I work with teens and adults who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, low mood, shame, people-pleasing, or addictive patterns and are tired of doing it alone. In a warm, non-judgmental space—online across Ontario and in-person in Pickering—I’ll help you slow down, understand what’s really going on underneath the symptoms, and build practical tools so you can feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life.
Client Focus
Session Format: Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LDS/Mormon, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Muslim, Native American, Pacific Islander, Persons with Disabilities, Sikh, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Adlerian Therapy Focuses on understanding a person’s sense of belonging and purpose. It helps people overcome feelings of inferiority and create healthier relationships.
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Gestalt Therapy Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. It helps people integrate different parts of themselves for wholeness.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychosocial Therapy Looks at how social and environmental factors affect psychological health. It emphasizes relationships, community, and resilience.
- Schema Therapy Identifies deep-rooted negative patterns formed in childhood. It combines CBT, attachment theory, and experiential methods for change.
- Self Psychology Explores the development of self-esteem and identity. It emphasizes the importance of empathy in healing.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: My approach is client-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. This means I move at your pace, collaborate with you on goals, and pay attention to both your nervous system and your story—not just your symptoms.
I draw from several evidence-based models, including:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you notice and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to build concrete skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment-based work to explore underlying emotional needs, patterns in relationships, and the impact of early experiences.
Rather than rigidly following one model, I integrate these approaches based on what you’re going through and what feels most supportive. You can expect sessions that balance insight, emotional processing, and practical tools you can start using between sessions.
Education & Credentials
Ashleigh Bell RP, Qualifying
- Female
- License # 19793
- Licensed in ON
- Practicing Since 2021
Education: I completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Trent University, where I built a strong foundation in mental health, brain-behaviour relationships, and research. I then earned my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee $180
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I believe therapy should be as accessible as possible. In addition to my standard session rate, I offer a limited number of reduced-fee/ sliding-scale spots for clients who are facing financial barriers (for example, students, individuals who are under- or unemployed, or those without extended health benefits). Sliding-scale availability may vary over time. If cost is a concern, we can talk openly about your situation during a free 15-minute consultation and explore options together, including reduced-fee sessions when available, lower-frequency appointments, or referrals to other affordable services if needed.
- Accepts Insurance
- Nearly all insurance policies cover psychotherapy from Social Workers & Psychotherapists! After each session, we will direct bill your insurance or you'll receive a receipt which you can use for submitting a claim.
Ashleigh Bell Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Pickering, ON L1V 7G5 and North York, ON
- Available Online for residents of Ontario
- Online Therapy Details: JaneApp
Many of my clients describe feeling overwhelmed on the inside while looking “fine” on the outside. You might be managing work or school, showing up for others, and still feeling anxious, down, or disconnected. You may be carrying a lot of guilt and self-criticism, struggling with self-esteem, or using substances and other coping strategies that work in the moment but leave you feeling worse over time.
My practice focuses on supporting teens and adults experiencing:
Anxiety and panic (worry, overthinking, social anxiety, “on edge” feelings)
Depression and low mood (lack of motivation, numbness, isolation, “what’s the point?”)
Guilt & shame (feeling “not good enough,” replaying mistakes, difficulty forgiving yourself)
Self-esteem and identity concerns (perfectionism, feeling lost, people-pleasing)
Addiction and problematic coping (alcohol or substance use, emotional numbing, avoidance)
ASHLEIGH BELL - Therapist Infor…
I offer individual therapy for adolescents and adults, both online across Ontario and in-person in Pickering. My style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I don’t see you as a diagnosis to fix, but as a whole person with a story, strengths, and very good reasons for the ways you’ve been coping—even when those strategies are no longer working.
Together, we’ll work to:
Understand how your past and present experiences are impacting you now
Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression so you can function and feel better day-to-day
Heal shame and self-criticism, and build a more compassionate inner voice
Strengthen boundaries and communication in relationships
Develop healthier, more sustainable coping tools that align with your values
Whether you’re new to therapy or returning after a break, my aim is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and gently challenged in ways that support real, lasting change.