I believe that before any of the more intentional and technical components of therapy can begin, the first and most important goal is to make a genuine human connection. I’m a human being before I’m a therapist and I believe the core of this process is for me and my client to relate and connect to one another on this fundamental level. I aim to provide a safe, warm, and open environment for the sharing that is such an essential part of this process. I believe that therapy should be an experience completely devoid of any judgement and instead aim for a radical acknowledgement of all the elements of human nature and the human condition itself. In short, I would hope that my clients are willing to share anything with me, but I also acknowledge that’s a privilege that I must earn. This must be done by building that genuine connection first to have client feel safe and comfortable to really tell me their unique story.

I believe that it is crucial to consider factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, as well as environmental factors such as social connections with family and friends. Mental health is not a state that exists in isolation from these contextual factors, so in my opinion it is essential to address these elements in combination with more conventional strategies. An awareness and acknowledgement of these dimensions allows for more complete and accurate understanding of what is bringing the client in and impacting their life. Sometimes strategies as simple as going for walk in nature everyday can be a strategy that significantly augments the healing process of therapy.

In our stressful and high paced modern world, I believe that the value of mindfulness practices has only increased with time. Many different avenues of mindfulness exist, but the goal is always similar. To bring the mind to the present moment and slow down the racing thoughts that come from the constant state of busyness that so many of us live our lives in. I believe that finding a mindfulness activity that fits well with a client’s preferences and integrating this as part of therapy can be in incredibly valuable tool to assist the therapy process.

I believe that before any of the more intentional and technical components of therapy can begin,... Read More

Creating a space of safety and openness is at the centre of my practice. Counselling with me is a collaborative process where the client is the expert in their own life. Working from a strength-based perspective, my intention is to help clients access the tools and wisdom within and around them to bring themselves to healing and wholeness.

Rooted in feminism and social justice, I am passionate about equitable care. I am especially interested in navigating topics that are often taboo or stigmatized in the majority culture. My areas of interest are relationships, nonmonogamy, gender, sexuality, Indigenous issues, grief and loss, and trauma.

My previous work includes over 20 years as a teacher and facilitator of language, dance, and community events, as well as 13 years as a massage therapist.

I work with people of all genders, sexual orientations, relationship structures, ethnicities, and cultures. Adolescents, adults, couples and people in multi-partner relationships are welcome to book with me.

My approach is holistic and incorporates aspects of solution-focused therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), somatic (body-based) work, narrative therapy, Gottman, and mindfulness. I am passionate about how family, community, society and the environment shape our perspectives and ways of being.

I would love to meet you!

Creating a space of safety and openness is at the centre of my practice. Counselling with me is a... Read More

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.

Please Note: Vanessa is not accepting new clients at this time. Sadly, this includes client’s wh... Read More

Facing life’s challenges alone can be overwhelming. I am committed to creating an open and safe environment for individuals to share, engage, learn, and reflect. Working from a trauma informed, person centered, anti-oppressive approach, I strive to ensure that everyone I work with feels welcomed, understood, and valued. I believe that this is the way to heal and I invite the whole person: body, feelings, inner parts, culture, and social location, into a healing space. Healing and wholeness are possible with empathy and connection.

I have worked as a teacher for many years before becoming a school counsellor, supporting children and adolescents through a variety of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, and gender and sexual identity. Areas of special interest include feminist issues, reproductive mental health, trauma, grief and bereavement. My approach includes solution-focused therapy, strengths-based therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and somatic informed approaches.

You are the expert in your life and my role is to walk beside you through this journey to process the painful experiences and help you find the life you want. I look forward to meeting you.

Facing life’s challenges alone can be overwhelming. I am committed to creating an open and safe e... Read More

Graduated from the Massage Therapy program from Grant Mac in 2000. I specialize in relaxation and MLD. I am also a Reiki Master. I have volunteered with Pit bull rescue for the last 10 years. In my spare time, I like to spend it with family and friends in the outdoors, as well with my beautiful Pitbull Olive.

Graduated from the Massage Therapy program from Grant Mac in 2000. I specialize in relaxation and... Read More

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Natasha is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Registered Massage Therapist who is registered with the CAAA and NHPC. As an acupuncturist, Natasha is passionate about treating a variety of conditions ranging from digestive, women’s health including fertility, sleep, and related psychological conditions. Natasha believes in a holistic approach to health that incorporates various forms of acupuncture such as zanfu, heavenly turtle, and esoteric. With 13 years massage therapy experience, Natasha has been certified in sports injuries, ART, lymphatic drainage, raindrop, reiki, theta, and pelvic floor. Natasha will use all tools in her toolbox to ensure you have the best off all worlds, eastern and western specialized treatments.

Natasha is passionate about psychology and the relationship between physical healing art and mental treatment. Natasha has specialized training with Gabor Mate, a leading expert on the link between trauma and physical health. Natasha has a special interest in ADHD and PTSD. Natasha’s goals are to work collaboratively with the other providers at Alycol Health to maximize physical and mental health resulting in meaningfulness of existance.

Natasha is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Registered Massage Therapist who is registered with the CA... Read More

Kristen is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She obtained her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Alberta and pursued her Masters in Counselling through Athabasca University. She has been practicing as a Mental Health Therapist for 4 years and has accumulated 8+ years of experience with helping children, adolescents, adults, couples, parents, seniors, and families, who struggle with mental health issues, attachment, relationships, and trauma.

Kristen has extensive experience in the mental health field prior to becoming a Registered Provisional Psychologist through her work experience as a child and youth care worker in an Intensive Therapy Treatment Facility for children and youth with trauma and attachment issues. Since becoming a Certified Canadian Counsellor and a Registered Provisional Psychologist, Kristen has worked as a Community-based Mental Health Therapist at The Family Centre in Edmonton, where she provided counselling and mental health workshops in Edmonton Public Schools, Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton, and facilitated a Healthy Relationships group for Men. She currently provides psychological services, mental health workshops, and speaking engagements to various agencies and companies through her private practice in St. Albert.

Kristen is trained in numerous modalities including cognitive behavioural therapy, family systems, emotionally-focused therapy, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and utilizes various evidence-based psychotherapy techniques such as somatic experiencing, mindfulness, play and art therapeutic activities. She takes on a client-centred approach within her practice that emphasizes collaborative work with her clients. Currently, Kristen is passionate about working with various populations who are struggling with trauma, attachment issues, multicultural issues, relationship issues, as well as identity issues. Kristen is culturally sensitive in her practice, and she is able to provide therapy in her native Language, Tagalog, and English.

Outside her work as a therapist, Kristen is passionate about physical fitness as she enjoys hiking, cycling, kickboxing, yoga, bootcamp, and traveling to new places. She also enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, and playing with her son. She tends to spend a lot of time expressing herself creatively through music, dancing, and creating mental health content on instagram. You can follow her @theoptimistictherapist on instagram where she shares a holistic approach to mental health and wellness.

Kristen is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She o... Read More

Sarah is a Mental Health Therapist who has completed the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program through Yorkville University. She completed her Bachelor of Arts with a focus on Psychology through Athabasca University. Sarah believes in a trauma-informed approach, ensuring all clients feel safe and supported at all times. She has experience in handling the challenging emotions that can come up in crises through her volunteer service with Victim Services and her previous work experience that focused on domestic violence. Entering the counselling profession has always been a focus for Sarah as she has always felt strongly about helping those around her. Sarah believes that every person is unique and that they know themselves best. She is committed to helping individuals focus on their strengths and understand the different parts within themselves. Sarah works from an internal family systems model with a strengths-based approach. On a personal note, although Sarah was born in Burnaby, British Colombia, she was raised right here in Spruce Grove! She has watched Spruce Grove grow over the years and feels a deep connection with the city. Sarah is passionate about giving back to the community that raised her.

Sarah is a Mental Health Therapist who has completed the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology... Read More