We are a team of therapists who value authenticity, connection, and acceptance. Our mission is to help you live a meaningful and fulfilling life, despite the difficult thoughts, feelings, and circumstances that come with being human.
Hi, I’m Nicole…
I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s degree in School & Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Alberta. I come to private practice with seven years of experience working in both government programs and non-profit agencies with a wide array of client concerns. I have seen first-hand how powerful it is for individuals to own who they are and what they need most, in order to forge a path in life that honors their unique strengths.
-
My clients are typically teens and adults who may feel lost, stuck, or like the “odd one out” - whether that means struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, identity, relationship difficulties, trauma, or major life transitions. My primary goal is to support my clients in feeling seen, understood, and accepted as they are in order to create a therapeutic space for growth to occur. Together, we will work on challenging limiting beliefs and unhelpful ways of thinking, learn to process emotions in healthy ways, and take tangible steps towards self-actualization and wellness.
I also work with families struggling with family conflict, attachment wounds and trauma, navigating life transitions, or just feeling disconnected. I am here to support you in better understanding one another, recognizing and breaking negative cycles of interaction, and connecting (or re-connecting) in meaningful ways.
My approach to therapy is flexible and strengths-focused, and is informed by emotionally-focused, cognitive-behavioural, and attachment-based therapies. I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy to support individuals in processing and recovering from trauma or emotional distress. I’m so excited to get to know YOU, recognize your strengths, and work together to nurture hope on your journey forward!
-
Anxiety & depression
Autism
ADHD
Self-esteem
Identity
Relationship issues & social anxiety
Building healthy routines
Life transitions
Trauma & PTSD -
My approach incorporates elements of:
Emotion Focused Therapy
Attachment Based Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Mindfulness Based Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) -
Teens
Adults
Families -
I love to skate and grew up playing hockey. I still enjoy skating at outdoor rinks in the winter and love to watch hockey.
I am passionate about walking. For me, taking a long walk is the ultimate wellness practice. Luckily, Calgary has lots of awesome walking trails and parks to explore.
I am a first-generation Canadian. My parents are immigrants from South Africa. I grew up with a combination of Canadian and South African culture and values and feel a connection to other first-generation Canadians as well.
I love to cook. This has become a relatively new passion of mine, but I am always looking for new recipes to try. My favourites are soups, pasta dishes, and anything Mexican.
I love to be creative. I enjoy painting, drawing, crafting, you name it. I’m a regular at Michaels.
“Awareness is the greatest agent for change”
—ECKHART TOLLE
Hi, I’m Jen…
…. and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and am also a Registered Dietitian. My unique blend of qualifications provides me with a unique perspective of the intricate connection between mental and physical health, allowing me to work with clients holistically to redefine their version of wellness.
-
I’ve worked with so many people over the years whose negative body image have impacted their social lives, relationships, and ability to fully enjoy life’s pleasures, like delicious food! Together, we will explore your relationship with food, your body, and movement, aiming to foster a sense of peace and respect. I am dedicated to a non-diet and health at every size approach that is inclusive of all body types and identities. I firmly believe that health is not defined by body size, and I will support you in challenging societal messages that suggest otherwise.
In addition to my work with body image and disordered eating, I work with people through IBS, stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions with a special interest in perimenopausal and menopausal women. The journey of therapy can be challenging but getting to a place where you are not only living but thriving and enjoying life, will be so worth it!
A foundation of my practice is holding space for you, as the expert of your own life, to bring me along your journey. Most importantly, I will be a non-judgemental and supportive listener, and together we will create a plan for moving forward.
There’s no sugar coating that therapy is hard, but most importantly, your story and lived experiences matter to me. I show up to our time together the same way you show up, which is authentically and organically human. Together, I will hold a safe space for you to feel all your emotions, work together to develop goals, provide you with realistic tools and strategies, and most importantly, make sure to leave time for a good laugh.
-
Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders
Body Image
Perimenopause/Menopause transition
Women’s issues
IBS
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Stress, Trauma and PTSD -
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness Based (MBCT) -
Individual Adults (18+)
Special Interest in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women -
I travelled the world for a year. My husband and I left our jobs and travelled for one full year to 20 countries. My favorites were Japan, Croatia, Indonesia, and Colombia.
I'm very lucky. I’ve won many contests including a trip to Italy and Turks and Caicos. And yet, I never buy lottery tickets.
I ran the New York City marathon. In addition to three other marathons in Seattle, Toronto, and New Orleans. They were all great but nothing beats the energy and excitement of New York.
I went to school to be a makeup artist. I didn’t last long in the industry as I didn’t like giving up every weekend to do wedding makeup and honestly wasn’t very skilled at it. But it was fun for a little while to explore my creative side.
I love to sing karaoke. I do not have a great singing voice but I love to perform. I’m a more reserved person so it’s a lot of fun to surprise people when I get on stage and let loose.
“What we know matters, but who we are matters more.”
—BRENE BROWN
Hi, I’m Lisa…
I am a Registered Social Worker with a Masters of Social Work Degree from the University of Calgary. I have 20+ years of experience supporting children, youth, and families in diverse settings such as government and non-profit agencies. Before I entered private practice, I spent 10 years as a therapist in Child & Adolescent Mental Health with Alberta Health Services in Calgary.
-
I am passionate about helping pre-teens and teens better understand themselves, navigate their struggles, and celebrate their strengths. The majority of my practice focuses on youth who struggle with anxiety and big emotions. I help them improve their self worth and self esteem, develop new and effective coping skills, and feel empowered.
In addition I offer emotion focused parent coaching and support. I can help parents better understand themselves in order to better understand and support their kids and teens. I can also support parents with burnout, overwhelm, adjustment to this new stage of life, and managing the stress of being a parent.
At my core, I believe connection is the key to change. So that means the connection to your therapist, the mind-body connection, and connection to those important people in your life. Overall, I can help families work through their struggles and empower them to move to more authentic and connected relationships.
A foundation of my practice is holding space for you, as the expert of your own life, to bring me along your journey. Most importantly, I will be a non-judgemental and supportive listener, and together we will create a plan for moving forward.
There’s no sugar coating that therapy is hard, but most importantly, your story and lived experiences matter to me. I show up to our time together the same way you show up, which is authentically and organically human. Together, I will hold a safe space for you to feel all your emotions, work together to develop goals, provide you with realistic tools and strategies, and most importantly, make sure to leave time for a good laugh.
My passion is building relationships with young people and their families to strengthen their connections and improve their mental health and functioning. It is a privilege to walk along side young people and families in this journey.
-
Anxiety & stress
Navigating big emotions
Depression
Parenting support
ADHD
Coping with divorce
Relationship issues (peers, family)
School Issues
Self esteem
Self harming and suicidal ideation -
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment Based Therapy
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Narrative Therapy -
Pre-teens (8+) and Teens
Parent Coaching and Support
Individual adults (Parenting stress and overwhelm, transition/adjustment to parenthood) -
I was born in England and lived there until I was 7. I knew very little about Canada when we moved so had zero idea what to expect but my parents said if we moved I would get my ears pierced so I was getting on that plane!
I played rugby in high school only for the social aspect & had zero skills but had lots of fun!
I love to ski & snowboard with friends & family. I learned to ski at a ski hill in NB where the highway was right below the bottom of the run. Separated by a flimsy plastic “fence”. So I learned that pizza stop really fast.
I love party planning & celebrating things and even did party planning classes and considered it for a career. And the people close to me will tell you I have a hard time not involving myself in any party planning even if it’s for me 🙊
I love to vacation & travel. I did my BSW practicum in Australia. And when I lived in the UK for a bit after my undergrad I travelled around Europe whenever I had a chance. I dragged my poor aunt all over the place & I went to Barcelona alone as my family & friends weren’t interested in going.
“Unlike self-criticism which asks if you’re good enough, self compassion asks, what’s good for you?”
—KRISTIN NEFF
Hi, I’m Bri…
I am a Certified Canadian Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and over 11 years of experience working in the mental health sector. My work has been dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating diverse and complex mental health needs. Through this journey, I’ve learned how pivotal relationships are in our healing and growth, and I am passionate about helping clients explore, strengthen, and nurture those connections.
-
My practice is rooted in a trauma-informed lens, flexible interventions, and holistic therapeutic approaches tailored to meet your unique needs. I work from an attachment perspective and provide therapy for children, teens, and couples. Whether it’s your relationship with yourself, your partner, or your family, I am here to support you every step of the way.
One of my special interests lies in empowering young women, particularly those newly diagnosed with ADHD. I understand how overwhelming and isolating it can feel to navigate life after an ADHD diagnosis, especially in a world that often overlooks the unique ways it manifests in young women. My goal is to help clients embrace their neurodiversity, build self-compassion, and develop tools to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
At the heart of my practice is the belief that you are the expert of your own life. My role is to hold space for you, listen without judgment, and collaborate on a plan for moving forward that feels authentic to you. Therapy isn’t always easy, but your story and lived experiences deeply matter to me.
When we work together, I bring my full, human self to our sessions—authentic, compassionate, and present. I’ll provide a safe space for you to explore your emotions, help you set meaningful goals, and share practical tools and strategies to support your growth. And along the way, we’ll make sure to leave room for a good laugh, because healing doesn’t have to be all serious.
-
ADHD
Anxiety
Anger Management
Autism
Behavioural Issues
Coping Skills
Stress, Trauma and PTSD
Relationship Issues
Family Conflict
Emotional Dysregulation/Disturbance
Intellectual & Learning Disabilities -
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Attachment Based Therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Gottman Method (Level I and II)
Mindfulness- Based (MBCT)
Narrative Therapy -
Children (6+) and Teens
Couples (18+)
Emerging Adults (16-24 years old) -
I was born and raised in Ontario. Call me crazy, but I would choose lakes over the mountains! The one thing that makes me feel most at home is jumping into a refreshing cold lake in the heat of summer!
I love sports! I’ve played ringette for over 20 years and continue to spend my winter evenings in a cold rink around Calgary! I even played for a Europe travel team in 2009 where we went to Prague, Sweden, Finland, and Germany!
I love travelling! Traveling and new experiences are always on my mind! I am that person who is planning the next trip while the current one wraps up. I’m usually in Palm Springs or Phoenix in the winter months visiting my parents or in-laws, otherwise you can catch me on a beach somewhere!
I am a foster parent for rescue animals. I have always been a HUGE animal lover, and during COVID I finally convinced my husband to let me be a foster mom for a local rescue agency! 30 foster dogs later I have officially “foster failed” and now have 3 resident dogs of my own! A Saint Bernard, Pitbull, and Chihuahua- we definitely get some laughs and looks at the dog parks!
I am a foodie! To say I'm a foodie is an understatement! I love going out with my husband and/or friends to try new food all over the city (and world). Perhaps I was a food blogger in a previous life! I am that person that everyone asks for a suggestion for the best happy hour or trendy spot to go! My favorite food is most definitely pizza, so if you have any recommendations, I NEED to know!
“Safety is not the absence of threat, it is the presence of connection.”
—GABOR MATE
Hi, I’m Alina…
…. and I am a Registered Psychologist with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University. I truly believe that people are the experts of their own lives, and I practice from a strengths-based approach. As your therapist, I can help you navigate the inevitable pain and challenge that comes with life, but ultimately I would like to help you find and trust your own inner truth, knowledge, and wisdom.
-
Together, we will discover what inner experiences (emotions, thoughts, beliefs) are getting in the way of you living your values. We will identify behavioural cycles and patterns that are no longer serving you. We will help you improve your relationship to yourself and others, and empower you to live authentically!
As someone who works with many self- proclaimed perfectionists, high-achievers, and people-pleasers, I have noticed a common theme amongst many of my clients. They often feel like whatever they do is never good enough. Their minds are constantly racing & their emotions can become overwhelming. They are coasting or surviving, rather than thriving. All of this may lead to disconnect from their values and purpose.
I want you to take meaningful action everyday. If you are ready to get back in touch with your values and live authentically, you’re in the right place!
A foundation of my practice is holding space for you, as the expert of your own life, to bring me along your journey. Most importantly, I will be a non-judgemental and supportive listener, and together we will create a plan for moving forward.
There’s no sugar coating that therapy is hard, but most importantly, your story and lived experiences matter to me. I show up to our time together the same way you show up, which is authentically and organically human. Together, I will hold a safe space for you to feel all your emotions, work together to develop goals, provide you with realistic tools and strategies, and most importantly, make sure to leave time for a good laugh.
-
High functioning anxiety & stress
Perfectionism & people pleaser recovery
Boundaries & assertive communication
Emotion regulation
Relationship issues
Life transition & adjustment
Trauma & cycle breaking
Self discovery & values alignment -
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Internal Family Systems-Informed
Mindfulness-Based -
Individual Adults (18+)
-
I was born in Russia and we moved here when I was two, so I’m a true Calgarian. I still speak Russian with my parents, and my daughter is learning the language now as well.
I'm a recovering perfectionist and that is likely why I connect so well with my clients. I know what it’s like to feel that pressure, to never feel good enough, and always feel the need to strive for more. I also know what it feels like to slow down, find balance, and hold your perfectionism lightly.
I love travelling & enjoying new cultures. My favourite countries that I’ve visited so far have been Italy, Greece and Croatia. I am pretty comfortable in the European continent, but I do have Bali on my bucket list.
My husband & I met in University at the library while studying. It definitely was not love at first sight and I tried to break up with him after about a month. He convinced me not to and here we are 12 years later, with a beautiful daughter. As cheesy as it might sound, he’s my best friend.
If I weren't a therapist, I’d be an event planner or interior designer. I love organizing, planning, and decorating. You could say my type A and perfectionist skills come to good use at times.
“Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life”
—SUSAN DAVID
Hi, I’m Jessica…
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist with a Master of Counselling Degree from City University of Seattle. I truly believe that at any given time people are doing the best that they can with the resources they have. From this lens, I find the good in everyone, which helps me provide a supportive and compassionate space that welcomes all parts of you, free of judgement. I help people navigate the relationships they have with themselves, their children, and their partners.
-
In therapy, my clients often feel unworthy and struggle with self criticism. This often results in perfectionist tendencies and behaviors that ultimately lead to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and a lack of authentic connections (both with themselves and others). Together, we can discover why these limiting beliefs came to be, and understand that at one point in time they were even helpful.
I will encourage you to take an active role in your life, living one that is meaningful and authentically yours, free from limiting messages passed down from family, societal, and cultural narratives. I can help you shift from self- criticism to self- acceptance.
I approach therapy through attachment and trauma-informed perspectives, because we know that connections with others greatly influence the beliefs that we hold about ourselves. The relational bonds formed with influential people in our lives provide the foundation for building and maintaining relationships. Through the therapy process, I support my clients in experiencing more compassionate and effective ways of relating to themselves and with others. I look forward to meeting you, and being a part of your therapy journey!
A foundation of my practice is holding space for you, as the expert of your own life, to bring me along your journey. Most importantly, I will be a non-judgemental and supportive listener, and together we will create a plan for moving forward.
There’s no sugar coating that therapy is hard, but most importantly, your story and lived experiences matter to me. I show up to our time together the same way you show up, which is authentically and organically human. Together, I will hold a safe space for you to feel all your emotions, work together to develop goals, provide you with realistic tools and strategies, and most importantly, make sure to leave time for a good laugh.
-
Anxiety & Depression
Life transition & adjustment to new roles
Men’s Mental Health
Perfectionism
Premarital Support and Guidance
Relationship issues
Self Esteem Issues/ Self- Criticism
Trauma and PTSD -
Internal Family Systems-Informed (IFS)
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Gottman Method Couples Counselling (Level I & II)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) -
Individual Adults (18+)
Couples (18+) -
I love travelling off the beaten path and immersing myself in culture, witnessing how others live in environments so different from my own. The experience often shows the strength, adaptability, and resiliency of us humans.
I was born to Italian-immigrant parents. Although I may not look like it, my family immigrated to Canada from Southern Italy. I have first-hand experience in learning how to balance traditional family and cultural pressures with differing values that feel more authentic to me.
I love throwing dance parties. Trained as a dancer for 15 years, I have a huge love for music and movement. While I may no longer be dancing at the latest nightclub, I will definitely be busting some moves in my car and throwing at-home dance parties with my two daughters.
I am passionate about food. Perhaps it’s the Italian in me, but I value connection with others over food. I love trying new cuisines and feel grateful to live in a city that offers so many diverse cuisines. My current favorites are Indian, Ethiopian, and Southeast Asian dishes.
My dream job growing up was to become an architect. I remember spending hours drawing city skylines and extravagant floors plans on drafting tables in school.
Our Client Care Team
CASSANDRA MCLENNAN
Client Support & Operations Manager
(She/her/hers)
Email
Hi, I’m Cassandra…
…. I have a passion for building people up, and making things happen! With 10 years of experience in Mental Health working and leading as an administrative assistant to help support clinics, inpatient units, and develop new programs, I wanted to get out on my own and help private practices grow. I love seeing peoples visions and goals come to life, and enjoy giving a helping hand to those in need.