Shalyn Isaacs.
M.Ed, CCC-Q
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Spiritual Counselling
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Yoga Classes
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Workshops
Shalyn Isaacs, M.Ed Counselling Psychology
Spiritual Counsellor
CCC-Q (Certified Canadian Counsellor - Qualifying)
Kundalini & Hatha Yoga Teacher
My approach to counselling is grounded in an appreciation
of how spiritual and cultural-ancestral knowledge and practices
can support mental health by connecting us with a deeper
understanding of who we truly are and a greater sense of life’s
meaning and direction—particularly while navigating systems
that often promote disconnection.
I approach this work from a culturally-sensitive and
trauma-informed framework; honoring the ways that culture,
social inequities, spirituality, religion, and our philosophical
curiosities into the nature of this human experience -
can all impact mental health and wellness.
To support my clients' personal growth and life transitions,
I often will offer practices such as: Meditation, mindfulness
practices, guided visualization, prayer, breathwork,
creative writing, and gentle yoga poses to support you with
making life choices from a place of Self-connection,
grounding & compassion.
The approaches I draw from are deeply rooted in the wisdom
of my ancestral lineages, including Theravada Buddhism,
Ayurveda, and the Yoga of the Himalayan Tradition.
However, clients are encouraged to explore their own spiritual
and ancestral traditions in a supportive, stigma-free space for
holistic wellness and personal growth.
I specialize in supporting clients with:
Life transitions, Career, Relationships, Workplace Mental
Health, Financial Wellness & Empowerment,
Spirituality, Self-Confidence, Grief, Creativity.
What is Spiritual Counselling
and What Are The Benefits?
My approach to spiritual counseling is rooted in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration, acknowledging that we are more than the social expectations, roles, and titles we carry.
At the same time, I recognize that difficult life experiences and the social systems we live
within—such as colonialism, capitalism, and patriarchy—can create disconnection from
our mind-body-spirit and our True Self.
In Yoga, this True Self is seen as the core of one’s inner wisdom and authenticity,
untouched by external struggles or past wounds.
The aim of spiritual counseling is to help clients reconnect with their unique relationship with spirituality or ancestral wisdom / God / Nature / True Self / Inner Witness / Inner Wisdom & Values - to support them with decision-making and fostering clarity, confidence, and purpose.
This process supports clients in navigating present life challenges with wisdom, courage, and resilience. Sessions are guided by active listening, a non-judgmental attitude, and a trauma-informed approach, ensuring clients feel safe and empowered to explore their inner landscape.
We may integrate meditation, prayer, mindfulness practices, breathwork, guided visualization,
or other spiritual and religious practices meaningful to the client. Through this holistic
and client-centered approach, I seek to nurture personal growth, emotional well-being, and a deeper connection to one’s values & mind-body-spirit.
Research-Based Benefits
of Spiritual Counselling
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Improved Self-Esteem, Personal Growth & Well-Being: Studies show that spiritual counseling can help individuals manage anxiety, depression, and stress by providing a sense of hope, purpose, and meaning in life (Miller & Thoresen, 2003)
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Enhanced Capacity for Hope, Mindfulness, Acceptance & Coping Strategies: Research has indicated that individuals with strong spiritual support systems tend to cope better with illness, loss, and trauma (Afshar, 2021; Pargament, 2007).
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Reduction in Stress & Anxiety: The integration of mindfulness, meditation, and other spiritual practices often employed in spiritual counseling has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Practices like deep breathing, prayer, and guided visualization can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing physical stress responses (Kabat-Zinn, 2003)
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Greater Grief Processing: Spiritual counseling can help individuals process grief and loss by providing a framework for understanding life and death through their spiritual beliefs. Research has shown that those who incorporate spirituality into their grieving process experience less prolonged or complicated grief (Currier, Neimeyer, & Berman, 2008).
Yoga Classes & Membership
Kundalini & Hatha Yoga - Himalayan Tradition
I am a Kundalini and Hatha Yoga Teacher in the Himalayan Tradition. I received my YTT200 through learning with traditional wisdom teachers based in Rishikesh, India at Samadhi Yoga Ashram.
Kundalini Yoga is a dynamic and holistic practice that combines asanas (poses), pranayama (breathwork), meditation, mudras and mantras to awaken the body's creative life force energy and support inner awareness.
The practice incorporates specific sequences designed to balance the body’s energy centers (chakras), strengthen the nervous system, and promote mental clarity. Kundalini Yoga is known for its ability to support emotional healing, reduce stress, and foster a deeper connection to self and purpose, making it a transformative tool for overall well-being.
Organization Partnerships
A list of organizations I have created mental health workshops or projects for, and places I have interviewed with.
York University
OSRP (Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists)
The Toronto Star
University of Toronto
Benevolent Health
The Latibule
Accelerate Her Future
Bereaved Families of Ontario
Times Change Women's Employment Service
Trauma of Money
The Trauma and Mental Health Report
The Kit
Thrive Global
Fruits From The Roots Psychotherapy & Consulting
Wellness Workshops
These workshops provide a nurturing space to explore
holistic wellness through educational content,
creative writing, and meaningful community discussions. Participants will learn practical tools to support their
mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, engage in
reflective writing exercises to deepen creativity,
self-awareness, and share insights in a supportive
group setting.
Trauma-Informed
Creative Writing Workshops
Trauma-informed creative writing is a creative process
that integrates the body (soma) with writing. It can involve
using a combination of mindfulness practices, breakthwork, movement, guided visualization and bodily awareness as
inspiration and guidance for writing.
Trauma-Informed Creative Writing Classes help individuals connect with their creative expression by supporting
the body with experiencing a sense of safety, connection,
and pleasure in the present moment. As participants
engage in this process, they gain the space needed to
untangle trauma-based beliefs and shape new realities
for themselves and their communities through writing.
