Photo of Jiwon You, Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Jiwon You
Psychologist, MA, RPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2Z  (Online Only)
Maybe you never feel enough, and what "enough" even looks like may feel uncertain. You might be exhausted from feeling the guilt and shame you don't know how to talk about. Perhaps you think your overwhelming past experiences will never leave you. I work with folks who long to accept and connect with themselves & others but feel stuck and in a loop of self-criticism. As a Korean-Canadian Psychologist with many intersecting identities, I also understand and work with many personal and systemic challenges faced by BIPOC & LGBTQ+ communities. I offer care, skills, and insights to support your growth and discovery of new possibilities.
Maybe you never feel enough, and what "enough" even looks like may feel uncertain. You might be exhausted from feeling the guilt and shame you don't know how to talk about. Perhaps you think your overwhelming past experiences will never leave you. I work with folks who long to accept and connect with themselves & others but feel stuck and in a loop of self-criticism. As a Korean-Canadian Psychologist with many intersecting identities, I also understand and work with many personal and systemic challenges faced by BIPOC & LGBTQ+ communities. I offer care, skills, and insights to support your growth and discovery of new possibilities.
(587) 400-3813 View (587) 400-3813
Photo of Sabrina Sbarzella Art Therapy, Registered Provisional Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Sabrina Sbarzella Art Therapy
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MA, DVATI
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2P
Those who chose to work with me are often on a journey of self-discovery and reflection and may have experienced the impacts of trauma, substance abuse, anxiety and depression. The clients I work with want to experience an environment that is non-judgmental and collaborative, where they feel respected, heard, and supported. I enjoy working with teens, and adults in individual and group settings. I am 2SLGBTQ+ and neurodiversity-affirming.
Those who chose to work with me are often on a journey of self-discovery and reflection and may have experienced the impacts of trauma, substance abuse, anxiety and depression. The clients I work with want to experience an environment that is non-judgmental and collaborative, where they feel respected, heard, and supported. I enjoy working with teens, and adults in individual and group settings. I am 2SLGBTQ+ and neurodiversity-affirming.
(587) 806-4307 View (587) 806-4307
Photo of Synapse Counselling Services , Counsellor in Calgary, AB
Synapse Counselling Services
Counsellor, PhD, CRC, RTC, CT
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T2P  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Living with chronic illness, disability, or neurodivergence is hard. Getting through the overwhelm of everyday life feels impossible. You're starting to feel like all you think about is your condition and everything it has taken away from you - work, hobbies, sleep, relationships. Your family and friends don’t get it. They try to help and probably mean well, but sometimes the dismissive way they say things makes you feel worse. You try to hide your symptoms to seem “normal” but inside, you feel like you might break.
Living with chronic illness, disability, or neurodivergence is hard. Getting through the overwhelm of everyday life feels impossible. You're starting to feel like all you think about is your condition and everything it has taken away from you - work, hobbies, sleep, relationships. Your family and friends don’t get it. They try to help and probably mean well, but sometimes the dismissive way they say things makes you feel worse. You try to hide your symptoms to seem “normal” but inside, you feel like you might break.
(587) 818-5281 View (587) 818-5281
Photo of Gio Dolcecore, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Calgary, AB
Gio Dolcecore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW, RMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T3H
Hi, I’m Gio (they/them), and if you're reading this I'm assuming you're looking for a therapist. I hate to break it to you, but the "perfect" therapist doesn't exist. However, we could build a therapeutic relationship together that is the perfect solution to the reasons you're looking for a therapist. You might be feeling anxious, depressed, or scared - but you're also feeling ready for change. Try a free consultation with me and let's see if we'd make a good team to tackle some of those worries together.
Hi, I’m Gio (they/them), and if you're reading this I'm assuming you're looking for a therapist. I hate to break it to you, but the "perfect" therapist doesn't exist. However, we could build a therapeutic relationship together that is the perfect solution to the reasons you're looking for a therapist. You might be feeling anxious, depressed, or scared - but you're also feeling ready for change. Try a free consultation with me and let's see if we'd make a good team to tackle some of those worries together.
(587) 600-2924 View (587) 600-2924
Photo of Tara Jane Wodelet, Registered Psychotherapist in Calgary, AB
Tara Jane Wodelet
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2P  (Online Only)
Welcome! I am a queer and gender expansive therapist, offering individual online therapy across most Canadian jurisdictions. I offer a contextualizing, self-compassionate, and strengths based approach. While life's hardships will never disappear, I can help you come to more peace and aliveness within yourself. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to be seen, heard, and grow within. Therapy is kind of like detangling a big ball of yarn; it can be both hard yet relieving (you're not broken, just tangled!), and ultimately allows room for more consciousness/choice to flow in: now that your threads are free, what would you like to weave?
Welcome! I am a queer and gender expansive therapist, offering individual online therapy across most Canadian jurisdictions. I offer a contextualizing, self-compassionate, and strengths based approach. While life's hardships will never disappear, I can help you come to more peace and aliveness within yourself. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to be seen, heard, and grow within. Therapy is kind of like detangling a big ball of yarn; it can be both hard yet relieving (you're not broken, just tangled!), and ultimately allows room for more consciousness/choice to flow in: now that your threads are free, what would you like to weave?
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Photo of Lucy Nesbitt Holistic Trauma Therapy, Counsellor in Calgary, AB
Lucy Nesbitt Holistic Trauma Therapy
Counsellor, RTC, CT, BMus
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2A
I am a holistic, creative and somatic oriented therapist who helps clients gently move deeper into their mental health and wellness journey. I work with clients to soothe and support their nervous system, integrate and heal trauma, find emotional regulation, heal from grief and loss, and rekindle a sense of agency in life. Whether you're experiencing cognitive, emotional or physical symptoms, my hope is that our work together can offer you a soft place to land and find solace, as well as a chance to metabolize past hurts and generate new possibilities for ease and agency in your life.
I am a holistic, creative and somatic oriented therapist who helps clients gently move deeper into their mental health and wellness journey. I work with clients to soothe and support their nervous system, integrate and heal trauma, find emotional regulation, heal from grief and loss, and rekindle a sense of agency in life. Whether you're experiencing cognitive, emotional or physical symptoms, my hope is that our work together can offer you a soft place to land and find solace, as well as a chance to metabolize past hurts and generate new possibilities for ease and agency in your life.
(587) 819-1244 View (587) 819-1244
Photo of Savannah Forsey, Counsellor in Calgary, AB
Savannah Forsey
Counsellor, MA, LCT-C, CCC, CTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2A  (Online Only)
Hi there! I work with individuals (16+) who have experienced struggles with trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, relationship issues, body dysmorphia, etc. In my practise I utilize a humanistic, client-centred, trauma-informed approach. Aiming to foster an open and collaborative environment for clients, while integrating self-awareness and mindfulness-based techniques in session.
Hi there! I work with individuals (16+) who have experienced struggles with trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, relationship issues, body dysmorphia, etc. In my practise I utilize a humanistic, client-centred, trauma-informed approach. Aiming to foster an open and collaborative environment for clients, while integrating self-awareness and mindfulness-based techniques in session.
(506) 501-5727 View (506) 501-5727
Photo of Lauren Gaudet, Registered Social Worker in Calgary, AB
Lauren Gaudet
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2G  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Welcome! Are you looking for a therapist who can help you explore the connection between your mind and body, and support you as you work through trauma and other challenges? I'm here to help you do just that. As a therapist, I specialize in working with the mind-body connection to help my clients achieve greater well-being and balance in their lives. Whether you're dealing with symptoms of trauma, struggling with anxiety or depression, or simply looking for ways to feel more grounded and centered, I'm here to support you on your journey.
Welcome! Are you looking for a therapist who can help you explore the connection between your mind and body, and support you as you work through trauma and other challenges? I'm here to help you do just that. As a therapist, I specialize in working with the mind-body connection to help my clients achieve greater well-being and balance in their lives. Whether you're dealing with symptoms of trauma, struggling with anxiety or depression, or simply looking for ways to feel more grounded and centered, I'm here to support you on your journey.
(825) 254-7932 View (825) 254-7932

Online Therapists

Photo of Nicholas (Nick) Breitenbach, Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Nicholas (Nick) Breitenbach
Psychologist, MA, BA
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Red Deer, AB T4N
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and Certified Sex Therapist with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Working extensively with adults in individual and couple settings, I am passionate about helping clients find solace and understanding in different aspects of life. I focus on developing a strong rapport with my clients so they can feel safe exploring these difficult to explore areas of concern. I aim to assist my clients in live as authentic as possible in order to maximize their potential.
I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and Certified Sex Therapist with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Working extensively with adults in individual and couple settings, I am passionate about helping clients find solace and understanding in different aspects of life. I focus on developing a strong rapport with my clients so they can feel safe exploring these difficult to explore areas of concern. I aim to assist my clients in live as authentic as possible in order to maximize their potential.
(825) 605-4603 View (825) 605-4603

See more therapy options for Calgary

Compassion Focused Counsellors

How does compassion-focused therapy work?

Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.

Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?

Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.

Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?

Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.

What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?

Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.