Astrid’s Biography

Astrid Machalitza, Registered Psychotherapist, Certified EFT-Therapist for Coupls, Families and Individuals, is a seasoned therapist whose transformative journey has been defined by a commitment to a holistic approach in counselling. With a warm and empathetic demeanor, Astrid has dedicated her career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the intricate tapestry of emotions, relationships, and personal growth.

Early Life and Education:

Born and raised in an emotional cold environment, which was affected by her parents who both had been born during the war in Germany. However, after experiencing burnout and depression as well as the unexpected death of a close friend, Astrid went through an intense course of individual and group psychotherapy and within this time Astrid developed a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of individuals within their social contexts. Her passion for understanding the human mind and fostering well-being led her to pursue a career in Germany as a psychotherapist, where she is licensed since 2016. In 2021 she fullfilled her long-term dream and started her studies and earned a Master’s degree in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, ON. Along the way, Astrid discovered the power of blending various therapeutic modalities to address the diverse needs of her clients. However, her main focus lays in the experiential attachment based method emotionally focussed therapy (EFT).

Holistic Approach:

Astrid firmly believes in a holistic approach to therapy, acknowledging the intricate interplay between mind, body, and spirit. Her therapeutic style incorporates elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and somatic work, fostering a comprehensive understanding of her clients’ experiences and facilitating transformative healing.

Christian Counselling:

Deeply rooted in her faith, Astrid provides Christian counselling for individuals and families seeking guidance and support through a spiritual lens. Drawing upon biblical principles, she creates a safe and nurturing space for clients to explore their beliefs, values, and the integration of faith into their healing journey. Astrid believes in the power of integrating one’s spiritual beliefs into the therapeutic journey and creating a space where clients can find solace and strength in their faith.

Intergenerational Trauma:

Astrid’s commitment to addressing intergenerational trauma is evident in her work. She acknowledges the intricacies of intergenerational trauma and works towards breaking the cycles of pain and fostering healing across generations, by exploring the roots of familial patterns and traumas. Her work is deeply rooted in understanding and addressing the psychological impact of historical events, e.g. World War II, Residential schools, and so many more, on individuals and their families. Her unique perspective as someone with lived experience, having parents born during this tumultuous period in Germany, provides her with a profound understanding of the complexities involved in intergenerational trauma.

Astrid draws on various therapeutic modalities, such the attachment based modality EFT (Emotionally Focussed Therapy), inner child work, working with parts (IFS), and trauma-focused approaches. Collaborating with clients to understand the ways in which their family dynamics have been shaped by historical events allows for a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to healing.

Additionally, her work may extend to educating clients about the broader socio-political context of intergenerational trauma, helping them contextualize their experiences within a larger historical framework. This psychoeducation can empower clients to make sense of their emotions and behaviors and work towards breaking the cycle of trauma within their family systems.

Couples and Family Counselling:

Astrid specializes in couples and family counselling, utilizing evidence-based practices to strengthen communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance connection. Her attachment based approach using her intense training in Emotionally Focussed Couples and Family Therapy empowers clients to build healthy relationships, to enrich communication and to navigate the complexities of family dynamics. She provides a safe and non-judgmental environment for couples and families to navigate challenges, improve communication, and strengthen their connections.

Support for Single and Young Parents:

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by single parents and young families, Astrid offers tailored counselling services to address the specific needs of these individuals. Through practical guidance and emotional support, she helps parents navigate the responsibilities of raising children while nurturing their own well-being. Her expertise extends to working with single parents and young parents, understanding the unique challenges they face. Astrid provides practical tools and emotional support to help them navigate the complexities of parenting and self-care. Her own approach in raising her son is found in attachment and need-oriented parenting and gentle guidance.

Grief and (sudden) Loss:

Recognizing the profound impact of grief on individuals and families, Astrid is certified in trauma work and brings a compassionate approach to working with grieving families and individuals. Therefore, she has a compassionate approach to working with grieving families and individuals, providing a supportive space for processing the complex emotions that accompany loss. Her work is nurtured through her own experiences with the sudden death of her father as well as 7 unexpected losses during the pregnancy with her son. Those experiences, her empathetic presence and profoundly integrative techniques assist clients in finding meaning and healing during challenging times.

Working with trauma/PTSD:

In my psychotherapy practice, I specialize in working with traumatized individuals, employing a holistic approach that integrates somatic techniques and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I am committed to helping clients navigate through the complexities of trauma, whether addressing PTSD or intervening in early stages to mitigate long-term impact. By incorporating somatic practices and EFT, I aim to facilitate a deep emotional exploration and promote healing on both psychological and physiological levels. My therapeutic framework is centered on creating a safe and empathetic space for individuals to process and overcome traumatic experiences, fostering resilience and well-being.

Astrid’s Legacy:

Astrid Machalitza’s legacy is one of compassion, understanding, and transformative healing. Through her holistic approach, she continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those she serves, empowering them to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and connection. Her commitment to fostering holistic well-being stands as a testament to the power of embracing the mind, body, and spirit in the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

In every session, Astrid’s warm and genuine nature creates a space where individuals feel heard, valued, and supported on their unique path to healing. Through her wholistic approach, Astrid continues to inspire transformation and guide her clients towards a life filled with purpose, resilience, and joy - overall: to experience a lively future. Astrid’s dedication to her clients, combined with her diverse skill set, makes her a valued and trusted therapist. Her mission is to empower individuals and families to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth.

Astrid’s Biography Astrid Machalitza, Registered Psychotherapist, Certified EFT-Therapist for Co... Read More