Katrina Shaw
Through my own challenges and related healing, I have come to believe that transformation is possible for all individuals through the power of relationship and the wisdom that comes through connection to self. I further believe that it is by integrating our minds with our hearts that we come to an inner knowing, where we discover clarity and courage, heal, and learn to live meaningful and balanced lives.
Dr. Christopher Rose
BA, B.Sc., MA, PhD, R. Psych.
Dr. Christopher Rose holds an M.A. and PhD in Counselling Psychology. He has a diversified range of experience spanning over thirty-five years in the field of counselling. In clinical settings he has worked as an addiction’s counsellor at an outplacement center, helped design and implement a counselling intervention program for men of divorce, as registered psychologist in private practice, and as a director of a residential drug facility. In academe he has served as an assistant professor of addictions counselling, an associate professor of a master’s in counselling program, as well as, a full professor of behavioral sciences and medical ethics at a medical school. He uses cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and mindfulness as approaches to help his clients achieve personal growth and development. His areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief and loss, addictions, divorce, and life transitions. Dr. Rose works with men of all ages.
Joe Seddon
Therapy is never a one size fits all approach, we are all unique individuals navigating different life circumstances. We can be faced with many different challenges that can make us feel stuck.
Men are often told that they need to be strong, dependable, and (insert word/help please) this can lead us to think that we don’t need help, or asking for help is a sign of weakness. We are all humans and experience the full range of emotions on offer to us. Talking or asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but something that takes courage.
Working with the stories that can guide our way of being i work towards deconstructing narratives that my be keeping you stuck, or in a place that is negatively impacting your life and collaboratively work together to reconstruct these narratives into one that fits with your preferred futures and goals.
Natasha Dharshi
As a traveler of many roads, I have encountered several human beings, each a story with their own aspirations, tribulations, memories and life philosophies. My goal is to walk alongside you in trusting your inner knowing and intuition, learning how to connect with yourself before others and gaining clarity on the tools you already have. I understand that seeking therapy can be one of the most difficult decisions in your life but the outcome can change the lens in which you experience the world. With over 10 years of experience in the field of social work I have worked within the correctional and rehabilitative system, those experiencing substance abuse and dependence, marginalized populations including homelessness and diversity, and various mental well-being concerns. I have expertise in facilitating mental health training and workshops and work with individuals, couples and families.
I use mindfulness based practice to blend the synergy between the continuum of masculine and feminine energy that manifests in our experience of being human. My training in single session practice and solution focused therapy allows me to provide support within any timeframe that will work best for you. I am looking forward to being part of your journey of finding love, grace, kindness and strength from within.
Alison Gaffney
“Reaching out for help and guidance shows strength, and I really appreciate my clients’ strength as well as their curiosity and willingness to grow. I genuinely wish for all my clients to feel safe, heard, and respected, so that the healing work can begin. My own varied background allows me to bring a depth of experience to the counselling setting and your unique challenges. Working from a solution-focused, narrative, or art therapy perspective I can help guide you towards what you are seeking. Additionally, I pull from mindfulness, spirituality, and existentialism as appropriate for each individual.”
Alison is a Registered Provisional Psychologist, a Canadian Certified Counsellor, and a Certified Art Therapist as well as a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta. She completed her Master of Counselling and her Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy through Athabasca University and has prior experience working with men, adolescents, and children in a variety of settings. One setting Alison particularly resonated with was experiential wilderness therapy in the Kananaskis area. Alison offers her clients talk therapy, art therapy, or a combination of both modalities. She has found talk therapy to be very helpful, and that clients find that art therapy also offers a surprising level of healing and insight.
Some client challenges she helps with include mental health challenges, trauma, relationship difficulties, school or work issues, self-improvement, grief, addictions, anger, and intimacy. Alison has a personal interest in holistic health and wellness, and in her spare time you can often find her meditating, exercising, or learning about nutritional healing. She also has a passion for music, art, and theatre. Lastly, Alison enjoys all aspects of nature such as hiking, canoeing, and foraging, and has been known to exit the concrete jungle regularly to spend time in the trees. Feel free to reach out, she is happy to consult with you and talk about what you need any time.
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Therapy FAQ
Not all therapists are the same and choosing a psychologist that you feel comfortable with is important. Research suggests that a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most significant factors contributing to positive therapy outcomes. I often encourage clients to find a psychologist who they feel understands and respects them, as well as someone who they can be open with to ask questions and offer feedback.
In addition to fit of personality, you may want to consider if the psychologist has experience in the area you’re looking for support, or if their philosophy or therapeutic approach works for you.
For example, many people benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as it focuses on the development of coping strategies and offers a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. However, this approach may not be beneficial for someone who wants to focus on the “here and now”, to work on family issues, or to process deeper emotional concerns, etc. Many psychologists have training in multiple approaches to adapt to the varying needs of clients. It is important that the work feels beneficial and meaningful to you.
Please see “about” tab for more information about the therapeutic approaches I often use in my work with clients.
There are many reasons that a person might decide to work with a psychologist. Therapy can be beneficial for anyone who wants to develop greater self-awareness and understanding, gain insight into their problems and develop skills for managing difficult situations and emotions, take steps toward making desired changes in their lives, or to discover how to live a more authentic and meaningful life. We can all experience times in our lives where we feel overwhelmed by stress or unable to face feelings of loneliness, emptiness, worthlessness, defeat, etc. Working with a therapist can help provide encouragement and increase your ability to manage such challenges. Psychological services may be beneficial at various times throughout your life to enhance and maintain physical and mental well-being.
Therapy is not easily described in a general sense, as it is highly dependent on the personalities of the therapist and the client, and the issues that are being addressed. Therapy is a collaborative process between you and your psychologist. Therapy is most successful when you are actively engaged in the process, and the speed at which change takes place depends on your willingness to work on the things we talk about.
There are many different therapeutic approaches that can influence the nature of the work that is being done in session. However, you can typically expect a therapist to enquire about your current concerns and symptoms you are experiencing, as well as information about present circumstances, personal history that is relevant to your concerns and goals for therapy, and reflections on what you have noticed after and between sessions.
For some people, change occurs naturally through a process of open discussion, and development of insight and understanding into the problem. For others, their concerns demand more meaningful and intentional change to be made across several domains in their lives. This may be a slower process due to the nature of your concerns, and will require dedicated work on your part, both in and between sessions.
Therapy is unique to each person and the number of sessions required is dependent on many factors including: motivation to makes changes, the amount of self-work completed outside of session, the nature and complexity of your concerns, and current life circumstances.
At the beginning of therapy, I typically see people for a 50 minute session once a week to every two weeks. This frequency often helps to stabilize clients who are in crisis, or facilitates movement toward making desired changes. It is my personal style to discuss with you what frequency of meeting you think would be beneficial and to offer my recommendations once I have met you and understand your concerns better.
What you share with me is treated with respect for your privacy and is considered confidential. You can expect that I will not release information about you to anyone without your written consent. In some cases, you may want me to consult with another professional (e.g. psychiatrist, lawyer, etc.). In these cases, I will only release the relevant information with your written consent.
There are three exceptions to the above practice, to which I am ethically and legally responsible to share relevant information with others:
1. When there is a risk of serious or imminent danger to yourself or others.
2. When there is reasonable and probable suspicion that a child or any vulnerable person is being sexually, physically, or emotionally abused or neglected, or is at risk of such abuse.
3. When the court issues a subpoena regarding information that has been shared in therapy or obtained as part of an assessment.
If one of the above conditions occurs, I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking any action.
Please note: Parental consent is required for me to meet with minors. Conditions of confidentiality regarding minor’s needs to be negotiated with a parent/guardian at the outset of services.
Session fees may be reimbursable in whole or in part by Extended Health Care plans or Employee Assistance Programs. As the coverage varies among insurers, I would encourage you to contact your insurance company to enquire about your policy and the extent of your coverage. My office does not do direct billing to insurance companies. I will provide you with a receipt after every session for you to submit to your insurance provider.
Additionally, psychological services may be used as a Tax Deductible Medical Expense if claimed on your personal income tax.
