Alysha Gurney Counselling Services

06/17/2025

I am excited to announce that back in April I successfully completed and passed the clinical social work examination. As a result, I have now been granted the title of RCSW in the addition to MSW.

In Alberta, RCSW stands for Registered Clinical Social Worker. This designation is granted by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and represents an advanced level of social work practice, specifically in the area of clinical mental health services.

What RCSW Means:
An RCSW is a regulated health professional who has met specific education, experience, and supervision requirements that qualify them to independently provide clinical assessments, diagnoses, and therapeutic interventions for mental health conditions. The RCSW title helps clients, employers, and the public recognize that the social worker has specialized clinical expertise and adheres to rigorous professional and ethical standards.

In the long and short of it, I have worked very hard to add an additional letter behind my name 😅

05/01/2025

Celebrating 3 Years of Healing and Growth
The month of April marks a meaningful milestone—3 years in my small but mighty private practice. Oh how time flies..... What began as a vision to create a safe, supportive space for healing and play has grown into a thriving practice rooted in compassion, connection, and transformation. Over the past three years, it has been an honour to walk alongside so many individuals on their mental health journeys—bearing witness to resilience, vulnerability, and profound growth.

To every teen and adult who has trusted me with their story, thank you. Every parent who has trusted be with your child, thank-you. And to every child who trusted me as a play partner, thank-you. Your courage continues to inspire my work every day. To my colleagues, mentors, and support system—your guidance and encouragement have made this journey possible.

As I reflect on these past three years, I am filled with gratitude and renewed purpose. Here's to continued growth, deeper healing, and the work that lies ahead.

—Alysha Gurney, M.S.W., R.C.S.W

03/14/2025

It is common for individuals to seek therapeutic counselling services due to increased stress as a result of life transitions. Life transitions can create increased stress for several reasons:

Uncertainty: Change often brings uncertainty, which can cause anxiety as people face the unknown, whether it’s a new job, moving to a new place, or a major life event like a breakup or loss.

Loss of Control: Transitions often feel beyond our control, leading to feelings of helplessness or vulnerability as people navigate the new circumstances.

Adaptation Pressure: Adjusting to new routines, roles, or environments can be mentally and physically exhausting as individuals strive to adapt.

Emotional Impact: Life changes often trigger a range of emotions, including sadness, excitement, or fear, which can be overwhelming and difficult to manage.

Increased Responsibilities: Many transitions come with added responsibilities, such as caring for others or meeting new expectations, which can lead to stress and burnout.

Loss of Familiarity: The comfort of familiar routines, environments, and relationships is disrupted, making it harder to feel secure and stable.

Social and Financial Pressure: Changes like moving cities or switching careers can come with social and financial challenges that add to stress levels.

You are not alone in the struggles of this transition. One thing is for certain in life... things change.

03/05/2025

Hey upcoming graduates, I see you.
Graduating from school can bring excitement and uncertainty. Graduation is often a life transition that can cause some increased stress for a variety of reasons. If you're feeling stressed, noticing increased school avoidance, dealing with test anxiety, or struggling with decision-making and relationships for your future, therapy can help you manage these transitions with confidence.

Let’s work together to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Contact me today to get started.

02/06/2025

One of the most significant barriers to seeking counseling services is the fear of vulnerability, especially if an individual has had multiple counsellors or therapeutic relationships that have had to end prematurely due to circumstances outside of the client or therapist control. For many individuals, sharing deeply personal thoughts, past traumas, and emotions with a stranger can feel incredibly risky. Or the burden of having to "retell my story all over again" can feel cumbersome. This fear can be amplified if the person has experienced abandonment or rejection in past relationships, making it even more difficult to trust a professional who may not remain in their life long-term.
Building trust in therapy takes time, and clients often fear that investing in that trust will lead to heartbreak if the therapeutic relationship doesn’t last or they are on to the next counsellor. This barrier highlights the need for therapists to actively work on establishing a sense of security and consistency from the outset. Clear communication about the process, expectations, and the professional nature of the relationship is crucial to helping clients feel safe enough to explore their vulnerabilities without the fear of being let down or left behind.

02/03/2025

Vulnerability of a Therapist
Here are a few vulnerable tidbits from a therapist.... I figured if individuals can have the vulnerability to share things with me, then I can also have the courage to demonstrate vulnerability. Therapists are also human. Yes its true, I still feel like an imposter at times.

01/31/2025

#1 Recommended App
Insight Timer has an excellent selection of options including daily check-in's, sleep music, affirmations, mindfulness activities, meditations and podcasts on wellness. I personally enjoy their variety of sleep music. Best part: The FREE version has a significant amount of features.
Note: Not a paid sponsorship

01/21/2025

One heck of a paradigm shift... this is one of the most influential and meaningful reframes for understanding behaviours and accessing self-compassion that I often refer to in my clinical practice.

01/18/2025

Alysha Gurney Counselling Statement of Positionality

I am deeply rooted in the community of Medicine Hat, where I was born and raised, and this connection continues to influence both my personal and professional life. As the first-born child in a family of three siblings, I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility, and the nurturing traits associated with being the eldest have shaped my approach to helping others. My upbringing instilled in me an “old soul” disposition, with a natural inclination to support and guide those around me, always striving for excellence in whatever I pursue.

A significant aspect of my life journey has been the role spirituality has played in my development. At a crucial age, spirituality provided me with a sense of belonging, mindfulness, and gratitude. It instilled a belief in something greater than myself, offering hope for the future and resilience through life’s challenges. This foundational belief continues to inform my work as a therapist, where I approach each client with a sense of reverence for their unique spiritual and personal journey.

In my personal life, I am in a long-term, heterosexual relationship with a partner who shares my passion for the outdoors. Together, we enjoy fishing, boating, camping, and embarking on adventures across Canada. These experiences have not only strengthened our bond but also deepened my understanding of the importance of connection, nature, and the shared human experience.

Having grown up in a family of entrepreneurs, I have developed a strong work ethic and a deep-seated desire to contribute meaningfully to my community. This entrepreneurial spirit led me to open my own private practice, an endeavor that allows me to blend my passion for helping others with a strong sense of independence and drive. However, I believe my humour keeps me grounded and I welcome opportunities to share laughs (and cries) in sessions with individuals that I work with.

My career journey began early, working in roles that involved providing specialized services for children with Autism Spectrum Differences and serving as a youth care worker with children and teens in care. This foundation in direct service helped shape my approach to therapy. Later, I worked with Alberta Health Services for eight years, providing therapeutic counseling to children, youth, families, and adults, both in schools and rural communities. These diverse experiences allowed me to build a broad knowledge base and honed my skills in a variety of therapeutic approaches. Five years ago, I transitioned into private practice, where I continue to work with a broad spectrum of individuals and families.

In addition to my professional experience, my role as a foster parent has provided me with a rich source of empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the challenges parents and families face. This has greatly informed my therapeutic approach, particularly when working with parents who are navigating complex family dynamics.

My core belief as a therapist is that no human being is "broken," but rather, we all develop coping mechanisms and resiliencies in response to the challenges we face in life. These adaptive strategies, though sometimes maladaptive in the long term, were often essential for survival in difficult circumstances. My role as a therapist is to foster a collaborative, respectful relationship with each client, creating a safe space where healing and growth can take place. I believe in empowering my clients to make the best decisions for themselves, supporting them as they tap into their own strengths and abilities.

In my practice, I strive to create an environment that is non-judgmental, comfortable, and affirming of each client’s unique life experience. Drawing on a humanistic perspective, I focus on the individuality and resilience of each person and family, emphasizing strengths while recognizing the factors that have contributed to their survival and growth. To meet the diverse needs of my clients, I integrate various therapeutic modalities, including mind-body regulation, mindfulness, therapeutic play, attachment theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). As a lifelong learner, I am committed to regularly expanding my knowledge and skills to better serve individuals of all ages, from children to adults.

Ultimately, my goal as a therapist is to foster a therapeutic relationship that is grounded in mutual respect, trust, and understanding. By creating a safe and empowering space, I aim to support my clients as they navigate their personal journeys and move toward a future of healing, growth, and well-being.

11/02/2024

10/31/2024

A few things to consider this Halloween Season. Please remember that not all things are appropriate for all ages and stages in childhood. Nor are all things appropriate for all child temperaments.

10/31/2024

My heart is feeling full 💓 . I got a wonderful delivery on October 24. It was such a warm surprise that made me feel grateful for the work that I do with others. Thank you for the generosity (you know who you are). Your kindness has been enjoyed by many people coming into the office this week and last.
Do not underestimate the power of a generous act or a single flower 🌼 🌸 🌻