Therapists

R. Shakti Allen – M.A.; CCC (Owner)

I was a social worker from 1990 to 2020 and received a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Counselling and Psychotherapy from St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton in 2013. I am a member in good standing with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association , the voluntary governing body that licenses and registers counsellors across Canada. I am also registered with the Association of Counselling Therapists of Alberta. https://www.acta-alberta.ca/

I believe we come more fully into our own lives when we understand ourselves better. I know that our issues in the world are not lived out in isolation, but often are a result of a complex web of social systems that interact around us. I am a mother, mother-in-law, step-mother, wife, and grandmother. I live in a collaborative family and interact in a collaborative community.

I am a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (C.Hyp) and will utilize hypnotherapy as a tool in some counselling sessions. I am also trained and experienced in providing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to assist with recovery from trauma. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy and use this in all of my work.

ASSOCIATE THERAPISTS

Vistara Conway, R. Psych Play Therapist

I bring with me over 15 years as a therapist, 8 years as a registered psychologist and a great enjoyment of working with people. My focus is working with children, teens, and young adults using Play therapy, Sand Play, expressive arts, Family Constellation and more.

Play therapy is a positive and effective way of helping children sort out life difficulties. Children communicate through play, problem-solve through play, learn to socialize through play and much more. Many teens and young adults (and people of any age!) also discover the underlying causes of anxieties, depressions and relationship struggles through mediums such as symbolic sand play, art, and family constellation accompanied with more traditional talking therapies.

As no two people are alike so each of my sessions is original. I bring warmth, authenticity, humour, creativity, a non-judgmental and inclusive approach to my work and create an environment of safe exploration for my clients.

Karen Laden, M.A.; CCC

Hi, my name is Karen Ladan. As a counselor, I believe that everyone has their own ability to heal from life’s challenges and my job is to help you in that healing journey.  I worked 10 years in Family Support Work with Children Services and then 20 years as a School Counselor.  I’m a Certified Canadian Counselor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I’m currently employed as an Addictions Counselor for Alberta Health Services and would be happy to see you for your addiction concerns at AHS. 


Shannon Harris

My name is Shannon Harris. I am a psychology counseling student with Athabasca University. I believe that everyone has the potential to find solutions to the difficulties they may be experiencing. You may need some help exploring these solutions or believing in yourself and that is what I am here for. I am looking forward to working with you on your journey.

Shannon