Family Therapy in Calgary, AB
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy, using Emotion-Focused Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal techniques, and Internal Family Systems Theory.
My ideal clients are individuals and couples facing life transitions, mental and physical health challenges, and complex relationship dynamics. They seek to understand and heal from trauma, grief, loss, and to navigate the perinatal journey into parenthood. These clients desire to enhance emotional bonds, break unhelpful relational patterns, and find meaning and purpose in life. They want compassionate support and non-judgmental guidance to experience self-compassion, symptom reduction, and healthy self-care. Their goal is to achieve fulfilling, committed relationships and improved overall well-being.
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy, using Emotion-Focused Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal techniques, and Internal Family Systems Theory.
My ideal clients are individuals and couples facing life transitions, mental and physical health challenges, and complex relationship dynamics. They seek to understand and heal from trauma, grief, loss, and to navigate the perinatal journey into parenthood. These clients desire to enhance emotional bonds, break unhelpful relational patterns, and find meaning and purpose in life. They want compassionate support and non-judgmental guidance to experience self-compassion, symptom reduction, and healthy self-care. Their goal is to achieve fulfilling, committed relationships and improved overall well-being.
I work with couples who want to improve their relationship or are exploring a decision about their relationship, as well as individuals experiencing relational difficulties (romantic, family, friends, etc.
Are you and your partner easily triggered by each other, creating consistent conflict? Or have you stopped expressing what you feel and think, resulting in loneliness and disconnection? Have either of you communicated that you’re unhappy? Imagine if you could learn how to identify and work on your contribution in a relationship, share thoughts and feelings productively with another person, and listen non-defensively and with curiosity. It’s exciting when people take a risk to engage with others in a different way and feel good about the action they took.
I work with couples who want to improve their relationship or are exploring a decision about their relationship, as well as individuals experiencing relational difficulties (romantic, family, friends, etc.
Are you and your partner easily triggered by each other, creating consistent conflict? Or have you stopped expressing what you feel and think, resulting in loneliness and disconnection? Have either of you communicated that you’re unhappy? Imagine if you could learn how to identify and work on your contribution in a relationship, share thoughts and feelings productively with another person, and listen non-defensively and with curiosity. It’s exciting when people take a risk to engage with others in a different way and feel good about the action they took.
While I have studied in many therapies, referrals to me tend to: couples' work, Internal Family Systems, personal crisis and addictions work.
Forty five years of experience in a variety of settings including in and out patient psychiatry, children's psychiatry, community mental health and academia in front line, supervisory and director roles. I have certifications in sexual and multiple addictions treatment, EMDR, NLP, Aviation Crisis, IFS. I have training in psychoanalytic and Jungian psychotherapies, hypnosis, Gestalt, trauma and systems therapies. I enjoy a varied practice with couples work, individual work in the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, life change. I see the connectedness of body, mind and spirit and view crisis as a powerful learning opportunity.
While I have studied in many therapies, referrals to me tend to: couples' work, Internal Family Systems, personal crisis and addictions work.
Forty five years of experience in a variety of settings including in and out patient psychiatry, children's psychiatry, community mental health and academia in front line, supervisory and director roles. I have certifications in sexual and multiple addictions treatment, EMDR, NLP, Aviation Crisis, IFS. I have training in psychoanalytic and Jungian psychotherapies, hypnosis, Gestalt, trauma and systems therapies. I enjoy a varied practice with couples work, individual work in the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, life change. I see the connectedness of body, mind and spirit and view crisis as a powerful learning opportunity.
Melanie Fox-Smith
Registered Provisional Psychologist, BA, MC, CHNC, CCC
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T2H
I approach counselling from a holistic lens and focus on treating the whole person within the context of their personal, social and professional life. Are you looking to thrive and not just get by? Are you interested in personal development? If so, I would like to help. If you want to improve your relationship with your partner, children, friends, family members or coworkers, I take a grounded, attachment-based approach rooted in social neurobiology. I have a particular interest in counselling on spirituality, grief and loss, complex and developmental trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders and chronic health conditions.
I approach counselling from a holistic lens and focus on treating the whole person within the context of their personal, social and professional life. Are you looking to thrive and not just get by? Are you interested in personal development? If so, I would like to help. If you want to improve your relationship with your partner, children, friends, family members or coworkers, I take a grounded, attachment-based approach rooted in social neurobiology. I have a particular interest in counselling on spirituality, grief and loss, complex and developmental trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders and chronic health conditions.
Drawing from various theoretical orientations, including Somatic Experiencing, Emotion Focused Therapy, family of origin, and Cognitive-Behavioral, we will work collaboratively to develop and integrate a treatment approach tailored to your needs and goals.
I work weekends/evenings as well as weekdays, in person (Shawnessy Calgary) or online. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and our ability to heal. I also know that we can get lost, and having someone support us as we navigate our path back to health can be life-changing. Therapy can be scary, and you may not be sure where to start. This is a shared experience, and together we will work to put the presenting problem into words and create a plan for our work. If you have made it this far in your search, you are looking for something. Even if you can not put it into words let's chat. I look forward to working with you.
Drawing from various theoretical orientations, including Somatic Experiencing, Emotion Focused Therapy, family of origin, and Cognitive-Behavioral, we will work collaboratively to develop and integrate a treatment approach tailored to your needs and goals.
I work weekends/evenings as well as weekdays, in person (Shawnessy Calgary) or online. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and our ability to heal. I also know that we can get lost, and having someone support us as we navigate our path back to health can be life-changing. Therapy can be scary, and you may not be sure where to start. This is a shared experience, and together we will work to put the presenting problem into words and create a plan for our work. If you have made it this far in your search, you are looking for something. Even if you can not put it into words let's chat. I look forward to working with you.
I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches and tools, including (but not limited to) CBT, ACT, narrative therapy, hypnosis, trauma-informed therapy, solution-focused therapy, couples therapy, family systems, and brief therapies.
In life, we can find ourselves challenged in ways we did not expect or anticipate. Life can become difficult and overwhelming to manage at times. In such moments, it can be helpful to seek support from someone who might help unearth possibilities and support you in finding healthier and adaptive ways to manage and cope. It is my belief that developing a strong, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone to therapeutic success. Through mutual respect, genuine empathy, and trust, individuals can be seen and heard, and encouraged to create the changes they want in their lives.
I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches and tools, including (but not limited to) CBT, ACT, narrative therapy, hypnosis, trauma-informed therapy, solution-focused therapy, couples therapy, family systems, and brief therapies.
In life, we can find ourselves challenged in ways we did not expect or anticipate. Life can become difficult and overwhelming to manage at times. In such moments, it can be helpful to seek support from someone who might help unearth possibilities and support you in finding healthier and adaptive ways to manage and cope. It is my belief that developing a strong, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone to therapeutic success. Through mutual respect, genuine empathy, and trust, individuals can be seen and heard, and encouraged to create the changes they want in their lives.
Susan Shores Psychological Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T2H
Has your community been impacted by natural disaster? Free online services available with no waitlist! Welcome. A QUIET space awaits you. I have a FIERCE spirit & a GENTLE presence. I am both direct & compassionate. I believe in the inherent values & rights of ALL regardless of who you are; and where you've travelled. YOU are the EXPERT in your LIFE! I bring 25+ years of experience specializing in mental health, neuro-diversity, concussion, trauma, life transitions, professional and family stressors, relationships & more. Together we can navigate a clearer and more sustainable path to joy, meaning, purpose, and significant change.
Has your community been impacted by natural disaster? Free online services available with no waitlist! Welcome. A QUIET space awaits you. I have a FIERCE spirit & a GENTLE presence. I am both direct & compassionate. I believe in the inherent values & rights of ALL regardless of who you are; and where you've travelled. YOU are the EXPERT in your LIFE! I bring 25+ years of experience specializing in mental health, neuro-diversity, concussion, trauma, life transitions, professional and family stressors, relationships & more. Together we can navigate a clearer and more sustainable path to joy, meaning, purpose, and significant change.
Dr. Dana Male
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2S (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you a person who is focused on getting the most out of life? Are you trying to create a rich and fulfilling life (e.g., meaningful career, quality family time, close and intimate relationships, active self-care and health) but finding it impossible to juggle it all and strike a sustainable balance? Do you feel pulled in so many directions that you are failing to show up wholeheartedly in any one area of your life and feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or uninspired as a result? Is there a part of you that knows you're capable of showing up more authentically and enthusiastically in your life?
Are you a person who is focused on getting the most out of life? Are you trying to create a rich and fulfilling life (e.g., meaningful career, quality family time, close and intimate relationships, active self-care and health) but finding it impossible to juggle it all and strike a sustainable balance? Do you feel pulled in so many directions that you are failing to show up wholeheartedly in any one area of your life and feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or uninspired as a result? Is there a part of you that knows you're capable of showing up more authentically and enthusiastically in your life?
You're probably one of -many- adults wishing you could overcome self-sabotaging beliefs and put the past behind you. Or, maybe you're a couple or family wanting to get back on track and get through some challenges. In this confidential, relaxed space, you can be heard with no judgement and receive professional guidance on your goals. The focus: Exploring your viewpoints, feeling emotions safely, enhancing your strengths, and addressing your needs. By shining a light on these factors, we can begin aligning them to fit you and the life you want to lead.
You're probably one of -many- adults wishing you could overcome self-sabotaging beliefs and put the past behind you. Or, maybe you're a couple or family wanting to get back on track and get through some challenges. In this confidential, relaxed space, you can be heard with no judgement and receive professional guidance on your goals. The focus: Exploring your viewpoints, feeling emotions safely, enhancing your strengths, and addressing your needs. By shining a light on these factors, we can begin aligning them to fit you and the life you want to lead.
Hi and WELCOME! I have worked as a counsellor for over 15 years and believe in the importance of authenticity, emotional safety, and humour. I specialize in working with children and family systems, children and adolescent mental health, personality disorders, narcissistic abuse and co-dependence as well as family of origin trauma. I feel we have the innate needs of being seen and understood which is supported by co-creating strong relationships with a trauma-informed sensitivity.
Hi and WELCOME! I have worked as a counsellor for over 15 years and believe in the importance of authenticity, emotional safety, and humour. I specialize in working with children and family systems, children and adolescent mental health, personality disorders, narcissistic abuse and co-dependence as well as family of origin trauma. I feel we have the innate needs of being seen and understood which is supported by co-creating strong relationships with a trauma-informed sensitivity.
Dr. David Hersh - Hersh Ctr for Sexual Wellness
EdD, LMFT, CST, ABS, FAACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2H
My specialty is Human Sexuality. I'm a Certified Sex Therapist, Psychotherapist and am a mostly retired, formerly Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have 50+ years experience. I was trained, mentored and supervised by Dr. Wardell Pomeroy of the Kinsey Institute. I help my patients achieve their greatest sexual and relationship potential, beyond diagnosis and treatment of their concerns, to reach the most exciting levels of an intimate relationship. I see many patients online. It is efficient and effective, and it permits the intimacy and immediacy of an in-office consultation, from the comfort of your home or office.
My specialty is Human Sexuality. I'm a Certified Sex Therapist, Psychotherapist and am a mostly retired, formerly Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have 50+ years experience. I was trained, mentored and supervised by Dr. Wardell Pomeroy of the Kinsey Institute. I help my patients achieve their greatest sexual and relationship potential, beyond diagnosis and treatment of their concerns, to reach the most exciting levels of an intimate relationship. I see many patients online. It is efficient and effective, and it permits the intimacy and immediacy of an in-office consultation, from the comfort of your home or office.
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My goal is to help you live a rich, full, meaningful life, which means learning coping skills for stressful situations, improving marriage, family, and other relationships beyond just surviving, but thriving.
When you feel all hope is lost, there is STILL hope! Vincent van Gogh said, “There may be a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke.” I consider my job to hear and feel with you the great fire of your soul—your struggles, feelings of hopelessness and worry, feeling controlled by your emotions and past trauma, repeating patterns of conflict, battling addiction, or fighting an inner battle that others may not fully understand or appreciate.
My goal is to help you live a rich, full, meaningful life, which means learning coping skills for stressful situations, improving marriage, family, and other relationships beyond just surviving, but thriving.
When you feel all hope is lost, there is STILL hope! Vincent van Gogh said, “There may be a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke.” I consider my job to hear and feel with you the great fire of your soul—your struggles, feelings of hopelessness and worry, feeling controlled by your emotions and past trauma, repeating patterns of conflict, battling addiction, or fighting an inner battle that others may not fully understand or appreciate.
I am highly trained and skilled in a variety of modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Internal Family Systems to name a few.
I am proud to provide a high level of skill and expertise to adults and couples. If you are struggling managing life stressors, mental health challenges or behaviours that are preventing you from living the life you desire, we can help. I have experience working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, addictions, grief/loss, life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, relationship issues, anger and trauma, to name a few. In terms of couples, many come to couples therapy dealing with challenges such as communication issues, difficulties around sex, affairs, or considering a breakup.
I am highly trained and skilled in a variety of modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Internal Family Systems to name a few.
I am proud to provide a high level of skill and expertise to adults and couples. If you are struggling managing life stressors, mental health challenges or behaviours that are preventing you from living the life you desire, we can help. I have experience working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, addictions, grief/loss, life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, relationship issues, anger and trauma, to name a few. In terms of couples, many come to couples therapy dealing with challenges such as communication issues, difficulties around sex, affairs, or considering a breakup.
Narcissistic abuse? Anxious, Confused and Gaslit? Difficulties in relationships, family, friends or work, can cause anxiety, depression, divorce and loss of self and can lead to alcohol abuse and other unhealthy coping strategies. I help my clients recognize patterns, understand behaviours, explore difficult decisions, grieve and gently guide them along their indivudal critical path. I listen and assist clients move beyond the emotional issues they are experiencing. My approach is empathetic, validating and supportive, offering Person centered, Solution based and Somatic Attachment Therapy.
Narcissistic abuse? Anxious, Confused and Gaslit? Difficulties in relationships, family, friends or work, can cause anxiety, depression, divorce and loss of self and can lead to alcohol abuse and other unhealthy coping strategies. I help my clients recognize patterns, understand behaviours, explore difficult decisions, grieve and gently guide them along their indivudal critical path. I listen and assist clients move beyond the emotional issues they are experiencing. My approach is empathetic, validating and supportive, offering Person centered, Solution based and Somatic Attachment Therapy.
Specialty areas of counselling are sex or pornography addiction, co-dependency, drug and alcohol addiction, dysfunctional families, family of origin issues, grief and loss, trauma, infidelity, partners of sexual betrayal, and spiritual care .
I have both professional training and personal experience with hard and painful situations. Whether you feel hopeless, unsettled, conflicted or downright angry at your circumstances or maybe you just sense there is way more to this life than you are currently experiencing, I believe I can help. With my direct approach, it won’t take long to get to the heart of the issues, the core problems, so we can work together to find the best possible solutions. I come alongside individuals or couples, adults and teens, to help understand or change perspective so you can rewrite the narrative of your life.
Specialty areas of counselling are sex or pornography addiction, co-dependency, drug and alcohol addiction, dysfunctional families, family of origin issues, grief and loss, trauma, infidelity, partners of sexual betrayal, and spiritual care .
I have both professional training and personal experience with hard and painful situations. Whether you feel hopeless, unsettled, conflicted or downright angry at your circumstances or maybe you just sense there is way more to this life than you are currently experiencing, I believe I can help. With my direct approach, it won’t take long to get to the heart of the issues, the core problems, so we can work together to find the best possible solutions. I come alongside individuals or couples, adults and teens, to help understand or change perspective so you can rewrite the narrative of your life.
Alice Wilmes
Licensed Professional Counsellor, MA, RPC, CT, CCTP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T1Y
I am a registered counselor with extended experience and specialized training in various modalities including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Attachment-Focused Therapy, and Somatic and Mindfulness-Based Approaches.
Are you ready to feel connected again, to let go of trauma, dysfunctional habits, and fears that have prevented you from moving forward and reaching your goals? I can help. I work in the areas of self-esteem, emotional regulation, eating disorders, addictions, relationships, work, and overall fulfillment in life. Whether you are caught in destructive patterns, experiencing anxiety, depression, panic, unexplainable sadness, or disconnection from yourself, together we can work to help you gain a sense of grounding, safety, healing, and freedom.
I am a registered counselor with extended experience and specialized training in various modalities including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Attachment-Focused Therapy, and Somatic and Mindfulness-Based Approaches.
Are you ready to feel connected again, to let go of trauma, dysfunctional habits, and fears that have prevented you from moving forward and reaching your goals? I can help. I work in the areas of self-esteem, emotional regulation, eating disorders, addictions, relationships, work, and overall fulfillment in life. Whether you are caught in destructive patterns, experiencing anxiety, depression, panic, unexplainable sadness, or disconnection from yourself, together we can work to help you gain a sense of grounding, safety, healing, and freedom.
I have worked with patients who have struggled with wide variety mental wellness issues. I am here to listen and provide the help and support you need. I will help you understand and cope with the distress you may be experiencing. I will take a compassionate approach to help you find your strengths and utilize them to move forward. I have experience working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, adjustment to a family member’s illness and many other life stressors.
I have worked with patients who have struggled with wide variety mental wellness issues. I am here to listen and provide the help and support you need. I will help you understand and cope with the distress you may be experiencing. I will take a compassionate approach to help you find your strengths and utilize them to move forward. I have experience working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, adjustment to a family member’s illness and many other life stressors.
Samu Ndhlovu
Drug & Alcohol Counsellor, RTC, CCAC, CCTAP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2H (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Samu Ndhlovu. I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) and a Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor (C.C.A.C). I strive to create a strong, client centred connection, based on openness, honesty and respect. My counselling style is collaborative, and focuses on increasing self-awareness, honouring one's own insights, and finding ways to remove obstacles in areas where they feel stuck or need growth. I structure my counselling style by incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Family Systems and Trauma Informed Care.
Hello! My name is Samu Ndhlovu. I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) and a Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor (C.C.A.C). I strive to create a strong, client centred connection, based on openness, honesty and respect. My counselling style is collaborative, and focuses on increasing self-awareness, honouring one's own insights, and finding ways to remove obstacles in areas where they feel stuck or need growth. I structure my counselling style by incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Family Systems and Trauma Informed Care.
Contextual forces of family, community, historical events, and trauma shape the brain from conception through the lifespan. Less than optimal circumstances can lead to a compromised nervous system and the formation of maladaptive patterns in the brain and body. As a result, you may suffer from symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, poor emotional regulation, difficulty in relationships, addictions, dissociation; and even autoimmune disorders or physical symptoms that cannot be explained medically. If you want to heal stuck patterns, live authentically with more joy and less fear, and have better relationships, I can help!
Contextual forces of family, community, historical events, and trauma shape the brain from conception through the lifespan. Less than optimal circumstances can lead to a compromised nervous system and the formation of maladaptive patterns in the brain and body. As a result, you may suffer from symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, poor emotional regulation, difficulty in relationships, addictions, dissociation; and even autoimmune disorders or physical symptoms that cannot be explained medically. If you want to heal stuck patterns, live authentically with more joy and less fear, and have better relationships, I can help!
I provide services for depression + postpartum depression, anxiety, life transitions, OCD, stress (work related, divorce/ separation/ break-up), familial/ parental issues, ADHD (in children and adults), relationship difficulties (difficulty managing pre-teens/ teen agers), marital + family issues (interfaith and interracial marriage).
Hello! I am Sadaf and welcome to my Psychology Today profile. Are you feeling stressed and looking for someone to talk to? I am offering flexible scheduling with afternoon and evening appointments, both in-person and virtually on weekdays and the weekends.
I provide services for depression + postpartum depression, anxiety, life transitions, OCD, stress (work related, divorce/ separation/ break-up), familial/ parental issues, ADHD (in children and adults), relationship difficulties (difficulty managing pre-teens/ teen agers), marital + family issues (interfaith and interracial marriage).
Hello! I am Sadaf and welcome to my Psychology Today profile. Are you feeling stressed and looking for someone to talk to? I am offering flexible scheduling with afternoon and evening appointments, both in-person and virtually on weekdays and the weekends.
See more therapy options for Calgary
Family Therapy Counsellors
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.