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Our Services
Available across Ontario
Areas of Focus
At Alai, we curate every patient experience with a combination of compassion, cultural awareness, and evidence-based modalities.
Our areas of focus include, Depression and Anxiety, Family Stress, Relationship Challenges, School and Work Stress, Anger Management, ADHD Coaching, Addiction, Emotion Processing & Regulation, Personal Identity Exploration, and Life Transitions.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a space just for you—a place to talk through what’s going on, reflect, and grow. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, or just feeling stuck, these sessions are designed to support you in a way that feels safe and empowering.
Our individual therapy sessions in Ontario offer a safe and confidential place where we’ll explore your goals, build on your strengths, and work through challenges using approaches that fit your unique needs. Sessions are available online, and typically run for about 50 minutes.
Couples Therapy
Whether you're navigating a rough patch or simply want to strengthen your connection, couples therapy offers a supportive space to grow together. Our sessions help you and your partner explore communication patterns, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional intimacy.
We understand that every relationship is unique, and we welcome all identities and relationship structures. With the guidance of a therapist, you’ll work together to better understand each other, resolve conflicts, and build a more fulfilling partnership. Sessions are available online and are either 50 or 80 minutes.
Our therapists understand the complexity of Culture, Identity, and Lived Experience
About Us
Alai's approach and philosophy
At Alai Psychotherapy, we believe healing begins with being truly seen and understood. Our practice offers compassionate, culturally attuned therapy for individuals navigating life’s challenges.
We understand that seeking help can be difficult — especially when balancing cultural expectations, family roles, and personal well-being. That’s why we create a space where you can speak freely, explore your story, and reconnect with your values without fear of judgment.
Our care is grounded in evidence-based approaches while honouring the cultural, spiritual, and intergenerational contexts that shape who you are. We integrate your cultural values and lived experiences into the process, helping you find relief from silent suffering and move toward clarity, confidence, and self-acceptance.
At Alai, we see therapy as a collaborative process — one that supports you in understanding yourself more deeply and creating meaningful, lasting change.
Alai means “wave” — a symbol of movement, renewal, and strength. Like a wave, healing unfolds with flow and momentum. We’re here to walk beside you through that process.
Niru Balasubramaniam, MSW, RSW, RP
Our therapists start by building a relationship with you
Alai's Therapy Team
Providing expert psychotherapy with compassion
Niru Balasubramaniam
MSW, RSW, RP
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
Alai Founder & Clinical Director
My name Niru Balasubramaniam. I offer a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences, emotions, and challenges at your own pace. My practice is rooted in respect for your cultural background and life story. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions, my goal is to support you in feeling seen, heard, and empowered to move toward healing.
My approach is collaborative and client-centered, grounded in respect for your unique story, identity, and values. I recognize how our cultural backgrounds and lived experiences shape the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. Together, we’ll work to identify your strengths, build practical coping tools, and create meaningful change that aligns with your goals.
I draw from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies — always tailoring our work to meet your needs.
Therapy is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. If you’re curious about how we might work together, I invite you to reach out.
Therapy can be a big step.We are here to guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
A lot of people come to us feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start.
Connecting with a therapist can give you the space to unpack what you’re carrying and develop healthy, realistic, and effective strategies to move toward your goals. Our team draws from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Therapy is a collaborative process where you and your therapist work together to explore what’s getting in the way and what can help you grow. Because that relationship is so important, we encourage you to book a free phone consultation with any of our skilled therapists to help you find the right fit.
Your first session will typically include a comprehensive assessment to identify your strengths and areas for growth. From there, you and your therapist will create meaningful short- and long-term goals that support your overall wellbeing.
To recap, starting therapy with us includes three simple steps:
- Meet the team
- Book a free phone consultation or schedule an initial appointment (Hyperlink to book now page)
- Complete an initial assessment and collaborate on a plan that fits your needs
We want your experience to feel comfortable and seamless. If you have any questions about choosing the right therapist, please feel free to contact us.
Niru will send. a blurb
This brief call is an opportunity for you and a therapist to assess fit. You’ll have a chance to share what’s bringing you to therapy, ask any questions you may have about the process, and learn more about the therapist's approach. The therapist will also ask a few gentle questions to better understand your needs and goals. There’s no pressure to commit — the call is simply a space to explore whether working together feels right for you.
Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. Everything you share with us is kept strictly confidential, unless we're legally required to disclose it. We store all information securely and take comprehensive measures to ensure that your data is safe, upholding the highest standards of privacy and discretion.Whether you're working with a Social Worker or a Registered Psychotherapist, all our therapists follow professional standards around confidentiality. Your therapist will walk you through the details during your first session so you know exactly what to expect.
We do not bill insurance companies directly, and require full payment from you at the end of each session. For your convenience, payment options include, debit and credit. We will always provide a receipt, which includes the therapist’s registration/license number. It is your responsibility to follow the reimbursement process with your insurance company.
Our services are typically covered by a wide range of extended health insurers and you don't need a physician referral for coverage. At this time, we don’t offer direct billing. However, you can submit the invoice we provide to your insurance provider and receive reimbursement for your payment. We encourage you to contact your insurance company in advance to confirm that you are covered for services provided by either a Registered Social Worker (RSW) or a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in Ontario.
We know unexpected things can arise. If you need to adjust your appointment, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance. Doing so helps us accommodate all clients fairly. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, may be subject to a cancellation fee.