Meet Our Therapy Team: Your Path to Clarity, Confidence & Emotional Well-Being
Our Mission
To provide accessible, effective Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that empowers individuals to understand their thoughts, strengthen their coping skills, and create meaningful change in their lives. We believe therapy should be grounded in science, delivered with heart, and tailored to each person’s unique story. Our goal is to help you build tools that last long after therapy ends.
“Healing is not becoming the best version of yourself; it’s letting the worst version be loved.” ~ Brianna Weist ~
Community and Connection
At Peace of Mind CBT, we believe healing happens through connection — not only in the therapy room, but within the communities we serve.
We are proud to be rooted in Burlington and Oakville, where we actively support individuals, families, and first responders through both in-person services and community-based initiatives.
At the same time, our work extends far beyond our local region. Through secure virtual care, we provide therapy and psychological support to individuals and organizations across Ontario, ensuring access to specialized, trauma-informed services regardless of location.
We are especially committed to supporting Northern communities, where access to mental health services can be limited. Our work has included collaboration with individuals and professionals in Temiskaming Shores, created through the amalgamation of New Liskeard and Haileybury, as well as in the surrounding areas of Northeastern Ontario.
Our community involvement includes:
Local wellness events and workshops in Burlington and Oakville
First responder support initiatives across multiple regions
Outreach and collaboration with Northern and underserved communities
“Coffee with a Therapist” conversations to increase accessibility and reduce stigma
You may also meet River, our therapy dog, who plays a meaningful role in creating comfort, connection, and moments of calm within our practice and community events.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between urban and rural mental health care, creating spaces where people feel supported, understood, and connected — no matter where they are.
Who We Are
Alison Pereira, MA (Counselling, Psychology), RP
Registered Psychotherapist | Founder, Peace of Mind CBT Therapy
25+ Years of Experience | First-Responder Trauma Specialist | WSIB MH-POC Provider
Alison Pereira is a Registered Psychotherapist and trauma clinician with more than 25 years of experience in mental health and behavioral sciences. She specializes in supporting first responders and public safety professionals, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers.
Her approach is grounded in an understanding that first-responder mental health is about more than symptoms. It is about understanding the person behind the uniform, the culture they work within, the experiences they carry, and the importance their career and service may hold in their identity.
First-Responder & Trauma Experience
Alison supports first responders experiencing:
PTSD and occupational trauma
Cumulative and critical incident exposure
Moral injury
Anxiety and depression
Grief and loss
Burnout and workplace stress
Emotional regulation challenges
Changes in identity following psychological injury
Work-related psychological injuries and return-to-work challenges
Her career has included work in psychiatric care, corrections, victim services, crisis intervention, university environments, and private practice. She also spent 14 years working within a Sexual Assault Crisis Team, supporting people experiencing acute crisis, sexual violence, and complex trauma.
She Understands First Responder Culture
Upon completing her undergraduate degree, Alison initially pursued a career in policing but ultimately took her career in a different direction. Her early involvement in policing contributed to her understanding of the culture, responsibility, identity, and sense of purpose that can accompany a career as a First Responder.
Rather than serving from within policing, Alison built a career supporting the people who serve.
First-Responder Clinical Leadership
Alison serves as Lead Clinician supporting Fire Department Peer Support Teams, collaborating with peer supporters and leadership to strengthen psychological safety, early intervention, education, referral pathways, and access to clinical care.
Her work with first-responder organizations also includes:
Peer Support Team clinical leadership and training
Critical incident response and debriefing
Leadership consultation
Workplace mental-health programming
Resilience education
First-responder wellness initiatives
Alison is also an approved WSIB provider under the Mental Health Program of Care (MH-POC) and has extensive experience supporting work-related psychological injuries, recovery, rehabilitation, and return to work.
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Alison's therapeutic style is warm, direct, practical, and collaborative. Treatment is individualized to the person rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Depending on your experiences and goals, treatment may draw from evidence-based approaches including:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-focused therapies.
Alison has also completed specialized training in traumatic memory reconsolidation with Dr. Alain Brunet at McGill University and the Comprehensive Officer Resilience Program through the FBINAA.
First responders spend their careers caring for, protecting, and helping others. Alison believes they deserve a place where they can take off the uniform, speak openly, and receive support from someone who understands the realities and culture of public safety.
Education, Leadership & Advocacy
Alison holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Behavioural Sciences from McMaster University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western University.
In June 2025, she presented at the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference on Building Self-Efficacy in Women in Policing Administration, addressing secondary trauma, burnout, emotional resilience, boundaries, and workplace well-being.
Peace of Mind CBT Therapy providesin-person psychotherapy in Burlington, Ontario, and virtual psychotherapy throughout Ontario.
Lauryn Bruzzese, BA (Hons.), MACP, RP
Psychotherapist, Peace of Mind CBT
Lauryn Bruzzese is a Registered Psychotherapist at Peace of Mind CBT, known for her warm, compassionate, and collaborative approach to care. She is dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, helping them build insight, emotional regulation skills, and resilience in a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
Lauryn holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from McMaster University and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her academic background, combined with her clinical training, informs a thoughtful and client-centred approach that considers the broader social, emotional, and psychological contexts of each person’s experience.
With a background as a high-level athlete, Lauryn brings a deep appreciation for resilience, mindset, and the mind-body connection. She understands the role discipline, self-compassion, and adaptability play in navigating stress, recovery, and personal growth. This perspective naturally shapes her therapeutic work, particularly with clients seeking to strengthen coping skills, confidence, and emotional balance.
Lauryn’s clinical approach is strengths-based and solution-focused, drawing from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). She works collaboratively with clients to identify unhelpful patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and build greater awareness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
In addition to her psychotherapy training, Lauryn is certified in yoga therapy for depression and anxiety. When appropriate, she integrates elements of breathwork, movement, and mindfulness into therapy to support nervous system regulation and present-moment awareness. This holistic approach can be particularly helpful for clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm, offering tools that support balance and self-compassion both inside and outside of sessions.
Lauryn’s areas of focus include trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation, resiliency and mindset strengthening, self-esteem, and life transitions. She is committed to meeting clients where they are, moving at a pace that feels comfortable, and fostering a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, collaboration, and respect.
At Peace of Mind CBT, Lauryn strives to create a space where clients feel supported, empowered, and equipped with skills that promote lasting well-being and personal growth.
Chantal Cote, B.Kin, RP (Qualifying)
Psychotherapist, Peace of Mind CBT
Chantal holds an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology from Wilfrid Laurier University, with a minor in Psychology and specialization in athletic injury and management, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University. Her background in rehabilitation and human movement provides a strong foundation for understanding how trauma is stored in the body and how nervous system dysregulation affects recovery.
She is certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and is a Certified Grief Educator. Her work is grounded in evidence-based trauma modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and structured trauma processing approaches. She is currently completing training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), with certification anticipated in May 2026.
Chantal has completed police ride-alongs and continues to pursue them to better understand first responder culture, operational stress injuries, and cumulative trauma exposure. Her therapeutic style is shaped by her experience in high-performance sport, injury rehabilitation, coaching, and frontline environments—spaces where resilience, discipline, trust, and psychological safety are essential. These experiences inform her structured yet compassionate approach to trauma treatment.
She integrates nervous system regulation strategies, mindfulness, and stress resiliency training to help clients move from survival-based patterns toward stability, empowerment, and restored self-trust.
Chantal’s areas of focus include PTSD, complex trauma, medical trauma, physical injury trauma, anxiety (including performance-based anxiety), depression, grief, pain management, and self-esteem. She is committed to providing a safe, collaborative space where clients can process trauma, rebuild confidence, and move forward with clarity and strength.
Our Approach
Grounded in Trust & Personalized Care
We meet you exactly where you are. Sessions unfold at your pace, focusing on trust, safety, and collaboration.
You’ll learn skills you can use every day, from reframing negative thoughts to managing intense emotions, improving communication, and building resilience.
Practical Tools for Real Life
CBT is one of the most researched and proven therapies for anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional regulation. Every treatment plan is structured, goal-oriented, and backed by science.
Evidence Based Approach
Inclusive & Non-Judgmental
Everyone deserves a space to feel heard, understood, and supported.
Learn How a Therapy Dog Can Help You
River is smart, steady, and compassionate. A therapy dog whose working-breed roots make her perfectly suited to walk alongside firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders in their journey of resilience and recovery.
Why River is Well-Suited for First Responders
Grounding Presence: River provides immediate comfort and regulation during high-stress debriefings, therapy sessions, or after traumatic calls.
Adaptability: Can remain calm in chaotic environments (e.g., fire halls, police stations, or during therapy with first responders).
Bonding Strength: River’s loyalty fosters deep trust, which is crucial for first responders who may struggle with vulnerability and openness.
Physical and Emotional Support: Large enough for physical grounding (e.g., leaning against or applying pressure during distress) while also intuitive to emotional states.
Let Us Support You
Peace of Mind CBT provides specialized psychotherapy for first responders and their families, including members of police services, fire departments, and paramedic services across Hamilton, Niagara, Halton, and the Greater Toronto Area.
Individuals
Build resilience and effective coping strategies for high-stress roles
Process trauma, critical incidents, and the emotional weight of service
Access stigma-free, confidential care designed with first responders in mind
Families
Address the ripple effects of stress, long hours, and emotional fatigue
Foster resilience and stability at home
Strengthen family connections through guided, supportive care
Couples
Navigate the impact of shift work, trauma, and operational stress together
Improve communication and rebuild trust
Strengthen connection and understanding in demanding circumstances
Peer-to-Peer
Safe, judgment-free space to share lived experiences
Build resilience through collaborative, trauma-informed conversations
Strengthen connection and mental wellness within the first responder community
Not a First Responder? We’re Here for You, Too.
We support individuals, children, youth, young adults, couples, families, and LGBTQ+ individuals from the broader community. Using compassionate, evidence-based CBT, we help clients navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions in a respectful, supportive space focused on meaningful, lasting change.
FAQs
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The first session typically focuses on understanding your concerns, goals, and what brings you to therapy. It’s also a chance to ask questions and get a sense of whether the therapist and approach feel like a good fit.
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are connected. It focuses on building practical skills to manage challenges, shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and support lasting change.
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That’s completely normal. Many people are cautious about therapy. We encourage a low-pressure consultation so you can ask questions and see if the approach feels right for you.
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Many individuals’ extended health insurance plans cover psychotherapy services. Peace of Mind CBT offers direct billing through Telus Health, which is also available with some extended health insurance providers, such as Manulife, Greenshield, and CanadaLife. Please inquire before your therapy sessions.
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Yes. Virtual sessions provide flexibility for rotating shifts, overtime, and unpredictable schedules, making therapy more accessible for first responders.
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Yes. Therapy is confidential and protected by professional and legal standards. There are rare exceptions where disclosure is required by law, which your therapist will explain clearly.
WSIB Authorized Provider | In-Person & Virtual Appointments Available
Many individuals’ extended health insurance plans cover psychotherapy services. Peace of Mind CBT offers direct billing through Telus Health, which is also available with some extended health insurance providers, such as Manulife, Greenshield, and CanadaLife. Please inquire before your therapy sessions.
