About Alyson Pancer MSW, BSW, RSW
Since 1996, I have been providing evidence-based psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. My extensive experience has placed me in various settings which have included St. Michaels and SickKids hospitals, family health care clinics, community agencies and since 2010, private practice.
I have graduated with 4 degrees, including a Masters in Social Work from University of Toronto. I have ensured that my approaches to treatment remain current with evidence-based practices including Cognitive- Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (with over 4 years clinical training), Mindfulness Based Therapies, Yoga PsychoTherapy, and Clinical Hypnotherapy.
Throughout my career, I have dedicated my services to clients requiring therapy for various challenges and/or diagnosis and continue to apply my extensive education, training, experience, and passion to individuals living with the following mental and medical health challenges:
- ADHD
- Adult Children of Alcoholics
- Adult Survivors and Children Exposed to Violence
- Alcohol Use
- Anxiety Disorders
- Behavioural Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
- Child/Adolescent Challenges
- Chronic Illness/Pain
- Coping Skills
- Depression Disorders
- Separation/Divorce/Infidelity, Impact of Separation/Divorce on Children/Teens
- Eating Disorders
- Family, Peer, Workplace Conflict
- Grief/Bereavement
- Learning Disablities
- Life Coaching/Transitions
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Parenting Challenges
- Trauma/PTSD
- Self Harming
- Sleep/Insomnia
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Woman/Partner Abuse and Sexual Abuse/Incest Survivor Trauma
- School and Bullying Issues
Background and Training
- Provide therapy to most diagnosis including various depression and anxiety disorders, as well as to those living with a multitude of mental illnesses
- Extensive training and experience with individuals, children/teens, families, and group therapy since 1996
- 4 Degrees – BSW, MSW, BA (Psychology), AWCCA (Assaulted Women and Children Advocate)
- Extensive training and experience with evidence based practices including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindful Parenting and Mindful Eating
- Experience and training at St. Mike’s and SickKids Hospitals specializing in Oncology and Palliative Care Child protection and welfare with children/teens, specializing in a variety of special needs
- Coordinated large group programs for women and children exposed to domestic violence
- Facilitate and present workshops combined with professional trainings by Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn, Dr. Zindel Segal and Thich Nhat Hanh
- I am a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT): developed a strong yoga, pranayama and meditation practice, both personally as well as professionally; including a Yoga Psychotherapy model, combining evidence-based practices and mindful movement.
Treatment Philosophy
For over 26 years, I have been a Clinical Social Worker and have worked passionately with each and every client I have had the privilege of coming to know. I recognize that each person is unique and I ensure that every individual is empowered and feels comfortable and safe. As our sessions progress, working with each person’s goals is my primary focus. I find great meaning and purpose in working with populations of all ages and specialize in children and adolescents and their families. As a mother of 2 adult boys, I fully understand the joys and the challenges of parenting and feel confident that these lived experiences only strengthen my counseling skills with the families whom I work with. I have been very fortunate to provide individual and group therapy in settings which include SickKids and St. Michaels Hospitals, community agencies, and at a Family Health Team in York Region where I provided psychotherapy to patients living with a multitude of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders.
Memberships and Associations
Ontario College Of Social Workers Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW)
Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
Qualifications
In Practice since 1996
Masters in Social Work from University of Toronto
Bachelors of Social Work
Bachelors of Art (Psychology)
Assaulted Women and Children Counselor/Advocate
Therapies
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness-Based Therapies:
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-Based Parenting
Mindfulness-Based Eating
Clinical Hypnotherapy
Yoga Psychotherapy
Clients
Providing evidence-based psychotherapy to:
Children (integrating play and art therapy): 5-12 years old
Teens: 13-18 years old
Youth: 19-24 years old
Adults: 25 plus
Families
*Couples (Heterosexual as well as same sex)
**Upon request, psychoeducational groups are also available on-line.
A special couple's special connection: "The lighter penguin is an elderly female whose partner died this year. The darker one is a younger male who lost his partner two years ago. Biologists have followed them as they meet every night to comfort each other. They stand for hours together watching the lights in Melbourne. Photographer Tobias Baumgaertner captured this image of two widowed fairy penguins looking over the Melbourne skyline. It has won an award in Oceanographic magazine’s Ocean Photography Awards 2020."
“We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.“
-Thich Nhat Hanh