2025 Police EA Professional Development Symposium

Alison Pereira, MA (Counselling Psychology), RP
Founder, Peace of Mind CBT | Burlington, Ontario

Alison Pereira is a seasoned Psychotherapist and CBT clinician with over 25 years of experience in trauma-informed care. As the founder of Peace of Mind CBT, she specializes in supporting first responders with complex PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety disorders and addiction.

She has worked closely with police officers from Hamilton Police Service, Halton Regional Police Service, Peel Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, and the OPP, emphasizing family-inclusive treatment to enhance resilience and recovery. Alison is trained in Prolonged Exposure (PE), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), DBT, and an innovative reconsolidation therapy under Dr. Alain Brunet at McGill University – an accredited technique to transform traumatic memories and promote lasting healing.

Her commitment to officer well-being is reinforced by completing the Comprehensive Officer Resilience Program through the FBINAA, teaching effective coping strategies for the stresses of law enforcement. Alison also supports workplace injury recovery, aligning with WSIB and CMHP programs as a specialist under a WSIB-approved psychologist.

Alison’s academic credentials include a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University, a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Behavioural Sciences from McMaster University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western University.

Crystal Natolino is a compassionate and experienced Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with over 25 years of expertise in supporting individuals and families dealing with PTSD, complex grief and loss, and intergenerational trauma. She specializes in addressing the unique mental health needs of first responders, offering tailored support for their specific challenges, traumas, and psychosocial stressors. Crystal uses evidence-based approaches to enhance resilience and well-being within this community, aiding in recovery and promoting psychological strength.

Her qualifications include certifications in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Grief Education, Couples Counseling, Intensive Sex Therapy, and Mental Health and Addiction. Crystal’s practice is client-centred and multidisciplinary, focusing on helping individuals uncover the roots of trauma to achieve symptom relief and emotional stability. She is also a WSIB-approved psychotherapist working under a psychologist, providing specialized care for workplace injury recovery.

Crystal holds an Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Guelph, a Psychology Research Skills and Analysis diploma from the University of Guelph, and a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.

A seasoned Communications Consultant and Coach for the past 15 years, Elissa has helped clients bring their words to life in a way that engages audiences and spurs action.

As a long time media personality and writer for networks like Country Music Television and City TV, Elissa developed a powerful presence and style of engagement. When brought together, this unique skill set helps clients thrive in their rapidly changing work environments.

Elissa holds an Honours BA in Political Science & English from the University of Toronto, and is certified in the energy and self healing modalities Emotion Code® and Psych-K®.
Elissa lives in Burlington, Ontario with her teen daughter and rescue fur menagerie.