Get to Know Me
Astrid Tsai, MACP Registered Psychotherapist
Hello and welcome! I'm Astrid (she/her), and I am glad you are here. A little bit about myself...
My approach to therapy is to create a warm, client-centred, safe and caring space for you to share and process your emotions. I have training in several different clinical approaches, and together we will decide how to best support your needs. I have a special interest in working with individuals who experience anxiety and depression related to low self-esteem stemming from difficult life experiences.
You may wonder how I got here! My path to becoming a registered psychotherapist was not a linear one. I loved learning about psychology in high school, yet coming from an artistic family, I was gently nudged in the direction of the visual arts. I initially worked in the digital media industry but did not find the career fulfillment I had hoped for. Deep down, I knew that my sense of purpose comes from helping others.
Thankfully, my family and friends frequently praised my innate ability to listen empathically and offer support. There is a lot of power in speaking openly with someone who listens with intent, guides you towards insight and maintains your privacy.
I decided to return to university and earn the degrees that would ultimately allow me to practice in a field that is my passion and true calling.
I'm an absolute nature lover! Therefore, I consider the outdoors an ideal therapeutic environment to heal and grow. As you might guess, I enjoy hiking with my family, friends and dog in my free time! My other passions are travelling and mindfully engaging in creative endeavours.
I greatly look forward to meeting you and hearing your story!
Qualifications
Over the course of 17 years, I’ve gained in-depth experience working in various settings that introduced me to many complex cases and presenting issues. I’ve worked with teenage psychiatric inpatients at the renowned McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts.
I developed and led a self-esteem and life skills counselling series at a women’s centre dedicated to helping women build confidence, empowerment and resilience.
Thereafter, I cherished my years working in community counselling which allowed me to provide evidence-based psychotherapy for individuals experiencing various issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relational difficulties.
I worked with victims in a regional police 'Victim Quick Response Program' and provided them with the critical therapy they needed after witnessing a violent crime.
Continuing education is very important to me. In addition to my two bachelor degrees and my Master of Counselling degree, I have obtained certificates in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I am in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP).
