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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
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.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
The Basics of Trauma Treatment with Leslie Ellis, PhD
Basic Training: Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
Compassionate Inquiry Workshop with Gabor Mate
Compassionate Inquiry Year-Long Training with Gabor Mate
Demystifying Dreamwork with Leslie, Ellis, PhD
Introduction to Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Skills
Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy: Certified One
Embodied Experiential Dreamwork with Leslie Ellis, PhD
Level One: Emotional Freedom Technique
Level Two: Emotional Freedom Technique
Healing Past Life Trauma with Barbara Stone, PhD
Internal Family Systems Level One
Internal Family Systems Level Two; Neuroscience
Internal Family Systems: Level Two; Deepening and Expanding
Level One: The Gottman: Couples and Family Therapy
Level Two: The Gottman: Couples and Family Therapy *
Level One: Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy
Level Two: Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Level One
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Level One (Assistant)
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Level Two
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Level Two *
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
psychedelics.
Emotion-Focused Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Dr. Adele Lafrance at Numinus
Internal Family Systems Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Dr. Robert Grant at Healing Realms
Meditation & Psychotherapy: Learning from Non-Ordinary States
Harvard Medical School
movement.
Los Angeles, United States of America
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.
Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, United States
Speech In Difficult Situations
Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, United States
North Vancouver, British Columbia Canada
Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
British Columbia Insight Meditation Society
British Columbia Insight Meditation Society
Spring Insight Meditation Retreat
Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, United States
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
Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, United States
Embodying Wisdom
Insight Meditation Society
Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, United States
registration.
Chartered membership (CPsychol)
British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
Graduate Membership (MBACP)
The British Psychology Society
Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC)
The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Crime Victims Assistance Program
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists (AASECT)
Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner (CI)
Focusing-Oriented Therapist (FOT)
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)
Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist
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.