I'm Ashley Talbot,
It's so great to meet you!
I am 37, married, a mom, and I have always wanted to be a therapist. My journey has been anything but linear. I hold the professional titles of Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Career Development Practitioner. However, those are just technical words to describe what I am passionate about - helping others thrive at work! We all have that one subject we can talk nonstop about - for me, that is careers. I have had an eventful journey getting to this point, and I hope that sharing some of my story and timeline inspires others to reach for things that may seem out of grasp.
I have a business backround, working for 10 years in Human Resources and Career Development. I have had the privilege of serving a diverse community ranging from students to seasoned professionals in gaining employment, finding joy in their work, and shaping meaningful career trajectories.
After years in a traditional office environment, the conventional 9-5 just wasn't for me. I began searching for opportunities that allowed me to help others while fitting my desired lifestyle. During this time of transition, I also became a mother and grappled with the challenge of reclaiming my identity beyond motherhood. This led me to a fitness community where I became a coach for 6 years. This experience not only helped me find balance in my life but also enabled me to guide hundreds of people in doing the same. However, deep down, I still wanted to be a therapist and help on a deeper level.
Near the end of the pandemic and after some soul searching, I was finally ready to embark on the next leg of the journey - going back to school. As I experienced the hectic life of a mature student, I have used skills and techniques to maintain balance in my life. I'm enthusiastic about sharing these insights with you. I am now hundreds of hours into my counselling career and I have had the privilege of meeting amazing people who have found it within themselves to reach out and restore balance and passion in their lives.
If you're looking for a modern and practical approach to career counselling that combines psychotherapy, we may be an excellent fit to work together. I look forward to exploring with you.
My Training
Career Counselling
Narrative Therapy
Positive Psychology
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Trauma-Informed Practice
My Education
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Athabasca University
Advanced Diploma in Business-Human Resources - Sheridan College
A Coach in Your Corner
My practice is largely informed by my coaching background. For six years, I dedicated myself to the role of fitness and nutrition coach, empowering hundreds of people to reshape their lifestyles, learn new skills, cultivate meaningful habits, and embark on transformative journeys. What I noticed was that peple often shared their entire lives with me, not just their fitness. My focus became empowering people to live their best lives inside and outside the gym.
I co-created and managed a fitness program for postpartum women, which grew into a nurturing community of women experiencing motherhood together. When we become mothers, we add to our multiple identities, and it is important not to forget all that we are beyond motherhood.
I understand the profound impact that community and physical movement can have on self-esteem and recognize the difference that a coach can make compared to navigating the journey alone. No matter your age, it truly does take a village of people and resources.
I Have Been There Too
Therapy opened this amazing journey where I got to know myself better. What I value most is the safe space to unpack my feelings and experiences, and then repackage them in a way that works better for me. Over the years, someone has walked with me, sometimes for a short time and sometimes for a long while. This firsthand experience not only deepened my empathy but also fueled my passion to pursue a career as a therapist, driven by a sincere desire to facilitate transformative journeys for others.
Let's talk about it.
A Safe and Affirming Space
My client interactions span a broad range of cultural backgrounds, including minority groups and the LGBTQ2S+ community, and those who identify as neurodivergent. Rooted in cultural humility, kindness, and patience, my workspace is safe and affirming. I acknowledge the strength it takes to reach out and talk to someone, and I am so glad you are here. I see you. I appreciate you, and I look forward to hearing your story.
