Our Counsellors

Dr. Robbie Babins-Wagner is a visionary leader in mental health and counselling, dedicated to reducing barriers and improving evidence-based outcomes in the delivery of counselling services. With a PhD in social work from the University of Calgary, an MSW from Carleton University, and undergraduate degrees from McGill University, she brings extensive experience in counselling, domestic violence, and mental health. Robbie serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work and is a certified trainer with the International Center for Clinical Excellence.

Robbie's contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Westbury Legacy Award, the Lieutenant Governor’s True Leadership Award for Mental Health and Addictions, the University of Calgary Alumni Achievement Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. Her work continues to positively impact the mental health of Albertans, cementing her reputation as a pioneer in the field.

Christine has a masters of science in counselling psychology from the University of Calgary and has spent over a decade specializing in the area of family violence. Christine works with other community agencies to stop domestic abuse at its root causes. She has won several awards for her work, including the 2008 Selinger Award through HomeFront, the Canadian Group Psychotherapy Association 2008 Group Therapy Appreciation Award for Creative Programming, and the 2020 Alberta Inspiration Award for Leadership in Family Violence Prevention.

Marcus has a bachelor of arts in sociology, crime and deviance specialization, and a masters of social work, clinical specialization from the University of Calgary. He completed his advanced clinical practicum at the Carewest Operational Stress Injury Clinic, where he served the RCMP and military populations who are affected by post-traumatic stress and other related mental health conditions.

Cathy has a masters degree in social work, communities, management, and policy. She has extensive experience in the implementation and integration of outcome measurement in counselling. She has over 25 years of clinical experience working in domestic abuse. Cathy has proven leadership skills in promoting effective, efficient service delivery in mental health as well as clinical supervision in the non-profit sector. She is a licensed clinical social worker and an approved clinical supervisor with the Alberta College of Social Work. In 2020, Cathy received the Bhayana Family Foundation Award for Commitment to Person-Centered Practice.

Lisa has a master’s degree in counselling psychology, and a bachelor’s degree in addictions counselling. She is non-pathologizing, person-centred psychologist who enjoys working collaboratively with clients to drive change. Lisa has extensive experience in the field of addiction and mental health, with over ten years of experience in leadership roles. Lisa has a strong record of success in program development, she is an expert in clinical platforms, program evaluation, and leading diverse teams to achieve high-performance outcomes. Lisa’s strengths lie in her ability to build trust with clients, her inquisitive and critical thinking approach, and her commitment to collaborative and transparent communication.

Sarah is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University and a Masters of Social Work (clinical specialization) from the University of Calgary. She has over twenty five years’ experience working in mental health, child protection, and health care settings. Sarah has held numerous counselling and leadership positions in the not-for-profit sector. Currently, she is the Associate Director of Counselling at Calgary Counselling Centre and lead of the Centre’s education program. Sarah regularly provides accredited courses to helping professionals, and customized workshops to organizations in crisis de-escalation.

Additionally, she was a former adjunct professor within the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary where she taught as a sessional instructor. In 2023, Sarah received the Bhayana Family Foundation Award for Innovative Leadership.

Lissette is a registered Social Worker and holds a master of social work degree specializing in clinical social work and a bachelor of social work from the University of Calgary.

Lissette has over 15 years experience working with settlement and newcomer populations in recreation, outpatient, residential, and community settings providing individuals, couples, family, and group services. She has training in the treatment of psychosocial concerns including distress tolerance, anxiety, depression, and trauma; alongside identity and neurodivergence affirming therapy.

Lissette approaches practice from an eclectic perspective and works with various therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Action and Commitment Therapy, Compassionate Inquiry, and Solution Focused Therapy.

Prachi is a Registered Psychologist with a master of arts in counselling psychology (MACP) and a doctorate in psychology. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.  She is passionate about working with people navigating trauma, grief and loss, self-esteem and relationship issues, anxiety, and depression. Prachi uses an eclectic approach to counselling, drawing from several modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Gottman couple’s therapy. She is fluent in both English and Hindi, providing counselling in both languages.

Currently on leave.

Carla works as both a counsellor and as a supervisor with the College of Alberta Psychologists overseeing provisional psychologists completing their College of Alberta Psychologists residency at Calgary Counselling Centre. She is a registered psychologist with a masters of education from the University of Alberta. Prior to working at Calgary Counselling Centre, Carla worked as a special education teacher in Edmonton within a therapy program and worked extensively with families and adolescents in Edmonton.

Kelsey has an honour's bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Trent University and a master of clinical social work, specializing in trauma-informed practice, from the University of Calgary. She appreciates an eclectic approach, pulling primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. 

Kelsey has worked extensively with adults in the area of addiction, anxiety, and trauma. She is passionate about supporting individuals in the process of change, through recognizing their strengths and ability to overcome challenges they are faced with. 

Che has a degree in child studies from Mount Royal University and a masters in clinical social work from the University of Calgary. He has worked extensively with youth and adults in the areas of addictions, depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. Che’s utilitarian approach includes the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Play Therapy, with experiential and strength-based approaches, to collaborate with clients in furthering their well-being.

Dr. Gibbs graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1996. He has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada FRCP(C) since 2002. Prior to joining our team he was Staff Psychiatrist at the Peter Lougheed Centre and the N.E. Mental Heath Clinic.

Anna is a Registered Social Worker with a masters of social work, clinical specialization from the University of Calgary. Before entering the field of counselling, Anna was a nurse practitioner in England where she specialized in working with young adults experiencing kidney disease and supporting those who lived with chronic illness.

Anna guides her therapy with an integrated approach using theories of attachment and development through a trauma informed lens. Anna shapes the therapy she provides to fit with the individual needs and preferences of each client, utilizing Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and clinical hypnosis. Her specialities include working with self esteem, codependency, anxiety and relational trauma. Anna’s goal in counselling is to provide a space in which her clients feel accepted, valued and empowered to work through their presenting difficulty. Anna works predominantly with adults and couples.

Kyle is the coordinator of the Male Domestic Abuse Outreach Program at Calgary Counselling Centre. He is a registered social worker with a bachelor of social work from the City University of Hong Kong and a masters of narrative therapy and community work from the University of Melbourne.

Kyle bases on his practice on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and trauma-informed practice. He has extensive experience working with diverse populations including immigrants, youth, individuals, couples, and families, in Hong Kong, Vancouver and Calgary. In addition to English, Kyle is able to offer counselling in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Charisse is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Counselling degree from Yorkville University. Her passions include helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Charisse utilizes an integrative approach to counselling that includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Charisse has experience working virtually and in-person with individuals, couples, families, children, and groups. 

Maggie is a Registered Psychologist with a masters of arts in counselling psychology from Providence Seminary. Prior to working at Calgary Counselling Centre, Maggie worked as a mental health therapist with Alberta Health Services in Hanna, Alberta.

Maggie bases her therapy on an integrative approach that draws from Attachment Theory, neuropsychotherapy, existential mindfulness, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and solution focus. She believes that healing occurs through loving relationships that involve care, compassion, and connection. She is passionate about helping individuals, couples and families to achieve their therapeutic goals. She is able to offer counselling in both English and Mandarin.

Camille has a masters of social work from the University of Calgary and a bachelors degree in Pacific and Asian studies from the University of Victoria. She has experience counselling individuals, couples, and families in areas of self-esteem, trauma, and inter-personal relationships. Camille has training in trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and neurobiology-informed care. Camille became a counsellor because of her passion for working with people to improve their lives and relationships.

Ty is a registered social worker with a bachelor of arts in psychology from Mount Royal University, a bachelor of social work from the University of Calgary and a master of social work with a specialization in clinical social work practice from the University of Calgary. Ty’s experiences are diverse, including museum education, child development, and family development. Ty has over 14 years of experience working with children and families and is a proponent of the two-generational approach where children and their caregivers contribute to strengthening the family unit as a whole. Ty is compassionate, caring, and creative and enjoys using these attributes in his interactions with clients.

Shannon holds a master of social work degree, clinical specialization, with previous degrees in psychology, and fine arts. Working mainly in healthcare and not-for-profit realms have provided immense learning and growth through front-line clinical, community, and supervisory experiences. Shannon takes an integrated approach to counselling and strives to discover what will work best for the client, in addressing challenges they are seeking to overcome, or in building on existing strengths. Areas of experience are, though not limited to, supporting those living with disabilities, grief and loss, trauma, degenerative disease, neurodivergence, relationship issues, spiritual integration, and queer identities.

Aja has a master of social work, clinical specialization from the University of Calgary. Aja also holds a master of science with a focus on aberrant behavior and the criminal justice system from Indiana State University. Aja has worked in not-for-profit and government organizations specializing in crisis intervention, prevention of children coming into care, and helping children and their families with complex needs navigate systems.

Aja’s passion is working with trauma, anxiety, ADHD and learning disabilities, self-esteem, parenting-child conflict and depression. Aja uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Aja’s goal in counselling is to provide clients a comfortable space to share, process and learn new skills to help build resiliency.

Anna has a bachelor of arts (honours) degree in psychology and a master of counselling psychology degree from the University of Calgary. She has developed an integrative practice that is grounded in Mindfulness-Based, Cognitive Behavioral, Emotion-Focused, and Interpersonal approaches. She is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families develop a balanced sense of self, integrating reason, emotion, and action to achieve a meaningful and fulfilling life. Her special interests are helping diverse clients with anxiety, depression, and trauma.  

Raidah is a Registered Social Worker with a masters of social work in clinical social work practice from the University of Calgary. Raidah’s practice is guided by Attachment Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and trauma-informed practice. She has extensive experience working with diverse populations including immigrants, refugees and Indigenous peoples. She incorporates intersectionality and “person-in-environment” approaches in her work with individuals, couples and families. Raidah is fluent in both English and Bengali and able to provide counselling in both languages.

Dr. William Pelech has been a registered social worker in Alberta since 1983. Dr. Pelech is also a Professor Emeritus of Social Work, in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary where he has instructed courses focusing on clinical practice with individuals, families and groups for over 20 years. Dr. Pelech continues to conduct research and practice group work and currently holds a major national tri-council grant, which focuses on how practitioners utilize diversity in their group work practice. He brings experience in working with depression and anxiety disorders as well as extensive practice experience with groups and Indigenous people. His theoretical orientation is eclectic, informed by cognitive behavioural, emotionally focused, depth, and client centered approaches.

Sharona holds a bachelor of arts in psychology, a bachelor of social work, and a masters of social work (clinical specialization) from the University of Calgary. She has been involved in the social service industry for 10 years. Prior to Calgary Counselling Centre, Sharona worked with older adults navigating access to basic needs and various mental health concerns.

Sharona is an identity affirming practitioner who believes that clients deserve a judgement free space to strive for their goals, and encourages clients to acknowledge and use the strengths that they already possess.

Natalie is on leave.

Natalie is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, who has diverse experience working with adults, couples, and groups. Prior to working as a psychologist, Natalie worked in many capacities, including teaching and personal fitness training, which has helped to shape her holistic approach to mental health.   

Natalie is particularly interested in treating issues related to addictions, eating disorders, self-esteem, decision-making, and intimate and family relationships. She uses a client-centered and strengths-based approach to therapy, combining several modalities, such as Positive Psychology, Self-Compassion, CBT, DBT, and ACT, to best help each client with their specific needs and goals. Natalie brings a rich lifetime of experiences to her work, enabling her to be compassionate and empathetic to her clients' struggles while also empowering them to build on their own resources to navigate the difficulties of life. Natalie is bilingual and offers counselling in English and Brazilian Portuguese.

Jelena is a Registered Psychologist with a masters of science in counselling psychology from the University of Calgary. She embraces an integrative and collaborative approach to her practice with clients, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Her areas of interest include loss and grief, depression, anxiety, and domestic violence.   

Shazia holds a master of clinical social work from the University of Calgary, specializing in work with individuals, families, and groups. Using an eclectic approach, she integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Natural Supports Model and Solution Focused Therapy. With over a decade of experience, Shazia has supported youth, families, and communities in areas like youth empowerment, mentorship, domestic violence, support for women and girls, newcomer settlement, employment and education, and community resourcing.

Shazia also serves as a Mental Health Navigator for Calgary's business community.

Amy is a Registered Psychologist with a masters degree in counselling from Gonzaga University. Amy has experience with all ages including children, teens, adults, and seniors. Her areas of interest include treating issues related to self-esteem, spiritual crisis, addictions, purpose and fulfilment, relationship issues, and trauma. She uses a strength-based approach integrating Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, art and play therapy, within a trauma informed practice.

Annemarie Rued-Fraser has a masters in science counselling psychology and a masters in primatology, both from the University of Calgary. Annemarie has training and experience in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Her specialties include complex trauma, existential anxiety, addictions recovery, domestic violence, and borderline personality disorder. She is fluent in both English and French and able to provide counselling in both languages.

Carmen is a registered social worker, with a masters degree in social work from Carleton University.

Over the past decade Carmen has worked in community-based mental health programs, providing individual counselling and group services. She has advanced training and experience using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people living with depression, anxiety, OCD, and trauma.

In addition to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Carmen uses complementary therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and also draws upon a feminist lens and anti-oppressive practice principles. Carmen cares deeply about helping people who are struggling with hard times and difficult emotions, who are searching for meaning and purpose in life, and who seek to nurture the relationship they have with themselves and others.

Mansi has a bachelor of arts in sociology and a masters degree in social work. She enjoys working with a wide range of mental health concerns, and works with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Her passions include working with people navigating anxiety, depression and self-esteem. She uses a client-centered and strength-based approach to therapy, combining several modalities, including motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Narrative and Solution-Focused therapies, to best help clients with their needs and goals. Mansi is fluent in both English and Punjabi and able to provide counselling in both languages. She aspires to be a registered play therapist and is currently enrolled with the Association for Play Therapy.

Fiona holds a master of social work, clinical specialization, from the University of Calgary and a PhD in philosophy from The City University of New York Graduate Centre. Fiona’s academic interest in the mind, emotions, and perception led her to the mental health field, where she can use research and theory to help people learn, change, and grow.

In Fiona’s approach to counselling, she draws from multiple theories and modalities to meet the individual needs, goals, and personalities of each client. She is particularly passionate about working with concerns related to neurodiversity, anxiety, self-concept, purpose and meaning, substance use, and relationships.

Jessica is a registered social worker who holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto, along with a Masters of Philosophy from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Trent University. Prior to joining Calgary Counselling Centre, she supported people with a wide range of mental health needs in roles such as addictions counselling, case management, and supporting primary care clinics as a behavioral healthcare provider. 

Jessica's practice is rooted in strengths-based, Cognitive-Behavioral approaches with particular interest and training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and solution focused therapies. She uses a multidimensional approach to change, acknowledging the role that physical, relational, and emotional health impacts our overall wellbeing. Jessica aims to create the comfortable and judgment-free space that she believes every person deserves when they attend therapy.

Denis holds a masters of social work, clinical specialization from the University of Calgary and a bachelors degree in english literature and education from the Eurasian National University. Denis has more than ten years of experience working with children, youth, and families, including working with those who live with chronic illnesses and disabilities. In his practice, Denis draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative and Solution-Focused therapies. He believes in a holistic approach to change through the integration of physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of life.

Rasha has a masters of social work from McMaster University. They are client-centred and trauma-informed, focusing on celebrating clients’ strengths and resiliency while acknowledging and supporting them through their struggles. Some of the modalities they use include Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Rasha specializes in sexual and gendered violence, gender and sexuality, family conflict and trauma, cultural dissonance, body image and eating disorders, life transitions, navigating polyamory, childhood trauma and others.

Nielsen is a registered social worker with a bachelor of arts in psychology (honours), bachelor of social work from the University of Manitoba, and a masters of social work with a clinical specialization from the University of Calgary.

Nielsen has experience working with different populations including youth, families, and adults facing various challenges such as mental health, trauma, relationships, identity, and oppression. Nielsen utilizes an eclectic approach drawing from theories such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, trauma-informed, emotion-focused therapy, narrative, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. His areas of focus include self-esteem, identity exploration, anxiety, and depression.

Stefan has a masters of social work from the University of Calgary and a post-graduate certificate in traumatic stress studies. Stefan has additional specialized training in domestic violence risk assessment, men’s mental health, group counselling, clinical hypnosis, EMDR, and grief education. Stefan has presented at national and international conferences on men’s mental health and has published on child welfare practices. Stefan offers individual, couples’ and group counselling in person and virtually.

Nicole is a registered social worker with a bachelor of social work and a masters of social work, clinical specialization, from the University of Calgary. She also holds a bachelor of arts from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Nicole has extensive experience working with children, individuals, couples, families, and groups, both in professional and volunteer roles. She draws on a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach while integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. 

Zahra has a master of social work specializing in clinical practice from the University of Calgary. She uses an integrated approach, drawing from several therapeutic modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Guided by trauma-informed and anti-oppressive principles, Zahra focuses on creating a safe and collaborative environment for healing and growth. With a background in mental health research, she brings a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health to her clinical practice. Zahra is particularly passionate about working with families, couples, and children, helping them navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships.

Long holds a master of arts in counselling psychology (MACP). He practices through a trauma-informed and client-centred lens and uses an eclectic counselling approach with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy being the main modality. He believes that the client is the expert in their own life, and the role of a therapist is to provide guidance and support and to work collaboratively to uncover and apply their own strengths and resources to make positive changes. He has experiences in working with trauma, addictions, emotion regulation, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression. He is fluent in both English and Mandarin, providing counselling in both languages.

Joel is a registered psychologist with a masters of counselling psychology from the University of Lethbridge, and a bachelor of arts in psychology from Mount Royal University.

Joel bases his practice on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. His areas of interest include depression, anxiety, and domestic violence. Joel has experience working with families, couples, and individuals of all ages as well as group facilitation.