Anastasia is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and made Calgary her home in 2021. She is currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She employs holistic, culturally-informed, and evidence-based approaches in her role as an intern, drawing on a variety of methods beyond these frameworks.

Her volunteer work at the Women’s Centre of Calgary and the MS Society has provided hands-on experience in offering compassionate support, allowing her to connect deeply with individuals in need. Anastasia’s professional journey has been profoundly shaped by her work with children with autism and their families, deepening her understanding of their unique challenges and igniting her passion for mental health and therapy.

Believing that each individual is intrinsically unique, Anastasia tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the specific needs of her clients. She is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels valued on their healing journey. Warm and direct, she incorporates humour when appropriate, recognizing that therapy can be intimidating. Anastasia aims to ensure that clients feel heard and actively collaborates with them throughout their therapeutic experience, focusing on fostering growth and resilience.

Anastasia is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and made Calgary her home in 2021. She is curren... Read More

Margherita Duesbury is a passionate individual, driven by a deep commitment to helping others navigate their challenges and personal wellness. As a counseling intern currently completing a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Margherita brings forth a unique perspective to our team. In addition to her current intern status, Margherita’s educated background includes material up to a PhD in Mental Health, Health Studies, and Gerontology. With such a strong educated history, Margherita focuses on incorporating a holistic approach to health practices. This involves implementing trauma-informed care, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Through her therapeutic process, Margherita aims to provide care for the person as a whole, addressing not only their mental and emotional well-being but also their physical, social, and spiritual needs. In her recent role as a program coordinator, Margherita effectively guided clients through various therapeutic initiatives, receiving accolades for her dedication to their unique needs. Her ability to tailor her techniques to fit each individual means that you can expect a personalized experience that addresses your specific concerns. Margherita’s commitment to professional development keeps her up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in mental health care. Having navigated personal challenges herself, Margherita understands the complexities of the human experience. This insight allows her to connect genuinely with clients, fostering a safe space for healing and growth. Working from a person-centered lens that focuses on tailoring the treatment to the individual’s own unique journey, it makes counseling about you. Choosing Margherita as your counselor means engaging with someone who is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about helping you navigate your journey. With her guidance, you can feel confident that you will receive compassionate care that prioritizes your well-being and personal growth.

Margherita Duesbury is a passionate individual, driven by a deep commitment to helping others nav... Read More

Counselling – Intern

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (in progress)

Post Baccalaureate in Inclusive Education, Athabasca University

Bachelor of Education, Thompson Rivers University

Bachelor of Science, Major in Chemistry, Thompson Rivers University

With extensive experience in mentoring and empowering individuals, Natasha is deeply committed to mental health advocacy. In addition to her academic achievements, she holds certifications in Community Mental Health and Psychosocial Rehabilitation, which further equip her to effectively support individuals on their mental health journeys. Natasha’s personal philosophy centres around empowering individuals and fostering mental wellness through a trauma-informed lens. This dedication is reflected in her involvement with organizations such as the Calgary Distress Centre and the Orenda Society. She has supported educators, students, and families by co-facilitating mental health workshops, leading groups within school settings, and utilizing evidence-based strategies to promote well-being in the education system. By employing a holistic approach, Natasha aims to create a compassionate, collaborative, and individualized therapeutic environment for her clients.

Counselling – Intern Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (in progress... Read More

Counselling Intern

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology – Yorkville University (in progress)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – St. Mary’s University

Rachel Harris is a counselling intern at the Centre for Mental Health and Addictions, currently completing her practicum under the supervision of Clinical Supervisor Taryn Neva. She is pursuing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Mary’s University, where she received the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship and the Jason Lang Scholarship in recognition of her academic excellence.

Rachel brings a strong foundation in behavioural analysis and a deep commitment to mental wellness. At the Centre, she supports individuals navigating a range of emotional and behavioural challenges through collaborative, person-centered care. Her approach integrates mental, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual aspects of wellness.

Her previous role as a Client Care Coordinator and Behavioural Analyst in the mental health sector strengthened her understanding of client journeys and deepened her capacity to provide trauma-informed, culturally aware support. She has worked with students, trained fellow volunteers, and developed a strong appreciation for compassionate, inclusive care.

Rooted in a humanistic framework, Rachel aims to create a safe and empathetic space where clients feel understood and empowered. Her dedication to holistic healing and lifelong learning drives her continued growth as a mental health professional.

Counselling Intern Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology – Yorkville University (in progress) ... Read More

John holds a Master’s in Counseling and is pursuing a Doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. John’s future aspiration is to continue his career in developing programs and community initiatives that will empower individuals to express their uniqueness and reach their full potential.

John has a strong passion for working with children, youth, and families. He has developed support groups for LGBTQ2+ youth and created a support network for LGBT refugees. John has worked with families experiencing domestic violence in immigrant sectors, providing anger management and parenting workshops. He is also active in the Filipino community in Calgary, where he advocates for mental health.

John has strong experience in facilitating positive parenting support, social skills development, and emotional regulation for children with disabilities. His work is informed by an eclectic approach that draws from family systems theories, hypnosis, cognitive-behavioural therapy, cultural humility, brief solution-focused therapy, the resiliency model, and a strength-based approach.

In the disability sector, John provides clinical support using a combination of the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)-informed practice, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Social Thinking Model, Circles Curriculum, and the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS).

In his free time, John is an avid hiker and has explored many terrains across the Rocky Mountains. He also enjoys travelling and has visited Europe and Asia.

John holds a Master’s in Counseling and is pursuing a Doctorate in Industrial and Organizational ... Read More

Deepak Minhas- BSc, PLA (Hon) Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (in progress)

Legal Assistant Diploma, CDI College

Bachelor of Sciences, University of Alberta

Deepak Minhas is the writer of two books, No Straight Lines (prose and poems) and One Day at a Time (poems, prose and short stories). The short stories are vignettes of South Asian characters experiencing mental health issues such as homophobia, gender preference, and postpartum depression, in Canada and in India. Through the process of character development, Deepak developed a keen interest in the stories of people which opened the door to her pursuit of a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree.

Deepak’s therapeutic focus lies in holding space for her clients to process their lived experiences one moment at a time. She is empathetic, compassionate, and motivated to support her clients move forward in their life. Deepak’s areas of work include, but are not limited to, dual-identity conflict, grief and loss, and domestic and dating violence.

Your counselling experience with Deepak will fill you with hope, feeling in charge of your life, supported, accepted, and heard. Deepak’s practice is evidence-based and culturally informed.

Deepak Minhas- BSc, PLA (Hon) Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (in ... Read More

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