Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alethia Cadore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Alethia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

When I was in high school, my goal was to graduate and become a teacher. I volunteered at the Child Guidance Clinic, where I worked with young children doing arts and crafts or physical activities while their parents attended group therapy.

The therapists there would sometimes share insights from their sessions, which sparked my interest in the therapeutic field. I realized this could be a path I’d love to pursue.

After graduating, I discovered the Child and Youth Worker program. I was drawn to the idea of supporting youth who needed guidance. It was a meaningful way to channel my passion for helping young people, especially those facing challenges. I saw strength in choosing a career that was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Growing up in Toronto has offered me the ability to learn from a multicultural diverse Community

Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come from those early experiences. Helping others find balance and offering guidance feels like a natural extension of those first volunteer experiences—only now, with an even greater impact

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Thank you for inviting me to share a bit about my journey! I’m a mental health professional and founder of Mindsilike Consulting & Community Practice, where I focus on providing meaningful support, especially to marginalized communities. At Mindsilike, we offer therapy, group counseling, and community wellness events that help people build emotional regulation, self-care, and resilience. I also supervise therapists in training, fostering the next generation of practitioners.
My path to mental health began in high school, where I volunteered at a Child Guidance Clinic, leading activities with children while their parents attended therapy. Observing the therapists’ impact on families inspired me to pursue a career in this field. After graduation, I was drawn to courses in Child and Youth Work, captivated by the power of support in transforming young lives. My work in ER and Adolescent Psychiatry broadened my understanding of how trauma, stress, and mental health struggles shape daily life.
As a Black female entrepreneur, I know the unique challenges faced by communities of color, which shapes my approach to therapy and advocacy. At Mindsilike, we focus on creating safe, inclusive spaces for healing and resilience. I’ve pursued certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and trauma focused care& culturally informative courses eg the Tree of Life (narrative therapy), integrating these into a holistic approach to care.

What sets Mindsilike apart is our cultural competency and dedication to supporting Black and Indigenous individuals. We’re not just focused on individual therapy; we’re building a community prioritizing mental health, well-being, and self-empowerment. Our offerings include direct services, events like Frolic in the Fields (a wellness retreat blending movement, mindfulness, and community support), and research on mental health for Black women, all designed to foster connections that uplift and inspire.

I’m especially proud of how we’ve grown into an organization supporting both clients and the professional growth of therapists, especially those of color. We’re committed to breaking down barriers in mental health, increasing access to care, and enhancing cultural understanding in therapy.

For those considering working with us or joining an event, Mindsilike is here to meet you where you are. Whether you’re seeking balance, resilience, or community, we’re here to support you on that journey

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During COVID, I had a bike accident and broke my right wrist. It forced me to reconsider returning to work in a hospital, as I was concerned that a physical restraint could lead to further injuries. This prompted me to explore virtual therapy, where I discovered that I could support even more people through my own practice.

I enrolled in a business course to learn the fundamentals, and by 2020, I had launched my own practice. Now, five years later, I’m proud of how my journey has evolved and the impact my practice has had in my Community
I mentor students in Psychology, Child Youth Care. In 2022, I received the Raymond Chang award from the Tri-mentoring program for mentoring students(TMU)

Can you open up about how you managed the initial funding?

I took a significant step in funding my practice by reinvesting my pension funds into stocks from my previous job.s My financial advisor showed me how to use some funds as a cash flow for my start up. This decision allowed me to fully commit to building my own business. In 2023, I applied for and received a RISE grant, which provided $10,000 to help scale my practice further.
I received a Magnet grant SWPP to hire a summer student on the WIL (work integrated learning)
These investments have been crucial in growing my business and expanding the support I can offer to clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindsilike.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindsilike/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alethia.cadore.9
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alethia-cadore-ma-bacyc-p-psychotherapist-a48b3011/

Image Credits

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