Please Note:
Vanessa is not accepting new clients at this time. Sadly, this includes client’s who have not been seen within the last 6 months. Please contact for further information.
Vanessa is a Registered Psychologist with Alycol Counselling Services. Vanessa provides psychotherapy primarily to adults but will see adolescents when referred by other mental health providers or general practioners. Vanessa has a special interest in working with men and has developed a reputation for working with client’s who are apprehensive or skeptical about receiving psychological services. Vanessa is collaborative in the development of therapeutic goals with a directive and authentic approach in the delivery of services.
Vanessa has extensive experience in the mental health field prior to becoming a Registered Psychologist which spans work as a disability employment counsellor to a provincial disability support counsellor. Since becoming a Registered Psychologist Vanessa has worked within correctional settings, Primary Care Networks, and provincial CRISIS departments. Vanessa is trained in numerous modalities including cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, EMDR, Gottman’s couples counselling (Level 1 and 2), and motivational interviewing. Vanessa has taken speciality training is cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia and anger management. Vanessa’s primary way of believing in client change is rooted in family of origin and attachment work. Vanessa takes a trauma informed approach to her primary areas of specialization.
Currently, Vanessa’s passions are with individuals who are struggling with high levels of trauma with a special interest in veterans and first responders. Vanessa has developed and facilitated anger management workshops for numerous agencies and with both mandated and voluntary participants. Additionally, Vanessa has specialized experience in working with individuals struggling with emotional eating and obesity related issues. Vanessa is currently working with the Primary Care Network’s obesity clinic in Spruce Grove where she oversees the mental health department, works individually with patients, and develops personalized programming including workshops that are trauma informed and CBT skill-based.
On an interesting note, Vanessa was born and raised in St. Johns, Newfoundland. This experience allowed her to recognize the importance of culture and balance in her life. As such, she is looking forward to helping others find their way back to their own sense of belonging and overall wellness.
