Meet the Experts
Joel’s approach is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as he believes that learning to process and journey through difficult thoughts, feelings, and emotions, enables us to move towards integration and acceptance of ourselves and our journeys.
Andrea's approach is eclectic in nature utilizing person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Andrea’s clinical qualities include holding a compassionate, safe place to hold your story, unconditional positive regard, empathy and presence.
Chantal has been working with the Fort McMurray Catholic School Board for 3 years. In this role her primary focus is family counselling, with a mix of school counselling at the elementary level. Her core foundation starts with attachment based and trauma-informed psychotherapy. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most powerful elements of counselling. As human beings we are all born with an innate need to connect and this is a key foundation of her work.
I am passionate about being able to provide a safe, inclusive and non-judgemental space for clients to have their stories heard and therapeutic journey supported in order to become their authentic selves. The opportunity to walk alongside client’s journeys is a true privilege and I view life and counselling with the perspective that many events, thoughts, feelings and behaviours contribute to who we are and how we interact within the world. By providing clients with unconditional positive regard, empathy, trust and warmth, we can form a therapeutic alliance and collaboratively work together to explore challenges that may arise, rediscover strengths, release potential and work towards positive change and growth.
Melissa is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who has always been fascinated by the field of behavioural sciences. From a very young age, her dream has been to work in mental health, wanting to help others through their struggles. Melissa believes that creating change does not have to fit into a one-size fits all approach. Instead, she believes that change is created when each individual and their personal experiences are at the heart of the therapeutic process.
The nature of human existence is that no matter how hard one endeavours to avoid difficulties, everyone will experience challenging times, thoughts, feelings, emotions and pain. Through this reality, I feel that people can embrace their inner wisdom and cultivate the life they hope to live despite the broad range of human emotions we must all navigate. By identifying one’s inner strengths to engage in life meaningfully, people can experience a more intentional and richer existence, fulfilling their innate desire to live their best life even when they face hardships.
I have a specific interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), but believe in an integrative approach, as each client is unique. I believe that in spite of difficult thoughts, feelings, and emotions, people deserve to and can live a full and meaningful life.
Laura is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for supporting new Moms (prenatal and postpartum), children and families. As a new Mom herself, she is aware of the joys, challenges & messes that come with feeding a child. With that experience, Laura is committed to help families create a healthy foundation with food. She will strive to help you and your family nurture a positive, lifelong relationship with food.
Family Life Values
At Family Life Psychology & Wellness, individuals and families will find high quality, evidence-based, and integrated health care services.
Authentic
To be authentic, we must cultivate the courage to be imperfect and vulnerable. We have to believe that we are fundamentally worthy of love and acceptance, just as we are.
Compassionate
We will actively listen to fully understand and genuinely empathize with people’s experiences. Responding in service and advocacy for each individual, each group or community, and for society as a whole.
Client Centered
Through unconditional positive regard, empathetic understanding, and congruence we relate with and encourage our clients without casting judgment. We will show our confidence in our client’s ability to make decisions and choices.
Family Life has experience providing counselling and assessment services in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Fort McMurray, and the Greater Edmonton Area since 2015. Our team specializes in building capacity for psychological services and supporting our local community through partnerships with local municipalities, school divisions, and other community organizations.
