Arcadia Counselling

Arcadia Counselling Canadian Certified Counsellor, providing in-person sessions in Calgary and virtual sessions for those in AB, BC, SK, MB, & NU. Hello and welcome!

Visit the booking website to book a free complimentary consultation call to ask any questions and see if we are a good fit. It takes courage to seek help, so I commend you for taking this first step. Although therapy can seem intimidating, I view it as just like any other health service, such as the dentist or chiropractor. Just like how we visit the dentist if we have severe tooth pain or need a regular routine cleaning, I am here for both your traumatic life experiences as well as maintenance sessions. No issue is too small when working with me and my practice, Arcadia Counselling. No one is meant to struggle alone, which is where I come in. Therapy looks different for everyone so whether you are looking for a place to unload, want me to challenge you to uncover the β€˜nitty-gritty’, desire at home virtual sessions, want to learn some new coping techniques, or improve your quality of life, I strive to help you feel supported, validated, and heard. Here to accompany you on your healing journey, my approach comes from a place of compassion, warmth, and sometimes lighthearted conversation (so that our time together is more fun than going to the dentist!). My passion for supporting others is longstanding and genuine. With over a decade spent in the field of psychology, I bring experience, education, and a warm welcoming aura to my practice. I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Lethbridge in psychology and a master’s degree from Yorkville University in counselling psychology. I have worked in both the public and private sectors, working alongside those with varying mental health concerns. As a generalist, I support children, adults, couples, and families with a wide range of presenting concerns. My counselling style takes a holistic, client-centered, and trauma-informed approach while providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space. I draw from a number of therapeutic approaches including, but not limited to, cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I offer a 15-minute complimentary meet and greet call for any further questions or to chat about how I can support you. I am also open to discussing benefits coverage and sliding-scale questions.

πŸ’« A letter for you as we welcome 2026.As counsellors, we hold space for so many stories of resilience, growth, and human...
01/01/2026

πŸ’« A letter for you as we welcome 2026.

As counsellors, we hold space for so many stories of resilience, growth, and humanity. Today, I wanted to share some reflections with all of youβ€”my clients, colleagues, and anyone who needs to hear this message.

You've made it this far. That matters more than you know.

January 1st: That magical date whenpeople say they are going to transform into entirely newpeople overnight. πŸŽ†Sound exha...
12/29/2025

January 1st: That magical date when
people say they are going to transform into entirely new
people overnight. πŸŽ†

Sound exhausting? Unattainable? That's because it
typically is.

Between winter blues and post-holiday fatigue, January
can be a hard time for some to set new goals. Yet here
we are, setting ourselves up for false hope - those
sky-high expectations that crash by week two.

Consider this: What if you spent January-March just...
observing? Notice what actually needs changing. Think
about your real values. Let the pressure settle.

Then welcome spring with April Resolutions🌸 When
energy rises, and you've had three months to plan
something sustainable.

If you do still want to set January intentions, try this:
✨ Start with your values - knowing your "why" creates
lasting motivation.
✨ Make goals realistic and smaller.
✨ Expect setbacks - they're part of the process, not
failures. Challenge that all-or-nothing thinking - if you
are feeling too tired one day that's okay! It does not
mean you need to "give up" on your goals, just try
again another day.

Remember: Change happens in small, sustainable
steps (over time & not overnight when the clock strikes
midnight on the 31st). Be gentle with yourself this
January. πŸ’™ And start when you're ready, not when
you're "supposed to."







Just some counselling humour for you!But in all seriousness, the holidays can be a challenging time for many. If you're ...
12/23/2025

Just some counselling humour for you!

But in all seriousness, the holidays can be a challenging time for many. If you're struggling with stress, family dynamics, or difficult emotions this season, you don't have to navigate it alone.

January appointments available - link in bio. ✨

Arcadia will be closed for the holiday season. πŸŽ„ Check the link in my profile for my available appointments when we retu...
12/19/2025

Arcadia will be closed for the holiday season. πŸŽ„ Check the link in my profile for my available appointments when we return.

For those in Calgary and southern Alberta needing support while I'm away:

🀳24-hour crisis support: Distress Centre at 403-266-HELP (4357) - available by phone, text, and chat
🀳 Su***de Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 - available 24/7 for immediate support

January appointments are already filling up, so please book soon if you'd like to secure your spot.

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season. Remember to be gentle with yourself during this time - take breaks when you need them, rest without guilt, and give yourself the time and space you deserve.

See you in the new year ✨πŸͺ©

πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ Plot twist: Therapists go to therapy too! (And we should talk about this more)I know, I know - it might seem weird ...
12/13/2025

πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ Plot twist: Therapists go to therapy too! (And we should talk about this more)

I know, I know - it might seem weird that the person helping you work through stuff also needs help working through stuff. But here's the thing: we're human too! πŸ’›

Going to therapy isn't just helpful for us - it's actually essential. Think about it: how can we pour from an empty cup? β˜• If we're not taking care of our own mental health, we can't show up fully for yours. It's like being a pilot who's never been a passenger - you miss so much about the experience.

Here's why therapists in therapy is actually amazing for everyone:

πŸ” Better self-awareness = better therapist. When I know my own triggers and patterns, I'm way less likely to let my stuff interfere with your stuff.

πŸ›‘οΈ Burnout prevention is real. This work can be heavy (in the best way, but still heavy). Having my own space to process keeps me grounded and present.

🎯 I get to "test drive" techniques from the client side. Nothing beats experiencing something yourself to understand how it actually feels.

πŸ’ͺ It models what we're asking you to do. If I'm telling you therapy is valuable but not doing it myself... that's kind of weird, right?

🧠 Processing the emotional load of this work is crucial. I hear a lot of hard stories, and I need somewhere to put all of that so it doesn't build up.

When therapists do their own work, we show up as more authentic, more present, and honestly just better at what we do. It's not about being "broken" - it's about being committed to growth, just like we're asking you to be.

The best part? It reduces stigma. When we normalize therapy for ourselves, we're saying loud and clear: seeking help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness. ✨

πŸ“± If you haven't downloaded theJane app yet, you're missing out!Whether you're booking with me, someone else atholistics...
12/07/2025

πŸ“± If you haven't downloaded the
Jane app yet, you're missing out!

Whether you're booking with me, someone else atholisticservices , or any other wellness provider
at other clinics who use Jane - it's all right there in one
spot! πŸ™Œ

Here's why we all love it (and why you will too):

✨ Super easy to use - no more playing phone tag or
trying to remember which website and password to use
for which practitioner

πŸ“… See everyone's availability instantly - you can
easily see when your providers have openings across
clinics all in one place!

πŸ’» Virtual sessions made simple - join your video calls
right from the app (hello, convenience!)

πŸ’³ Payment is seamless - store your credit card
securely and when you're done your appointments you
can slip out and go on with your day

πŸ₯ Insurance tracking - keeps all your benefit info
organized and can even do direct billing where
available

πŸ”’ Privacy first - it is PIPEDA and P**A compliant (the
privacy standards that mean your info is locked down
tight)

Honestly, it just takes the admin hassle out of taking
care of yourself, which is exactly what we need.
Self-care shouldn't require a PhD in appointment
management! πŸ˜…

If you're seeing me, anyone at Kula, or other
Jane-using providers elsewhere and you haven't tried
the app yet, we recommend it. Your future self will
thank you when booking that next appointment takes
30 seconds instead of 30 minutes.

Have you tried it yet? What do you think?






🧠 Let's Talk Anxiety! Because honestly, we all need to normalize this conversation.Here's anxiety in a nutshell: your br...
12/01/2025

🧠 Let's Talk Anxiety! Because honestly, we all need to normalize this conversation.

Here's anxiety in a nutshell: your brain is basically saying "DANGER!" when there might not actually be danger, while also whispering "and you definitely can't handle it" when you probably totally can. πŸ˜…

Think about it - anxiety loves to make that work presentation feel like a life-or-death situation (over-estimating the threat) while convincing you that you're going to completely bomb it (under-estimating your ability to cope). Sound familiar?

And here's the thing anxiety really loves to do: time travel. It either drags you back to replay that awkward thing you said three years ago, or fast-forwards you to catastrophize about something that might not even happen next month. Meanwhile, you're just trying to exist in today! ⏰

The reality? We ALL deal with anxiety. It's totally normal and it's on a spectrum - some days it's barely there, other days it feels like it's running the show. Life throws curveballs, stress builds up, big changes happen... anxiety is going to ebb and flow with all of that.

The goal isn't to never feel anxious (because that's not realistic). It's about recognizing when your brain is doing that threat-overestimation thing and gently reminding yourself: "Hey, I've handled hard stuff before. I've got more skills than my anxiety is giving me credit for." πŸ’ͺ

Now, I know this is all easier said than done. And everyone's anxiety shows up differently - what works for your friend might not work for you, and that's totally okay. If you're feeling stuck or like your anxiety is taking over more than you'd like, please reach out. We can work together to create a plan that actually fits YOUR life and YOUR specific situation. 🀝

Anyone else's anxiety convinced them they can't do something they've literally done before? Drop an 🧠 if this hits home!

🎯 "I have to get organized" vs "I want to feel calm in my space" - can you feel the difference?We've all been there with...
11/26/2025

🎯 "I have to get organized" vs "I want to feel calm in my space" - can you feel the difference?

We've all been there with those dreaded "I have to" goals. I have to save money, I have to clean my house, I have to learn a new skill... ugh, even reading that feels heavy, right? 😩

But what if we flipped the script? Instead of "I have to budget," what about "I want to feel secure about my future"? Instead of "I have to declutter," how about "I want a space that feels peaceful"? Suddenly it's not about some external pressure - it's about YOU and what matters to you.

Here's the thing: when we're chasing goals because we think we "should" or because everyone else is doing it, we're basically setting ourselves up to quit. But when we connect our goals to our actual values and who we want to be? Game changer. πŸ’«

Maybe your friend's productivity system looks amazing, but it doesn't fit how your brain works. Maybe everyone's talking about that new hobby, but it's not actually interesting to you. That's okay! Your goals should fit YOUR life.

Try this: take one of your "have to" goals and ask yourself WHY you actually want it. Keep asking why until you get to something that feels personal and meaningful. That's where the magic happens - when your goals align with your values instead of outside expectations.

When you approach something with a sense of purpose (your purpose!), you're way more likely to stick with it AND actually enjoy the process. Who knew? 😊

What's one "have to" goal you could reframe into an "I want to" today?

πŸ‚ Anyone else feeling this shift? We had such a gorgeous fall here in Calgary, and now...Here we are, mid-November, and ...
11/20/2025

πŸ‚ Anyone else feeling this shift? We had such a gorgeous fall here in Calgary, and now...

Here we are, mid-November, and snow is on the way! If you're starting to feel those blues creeping in, I see you. This is actually super common - that transition from beautiful autumn vibes to cold, gloomy days hits different. πŸ’™

Before the holiday chaos kicks in (because let's be honest, it's coming fast), this is actually the perfect time to get some tools in your toolkit. When it gets dark by 5pm and you can't get outside as much, what's your plan? 🌨️

Maybe it's developing a workout routine, maybe it's finding indoor activities that bring you joy, or maybe it's just having someone to talk through why everything feels heavier right now. Whatever it is, you don't have to figure it out alone.

If you're feeling this seasonal shift in your mood, let's chat. We can work together to create a winter plan that actually works for YOUR life - not generic "just go for walks" advice when it's literally a blizzard outside! ❄️

(Plus, if you've got benefits to use up before the December rush, now's a great time to book! πŸ“…)

Drop a πŸ‚ if you're feeling this transition too - you're definitely not alone.

Sweat = body workoutTears = emotional workoutπŸ’§ "Sorry for crying..." - Stop right there! I hear this in my sessions a lo...
11/18/2025

Sweat = body workout
Tears = emotional workout

πŸ’§ "Sorry for crying..." - Stop right there! I hear this in my sessions a lot, and every time I'm like "nope, we're not apologizing for that!" Your tears aren't something to be embarrassed about - they're actually showing me how much you care. πŸ’›

Think about it like this - when you work out your body, you sweat. When you work out your emotions, you cry. Some people are heavy sweaters at the gym, some barely break a sweat, but both are still getting stronger. Same thing here - some people tear up easily, others rarely cry, but you're all doing the emotional heavy lifting. πŸ’ͺ

Your tears are proof that you're invested, that you're human, that you FEEL things deeply about whatever we're unpacking. That's not weakness - that's you doing the work!

Here's what's beautiful: when you cry with me, it means you feel safe enough to let your guard down. Those protective walls have softened enough to let real feelings through. That's HUGE. πŸ’—

I know vulnerability is scary, especially if you've been hurt or dismissed before. But when you're real with me and I don't run away or judge... we're rewiring what vulnerability means. We're showing your system that being seen in your messiness brings connection, not rejection. That's relational healing. β€οΈβ€πŸ©Ή

Your feelings are valid. Your tears are valid. No apologies needed for being beautifully, messily human. ✨

Drop a πŸ’§ if you needed this reminder today.

(Also, I always have tissues at the ready! πŸ˜…)

πŸ’­ Ever feel like your worries are running the show? Let's talk about "Worry Time"I know it sounds weird, but hear me out...
11/11/2025

πŸ’­ Ever feel like your worries are running the show? Let's talk about "Worry Time"

I know it sounds weird, but hear me out! Pick the same time every day (maybe 20 minutes to start as your mind might wander 🧠) and make it your official "worry time." πŸ•

Here's what's happening: instead of your anxious thoughts popping up randomly all day and hijacking your focus, you're basically telling them "not right now, we'll deal with this at 3pm."

When a worry pops up during the day? Jot it down in your phone and tell yourself "I'll think about this during worry time." It's not about ignoring your concerns - you're just not letting them call all the shots.

The goal isn't to never worry (because let's be real, that's not happening). It's about having some control over when and how much mental energy you give to those thoughts. You deserve to have parts of your day that aren't consumed by anxiety. πŸ’›

Have you tried anything like this before? I'd love to hear what works for you!

Ever heard of the "Window of Tolerance"? πŸͺŸπŸ’– It's like your emotional comfort zoneβ€”where you're able to handle life's ups...
01/14/2025

Ever heard of the "Window of Tolerance"? πŸͺŸπŸ’– It's like your emotional comfort zoneβ€”where you're able to handle life's ups and downs with grace. Sometimes we're totally vibing within our window, and other times we're a bit outside of it, feeling overwhelmed or distant. πŸŒͺ️❄️

It's totally okay to slip outside our window now and then. The magic is in recognizing it and gently guiding ourselves back to our calm centre. πŸ€—πŸ’• Whether it's through breathing deeply, chatting with a friend, or taking some space, finding your way back is part of the journey. ✨

Need help identifying ways you can find and get back to your window of tolerance? Book a session with me! πŸ’–πŸŒˆ

Address

1219 14 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB
T3C0W1

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