Shelley Stevenson
B.A. (Sociology), M.A. (IHM), RTC #2819
I am a registered therapeutic counsellor (RTC) and a graduate of Clearmind International’s Practitioners Training Program in transpersonal counselling.
Having experienced first hand the transformational impact counseling can have, I founded my private practice as a way of supporting others in living more connective, deeply meaningful and compassionate lives. It is truly a gift and my honour to create safe spaces for others to explore who they are and who they wish to become.
I have training in a variety of treatment approaches and bring a theoretical framework which is transpersonal, emotionally-focused and experiential. This allows me to tailor my approach to each client’s individuality. Feeling heard, understood and safe are paramount in beginning the process of personal transformation and well being. It is the therapist’s role to create the conditions for healing to happen. Counseling can help you see how interconnected and impactful your thoughts, behaviours, values, stories and expectations are on how you engage with the world. I help shine a light on those aspects of yourself which you may be unaware of. By exploring where you come from and who you are now, you gain insight and choice in how you wish to move into the future.
Areas of Selected Focus
- Parenting and others providing care; including those caring for children with complex needs
- Life transitions; including pre- and post-partum support, navigating perimenopause, menopause and andropause. Work and family transitions.
- Anxiety and/or panic; including social, generalized, and situational
- Depression and chronic unhappiness; grief and loss
- Relationship dynamics; including struggles with anger and setting boundaries
- Trauma and abuse – historical, emotional, physical, sexual
- Enhancing self esteem and confidence through personal exploration; goal setting and future planning
- Addictive tendencies & disordered eating
Approaches Used
- Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
- Transpersonal Counseling Psychology
- Gottman Relationship Method
- Gestalt
- Internal Family Systems
- Bowen Family Systems Theory
- Person-Centered; Strengths-based
- Attachment-Based
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
- Trauma-Informed
Book a 20 minute free consultation to see if we are a good fit.
Specializations in Practice
Abuse
Addictions / Impulse Control Issues
Career / Vocation / Higher Education
Major Areas of Practice
General Areas of Support
Health / Wellness
Marriage / Partnership / Family
Spirituality
Therapies In Practice
Trauma
What is your therapeutic approach?
I use an integrative approach, which draws on several different therapeutic modalities. Integrative therapy is a progressive style of psychotherapy that allows the therapist to offer a more inclusive and flexible style of treatment than more traditional, single-approach style psychotherapy.
How long does therapy take?
There is no "one size fits all" method for therapy. Some people feel their issue(s) is(are) resolved after a few sessions, others request longer term support, while still others like to have ongoing "check-ins" as a way of prioritizing their well-being. What brings you to therapy, the length of time you have been struggling, the nature of your concern(s) and your finances / extended health benefit coverage may all impact your therapeutic journey.
How does online therapy work?
Online therapy is very similar to in person sessions, with some important differences. You get to be in whatever location works best for you - whether that be your home, office, parked car or sitting on a bench by the side of a creek. Meeting online offers increased access to psychotherapy for people who might otherwise struggle to receive the support they deserve, such as people with transportation or mobility barriers, caregivers, people who do not have the time or desire to travel to and from in person sessions and people who simply prefer to meet in the location of their choice. I have experienced the benefits of online counseling as both a client and a therapist.
I have extensive training and experience working online and firmly believe online therapy can be as effective as in-person, and for some people even more so. We will meet using Zoom. Users simply need to have a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device with (as reliable as possible) access to the internet. Zoom is a fully encrypted platform between the two parties protecting data in transit by TLS 1.2 using 256-bitAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES-256). There is no need for clients to download anything onto their personal device.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know it
People come to therapy for a wide range of reasons, but one common theme is a desire for change. Some may be going through a major life transition (such as moving to a new city, marriage, new job, expecting a child, entering midlife etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people might seek support for their anxiety, depression, low self esteem, addictions, struggles in relationships, or not being fully satisfied and fulfilled with their life. Therapy can provide a safe, nurturing space to explore who you are, learn about why you might be reacting as you are and help with skills to shift patterns you want to change. Other people may not feeling anything is "wrong"... they are here to learn more about themselves in order to more fully embrace life.
Whomever you choose as your counselor - you are entering into a very important therapeutic relationship. As a client you have the right to be heard, respected and held in a space of trust and compassion. Therapy will not always be comfortable, and for good reason. It is our work to talk about hard topics, explore areas that might uncomfortable and shine the light on patterns which may no longer be serving you. Working with a therapeutic counselor can help you pinpoint the patterns and beliefs in your life that are holding you back and open the doors of possibility.
