We Offer Online and Telephone Counselling.
Catalyst Counselling
About Us
Maria Bianco, clinic lead
Hello. I am a registered psychologist and my approach is to connect with you, listen and meet you right where you are. At times, life may feel heavy, fogged in, stressful, painful or confusing - therapy can help. I offer eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), somatic therapy (body movements to process topics), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioural or cognitive processing therapy (CBT/CPT), which are research-based, proven highly effective approaches to healing. Faith or spiritual practices are also evidenced, helpful ways to overcome everyday struggles. I have extensive and ongoing practices in faith and spiritual-based rituals and interventions to share if you are interested.
Another passion of mine is the arts: drawing, music, movement, crafts, and painting. These are also inspiring ways to build motivation and change, with children and adults. Couples seeking help with relational stress are welcome to attend several sessions in a row (individually and/or together) or spread out appointments times over the years as needed. In therapy, couples can process stress, try new ways to reconnect, discover the latest research and find a personalized dynamic between each other to be developed throughout the life span. I follow the Gottman and emotionally-focused approaches to relational struggles.
It’s my honour and privilege to help in your journey towards a life filled with less worry, deeper meaning, more hope, and relationships that are healthy, stable and secure. You are not alone. My experience and training have helped many find their way back to peace, health and success.
My Background
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I am a registered psychologist in Alberta, Canada. I specialize in trauma therapy, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain issues.
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I have been a certified teacher in British Columbia and Alberta, since 2002. I was also a school psychologist and a university instructor for 10 years. I currently train psychology masters level practicum students and superivse provisional psychologists.
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I hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling from Athabasca University, since 2014.
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I graduated from the University of British Columbia Post-Baccalaureate Education Degree Program, where I received a Bachelor of Education Degree.
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I obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Psychology minoring Sociology, from University of Victoria.
Kel
Kel is completing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University and is currently in his clinical practicum at Catalyst Counselling Services under the supervision of a registered psychologist.
Kel has extensive experience supporting youth at schools, the recovery of young offenders, as well as facilitating safe, supervised family visits in situations
involving intense family discord.
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With a bachelor's degree in abnormal psychology and criminology, Kel approaches counselling from a compassionate, collaborative, and non-judgmental perspective. His professional experiences have reinforced his belief that people are evolving and striving to improve their circumstances.
In counselling, he aims to create a calm, therapeutic environment, where clients can feel heard, respected and process topics at their own pace. Kel is particularly specialized in supporting youth and adults experiencing anxiety, stress, grief, loss, trauma-related concerns, relationship difficulties, self-worth concerns, and significant life transitions.
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As a man, he also offers personal insight and research regarding men's mental health and resilience. Kel believes counselling is a collaborative process that can help clients expand understandings, recognize strengths, develop new ways of coping, and move toward changes that are meaningful to them.
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Tasha
I’m a Counselling Psychology student from Yorkville University. I aim to integrate various research-based methodologies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based practices. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and strength-based. One of my major focuses is treatment of trauma in women of colour. My goal is to create an environment that encourages my clients to thoroughly express themselves whilst taking steps towards personal growth.
Your Journey
It is a credit to you that you are taking the steps to find help, make changes and feel better. Therapy isn’t always comfortable, and it is important to have a workable fit with a therapist. If we don’t have a strong connection, then a referral can be offered. Let’s start by booking an appointment for a 10-minute consultation or a full session, by phone, virtually or at the office.