Advanced Graduate Level Interns

Alissa is completing her master’s degree in counselling psychology from Yorkville University. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology at Concordia University of Edmonton, where she worked as a research assistant at the Nature Meaning in Life Laboratory, studying well-being and Positive Psychology Interventions. After working in academic research, Alissa developed an interest in helping people flourish; she believes that every person’s journey to developing a meaningful life comes from within and is rooted in compassion and understanding.

She holds two verified certificates from Berkley University. The first in the Science of Happiness and the second in Mindfulness and Resilience to Stress. Additionally, Alissa is working to obtain her level-one certification in Emotionally Focused Individual therapy.

Alissa started at Cornerstone Counselling in 2020 as a practicum student and values the organization due to its dedication in helping to create a healthier and happier society by removing the barriers to accessing psychological treatment.

Inspirational Quotes:

“I use the term happiness to refer to the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.” – Sonja Lyubomirsky

“Love has an immense ability to help heal the devastating wounds that life sometimes deals us. Love also enhances our sense of connection to the larger world. Loving responsiveness is the foundation of a truly compassionate civilized society.” – Sue Johnson

How do you believe counselling can help?

Alissa believes that therapy can transform anyone’s life. Regardless of what stage someone is at in their journey, therapy can help people develop happier and more meaningful lives. While we cannot change what happened to us, we can change our course of action for the future. Therapy is an empowering and motivating process that guides people toward living a flourishing life.

Your approach to counselling:

My approach to therapy is person-centred; I work alongside clients to help them process, accept, and develop resiliency. Through respect and high regard for client safety, I believe that the relationship between client and therapist is vital to overcoming life’s challenges.

Alongside person-centred therapy, I utilize an eclectic and holistic approach to meet client needs, including Nature Therapy, Mindfulness, EFIT, and Positive Psychology.

Zach is completing a master’s degree in counselling at City University of Seattle in Canada. Prior to his graduate work, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Alberta. Throughout his time as a student, Zach gained experience as a street level worker for the Mustard Seed and spent three seasons as a wildland firefighter in Peace River, Alberta. Alongside his counselling internship, he continues to work as a Therapeutic Assistant for the Edmonton Catholic School District assisting youth of all ages.  

Zach works with adult and teenage individuals and would like to eventually facilitate couple and group therapies. He has always been fascinated by human psychology and feels a great sense of enthusiasm and privilege working with people on a relational level. Outside of school and counselling, he is a passionate karate practitioner and instructor, and loves to cook, travel, and laugh. 

Inspirational Quotes:

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” – Edmund Hillary 

“I believe the greatest gift I can conceive of having from anyone is to be seen by them, heard by them, to be understood and touched by them.” – Virginia Satir 

How do you believe counselling can help?

Life is challenging and we can often feel isolated. As Satir notes in the quote above, the experience of feeling seen, heard, and understood can be deeply transformational and provide immense healing for those who have felt alone. In counselling, this experience occurs within the therapeutic relationship, and it is through this connection that positive change can be facilitated, and people can work toward the life that they desire.   

In addition to the changes that can occur through a healing space and relationship, counselling can also help by building up our skills and tools. It can be easy to assume that we are automatically equipped to effectively handle distress and challenges, however, this is often not the case. By learning and practicing new skills and tools in a safe, nonjudgmental environment, people can find out what strategies work for them while also gaining the confidence to utilize them in their lives.  

Your approach to counselling:

My overarching aim as a counsellor is to provide a space where my clients feel comfortable, respected, heard, and unconditionally accepted as we explore and navigate their challenges. To do this, my approach is collaborative, inclusive, trauma-informed, evidence-based, and at the ultimate direction of my client.  

More specifically, my current practice incorporates the theories and interventions of Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people work toward their goals and desired level of wellness, and in a manner that is time sensitive. Also, as I believe that context is an important element to consider in one’s reality, I make an effort to acknowledge the ways in which my clients are influenced and affected by the systems in which they live.  

Emily completed her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biological Sciences and minor in Psychology in 2019 through the University of Alberta. Her subsequent experience in early childhood education solidified her passion for working with people. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Counselling through City University of Seattle in Edmonton.  

 Emily recognizes that each person is immensely unique and works to understand all parts of an individual. She strives to help clients feel comfortable in therapy by fostering a judgement-free, safe, and compassionate space. Emily appreciates the courage it takes to take the first step in the therapeutic journey and sees it as an honour to hold space for all clients on their path of healing and growth.  

Inspirational Quotes:

“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.” – Brene Brown 

How do you believe counselling can help?

Life is full of diverse experiences that are made up of challenges, hardships, and rejections – along with successes and joyous moments. When we are struggling to manage the curve balls life throws at us, I believe in the healing power of simply opening up about these struggles in a safe and supportive place. Counselling is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client, which helps individuals learn more about themselves and the patterns they adhere to. In learning more about how we cope with different life experiences we create space for self-compassion and acceptance.

Your approach to counselling:

I believe in the importance of a person-centered approach, which focuses on tailoring the therapeutic process to meet the distinctive needs and goals of each client. My approach to counselling is eclectic, drawing from various therapeutic modalities. Although my approach is grounded in psychodynamic therapy, I pull from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and other mindfulness-based approaches.