guidance for every phase.

Counselling, or talk therapy, is a way to help people reduce, manage and cope with various challenges.

Counselling must be a collaborative process, requiring both the client and counsellor to be actively involved in the process of treatment. Together, a counsellor and client explore the client's thinking, relationships and life circumstances in order to better understand how the client may bring about positive changes that will enhance their quality of life.

what is counselling?

meet your counsellor

Alison Kawa, B.A. (Psy), BSW, RSW

Alison is a registered Social Worker with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Alison has 16 years of professional experience supporting children, youth, and families. Alison’s years of counselling experience have involved treating individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship problems and more. Alison is passionate about providing a safe and caring space for clients to engage in inner work. She comes from a client-centred humanistic approach with the philosophy that the client is the expert in their life.

Alison uses a number of modalities to create individualized change with each client, including solution-focused and strengths-based approaches, mindfulness and experiential practices, and cognitive-behavioural theory, among others. She is able to use a variety of experiential, behavioural, and cognitive techniques in order to enhance interpersonal relationships and intrapersonal understanding.

my approach

In our sessions, my goal is to be present and genuine as you explore your vulnerability.

I am interested in getting to know you and wish to provide a comfortable and safe atmosphere where you get to guide the rhythm and pace of our sessions. I enjoy using humour when it’s appropriate, and am more than thrilled to learn more about your interests and joys. I look forward to getting down to the hard work — because therapy is hard work for both of us. But it’s also rewarding, fulfilling, and life-giving work.

I operate from a biopsychosocial, culturally responsive and socially just framework. My approach is anti-oppressive and LGBTQ+-affirmative. You will find our sessions to be exploratory, collaborative, and specific to each individual and what is needed at the time.

A number of different treatment modalities and interventions can be used in sessions, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Gestalt Therapy

  • Relaxation and stress-management training

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Psychoeducation

  • Mindfulness-based approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Concerns that you may bring to counselling include:

  • Abuse

  • Anger

  • Anxiety

  • Communication problems

  • Conflict

  • Depression

  • Difficulty in relationships

  • Fears & phobias

  • Feeling stuck

  • Grief & loss (death of a loved one or end of a relationship/friendship)

  • Identity

  • Life transitions

  • Loneliness

  • People-pleasing

  • Perfectionism

  • Self-esteem & confidence

  • Social functioning

  • Stress

  • Trauma & PTSD

  • Troubling thoughts & feelings

  • Work-life balance

COMMIT TO YOUR
WELL-BEING

There’s no better time to feel better.

Reach out with your questions or book your session today.