ailey jolie | mcp, ma

i identify as a human first and a psychotherapist second.

As a human, I am as slow-paced as the meditations I guide, an alliteration enthusiast, a humble activist, a wandering romantic, and a deeply attuned feeler. As a psychotherapist, I am described as fiercely compassionate, gracefully provocative, a passionate pattern finder, and curious like a cat. I like holding the messy stuff, the taboo, and honouring the magic within our bones.

I come to the psychotherapy profession with transparency. As a human, I have a coloured history of triumph and trauma. Performing with the Royal Moscow Ballet, wearing the crown of Miss Canada, modelling overseas, and a brief cameo as a child on Sesame Street were the highlights the world saw; what was hidden during my youth were my experiences of sexual exploitation and violence. My experiences of trauma have informed my academic and educational choices. The areas of expertise I possess as a psychotherapist are where I have personally alchemized my pain into peace. My personal experience has led me to know that healing is not linear but circular. For this reason, I am honest in my therapeutic offerings. I am not a 'quick fix' psychotherapist because, as a human, 'quick fixes' did not offer me lasting healing.

My human experiences of healing mean that as a psychotherapist, I offer long-term psychotherapy rooted in the principles of Jungian depth psychology, relational somatics, intersectional feminism, anti-oppressive ideologies, and interpersonal neurobiology.

Ailey holds a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) designation with the British Psychological Society (BPS). She is an active facility membership in the BPS Division of Clinical Psychology, specializing in Counselling Psychology, Perinatal Psychology, HIV and Sexual Health, and Eating Disorders. Additionally, she is a Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors (MBCAP). In Canada, Ailey is a Registered Clinical Counselor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC), a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC), and a Certified Sex Therapist with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists (AASECT). She holds a Master of Counselling Psychology and a Master of Arts in Depth Psychology with an Emphasis in Somatic Studies, and is a graduate of Harvard Medical School’s Global Mental Health: Trauma Recovery Masters certificate program. Ailey also possesses two Honours Bachelor Degrees in Women’s Studies, Communication and Psychology from the University of Ottawa (Université d’Ottawa). She has completed postgraduate training in Sex Therapy from Guelph University, a certificate in Sex Therapy from the Modern Sex Therapy Institute (online), Perinatal Psychology from Postpartum Support International and training in the Clinical Science of Eating Disorders from the University College London Faculty of Medicine.

Additionally, she has fulfilled the requirements to be a certified Focusing Oriented Therapist (FOT), Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner (CI), Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist (C-IFS), and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). Furthermore, she has trained to deliver MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD (MAPS USA) and Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in a research setting. Ailey has also completed the requirements to become a Registered Yoga Teacher and a member of the International Mindfulness Teacher Association.

Her education and life experience have led to a specialized clinical focus on sexual trauma integration, embodiment, eating disorders, and intimate relationships. As a psychotherapist, Ailey blends the principles of depth psychology, relational somatics, intersectional feminism, and interpersonal neurobiology.

  • A Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) designation from the British Psychological Society (BPS) is a mark of high professional standing. It indicates that the psychologist has met stringent requirements regarding their education, experience, and commitment to ongoing professional development. This designation ensures that the psychologist adheres to the highest standards of ethical practice.

  • A Registered Member (MBACP) of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is a professional who has met the stringent requirements set by the BACP to provide counselling and psychotherapeutic services. These individuals hold appropriate qualifications, typically at the degree level, and have completed substantial practice hours under supervision. The designation of MBACP signifies adherence to the BACP’s ethical framework and commitment to continuous professional development.

  • A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia, Canada, is a certified professional trained to provide therapeutic services to individuals, families, and groups, focusing on mental health and psychological well-being. These counsellors hold a minimum of a Master's degree in counselling psychology or a related field and are licensed by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). This certification assures adherence to rigorous ethical standards and ongoing professional development. RCCs in BC utilize diverse psychotherapeutic techniques, customizing their approach to meet the specific needs of their clients.

  • A Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) is a designation conferred by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) to professionals who have met specific educational and training criteria in counselling and psychotherapy. Candidates for this certification typically hold a Master’s degree in counselling or a closely related field and have completed a thorough process of supervised clinical experience. The CCC designation ensures that the counsellor adheres to the CCPA's ethical standards and participates in ongoing professional development to maintain their competency.

  • A Certified Sex Therapist with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is a professional who has fulfilled the rigorous standards set by AASECT to provide specialized therapeutic services in the area of human sexuality. These professionals possess advanced qualifications, often at the graduate level, and have undergone extensive training and clinical experience in sex therapy. The certification as an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist denotes adherence to AASECT's ethical guidelines and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

  • A registered psychotherapist (qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) is a professional who meets specific regulatory requirements to practice psychotherapy in Ontario, Canada. These requirements typically include completing an approved education program in psychotherapy, gaining relevant clinical experience, and demonstrating competence in the field through examinations and continuous professional development.

  • A Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner (CI) is a professional trained in the Compassionate Inquiry approach, developed by Dr. Gabor Maté, to explore the hidden dynamics of mental and emotional issues. This certification requires individuals to complete a comprehensive training program that focuses on understanding the interplay between trauma, emotional pain, and behavioral patterns. Compassionate Inquiry Practitioners are equipped to facilitate deep personal growth and healing through a process of self-discovery and empathy.

  • A Focusing-Oriented Therapist (FOT) is a professional trained in Focusing, a psychotherapeutic process developed by Eugene Gendlin. This approach emphasizes the importance of bodily awareness and "felt sense" to facilitate psychological healing and personal growth. Therapists certified in this modality have undergone specialized training to guide clients in accessing their inner experiences, helping them articulate these into conscious, verbal expressions.

  • A Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) is a therapist trained in Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine to address trauma and stress disorders. SEPs undergo extensive training to help clients tune into bodily sensations and movements that reveal unresolved trauma patterns. This approach is widely recognized for its effectiveness in dealing with physical and emotional trauma.

  • A Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist is a mental health professional trained and certified in the Internal Family Systems model, a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. This model views the mind as a system of sub-personalities, or "parts," each with its own unique traits and functions. The therapist helps clients explore their internal parts to heal emotional wounds, resolve inner conflicts, and foster self-compassion. They guide individuals in developing a harmonious relationship between their internal parts and their core Self, leading to personal growth and improved mental well-being.

the degrees.

Doctorate of Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology *

 Pacifica Graduate Institute

Doctorate of Psychology with Psychology, Concentration in Somatic Psychology  *

 California Institute of Integral Studies

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology *

 Pacifica Graduate Institute

Women’s Leadership Program *

Yale School of Management

Diploma in Supervision

The Gestalt Centre

Master Certificate in Global Mental Health Trauma Recovery

Harvard Medical School

Master of Arts in Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Somatic Studies

         Pacifica Graduate Institute

Master of Counselling Psychology

       Adler University

Bachelor of Arts; Honours: Major in Psychology, Minor in Women Studies

       University of Ottawa (Université d'Ottawa)

Bachelor of Arts Honours; Major in Communication, Minor in Psychology

       University of Ottawa (Université d'Ottawa)

specialist training.

Introductory Summer Program

C. G. Jung Institute, Zürich

Clinical Science of Eating Disorders: Training for Mental Health Professionals

University College of London, Division of Medicine

Certified Eating Disorder Specialist *

International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals

Sex Therapy Certificate

Modern Sex Therapy Institute

Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program

Guelph University

Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care

Postpartum Support International

Advanced Perinatal Psychotherapy

Postpartum Support International

continuing education.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Level One

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Level One (Assistant)

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Level Two

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Level Two *

Sessions with Esther Perel

Somatic Experiencing: Introduction Weekend (Assistant)

Somatic Therapy Training - AHIMSA Model

Somatic Experiencing: Beginner One

Somatic Experiencing: Beginner Two

Somatic Experiencing: Beginner Three

Somatic Experiencing: Intermediate One

Somatic Experiencing: Intermediate Two

Somatic Experiencing: Intermediate Three

Somatic Experiencing: Advance One

Somatic Experiencing: Advanced Two

Two-Year Focusing-Oriented Therapy

Pleasure School with Juliet Allen

The Amsterdam Sexual Attitude Reassessment

movement.

Eat. Breathe. Thrive.

Los Angeles, United States of America

Eat. Breathe. Thrive.

Vancouver, Canada

Off the Mat Into the World with Seane Corn

San Jose, United States of America

Move From Love Retreat with Meghan Currie

      Ubud, Indonesia

Reiki Level One & Two with Dany Lyne

     Toronto, Canada

200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teaching Training

       Rama Lotus Yoga Center; Ottawa, Canada

200-Hour Vinyasa Yoga Teaching Training

       Meghan Campbell; Ottawa, Canada

200-Hour Forrest Yoga Teaching Training

       Ana Forrest; London, United Kingdom

Advanced Forest Yoga Teacher Training

      Ana Forrest; New Haven, United States of America

meditation.

When The Past Is Present

Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, United States

Speech In Difficult Situations

Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, United States

Retreat with Nikki Mirghafori

North Vancouver, British Columbia Canada

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

British Columbia Insight Meditation Society

Residential Retreat

British Columbia Insight Meditation Society

Spring Insight Meditation Retreat

Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, United States

Awakening Women Retreat

Corfu, Greece

100-Hour Meditation Teacher Training

Moment Meditation, Vancouver, Canada

200-Hour Meditation Teacher Training

The Meditation Lab, Vancouver, Canada

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Center for Mindfulness Canada

Heart Of Awareness

Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, United States

Embodying Wisdom

Insight Meditation Society

Mindfulness for Everyone

Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, United States

let’s practice transparency.

  • The * marks how I am still growing by enrolling or participating in further education.

  • I do not offer or provide any form of psychedelic-assisted or altered state-of-consciousness psychotherapy.