My areas of expertise
I work with individual adults and older adolescents (15+) experiencing:
• Trauma & PTSD
• Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
• Attachment injuries & relational patterns
• Dissociation
• Anxiety disorders
• Shame-based self-concept & self-worth challenges
• Self-esteem and confidence difficulties
• People-pleasing & perfectionism
• Mild to moderate depression
• Grief and loss
• ADHD
• Stress management
The therapy process
Therapy is a collaborative process. After an initial intake, we will determine together the approach that best fits your goals, needs, and preferences. My role is not to direct your life, but to walk alongside you with steadiness, compassion, and clinical guidance.
Clients often share that they appreciate my grounded presence, non-judgmental stance, and ability to create a safe space for processing painful or complex experiences.
My hope is to offer a therapeutic environment where you can explore, heal, and strengthen your internal sense of clarity and resilience
Therapeutic modalities I use
• Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
• Somatic Therapies
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Somatic EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
• Compassion Focused Therapy CBT
• Mindfulness-based Interventions
• Trauma- and Attachment-Focused Therapy
• Person-Centred Therapy
My qualifications
• An experienced therapist with over 10 years of experience
• MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University
• Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists
• Clinical experience in complex outpatient mental health
• Internship completed through Alberta Health Services - East Calgary Family Care Clinic
• Trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Somatic Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness-based Therapies
• 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and allied therapist
• Approved IFHP and PFSP provider in Alberta
My counselling journey
Thank you for taking a moment to learn a bit about me.
I am a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and have been practicing in the field of mental health since 2016. I began my career working with complex mental health concerns, which supported me in developing strong clinical skills in trauma work, anxiety, attachment injuries, and challenges related to self-worth and identity.
Over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to working with individuals navigating complex trauma and relational wounds — those who feel stuck in patterns that seem to operate beneath the surface and are difficult to shift with insight alone. Many of my clients have done years of therapy and developed helpful coping skills, yet still feel burdened by deeper emotional wounds. Supporting clients in moving through those deeper layers of healing has become central to my work.
I strive to create a space where high-quality, ethical, and accessible counselling services are offered with care and integrity. Community, collaboration, and thoughtful practice matter deeply to me.
When I am not working, I value time with family, travel, personal reflection, learning, and continued professional growth. I believe that tending to my own inner work allows me to show up more grounded and present for the people I support.
My views and approach
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is foundational to meaningful change. Feeling safe, understood, and respected allows the nervous system to settle enough for deeper healing to occur.
My work is trauma-informed and attachment-focused. I view symptoms not as problems to eliminate, but as adaptive responses that once served a protective purpose. Rather than forcing change, I work collaboratively with clients to understand what is driving current patterns and gently expand flexibility and choice.
I primarily work from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective, helping clients understand and work with different parts of themselves that have developed in response to adversity. I integrate somatic-based techniques, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), somatic EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and solution-focused approaches when appropriate.
For clients who prefer structured, symptom-focused work, I am comfortable integrating CBT and brief solution-focused strategies. For others seeking deeper processing of trauma and attachment wounds, we may move at a slower, more exploratory pace.
I see people through a holistic lens — recognising the interconnected nature of biological, psychological, relational, cultural, and spiritual influences on mental health.
Email me directly: katie.safehavencounselling@outlook.com