Anastasia Bukal is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) offering a calm, grounded space for reflection, clarity, and meaningful change. She works with teens, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, burnout, life transitions, chronic illness, relationships, and periods when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. Her approach is integrative, evidence-based, and thoughtfully tailored to each person’s needs and pace.

Anastasia believes therapy is most effective when it has room to breathe, space to slow down, reflect, and begin making sense of what feels heavy, unclear or stuck.

In her work with clients, she offers a steady and compassionate presence during times of uncertainty, transition, or emotional strain. She also supports clients in reconnecting with their existing strengths and insight, especially when those parts of themselves feel harder to access. Her focus is not on rushing change, but on creating the conditions where change can unfold in in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

Anastasia works with teens, adults, and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, grief, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, neurodivergence, adn the emotional impact of chronic or autoimmune illness, as well as times when life feels unexpectedly disrupted or overwhelming.

Her therapeutic approach is integrative and individualized, drawing from CBT, ACT, DBT-informed work, mindfulness-based practices, person-centred therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, adn somatic approaches. She works flexibly and intentionally, guided by what is most helpful in the moment, whether that is deeper understanding, practical strategies, or space to process and be heard.

At the core of her work is a belief in collaboration, respect, and the importance of a therapeutic relationship that feels steady, human, and unhurried. Clients are not expected to arrive with clarity; therapy is a place where clarity can be gently developed over time.

Anastasia offers both in-person and virtual sessions, creating flexibility while maintaining a consistent, thoughtful, and intentional therapeutic environment.

Anastasia Bukal is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) offering a calm, grounded space for refl... Read More

I am currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology program at Yorkville University. My journey in the counseling field began with volunteering at Free Your Mind, where I provided mentoring to high school students, focusing on self-care during the COVID pandemic. This initial experience paved the way for my involvement with the Distress Centre Calgary, where I have dedicated two years to assisting individuals in crisis through empathetic phone conversations, active listening, and validation. These experiences have equipped me with invaluable skills that I am eager to apply in clinical practice.

My counseling approach is centered on the client’s needs, prioritizing a safe and open therapeutic environment. I utilize techniques tailored to each individual, drawing from cognitive-behavioral strategies, strengths-based approaches, and mindfulness when appropriate. I am deeply passionate about the counseling field and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to support and accompany you on your personal journey to well-being.

I am currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology program at Yorkville ... Read More

With over ten years experience working in a residential group home for people living with serious mental illnesses, Dana has shown a deep commitment and passion for the field of mental health. Learning to build, and maintain, relationships with people struggling with profound anxiety and depression allowed Dana to develop the skills necessary to build lasting, and positive, helping relationships with others.

Dana also has an enduring commitment to the practice of mindfulness–engaging in years of yoga and meditation–and is excited to bring these principles into his work. Combined with Dana’s strong background in psychology, with a BA in psychology and an MA (in progress) in counselling psychology, this learning has provided him with a rich understanding of how to handle the dynamics that arise within a counselling relationship.

With this breadth of experience, Dana is excited to begin working in a clinical setting where he can continue to apply his passion for mental health.

With over ten years experience working in a residential group home for people living with serious... Read More

Margherita Duesbury is a passionate individual, driven by a deep commitment to helping others navigate their challenges and personal wellness. As a counsellor with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Margherita brings forth a unique perspective to our team. In addition to her experience of working with clients, 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 a person centered approach, and Cognitive Behavioural 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

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

Halle Tarkowski 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 an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an Addictions Studies Certificate from Mount Royal University. Halle is a recipient of the Jason Lang Scholarship and a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, recognized for her academic excellence and commitment to professional growth.

Halle brings a diverse background in community and clinical support, having worked at the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre, providing care to adults experiencing homelessness and complex trauma. She has also supported justice-involved youth in reintegration programs and currently works in a group care setting with youth, where she fosters emotional safety and personal growth. As a certified facilitator in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Halle emphasizes de-escalation, empathy, and trauma-informed care in her practice.

Guided by a cognitive behavioural, person-centred, and strengths-based framework, Halle aims to create a collaborative and supportive therapeutic environment. She is passionate about helping clients feel heard and understood while empowering them to recognize and build upon their inherent strengths to create meaningful change.

Halle Tarkowski is a counselling intern at the Centre for Mental Health and Addictions, currently... Read More