edmonton Counselling and Psychological Assessments
How We Can Help
When to Consider Therapy
Psychotherapy is for everyone, of all ages and walks of life, who wish to address and improve their quality of life. Psychotherapy actively helps you cope with past, current, and/or future life events by addressing emotional, behavioural, mental, and social symptoms that can cause one to feel overwhelmed or uncertain.
Thoughtfully Psychology's empathetic counsellors will help you feel safe and at ease as you share your story. They will support you to understand your experiences and work towards therapeutic goals as they relate to your personality, circumstances, preferences and culture.
Many clients also attend therapy as a proactive approach to addressing life's different experiences. Counselling can be a place to check-in about your day-to-day life, to reflect and ensure you are taking intentional steps forward. Such check-ins are similar to seeing your doctor for regular check-ups. Your therapist will do their best to guide the therapy to work for you, when works for you!
Therapy Modalities
There are several different therapeutic modalities. Your therapist will gladly discuss specific modalities with you. However, most therapists use a mix of techniques in counselling to address your individual concerns.
Here are common therapy modalities that our therapists apply:
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CBT is an evidence-based therapy that can support self-understanding for all concerns. CBT is shown to be effective in reducing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, trauma, life stress, and relationship difficulties. This therapeutic modality is considered to be as or more effective than psychiatric medication.
CBT techniques help clients to understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Your therapist will then support you to adapt unhealthy patterns, build on healthier ones, and learn coping skills.
All therapists at Thoughtfully Psychology will employ CBT techniques throughout sessions.
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EMDR is an evidence-based therapy for processing traumas. Your therapist will guide you through a process that involves
sharing details of trauma you feel comfortable with
self-refection on trauma in a structured and safe manner
with simultaneous rhythmic right-left body stimulation (eye movements or tapping)
to correctly process trauma that was stored in the mind and body.
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Prolonged exposure therapy is an evidence based therapy for trauma, OCD, and phobias. This therapy involves cognitive and emotional process with gradual exposure to feared stimuli. All exposures will be at the client’s comfort level. The goal of exposures are for clients to recognize that anxiety and fear of manageable situations decrease naturally over time.
All of Thoughtfully Psychology’s therapists offer prolonged exposure therapy.
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We offer Sand Tray Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy.
Sand Tray Therapy allows clients to share and process experiences in a creative, safe, distanced manner. Sand Tray Therapy involves creating worlds or scenarios with toys/figurines in a sand tray. Sand tray therapy is often combined with other therapy modalities.
Shalini Dhunnoo offers Sand Tray Therapy at our clinic.
Expressive Arts Therapy allows clients to express their emotional, cognitive, and behavioural experiences through different types of art, such as drawing, writing, and crafts. There are no artistic requirements as the expression of experiences is the main focus.
We also offer our other listed therapies (CBT, EMDR, etc.) for children and may combine them with games, sand tray therapy, and expressive art therapies to support processing in a comfortable, engaging manner.
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Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) applies evidence based techniques to support clients with current life events. SFT can be used for all concerns, including anxiety, depression, burnout, and coping with specific life stressors. SFT focuses on practical coping strategies and a positive outlook to support short-term goals.
Thoughtfully Psychology’s therapists all include SFT techniques in their counselling styles.
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Narrative Therapy focuses on providing respectful understanding of the meaningful stories clients develop to understand their lives. Narrative therapy is a non-blaming approach that recognizes social and cultural factors. Clients are encouraged to consider a wider, more compassionate, understanding of their experiences, along with strengths and resources to improve their mental health and daily lives.
All therapists at Thoughtfully Psychology incorporate aspects of Narrative Therapy in their work.
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Existential Therapy encourages reflection of how you view yourself and the world around you. Techniques focus on how you can take personal responsibility for living more meaningfully. Existential therapy can be used to address various concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and life transitions.
The psychologists at our clinic will all encourage existential reflection to support mental health.
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Attachment therapy reflects on our patterns of relating to others to understand our mental and emotional needs. Techniques encourage healthy ways of interacting with our supports and wider world for improved quality of life.
Your Thoughtfully Psychology therapist will apply attachment therapy techniques as you process your relationship dynamics.
When to Consider Psychological A
ssessments
A psychological assessment is a structured, comprehensive method for psychologists to measure aspects of cognitive, behavioural and emotional functioning. It involves clinical interviews and questionnaires. Liken these assessments to a medical exam such as an x-ray. Doctors use x-rays to understand the underlying physical problems we have. Psychologists use assessments to understand and diagnose complex psychological concerns and provide treatment recommendations.
Assessments provided:
Clinical assessments: to evaluate mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, OCD, bipolar disorder, etc.
Intellectual and Academic Assessments: to assess learning strengths and difficulties, to develop academic strategies and accommodations.
Neuropsychological assessments: to determine cognitive abilities like memory and attention, often to determine brain injury and dementia concerns
Functional assessments: to assess functional abilities, impact on different areas of life, and rehabilitation recommendations
Consider assessments if you are asking the following questions:
Why am I struggling despite my best efforts?
Is ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression, pain, or another condition contributing to my difficulties?
What type of treatment would be most appropriate?
What supports or accommodations may help at work or school?
How has an accident, injury, or health condition affected my functioning?
What steps can help me return to work, improve independence, or regain quality of life?
We welcome referrals from:
Self-referrals from individuals and families
Physicians and other healthcare professionals
Lawyers and legal representatives
Insurers and rehabilitation providers
Employers and disability case managers
Schools, colleges, and universities
Community agencies and treatment providers
What Clients Can Expect
The assessment process is tailored to each client and may include:
An initial consultation to clarify concerns and determine the most appropriate assessment approach
A detailed clinical and psychosocial interview
Administration of validated psychological, cognitive, behavioural, or functional measures
Careful integration of test results, clinical history, and available documentation
A feedback appointment to review the findings and recommendations
A comprehensive written report, when required
Reports are written in clear, accessible language and may include diagnostic impressions, identified strengths, areas of difficulty, treatment recommendations, workplace or academic accommodations, rehabilitation strategies, and referrals for additional care.
To learn more about the assessment process, fees, current availability, or whether an assessment is appropriate for your needs, please contact the clinic to schedule an initial consultation.
Benefits of Psychotherapy*
Increased happiness and life satisfaction
Development of skills for coping with daily life challenges and stress
Feelings of empowerment; improved mental function and productivity; fewer missed days from school or work
Improved relationships and interactions with other people
Better communication skills
Better sleep
Improved management of behavioral health challenges, such as reducing or quitting smoking or drinking alcohol
Improved physical wellbeing, such as lower blood pressure or reduction in chronic pain
How We Can Help
Mental health is our everyday, constant experience. We seek to support clients to bring awareness to their mental health and take steps towards wellness in a way that works for them. We welcome people of all backgrounds who are interested in developing this awareness and positive change. We encourage you to contact or visit us if you feel alone, misunderstood and nervous about mental health concerns.
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Common Concerns:
Emotional difficulties (anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger, OCD etc.)
Regular reflection of experiences and coping
Relationships (home, school, friendships, etc.)
School Challenges
Psychological Assessments
Clinical Evaluations
Intelligence and Cognitive Testing
Life changes, adjustment
Self-esteem
Grief, loss
Trauma
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Common Concerns:
Emotional difficulties (anxiety, depression, ADHD, suicidal Ideation, self-Harm, etc.)
Regular reflection of experiences and coping
Relationships/Communication (home, school, friendships, etc.)
Life changes, adjustment
Self-esteem
Identity exploration
School/Post-Secondary Stressors
Psychological Assessments
Clinical Evaluations
Intelligence and Cognitive Testing
Grief, loss
Trauma
Illness, chronic pain
Work Stressors
Substance Dependence
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Common Concerns:
Depression, anxiety, emotional distress
Stress and burnout
Life changes, adjustment
Work stressors
Relationships/Communication (Family of origin, friendships, romantic relationships, parenting, etc.)
Self-esteem
Grief, loss
Trauma
Psychological Assessments
Clinical Evaluations
Intelligence and Cognitive Testing
Personality Assessments
Vocational/Aptitude Testing
Illness, chronic pain stressors
Addictions, unhealthy coping behaviours
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Professional and personal growth / Regular reflection of experiences and coping
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Common concerns:
Depression, anxiety, emotional distress
Regular reflection of experiences and coping
Life changes, adjustments
Relationships/Communication (Family of origin, friendships, romantic relationships, parenting, etc.)
Grief/Loss
Illness, chronic pain stressors
Self-esteem
Trauma
Addictions, unhealthy coping behaviours
Personal Growth / Regular reflection of experiences and coping
Psychological Assessments
Clinical Evaluations
Cognitive Testing
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2SLGBTQ+ friendly
Common Concerns:
Communication
Compatibility
Life changes and stressors
Parenting
External relationship dynamics
Relationship growth / Regular reflection of experiences and coping
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All types of families are welcome
Common Concerns:
Communication
Values
Life changes and stressors
External relationship dynamics
Family growth / Regular reflection of experiences and coping
Family counselling is for all types of families, including those with children, adult children, and no children.
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In addition to in-person counselling, we offer counselling through the following modalities:
Video Call
Phone Sessions
Email Counselling
Booked an in-person session but can’t come in?
No problem! Switch to a virtual session any time.
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Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit
We see NIHB clients to support them with mental health related and unrelated to inter-generational trauma.
We value Indigenous people and Indigenous cultures and are committed to providing a safe space where they are heard, valued, respected, and celebrated.
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We offer WCB counselling to support workers with improved mental health after physical and/or psychological injuries.
The Process
Psychotherapy consists of talk therapy that applies scientifically validated procedures to help individuals improve their mental health. Such procedures help individuals become more mindful of their internal experiences in relation to life factors and teach coping skills for improved quality of life. This is what you can expect working with the team at Thoughtfully Psychology.
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1) Assessment
An assessment of your mental health concerns will be conducted during your first session. As well, this time can be used to assess rapport and client-patient alignment. Your counsellor will guide your first session, as it will mostly consist of questions about your mental health concerns and related factors. You are encouraged to bring in a list of topics/points you feel are relevant. This can help with any worries about forgetting what you would like to talk about and to help direct your session.
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2) Acknowledgment
Once your psychologist has a full history, the two of you will work together to develop treatment goals and a treatment plan. These goals and plan will be a dynamic, ever-evolving to reflect your current experiences and ongoing growth and insight. Your psychologist will share their objectives views and recommendations, which may include referrals for additional support.
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3) Action
Your Psychologist will provide psycho-education, apply evidence-based processing and therapeutic techniques, suggest coping tools and provide resources to empower you along your healing journey. You are the expert of yourself and will be encouraged to share your opinion and experiences for personalized treatment.
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4) Thoughtful Living
Our goal is to equip you with knowledge and tools to feel encouraged and empowered towards self-acceptance and self-awareness for authentic, healthy, value-based living.