Aly Giesbrecht, CCC

 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:

I've often been described by others as warm and gentle (which also often means I'm soft-spoken--heads up to those of you with hearing difficulties). I deeply value kindness, honesty, understanding, compassion, accountability, repair, and redemption. This means that I respect the courage it takes to be vulnerable, allowing oneself to truly be seen, and will support you through the process of discovering changes that can improve your relationships, mental/emotional health, and overall wellbeing. 
 
I understand that life is messy and complex--every person alive has had experiences of being hurt, and doing things that hurt others. My passion is stepping into both with compassion and understanding. It can be hard to talk about mistakes we've made, or things that have been done to us, due to fear of judgment and shame. My commitment to you is to approach you as a whole, complex human being, with both curiosity and care.
 

Logistics:

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

• process overwhelming/traumatic events, alleviating symptoms of anxiety and distress.
• experiencing 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 therapeutic 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 of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (concentrations in psychology and sociology). I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor with CCPA. I also undergo trainings each year that expand 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.