About the Therapist
Blooming Minds Mental Health proudly offers services by Kristina Ala, B.A., M.S.W., R.S.W. Kristina earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from York University and a Master of Social Work degree with a specialty in Health and Mental Health from the University of Toronto.
Kristina started her career at Kinark Child and Family Services where she first found her passion for working with children and teenagers living with mental health issues. Later in her career, Kristina moved to Vancouver, BC to provide psychotherapy to adults living with addiction, and mental health issues during the peak of the Fentanyl Crisis. Kristina later returned to Ontario to start her own practice and continue to offer care in the public sector. Kristina is currently employed at one of Ontario's largest Community Hospitals where she provides individual and family therapy to children, and teenagers living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety, Depression and many other mental health issues. Outstandingly, Kristina has solidified her knowledge and skills for the treatment of OCD after completing a specialized course through the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy that partnered with the International OCD Foundation.
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Education:
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Master of Social Work Degree (specialty: Health & Mental Health)- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology- York University, Toronto ON
Specialty: ​
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (hair pulling/skin picking)
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Emetophobia (fear of vomitting)
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Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Social & other Phobias)
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Depression
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Other Issues Treated:
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Grief
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Anger
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Relationship issues
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Situational Crisis
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Life Transitions
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LGBTQIA2S related issues
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Stress
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Self Harm
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Difficulty tolerating, and managing emotions
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Parent-Child Conflict
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Low Self-Esteem