Affiliates

Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued - Brene Brown

Blossom Counselling affiliates

Blossom Counselling affiliates work in the same office and provide some similar and many different therapeutic services. Dawn and her office manager, Andy, will work with clients to match them to the best therapist to meet their needs.

If interested in working with a Blossom Counselling affiliate therapist please call the main number 780 756 6551 and a referral will be facilitated. Please note that each therapist sets their own rate for services based on their professional designation, length of time for sessions, and years of experience.

Teresa Devost, Reg Psych


AffiliatesTeresa has worked in a variety of settings including in-patient treatment centres, out-patient clinics, private practice, and several school jurisdictions across Alberta. She has over 15 years of experience providing individual therapy to children and adolescents with a range of presenting challenges such as anxiety, depression, disruptive behavior disorders, low self-esteem, and grief & loss. Although, Teresa’s primary therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral therapy, she uses many different strategies and interventions designed to alter the attitudes, thoughts, feelings, and actions of the young person who has sought or been brought to treatment with distress and/or maladaptive behavior.

Teresa also has over 14 years of experience providing assessment designed to evaluate a student’s learning profile and to provide a deeper understanding of their educational abilities and needs.

Teresa received her Bachelor of Arts Specializing in Psychology from the University of Alberta and her Masters of Counselling from Gonzaga University. She has been a registered psychologist in the province of Alberta since 2008. Teresa has also served as adjunct academic staff in the department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta since 2018.

Client Focus:

  • Children (5 to 10)
  • Preteens (11 to 13)
  • Adolescents (14 to 19)

Days available:
Mondays (evening appointments available)
Tuesdays
Wednesdays (evening appointments available)
Saturdays

Contact:
[email protected]
780-288-0291

Eva Holden, Registered Psychologist


Affiliates

Whether you are looking to improve your mood, are struggling with a difficult situation, or are just looking for a safe and supportive place to talk, I can help. I am a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of counselling experience, and truly enjoy helping people. Clients describe me as warm, supportive and approachable. Using a combination of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness, and EMDR, I see adults as well as teenagers age 16 and up.

 
Areas of specialization:

  • anxiety
  • panic attacks
  • depression
  • trauma
  • school and work-related stress
  • overcoming difficult childhood experiences
  • grief
  • relationship issues

A special area of interest for me is helping women with issues related to their pregnancy, birth experience and postpartum period such as anxiety and depression during pregnancy, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, childhood issues that come up during pregnancy and onward, processing difficult or traumatic birth experiences, miscarriage, stillbirth, managing family dynamics during pregnancy and onward, identity change and motherhood, etc.

Counselling modalities used:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Mindfulness

Times available:
Mondays/ Tuesdays: 9am-7pm
Wednesdays: 9am-1pm

Contact:
[email protected]
780-977-1565

Rachel Stege, MSc, MEd, RPsych


Rachel Stege

Sometimes life hands us a major challenge that gets in our way, or small things build up until we feel worn out, anxious, or frustrated. Other times we’re doing well overall, and want to be proactive in our personal growth and development. In any of these situations, it can be helpful to have a friendly and supportive environment to work things through together. Whether you're interested in counselling or performance psychology, we can build on your existing strengths, and develop skills and strategies to work towards the future you hope for.

With Masters degrees in both Counselling Psychology and Sport Psychology, Rachel works with issues like:

  • Anxiety
  • Binge eating
  • Body image
  • Communication and assertiveness
  • Confidence and self-esteem
  • Depression
  • Grief and loss, including bereavement
  • Healthy boundaries
  • Infertility
  • Life transitions
  • Motivation and goal-setting
  • Panic attacks
  • Perfectionism
  • Relationship issues
  • Performance psychology (e.g. competitive anxiety, dealing with injury, optimal performance state)
  • Performance slump or creative/artistic block
  • Personal growth and development
  • Self-compassion
  • Sleep issues
  • Stress management
  • Substance use/addiction
  • Work-life (or sport-life) balance

Treatment approaches include:

  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy
  • Cognitive behavioural (CBT)
  • Hope-focused
  • Humanistic
  • Mental skills training
  • Narrative
  • Person-centered
  • Positive psychology
  • Solution-focused
  • Strengths-based

Client focus:

  • Individuals
  • Adolescents aged 15+ (performance psychology)
  • Adults (counselling and performance psychology)

2022 Availability (online only until future notice):

  • Wednesdays: 10 am – 7 pm
  • Thursdays: 10 am – 3 pm
  • Saturdays: 9 am – 1 pm

Contact:
[email protected]
780-328-3915 (this # does not receive texts)

Akil Gulamhusein, BA, MSW, RCSW


Akil Gulamhusein, BA, MSW, RCSW

I believe that people are resilient and dynamic. As such, they have the ability to survive and adapt to any given obstacle. Inherently, each individual has their own strengths, and these strengths are often the foundation for individual growth.  I take pride in offering professional counselling services in a culturally sensitive and non-judgmental environment where individuals can be candid.

Therapy is designed to enhance well-being through established and innovative therapeutic techniques.  Often, therapy can assist with building dynamic problem solving skills, developing effective and adaptive coping, fostering improved communication, and processing personal environments and interpersonal relations.

Some of the modalities of therapy I use include:

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)                                    

ART incorporates a combination of techniques used in many other traditional psychotherapies. ART works directly to reprogram the way in which distressing memories and images are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions. ART accomplishes this through the use of rapid eye movements similar to eye movements that occur during dreaming. Although techniques similar to these are used in other types of therapies, ART’s very specific and directive approach can achieve rapid recovery from symptoms and reactions that may have been present for many years.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural therapy focuses on the reciprocal relationship between and individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.  CBT encourages individuals to reflect on how their perceptions directly influence their behaviours.  In collaboration with the therapist, this therapy enables the client to build insight into their thought process and its role in their functioning.

Solution-Focused

Solution-Focused therapy is goal oriented.  This therapy encourages the client to imagine the future the way they want it to be.  They are than encouraged with the support of the therapist to collaborate on a series of steps to achieve their identified goals.  Often, the client’s own strengths form the foundation of the approach.

Availability:
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

Contact:
[email protected]
780-800-5647


Nicolette Sopcak, Ph.D. (HEcol), M.A., M.C., CCC


AffiliatesI have a Master in Counselling and am a certified member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA/CCC# 10001714). I also have a PhD in Human Ecology and work as a researcher in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta on a project on chronic disease prevention and screening. My psychological training and my research in healthcare give me an enhanced understanding of how trauma can impact our body, particularly our nervous system as well as our emotions and cognitions.

Areas of specialization: I work with individuals (age 16 +) who feel impacted by anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship issues, stress, and childhood trauma. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and particularly love working with seniors and people who care for others (e.g., health professionals).

Modalities of counselling used: I have specialized training in EMDR, attachment, and Somatic Experiencing.

Times available:
Mondays: 10am-7pm
Wednesdays: 9am-1pm
Thursdays: 1pm-5pm

Contact:
[email protected]
587-596-0044

Ruchelle Mendes, M.C, Registered Provisional Psychologist

Ruchelle Mendes

I began this journey of helping others in 2014, from working front line in the human services field to branching out to counseling children, teens and adults after graduating with my Masters in Counseling in 2019.

I use a client-centered and trauma informed approach with my clients which includes working together to help achieve their goals. I tailor my treatment plan based on my client’s needs by understanding how their lived experiences have shaped them, influenced their thoughts, believes and behaviors.

My passion lies in helping and supporting individuals regardless of race, sexual orientation, culture, gender and ability overcome life’s different challenges. I believe healing and growth can take place in relationship with others; when provided in a warm, empathetic and compassionate environment.

If you would like to discuss the services I offer please feel free to contact me via email or phone. I also offer free 15 minute consultations to determine if we are a good fit for one another. If finances are a barrier, I do offer a sliding scale that can be discussed.

Client Focus:
Individual therapy for teens ages 12+ and adult

Area of specialization:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Domestic Violence
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Grief
  • OCD
  • PTSD
  • Relationship issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Trauma

Therapy modalities:

  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
  • Play Therapy
  • Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)

Days available:
Friday (10am to 6pm)
Saturdays (9am to 3pm)

Contact:
[email protected]
587-882-8123

David Walters, PhD, CCC, Certified Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapist


I have over 25 years experience with a wide range of clients and service settings and enjoy supporting those undergoing significant life transitions, be that career, primary relationships, geographical setting, etc. My clients find me to be kind, respectful and caring, with good listening skills and the ability to support their strengths, abilities and potentialities. I work well with those suffering from depression, anxiety, troubled self-esteem/confidence and those who are interested in finding their own unique solutions to life's challenges and opportunities.

I am present to your situation and concerns, encouraging self-discovery through identifying options and skills and capabilities. I work by validating and encouraging your earned life knowledge and experience.

Do not worry about feeling awkward or embarrassed; over the years I have gained great knowledge of the ways that the human spirit can be damaged by the brutal realities of our world. You are likely to feel comfortable and receptive to a counselling approach that embraces your unique individuality and encourages your efforts at growth and healing.

Areas of specialization:

Anxiety Asexuality Career Guidance Chronic Illness Chronic Pain Coping Skills Eating Disorders Emotional Disturbance Grief Infidelity Depression Life Transitions Men's Issues Psychodynamic Art Therapy Relationship Issues Self Esteem Spirituality Stress Substance Use Trauma and PTSD Mood Disorders Personality Disorders

Modalities of Therapy Offered:

Art Therapy Attachment-based Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) Compassion Focused Culturally Sensitive Eclectic Existential Humanistic Integrative Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Motivational Interviewing Narrative Person-Centered Psychodynamic Psychodynamic Art Therapy (in Museums/Galleries) Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Strength-Based

Ages: Adults only

Contact:
David Walters:
[email protected]
780-705-6842

Shelina Merali MSW RSW


AffiliatesDo you have trouble managing your emotions or coping through challenging situations? I am happy to help you improve your quality of functioning and strategies offered to help you cope through stressful times.

Shelina is a Registered Social Worker with the AB College of Social Workers and has worked in a variety of capacities in the field of Social Work for over 20 years. Shelina has experience working with individual, family and couples. A few modalities used include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy); Solution Focused Therapy using a strength based approach.

Areas of Interest:

Mental Health Children/youth/families Couples Self-esteem Conflict resolution Conflict management

Counselling Modalities:

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) SFT (Solution Focussed Therapy) Mindfulness Therapy

I have a special interest in mental health along with couples/marital and family work. Helping improve those bonds in the family, build relationships with each other and focus on each other’s needs.

Contact:
Shelina Merali
780-707-2709

Nafisa Moallim, MSW, RSW


Nafisa Moallim-MSW-RSWNafisa is a bicultural therapist who understands the difficulties of navigating multiple identities. As a Registered Social Worker, Nafisa can lend insight on how the systems we occupy can impact our ability to find peace in our lives. She has worked in a variety of social services fields over the past 15 years and uses a relational foundation to build trust and safety in therapy. Nafisa incorporates cultural background and societal impacts when helping client’s reframe their life goals/expectations of self.

Areas of Interest:

Grief Trauma Identity Relationships [self, family, romantic, platonic] Migration/Adapting to new environments Counselling modalities: Accelerated Resolution Therapy [ART] Acceptance & Commitment Therapy [ACT] Cognitive Behavioural Therapy [CBT] Grief Processing Narrative Practice Trauma Informed Solution-Focused Therapy

Client focus:
Nafisa works with adults [individuals and couples].

Availability:
Sundays [in-person/virtual]: 10AM-2PM MST
Fridays [in-person/virtual]: 5-9PM MST

Contact:
[email protected]
780-709-4930

Cassie Seguin, MC, CCC Canadian Certified Counsellor


Cassie Seguin, MA, CCC

Cassie believes that counselling gives everyone a safe space to talk with an unbiased and nonjudgmental professional. It gives us the ability to find ourselves and practice new skills to better our lives and lead to self-improvement. She has always been interested in other people and what makes them unique. She would like everyone to have the ability to grow into their best selves, which is part of why she is passionate about working in the mental health field.

Cassie’s general approach to counselling is to meet clients where they are, and help them use their existing strengths to improve their mental well-being using a variety of techniques.

Cassie is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (#11246546), a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and received her Masters of Counselling from City University of Seattle.

Areas of Interest:

Anxiety Depression Family issues Grief and loss Life transitions Relationships Self-esteem Stress

Client focus:
Adult individuals
Couples

Availability (please contact to book):
Mondays, Tuesday evenings, Fridays
Please inquire for additional hours outside these days

Contact:
[email protected]
825-522-3296