Aly Giesbrecht, CPC

 So, you're looking for a therapist... 

It can be overwhelming trying to find a practitioner you connect with, as there are many options available and the work of therapy is, well, very personal in nature. My hope is to give you a helpful window into what therapy is like with me by not only offering you some of the necessary logistical information about therapy (please see that section below), but also a partial look at who I am as a person (after all, it's what each individual practitioner brings to their work that makes every experience in therapy unique).
 

A bit about Aly Giesbrecht:

Life is messy and complex, I understand that full well. Every person alive has had experiences of being hurt, and doing things that hurt others. My passion is stepping into both with compassion. I know it can be hard to talk about mistakes we've made or things that have been done to us out of fear of judgment and shame. My commitment to you is to approach you as a whole, complex human being, with both curiousity and care.
 
As a person, I'm quite gentle (which also often means I'm soft-spoken--heads up to those of you with hearing difficulties). I deeply value kindness, honesty, understanding, non-judgment, compassion, and redemption. Simulateously, I deeply value accountability, repair, and taking necessary steps toward healthy change. These are not always easy tasks, but they do make life better. 

Logistics:

I meet with adults (i.e. age 18+) and see both individuals and couples.  
 
 
I have expereince successfully helping clients:

• expereincing relationship difficulties, including communication challenges and conflict. This work can also involve improving boundary and assertive communication skills. 
• find relief from emotional dysregulation, including anxiety, depression, shame, dissociation, grief, overwhelm, and anger. 
• understand the impact of trauma on mind, body, and relationships, as well as building abilities to regulate and heal its difficult effects. 
• with ADHD navigate challenges in the emotional, relational, and everyday realms of life. 
• in recovery from addiction learn new ways of finding relief outside substances or addictive practices and better understand the underlying causes of the addiction. 
• whose loved one is struggling with addiction understand and navigate the impact of addiction in their own lives. 

This list isn't exhaustive--if you're wondering whether I can help with a concern that's not on this list, please don't hesitate to ask. If I'm not the right fit as a practitioner, I will help you get in touch with a provider who might be a better fit. 
 
I have undergone training to work effectively with neurodiversity and personality disorders (including but not limited to narcissism). 
 
 
My theraputic approach is generally a blend of cognitive-behavioural therapy, emotion focused therapy, attachment theory, compassion focused therapy, narrative therapy, and integrates insights from neuroscience and biology.  
 
 
I have a Master's in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor's in Social Sciences (concentrations in psychology and sociology). I am a Certified Professional Counsellor with PACCP. I also undergo yearly, specialized training that expands my competency and expertise as a practitioner. 
 

I offer 15 minute consultations, so if you'd like a brief meet and greet before booking an official appointment, please reach out via email and we'll set up a time to do so.
 
As a final note, I provide invoices and receipts so that clients can receive reimbursement from their insurance providers.