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 to offer care in the public sector. Currently, Kristina provides psychotherapy services to people across the life span (children, youth, young adults and adults), and treating a variety of issues and mental health concerns.
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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Relationship Issues (i.e. romantic, parent child, etc.)
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Self Development & Growth (i.e. self love)
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Childhood trauma
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Unresolved issues with caregivers
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Other Issues Treated:
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Grief
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Anger
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Situational Crisis (i.e. Divorce)
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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