Hi, I’m Hannah. As a counsellor, my desire is to inspire hope and change through the power of connection, empathy and understanding. Growing up, I yearned for spaces to belong; as a child, adolescent, and teen I tended not to fit the societal molds and as an adult, often feel that spaces where one’s authentic self are accepted are few and far between. This need for belonging has guided my desire to cultivate an inclusive, welcoming space where everyone feels accepted.

I have experience working with individuals of various ages and genders experiencing a variety of difficult circumstances. I am competent in providing care for a large range of concerns including and not limited to stress, trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, behavioural dysregulation and management, life transitions, relationship changes, gender identity concerns, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.

I am drawn towards a variety of psychological modalities including Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing, Narrative Therapy and integrate these to provide the best treatment plan for every client. I am also recently trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) which is a highly reputable therapeutic modality used to treat trauma and other distressing life experiences.

Hi, I’m Hannah. As a counsellor, my desire is to inspire hope and change through the power of con... Read More

Hi, my name is Ben! Helping people has always been my passion and has guided my career and life. My approach to people has always been rooted in curiosity and empathy. We all have stories that deserve to be heard and new ones waiting to be told.

I bring over a decade of experience working with youth in high school settings, where I have focused on fostering connection, resilience, and community for students. Through my counselling work in the education system, I have supported clients needing help with mental health crises, interpersonal relationship struggles, discussions surrounding sexuality and identity, and pursuing goals.

My own story has brought me from a small farming town in rural Alberta to settle with my family in Cochrane. Going from the prairies to the mountains has mirrored my journey with growth: the climb is difficult but, in the end, worth it.

As a Therapy Intern at Vital Mind Psychology, I am committed to walking alongside you with openness and compassion. I know therapy can be intimidating, but my priority is making clients feel at ease and comfortable. Together, we will explore what is important to you.

With academic and professional training in counselling, I look forward to meeting you and hearing what you wish for your life. I am excited to serve adults, both young and old, men, women, and couples. Things addressed in therapy might be anxiety, depression, emotional and stress regulation, relationship challenges, grief, parenting, and life transitions. Ultimately, what you want to discuss is important, but even more essential is establishing a genuine connection. Please reach out for a complimentary 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for your counselling journey!

Hi, my name is Ben! Helping people has always been my passion and has guided my career and life. ... Read More

My journey in mental health has equipped me with the skills and insight to delve deep into understanding the root causes of symptomology. My experience as a neurofeedback technician provided invaluable insights into the intricate functioning of the brain and its profound impact on our perception of the world.

Over time, my therapeutic approach has evolved into an eclectic blend, drawing from diverse psychological modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, I integrate my understanding of human biological processes including the gut-brain axis, nutritional science, and neurophysiology. I also incorporate elements from philosophy and evolutionary psychology to enrich my approach.

Utilizing a person-centered and humanistic approach, I strive to uncover the innate strengths within each individual I work with. My ultimate goal is to facilitate positive changes and promote growth in various aspects of each person’s life, fostering a path towards healing and transformation.

My journey in mental health has equipped me with the skills and insight to delve deep into unders... Read More

Hello! My name is Alyssa (she/her). Before transitioning into a full-time Master of Counselling program, I spent five years as a classroom teacher. During that time, I discovered that my true passion lay in building strong relationships with students and teaching them social and emotional skills. Being diagnosed with autism and ADHD as an adult further deepened my commitment to mental health, especially in supporting other neurodivergent individuals. This journey ultimately led me away from teaching and toward a career in counseling. I believe there’s power in understanding your unique psychology and learning how to work with your mind rather than against it. As one of my former students’ favorite books puts it, “You can’t go over it, you can’t go around it, you must go through it.” I’m here to support you in moving through whatever challenges life throws your way.

While I am happy to work with anyone seeking support, I specialize in working with: • Children who are struggling socially and emotionally in school, as well as their families. With my experience in education, I understand the school system’s inner workings and can offer guidance and support to help children and families navigate these challenges. • Teenagers and adolescents, facing unique challenges as they navigate social dynamics, the pressures of social media, and self-discovery. I am passionate about supporting teens through this phase of life, helping them understand themselves better amidst these influences and building confidence in their autonomy. • Neurodivergent individuals of all ages—children, teens, and adults. As someone with ADHD and who is autistic, I bring not only research and training but also personal insight, allowing me to understand and empathize deeply with the unique experiences of those navigating neurodiversity. Outside of my work, I love spending time in nature and getting involved in community theatre! I also enjoy walking my dogs through the beautiful landscapes of Cochrane, taking in all the outdoors has to offer. I look forward to working with you!

My Approach: As a counsellor, I see my role as a guide, here to support you in discovering what works best for you. I believe in the power of autonomy and that you are the expert on your own life; my job is to offer insights, feedback, and suggestions grounded in my professional knowledge. If something I share doesn’t resonate, I trust your judgment, and we’ll adjust together. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and together we’ll find approaches that empower and uplift you.

A key part of my approach is psychoeducation—helping you understand your unique psychology. Drawing from my background as a teacher, I believe there’s tremendous power in learning about our minds, especially aspects we may have never been taught. By understanding how our minds work, we can make meaningful changes and adapt our lives to better support our well-being.

Building a genuine, trusting relationship is at the heart of my practice. I aim to be clear, direct, and transparent so that you feel respected and understood. I believe we’re all doing our best with what we have, and I see vulnerability as a real strength. My approach is non-judgmental, creating a space where you can feel safe to explore your experiences openly.

In addition to in-person and virtual sessions, I offer Walk and Talk Therapy, combining the benefits of therapy with the calming, grounding effects of nature. Many find that movement and a change of scenery in an outdoor setting create a unique space for reflection and mindfulness, allowing insights to emerge naturally. This approach can be especially helpful for those who find sitting still challenging and prefer a more dynamic setting for their sessions.

Hello! My name is Alyssa (she/her). Before transitioning into a full-time Master of Counselling p... Read More