots, I'm C. (short for Cheryl) Alecia White, and I'm a Clinical Social Worker based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. My endeavour has been to create a collective of health care professionals who are committed to equity, wellness, and improved quality of life outcomes for those we serve.
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Currently, we provide holistic counselling, therapy and coaching supports to communities impacted by a number of struggles, including racialized trauma, sexuality/gender identity issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, adjustment, system navigation difficulties, stress management issues, and negative thoughts. Our service will be expanding to sexual health services, group programming and workshops, particularly with a focus on equity and wellness dialogues. Stay tuned for more details.
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We offer services from an anti-oppressive, intersectional lens, with a focus on the wholistic self - meaning, who you are as a whole truly matters.
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We use a diverse array of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Emotionally Focused, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy approaches. Our professionals work as a team to offer wrap around care while collaborating to offer the best possible service and support to those we serve.
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We approach our care and support from a non-judgmental and compassionate approach; combined with our own unique personalities and styles. All of our clinicians have their own journeys and personal stories from which they have grown and continue to grow. It is with this lived human experience that we seek to offer a space that elicits trust and safety. As you navigate this site, our hope is that the guess work will be removed from where to go, and who to turn to for meaning, growth, and well-being.
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Every one of our clinicians commit to delivering client centred, anti-racist, anti-oppressive support as you walk your unique life journey.
Counselling and Therapy services are offered in a number of ways:​​
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Virtual – using a secure, PHIPA compliant, user friendly platform
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Phone
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Movement based/walking appointments - mind and body work best together when actively engaged (offered during the summer months)
Free 15 minute consultations are available to help you determine your initial goals. From there you can decide if we can get to the root of the problem together – no strings attached.
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Let’s get to the root of the problem together to help you thrive. It would be an honour and a privilege to walk alongside you as you undertake this important journey we call life.
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~Until,
C. Alecia White, MSW, RSW
Founder, Thriving Roots Wellness Collective
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ABOUT C. ALECIA WHITE, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW, PHD(S)
(PRACTICE FULL)
I am honoured that you have taken the time to visit. There are a ton of therapists out there, and selecting the right one can be difficult. I hope to take the guess work out of where to begin with this very important journey.
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As a Social Worker for over 15 years, I have received the privilege of supporting countless communities with diverse needs. I have spent most of my career in the areas of mental health and community support, with a focus on trauma, mood, anxiety, and adjustment concerns.
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I support clients with various life challenges including life transitions, codependency, racialized trauma, gender and sexuality concerns, family/relationship conflict and communication challenges. I incorporate a number of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness Based, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Compassion Focused approaches.
My work is rooted in trauma informed, anti-oppressive and structural frameworks. I use eclectic strategies to explore and understand the self as a whole, while acknowledging the structural and systemic challenges that can make life feel much more difficult. In this understanding, I acknowledge that the various identities that we carry are an important part of who we are. It is with this understanding that I hope to build trust and alliance, as we work in partnership to navigate through this thing we call life. I approach my care from a non-judgmental, compassionate, but casual, "no frills" approach. Therapy can be scary, and I don't want to add to the fear. I'm a real human first, real clinician second, and I hope to support you while having real, frank, open and authentic conversation.
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Finding the right therapist is one of the most important decisions we will ever make. I hope to support with your goals and aspirations, and I hope to take some of the guesswork out of where to begin. Some find the white coats and sterile approach of health care and therapy to be off putting and intimidating. I like to view myself as “not your average therapist.” Having had my own story to tell and my own path to saunter, my primary goal is authentic therapeutic connection to help you navigate your unique journey.
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Let’s collaborate in creative and flexible ways to help you reach the goals you wish to reach, to be the person you want to be, and to live the life you want to live.
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SERVICES OFFERED:
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Counselling and Psychotherapy – Individual
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Clinical Supervision
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Services offered virtually, by phone, and movement based (offered during the summer months).
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CREDENTIALS AND TRAINING
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University of Toronto – PhD – Social Justice Education, 2020 – Present
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Dalhousie University – Master of Social Work, 2012
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York University – Specialized Honours Bachelor of Social Work, 2008
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York University – Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, 2006
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Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic - Polyvagal Theory in EMDR Therapy, 2022
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EMDRIA - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level I and II, 2020
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University of Toronto – Certificate – Foundations of Applied Mindfulness Meditation, 2020
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Ottawa River Psychology Group - Compassion Focused Therapy, 2020
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Medical University of South Carolina, Cognitive Processing Therapy, 2020
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PESI Behavioral Health Continuing Education - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), 2020
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PESI Behavioral Health Continuing Education - Schema Focused Therapy, 2020
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Dr. Laura S. Brown - Assessing and Treating Trauma, 2019
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Psychwire with Dr. Russ Harris – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, 2019
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Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) – Dialectical Behavioural Therapy I and II, 2009
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Bellwood Health - Addictive Sexual Behaviour and Childhood Trauma, 2009
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Ontario Association of Social Workers, Active Member, 2020-Present
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Ontario College of Social Workers, Registered in Good Standing, 2012-Present
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Alberta College of Social Workers, Courtesy Registration in Good Standing, 2020 - Present
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NIHB - Non Insured Health Benefits Provider for Indigenous Communities - 2024 - Present
COLLECTIVE MEMBERS
See below for more details on our Collective members, who have adopted the Thriving Roots Philosophy while remaining committed to wellness and growth for those we strive to serve.
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Suzette McLarty, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW​
Hello, and thank you for gracing me with your presence. I am thrilled to be part of this Collective, and as a member, I hope to lend to the philosophy of getting to the root of the problem to foster better life outcomes. I am a Registered Social Worker with over 18 years of experience working with individuals with a diverse array of mental health and addiction concerns. Working with clients from diverse backgrounds, I provide counselling and therapy to address a number of issues including anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, coping skills, self-harm, communication skills and relationship struggles. I believe in wholistic and tailored treatment to meet each individual's personal needs and evolutionary goals. I have a passion for continuously expanding my knowledge through ongoing clinical training, in hopes of lending useful approaches to support.
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I work from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed perspective, with the understanding that this is imperative to understanding the self as a whole. I use an eclectic approach of wholistic, evidence-based techniques to teach skills that can elicit changes to thinking and behaviour for improved life outcomes. I use my own narrative of resiliency to motivate and inspire others to recognize the growth that can come from life challenges.
My eclectic therapeutic modalities include Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, Gottman’s Method Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Solution- Focused Brief Therapy. Through my extensive experience, I not only offer counselling support, but clinical supervision to other evolving therapists who are committed to quality clinical work.
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I would be honoured to walk alongside you on your journey. Together, we can explore, unpack and work through new and old issues and challenges, locate yourself in your daily situations, reflect and influence positive change.
Services Offered:
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Clinical Supervision
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Counselling and Psychotherapy – Individual and Couples
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Services offered virtually and by phone
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Credentials and Training:
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Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers; Registered Social Worker (RSW) in good standing
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Ontario Association of Social Workers – member in good standing
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Master of Social Work (MSW); Waterloo University, Waterloo, ON
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Bachelor of Social Work (BSW); Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
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Bachelor of Arts, Psychology (BA); York University, Toronto, ON
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EMDRIA - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level I and II
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Trauma – Psychwire with Dr. Russ Harris
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Anger Management Treatment Professional – ITTI (International Trauma Training Inst.)
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – PESI Behavioral Health Continuing Education
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Certificate Course in Clinical Supervision – PESI Behavioral Health Continuing Education
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Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – ITTI (International Trauma Training Inst.)
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina)
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Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) – PESI Behavioral Health Continuing Education
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Emotionally Focused Therapy: Interventions for couples in Crisis- PESI Behavioral Health Continuing Education
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Gottman’s Method Couples Therapy (Completed Level 1, 2) - Gottman Institute
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Indigenizing Psychology Symposium - Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
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Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) - 3C Institute
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Trauma-Focused – CBT (TF-CBT) - MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina)
Hannah W. Jackson, HBA, MSW, RSW
(PRACTICE FULL)
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Hello and welcome. Thank you for taking the necessary steps to support your health and wellbeing. It is not always easy, but it’s worth it. As a member of the Collective, it is my honour and privilege to collaborate with you on your healing journey.
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In our therapeutic relationship, I believe you are the expert of your own experience and that we all have ways of knowing even though it can be difficult to express. My goal is to help you find your voice in an effort to move toward the enlightenment and wellness that we all deserve. In the past, I have worked with a variety of diverse communities in a multitude of settings, including community based environments, hospitals, and educational institutions. I am skilled in several therapeutic approaches including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, and Narrative Therapy. In an effort to build the trust necessary to the therapeutic process, my flexible approach will always consider your needs and what you feel most comfortable with.
My practice is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, queer-allied, body positive, and grounded in harm reduction. Thus far, I have focused on supporting survivors of intergenerational trauma, race-based trauma, cultural identity, stress and anxiety, life transitions, depression, chronic illness, sexuality, and addictions, and it is my intention to continue to reach communities who are ready to pursue wealth and growth.
I look forward to providing a safer, non-judgmental space for you to explore and enhance your health and well-being. If you have any questions about my services or the counselling process, please feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to our important work together.
Services Offered:
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Counselling and Psychotherapy – Individual
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Services offered virtually and by phone
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Credentials and Training:
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Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers; Registered Social Worker (RSW) - in good standing
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Master of Social Work (MSW); University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
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Bachelor of Arts, English and Creative Writing (BA); York University, Toronto, ON
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TEACH Certificate in Tobacco Cessation Counselling, CAMH, Toronto, ON
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RMIT University - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), 2020
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Dulwich Centre - Narrative Therapy, 2020
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PESI - Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, 2020
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Alberta Health Services – Trauma Informed Care, 2020
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Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), 2019
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Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) – Motivational Interviewing, 2019
Disclaimer: the above Collective Members are self-employed practitioners, and are regulated by their provincial regulatory body.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Please see below for additional services offered in partnership with Thriving Roots Wellness Collective. The below professionals adopt the same commitment and philosophies of the collective, with a focus on holistic health and healing for our communities served.
Tanya Cornfoot - Life Coach
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Hello and thank you for considering me as part of your wellness journey.
As an Accountability, Career, and Life Coach, I'm dedicated to guiding individuals and groups toward their fullest potential. With over a decade of experience as a leader and manager, I bring a wealth of expertise to my coaching practice. Within my practice, you will find a variety of coaching options within personalized individual sessions. In my one-on-one coaching, you'll discover a supportive environment where motivation is reignited, accountability is maintained, and positivity is abundant. I will serve as a trusted ally, guiding you through challenges and celebrating victories. Together, we’ll set clear personal and professional goals, breaking them down into manageable tasks and mastering time management along the way. With unwavering support and encouragement, setbacks become opportunities for growth, and progress is celebrated. My coaching approach emphasizes understanding, flexibility, and patience, ensuring that your journey is tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. Together, we'll navigate obstacles, cultivate resilience, discover your hidden talents and abilities.
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My workshops cover a range of topics, from Reflection on Change and Crafting a Leadership Success Plan to DEI: Unconscious Bias. With my workshops, I use the Emotional Culture Deck (EDC) approach, which is profoundly useful in helping evoke change within organizational culture. I use this tool among other eclectic strategies to help facilitate meaningful conversations and insights on emotions for long term change.
With my happy-go-lucky personality, boundless energy, and unwavering positivity, I create an uplifting and empowering atmosphere for growth and transformation. Join me on this journey to unlock your full potential and achieve your goals!
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What is the difference between Coaching and Therapy?
Therapy focuses on healing past wounds, addressing mental health issues, and exploring deep-rooted patterns. It's like mending broken pieces to find inner peace. On the other hand, coaching is all about empowering you to achieve your goals, maximize your potential, and design your dream life. It's like having a personal trainer for your mind, guiding you toward success!
The Benefits of Coaching:
Clarity: Gain crystal-clear insight into your goals and aspirations.
Action-Oriented: Develop practical strategies and take decisive steps forward.
Accountability: Stay on track with a supportive coach cheering you on.
Growth: Unlock hidden talents, conquer limiting beliefs, and unleash your full potential.
Results: Experience tangible, transformative outcomes that propel you toward success.
Services Offered*:
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coaching sessions – individual
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workshop development and facilitation – equity and diversity focused initiatives, career development, interpersonal communication skills
*All service offered are available virtually or mobile, please reach out directly to discuss fee structures to account for travel within mobile services.
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Credentials and Training:
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Qualifying for Coaching Certification, Co-Active Training Institute (In Progress) 2023
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Accessibility Certification, Microsoft Diverse and Inclusive Learning, 2022
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Unconscious Bias Certificate, Microsoft Diverse and Inclusive Learning 2022
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Equity First: The Path to Inclusion and Belonging Certificate, LinkedIn Learning 2022
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Interpersonal Communications Certificate, LinkedIn Learning 2023
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Human Resources Foundation Certificate, LinkedIn Learning 2023
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Talent Manager Certificate, LinkedIn Learning 2024
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Elephant Rider | Certificate of Practice – Emotional Culture Deck Practitioner 2023
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University of Toronto – Bachelor of Arts, 2005
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Humber College, Physiotherapy Assistant 2010
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Fees*
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individual coaching sessions – 55 minute sessions: $110
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workshop development and facilitation – please reach out directly to discuss tailored pricing
*note: it is recommended (but not required) that 4 sessions are completed for best outcomes, ask me about my 4 session fee packages.
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*coaching services are not typically covered under most health insurance plans. For post secondary students, please consider approaching your student services department to explore coverage for disability related coaching services.
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GROUPS AND WORKSHOPS
Please see below for groups and workshops offered in partnership with Thriving Roots Wellness Collective. Please visit this section often for the latest information on our offerings!
THIS IS COMMUNITY...
This work is rooted within trauma informed, anti-oppressive and structural frameworks.
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This means that this work is undertaken not just from a clinical standpoint, but from a structural one. As we search within for our personal stories, it is important for us to also make note of the structural and systemic barriers that inform how we experience life and society. With this important lens, we hope that Thriving Roots will reach communities who would otherwise have difficulty accessing therapy and wellness supports. Seeking support can be scary, and potentially even harmful when we don't locate the right persons for the job. Having worked in a number of areas with a number of diverse populations, we approach our work with an openness and allyship to a broad spectrum of communities.
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What communities have been reached?
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Individuals experiencing mental health concerns: eg: depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, personality, adjustment, and substance misuse disorders
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Youth, young and mature adults, seniors, couples and families
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Black, Indigenous and POC communities
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LGBT, Queer, Non-Binary and Trans folx
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Underhoused and homeless communities
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Sexual and domestic violence survivors
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Individuals experiencing substance use and misuse
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Motor vehicle accident survivors
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University students with diverse disabilities
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How is this work approached?
This work is approached with inherent compassion toward and support of diverse communities, including:
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Bisexual Allied
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Body Positivity Allied
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Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
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Gay, Lesbian, and Queer Allied
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Racial Justice Allied
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Sex Worker Allied
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Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
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Non Binary, and Transgender Allied
This Collective encompasses a myriad of clinical and wellness skills and experience. We are proud of those we have served, and we will continue to do what we can to facilitate the thriving that we all deserve.
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If you are part of a community or multiple communities and you are worried that your experience may not be supported or understood, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You’d be surprised what understanding and supportive ear might be on the receiving end.
~Until,
C. Alecia White
Founder, Thriving Roots Wellness Collective
FEES
For Individual Counselling and Therapy Sessions
15 minute consultations are offered free of charge to help determine your service goals and needs. Please reach out to coordinate a time that works for you.
Sliding scale is offered, which means that some slots may be available at reduced rates to increase access to wellness.
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The Good News: many health benefit providers now cover the costs associated with services provided by M.S.W, R.S.W.'s. Please check with your health insurance to confirm coverage. If you are unsure as to how to do this, please reach out for a free 15 minute consultation to problem solve.
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*Some of our clinicians provide NIHB coverage. Please email us for more details.*
Special Rates: the rates above are specifically for individual sessions that take place by phone or virtually. Special rates can be arranged for couples, family, or community based sessions. Please contact us directly to coordinate any specialized fee arrangements that may be required.
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Invoice and Payments: Payment for services should be forwarded 24 hours before the start of session. Payments are accepted by bank e-transfer and should be sent directly to the therapist, not the email address listed on this site. Payments sent to the email address listed on this site cannot be redirected. A receipt for service is sent via email following payment, which will contain all of the information necessary to make insurance claims where applicable.
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Cancellation Policy: please provide at least 48 hours' notice for cancelled appointments, which will allow for your time slot to be provided to another client. The full session fee will be billed for missed or cancelled appointments without 48 hours' advance notice.
$165 CAD
HST Included
55 Minute Therapy Session
These are standard sessions, which can be delivered via phone, virtual platforms, and in person.
$220 CAD
HST Included
85 Minute Therapy Session
These are ideal for specific types of therapeutic modalities, such as EMDR therapy or couples counselling. Please speak to your therapist about when this session length is most appropriate.
GET IN TOUCH
​For more information about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Don't forget to mention which counsellor you'd like to connect with, so we can ensure that your message gets to the right person. Important: responses could take 1-2 business days. If you are in immediate need of support, please contact your local crisis service or go to your nearest emergency department.
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Media Inquiries: For the protection and privacy of our Collective community members, Thriving Roots Wellness Collective declines to comment on any inquiries from the media. In recognition of the historical and ongoing misrepresentation of marginalized communities through dominant media platforms, our work happens within this Collective for the betterment of communities, and media inquiries will not be responded to.
Onward and upward,
Thriving Roots Wellness Collective
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647-365-3113
