Counselling

First and foremost we see our clients as hurt human-beings trying to do the best they can with what they have truly accessible to them at the time.

Counselling

Adults, Couples, Teens, & Families

At Assured Psychology we are blessed to be able to provide counselling services for individuals (adults/older teens) and couples. We are also able to offer family counselling if needed. No matter the mental health or relationship concern, we approach every client from a de-stigmatizing supportive approach.

Through compassionate, effective, and non-judgmental counselling we help people improve their lives, their relationships, and their suffering.

Walk In Path

To change the world takes time; To change yourself takes courage.

R.S. Lowel

Approach

We match a competent approach with a warm, empathetic relationship to help the client(s) change. Emotionally Focused Therapy is the primary approach, with additional therapies based on the client’s needs.Some of the other additional styles we use are Positive Psychology, Gottman, Humanism, Solutions-focused, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and IFS.

The values that inform our therapeutic approach are:

  • Treat all people with dignity, respect and care. This is a human right.

  • Treat the underlying pain (and the defenses to the pain), not just the symptoms

  • Attachment, trauma-informed, and humanistic based approaches

  • Under the right conditions all people strive for peace, well-being, and betterment

Therapy is about the right fit between your needs and the therapist’s approach. We feel we do a good job of this, so if you have any further questions please feel free to contact us. We look forward to working with you and helping you reach your goals.

Anxiety / Panic

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns that people experience. While anxiety has several forms it typically shows itself as a sense of uneasiness, nervousness, fears (both rational and irrational), bodily sensations such as sweating, shaking, numbness, dizziness or panic, and often a general underlying sense of being not enough or fear of failure or judgement from others. It can also have more specific expressions of fears such as phobias and panic. Panic attacks can be a specific form of anxiety as well. We have worked for years with the various expressions and experiences of anxiety and would be happy to help you with yours.

Depression

Depression can be a debilitating and very difficult experience. Most people experience this as a general sense of weightiness and sense of being down. They tend to feel a lack of joy or motivation in their daily activities and lives, like they are fighting an uphill battle simply to get through the day. Depression, like other concerns, can show itself in different ways but similar to anxiety often it has a deep sense that you are failing or not good enough or are broken. This is a painful experience and if you’d like we are here to help.

Couples Counselling

Many people are feeling unhappy, hurt, stuck, and unsure of how to proceed in their relationship. Or perhaps you are simply wanting to expand and deepen your connection with your loved one. At Assured Psychology we practice Emotionally Focused Couples therapy which is the gold standard in couples counselling empirically. We help you begin to see the issue for what it truly is and then find a way to reconnect with the person you long to be connected with. This is work in which our therapist(s) has much training and experience and would be happy to help you with. Couples of all backgrounds and sexual orientations are welcome.

Trauma

There are various forms of trauma but they all share an overwhelmingly distressing event experienced or witnessed by a person. Then the pain of this experience gets trapped at least partially in our bodies, hearts and minds. Whether it be “big T” Trauma or “little t” trauma (meaning either significant event(s) or chronic, ongoing difficult circumstances) it can leave a lasting mark on people, particularly while the pain remains buried. Trauma can show itself in a variety of difficult ways including emotional instability and shutdown, sensitivity of particular senses (sound, touch, etc), being easily triggered, panic, anger, sometimes nightmares or flashbacks, and other symptoms. It is important to know that what happened was not your fault and you do not have to live with it forever.

*It should be noticed that for survivors of sexual assault there is free counselling support via CCASA.

Personal Growth

While many people find their way into counselling to help manage symptoms or for a crisis, many choose to stay (or seek out) to continue with Assured Psychology for their own personal growth and development. We are all human beings who have an incredible potential to grow, deepening into our own selves. Often people find themselves in their lives feeling empty, stuck, or simply wondering what is next after having achieved many of their goals. This is a wonderful opportunity to do rewarding work, and while this is a lifelong journey for all of us, we would be happy to help you walk these next steps together.

Men's Issues

Men need support and counselling too. They have feelings and pain like all people but are often struggling to find a way to cope with their suffering (or that of those around them) while adhering to strict rules of masculinity. Lead psychologist Dan McMillan identifies with this struggle and enjoys helping men learn to reconnect to these parts of themselves that they have disallowed or disowned over the years.

*It should be noted that all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, and beliefs are welcome. Our team has much experience working with people from all walks of life and welcomes everyone.

Sex Therapy

Sex and intimacy can be challenging for many individual and couples. While traditional couples therapy addresses this to some degree, sometimes a more specific approach is needed for couples. Individuals with concerns, questions or exploring this part of themselves also can benefit from sex therapy. If you are interested in learning more about this please reach out to us or book an appointment directly online with a talented sex therapist Konstantinos Chondros, PhD.

Career Counselling

The average person spends more time at work that in any other activity in their life other than possibly sleeping. Finding and navigating a rewarding career is important. Career counselling is aimed at helping support individuals in navigating these challenges, whether it is choosing a new career path, making difficult career decisions, or exploring potential opportunities in your current path.

Teens

It can be difficult to be a teenager, as well as to raise one. Teen’s have to face many issues today including anxiety, depression, pressures, stress, technology, bullying, social media relationships, puberty, etc, and they do so in a rapidly changing world. Parents or caregivers are simultaneously trying to navigate these issues as best they can. Often one or both groups could use some support. At Assured Psychology many of our therapists have significant experience with these issues and working with the teenage population. We focus on helping teen’s cope with difficult situations, as well as helping parents strengthen their relationship with their child during these difficult times. If you feel you or your teen might be a fit, we’d be happy to connect with you.

Behavioural challenges in Youth

Navigating challenging behaviors in youth including but not limited to OCD, defiance, unusual traits, and other presentations is difficult. If you feel you could use support in this, we are here to help.

Assessments

Psychological assessments are an important tool to better understand and approach specific challenges and abilities. Their purpose is to help make peoples’ lives better by providing them valuable information about themselves. See Assessments page for more information.

General Stress & Other Issues

Many other mental and emotional issues bring people into counselling, as well as many other forms of crisis. These could include other mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, experiences such as grief, or crisis’ such as a natural disaster. Lead psychologist Daniel McMillan and the Assured Psychology Therapists have an extensive history working with various mental health concerns in many different settings and could likely support you. If you are unsure please feel free to contact us to ask about your specific issue. We welcome you to do so.

Assured Psychology is a proud ongoing supporter of

Did you know for every appointment you attend Assured Psychology donates one meal to the Calgary Drop-In Centre?

We would love to connect with you to help you achieve your goals.

No matter how long your journey appears to be, there is never more than this: one step, one breath, one moment…Now.

Eckhart Tolle