Vital Mind Psychology

08/22/2025

08/19/2025

Alyssa Lightfoot will be doing an information session at the Cochrane Public Library on Parenting Children with ADHD/Autism this Thursday from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. This event is FREE and will provide helpful information and strategies to help support those seeking information and understanding regarding these topics.

Spots are limited.
Register for your free ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1520321034139?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/18/2025

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1520321034139?aff=oddtdtcreator

A two-hour information session for parents and caregivers to learn, reflect, and connect.

07/31/2025

We’re excited to host certified Wim Hof Method instructor Rachel Babaganov for a special community event at Vital Mind Psychology.

Rachel will guide us through a breath work session in our Zen Room, followed by an optional cold plunge in the Bow River.

This is a great opportunity to learn powerful techniques to calm the nervous system, boost resilience, and connect with your body in a whole new way; all in a supportive community setting.

Admission is by donation and if you are interested in the event but would like to make smaller donation than the suggested rate, please email Rachel directly at the email address in the below flyer.

We hope to see you there!

Sign up here: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/activities/community-session-cochrane-rachel-babaganov/68227

06/22/2025

Here’s a little snapshot of who I am outside the therapy room—lover of brownies, springtime, sunshine, and walks☀️.

You can find me spending time with my family in the backyard during these warm summer days or watching reality TV while cleaning up my house🙈.

Connection is at the heart of what I do, so I hope you enjoy getting to know a little bit more about me!💛

06/05/2025

Our Affordable Counselling Program Continues This Summer! ☀️

We believe everyone should have access to quality mental health care. That’s why we offer a range of lower-cost counselling options:

Hannah Boehmer, Registered Provisional Psychologist, offers a sliding scale based on household income:
• $80 for income under $80,000
• $150 for income between $80,000–$150,000
• $220 for income over $150,000

Alyssa Lightfoot and Ben Hofs, our counselling interns, offer sessions at $60—or just $50 with a Cochrane Connect Card for the duration of their remaining internships.

Part of our commitment to accessibility is also about challenging the stigma that still surrounds mental health care. We believe that reaching out for support is a sign of strength—not weakness—and it shouldn’t be seen as something only for moments of crisis.

Mental health concerns are part of being human. Counselling offers a space to be heard, understood, and supported in navigating life’s challenges—no matter how big or small. By offering more affordable options, we hope to make it easier for people to take that first step without fear, shame, or financial stress.

Everyone deserves the chance to feel better, build insight, and grow—and that starts with making care not only accessible, but also welcoming and normal.

05/24/2025

We're grateful to everyone who joined our free Guided Nature Walk today. We had an uplifting experience exploring with you all.

Stay tuned for more events!

05/22/2025

🌿 Wellness Wednesday – How Nature Supports Your Wellbeing

Spending time in nature isn’t just refreshing—it’s restorative. Research shows that even short periods outside can lower stress, improve mood, boost concentration, and support both physical and mental health.

Here are five simple but powerful ways nature can benefit your wellbeing—starting with just stepping outside.

✨ Want to experience it for yourself?
Join us this Saturday for a free guided nature walk at the beautiful Cochrane Ranche. Vital Mind psychologists Alyssa Lightfoot, Ben Hofs, and Eric Kang will lead a mindful, reflective journey exploring how connection to the outdoors can support emotional balance, resilience, and mental clarity.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guided-nature-walk-tickets-1356017327329?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Breathe deep. Slow down. Let nature do what it does best.

05/14/2025

This week for Wellness Wednesday, Eric talks about the concept of hope and how it is a renewable resource of which you are the generator for. At times, hope can feel distant or even lost. But it doesn’t disappear; it simply returns to its source: you. Hope can be cultivated as a practice.

05/08/2025

Wellness Wendesday & a group announcement for those with ADHD!

Counselling Intern, Alyssa Lightfoot shares some more valuable information about ADHD and announces the group she is leading with Registered Provisional Psychologist, Hannah Boehmer, Getting to Know Your ADHD - Skills, Support, and a New Way Forward.

In this group, we will explore:
•How ADHD actually works — and what that means for your attention, emotions, and energy.
•Tools to get out of autopilot using sensory grounding and mindful attention.
•Navigating emotional triggers with less reactivity and more choice.
•Letting go of shame and learning how to support yourself with compassion.

This group is designed for those aged 18 and up, and runs for 8 weeks starting on May 29th from 6:00 pm - ~7:30 pm recurring every Thursday evening until July 17th. Your session fee covers all 8 weeks of the group and you will receive $100 back on the last session if you have attended at least 6 out of the 8 sessions.

05/07/2025

Come join us for a relaxing and educational Guided Nature Walk through the beautiful trails of the Historic Cochrane Ranche. This unique event is led by three of Vital Mind Psychology's very own team, Alyssa Lightfoot, Ben Hofs, and Eric Kang, who will guide you on a journey of connection, grounding, and mindful exploration.

Together, we’ll slow down, tune into our senses, and reflect on how nature supports emotional well-being. Along the way, you'll learn simple mindfulness tools, explore nature-based metaphors for mental health, and enjoy the healing power of being outdoors in community. It’s a relaxed, no-pressure event— an opportunity to get outside and reconnect.

The event takes place on May 24 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. We will meet by the museum at the Historic Cochrane Ranche. Look for the Vital Mind Psychology sign.

Please bring: sturdy shoes, comfortable and layered clothing, a water bottle, and a journal to write in.

Cost: Free
Event appropriate for those 12+
Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1356017327329?aff=oddtdtcreator