Ash Chalmers, MSW, RSW

Hi! I’m Ash (they/them), a Registered Social Worker. I work with transitional aged youth (17+) and adults who are living with anxiety, eating disorders, substance use concerns/concurrent disorders, and depression. I also work with individuals experiencing emotion regulation challenges, impulsivity, panic attacks, emotion-driven eating patterns, and relationship challenges.

Is this you?

Are you someone who experiences strong emotions, but doesn’t always manage them in helpful ways? Perhaps you respond impulsively at times and engage in actions that are inconsistent with how you want to show up for yourself or others. At other times, you might become overwhelmed by feelings like anxiety, fear, or shame and then withdraw or avoid doing things that could bring you joy or move you closer to recovery. Sometimes it can feel as though you’re at the whim of your emotions, but it’s possible to learn how to better manage them so you can engage in actions that move you closer to your long-term goals and help you build more meaningful connections. You might have some unhelpful thoughts/rules about what you “should” or “should not” be doing that get in the way, and we can also work through those together.

What is my Approach?

I love working with folks supporting empowerment and growth by developing tools to gain control over behaviours interfering with long-term goals/values, unhelpful thoughts patterns, and intense emotions causing challenges in daily life.

I use an integrative approach, drawing from the following evidence-based practices: Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E), Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - (CBT-ARFID), Motivational interviewing, and EFT-for couples.

I use these therapies from a client-centred, strengths-based, anti-oppressive practice, and trauma-informed lens where I hold a non-judgmental space for exploration and growth. During our work together collaboration is key! We will use your strengths, inner knowledge, and resiliency in tandem with evidence-based interventions to support your goals.

Together we will explore and unpack what is maintaining your current mental health concerns or challenges. Then we will create an individualized plan with action steps to work towards your goals. You will notice during our work together, I balance validation and acceptance with change. Understanding, validating, and honoring our emotions and experiences is an important part of the process. It helps us make sense of our worlds and the patterns we engage in. This then provides the space to decide what emotions, thoughts, or behaviours, are fostering growth and connection to ourselves, others, and the things we value most in life.

What Is My Experience?

I received my Masters of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto. Professional development is integral to me as a practitioner.  I have received further training in: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), DBT-ED, CBT-E, CBT-ARFID, substance use concerns/concurrent disorders, and EFT-for couples. I have experience supporting individuals in both hospitals and community mental health settings.  

Those who might find my services helpful are individuals experiencing/living with:

• Anxiety (e.g., social anxiety, general anxiety, fears/phobias)

• Panic attacks

• Eating disorders (Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, OSFED, ARFID) and Emotion-driven eating patterns

• Substance use concerns/concurrent disorders

• Difficulties with Emotion Regulation/Impulsivity

• Depression

• Relationship challenges  

Outside of work, I enjoy being in nature, going on hikes with my dog Brodie, rock climbing, traveling, listening to music, and attempting to play the Ukulele 

Free free to set up a free 15-minute phone call to see if I would be the right fit for you or to make an appointment (Hourly Rate - $175) if you would like to jump in and get started using the button below.