Counselling Therapy with Michele Theoret

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Michele Theoret

Registered Psychologist; B.Sc. Exercise Sciences; MA Counselling Psychology;

Certified Yoga Therapist; ERYT-500; Advanced EMDR Clinician;Integrated Somatic Therapist; Psychedelic Assisted Therapy;

In my work as a psychologist my intention is to meet each client where they are in their process. I take a holistic approach understanding that the intersections of environment, culture, family, past experiences, beliefs and physiology all have an impact on a person’s nervous system, self-concept, and how they show up in the world. Compassionate curiosity is the birthplace of change allowing us to be with our experience with more compassionate and creative perspective. There is a scientific phenomenon that states “what we observe changes” and similarly even the most subtle shifts in perspective of our past experiences or current behaviours may transform how we show up in these moments; Subtle shifts create a new trajectory and possibilities.

During sessions I encourage a compassionate curiosity about:

Current issues;

“what are noticing in your body?”

“what current symptoms are you experiencing?”

“where do you feel stuck right now?”

Past stories and influences; often our current problems were once solutions that allowed us to cope, adapt, and survive.

“what circumstances, events, or histories have contributed to the present issues?”

“looking back now what effect did that have on you?”

“how did you get through that/adapt?”

Future Possibilities;

“what are you hoping for?”

“what else might be possible? “

Clients I support

I support clients struggling with issues related to chronic stress, trauma, sports performance issues, anxiety, burnout, life transitions, grief, parenting, relationships, and chronic illness/pain.

I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities including EMDR, integrated somatic techniques, yoga/mindfulness, compassion-focused therapy, IFS-Parts work, attachment focused therapy, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, and Gottman couples therapy.

A bit about the way I work…

I encourage a compassionate curiosity about past experiences (and the stories we tell ourselves about them), present challenges, and future possibilities.

Through my experiences with competitive martial arts, working with athletes as a strength and conditioning coach, and body-building I gained invaluable insight into the power of deliberate practice, consistency, and discipline. I have found that intensity through movement practices has the capacity to develop distress tolerance and heightened focus. When you are overthinking and stuck “in your head” drop into your body…”deep breathes” “10 more sec” “just one more rep” “one step at a time”

Through yoga, I gained an embodied understanding of an interconnected, integrated, and a more expansive self that can find ease in current moods, fears, and limiting narratives; A connection to a higher self or source that is bigger than this mood or moment.

Through studies in exercises sciences, neuroscience, and psychology I have discovered the brilliant capacity, adaptability, intelligence, and resilience of the human body and experience.

“Years as a healer and trauma therapist have taught me that trauma isn’t destiny. The body, not the thinking brain, is where we experience most of our pain, pleasure, and joy, and where we process most of what happens to us. It is also where we do most of our healing, including our emotional and psychological healing. And it is where we experience resilience and a sense of flow.”-Resmaa Menakem

I currently reside with my family and work on Treaty 6 territory the traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and travelling route of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Dene, Nakota Sioux and other nations.

I am currently offering both online sessions and in person at Empowered Collective Suite #201, 1524 91st SW Edmonton, Alberta. I am also offering Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT) through Cena Life located at 5555 Calgary Trail NW #1155, Edmonton, Alberta.

I am an approved provider with Non-Insured Health Benefits for Indigenous and Inuit (NIHB) and Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program (IRSRHSP). The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program provides mental health counselling services to Survivors of Indian Residential Schools, the families of former students (spouse, partner, and children) and any relative who has experienced the effects of intergenerational trauma associated with a family member’s time at an Indian Residential School.

I am also able to direct bill many insurance providers including Alberta Blue Cross and Medavie (VAC, CAF, RCMP) and I have experience supporting first responders and those in helping professions.

Additional Certification and Training