Counselling Therapy
Michele Theoret
Registered Psychologist; MA Counselling Psychology; Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT-500; Certified Yoga Therapist; BSc Exercise Science
In my work as a therapist my focus is on creating safe trauma-informed spaces; meeting clients where they are at in life; and inspiring a compassionate curiosity about who we are, how we might have arrived here, and what else might be possible. I take a holistic client-centered approach informed through understanding that the intersections of environment, history, culture, experiences, beliefs, attitude, thoughts, feelings, emotions, and physiology all have an impact on a person’s well-being. I help clients struggling with issues related to chronic stress, trauma (PTSD and Complex Trauma), anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, parenting, relationships, and chronic illness/pain.
I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities including mindfulness/yoga, somatic stress relief, compassion-focused therapy, EMDR therapy, IFS-Parts work, attachment focused therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) and Gottman couples therapy, in order to support individuals in being more connected, current, curious, compassionate, confident, and creative in their relationship with themselves and the world.
Inspired by yoga, mindfulness, martial arts, and psychology, I encourage a compassionate curiosity about who we are and what else might be possible. Through my experiences with martial arts, strength and conditioning coaching, and body-building I gained insight into the power of deliberate practice, consistency, and patience. Through yoga, an understanding of an integrated, interconnected self that is more expansive and peaceful than current moods, memories, and thoughts. My offerings shift the narrative from self-improvement and ‘should’ towards self-care and self-compassion; Wholeness over perfection. Compassionate curiosity or acknowledgement is the birthplace of change allowing us to be with our experience with no filter or interference, and from here we can create more clarity, understanding and coherence.
My vision is to empower individuals to become more engaged in their moment-to-moment experiences, transforming the way they show up in their bodies and lives every day.
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 offering both online sessions (clients may reside anywhere in Alberta) and in person at Empowered Collective Suite#210, 1524 91st SW 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 able to direct bill Alberta Blue Cross and Medavie (VAC, CAF, RCMP). I have experience supporting first responders and those in helping professions.
“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
Additional Certification and Training
- EMDR Basic Training & R-TEP, G-TEP &STEP
- DBT Skills training
- Integrative Somatic Training Certificate-Embody Lab
- Somatic Stress Relief Level 1-Dr Scott Lyons
- Healing Trauma course-Dr. Peter Levine
- Relational Trauma Certificate Program-Somatopia
- EMDR & Parts Work for Treating Complex Trauma: Somatic Techniques to Decrease Defensiveness and Facilitate Trauma Processing-Dr Arielle Schwartz
- IFS Informed EMDR-Dr Bruce Heresy
- Gottman Method level 1, 2 and working with PTSD and affairs
- Psychedelic Assisted Therapy January 2023
- IRest Yoga Nidra-Dr
- Compassionate Inquiry-Dr Gabor Mate
- Meditation Training-Michael Stone
- Ayurvedic Healing Course-300HR
- E-RYT 500HR Yoga Teacher Training
- Certified Yoga Therapist
- Mental Health First Aid
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