Welcome to AltaClarity Counseling! We are truly grateful that you’ve found your way here. It’s possible that you’ve come across our page because you’re curious about therapy, in search of a compassionate therapist to help you navigate life’s challenges, or looking to embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling life. We want to commend you for taking this important step!
Perhaps you’ve arrived here due to past or present struggles, emotional discomfort, or are seeking therapy tailored to your unique needs. You may have tried various self-help methods, delved into books, and now find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of information available.
At AltaClarity, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment modalities to assist you in creating a curated toolbox for crafting the life you deserve. Our aim is to cultivate a therapeutic space that we would seek out for ourselves – one that involves working with a genuine, skilled therapist who listens without judgment, respects your aspirations and desires, and is committed to meeting you where you are.
Counseling is a deeply personal journey that may bring forth challenging emotions and memories. While there are no guarantees, many have experienced profound transformation through therapy. Progress may be gradual, but therapy should not be painful; it can, however, be a rewarding challenge. It is important to understand that just attending a single session is not often enough to create immediate or lasting change. You may feel better in the moment or gain a new perspective, but typically an active effort from clients between sessions through homework and intentional reflection is crucial.
This is because therapy can help rewire neural pathways, the more you can apply the skills and therapy outside of sessions, the better the brain is able to adapt through a process called neuroplasticity. Work between sessions may seem daunting, however; a therapist’s role is to tune into your needs to ensure the pace is comfortable and manageable for you. The benefits of counselling are vast. It can help you develop coping skills, make behavioral changes, reduce symptoms of mental health disorders, enhance your quality of life, learn to manage anger, live in the present, and much more.
Master-level social workers (MSW) with a clinical focus, clinical counselors, and psychologists share important similarities. They undergo rigorous training that includes extensive practicums. After graduation, therapists often pursue further training in treatment modalities that suit their interests, frequently participating in the same workshops to learn specific skills like EMDR or ART therapy.
Social workers adopt a holistic approach, acknowledging that environmental factors greatly impact well-being. Many are authorized by the Alberta College of Social Workers to perform “restricted psychosocial interventions,” allowing them to assess and treat mental health disorders. They consider both micro-level influences, such as family and friends, and broader social factors, including policies and cultural beliefs. Psychologists focus on behaviors and mental processes, with some specializing in psychometric testing.
Ultimately, the most crucial factor in therapy is finding a therapist you trust. A good therapist will engage with you to understand your needs, discuss their expertise and limitations, and collaborate on a treatment plan. You should feel comfortable expressing if something isn’t working or if the treatment doesn’t align with your goals.
If you are unable to keep yourself safe, please call 911 or head to your nearest emergency department. If you need urgent supports please see our resource page for services in your local area.
Please email us at info@altaclarity.com or if you are interested in a complimentary 15 minute session, you can book directly through our website.
