Advanced Graduate
Level Interns

Cory is a student in the MA in Counselling program at Central Seminary in Shawnee, Kansas, and a member of the pastoral staff at a local church in Edmonton. His background includes extensive experience as a professor and pastoral counsellor. Cory previously completed a Master of Theology degree from Spurgeon’s College in the UK, and a PhD in practical theology from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. He currently is a student member of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

Inspirational Quotes:

“Hospitality is not to change people but to offer them space where change can take place…where strangers can enter and discover themselves as created free; free to sing their own songs, speak their own languages, dance their own dances; free also to leave and follow their own vocations.” – Henri Nouwen in Reaching Out

How do you believe counselling can help?

We were never meant to carry our burdens alone. Sometimes we need someone to sit with us in our struggles, uncertainty, and pain. Someone who is willing to truly see us and hear us. Someone committed to honouring the questions we are asking of our lives and skilled at helping us face those we’ve been reluctant to ask. Counselling can encourage us to see ourselves and our circumstances in a new light, equip us with resources to navigate life’s challenges, and empower us to draw upon the wisdom and strength already resident within us. It can aid us in developing new ways of relating to the past, present, and future and enable us to gain a greater sense of freedom and fulfillment in daily life.

Your approach to counselling:

As the Nouwen quote above expresses, I desire to create safe space within which every client can feel free to be honest about themselves, their struggles, and their questions. When appropriate, I employ proven approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. However, I also draw upon several other time-tested therapeutic approaches that can aid clients in exploring their desires for meaning, purpose, and connection and in addressing how their life stories have been shaped through key relationships and experiences. I am committed to seeing each client holistically as physical, psychological, social, and spiritual beings and to partnering with them as they navigate the complex—and sometimes messy—interplay between these dimensions of their lives.

Lauren is currently a student in the final stages of completing her Master of Counselling degree. She also hold a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta. Lauren’s previous work as a registered nurse in women’s health allowed her to walk with families as they navigated hardship and unexpected losses. This experience cultivated a desire to continue her education with a focus on providing holistic care, beyond physical needs, to enhance the well-being of individuals. She is also passionate about issues of social justice, the accessibility of mental health resources, and is committed to fostering inclusivity in her practice.

Inspirational Quotes:

“You do not just wake up and become the butterfly—growth is a process” ― Rupi Kaur

“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all.” ― Hellen Keller

How do you believe counselling can help?

I believe counselling provides a unique opportunity for individuals to explore many facets of their life in a safe and supportive environment. Within this context, we might experience a change in perspective, learn new skills, and harness an inner strength that empowers us to make effective, values-driven change. Through counselling, we can lead a rich and meaningful life while effectively handling the inevitable pain and challenges that will arise.

Your approach to counselling:

The therapeutic relationship is at the core of the counselling process, as I believe we have an essential need to connect with others. Primarily, I hope to provide a nonjudgmental space where you feel seen, heard, and respected. I generally integrate the modalities of cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and somatic approaches. However, our work together is collaborative and flexible, and we will tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and goals.

Shedean completed her undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in criminology at Lakehead University. She went on to complete a post-graduate certificate in addiction counselling: treatment and prevention. Shedean is currently completing her master of counselling degree at the City University of Seattle and has attained a position as a practicum student at Cornerstone. She has gained much experience in addictions counselling however, the desire to broaden her scope to be able to provide a more holistic approach to the needs of her clients led to her return to school. Shedean is also a certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist.

Inspirational Quotes:

“It can be difficult to control what happens to me; but, I can control what happens within me.”

How do you believe counselling can help?

Shedean believes that an individual’s childhood and life experiences play a role in the way they think, feel and behave. Through counselling, individuals get support with changing unhelpful patterns in their life and develop insight to create new ways of being.

Your approach to counselling:

Shedean takes a respectful, open and curious approach to therapy with the goal of creating a safe space. Each individual comes with their own experience and being able to meet the person where they are at will allow for client centred care. Although Shedean’s primary theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), she also draws from dialectical behavioural therapy skills, and emotion-focused therapy. Overall, Shedean takes a strength-based approach and works with her clients collaboratively to help them move forward.

Kerry is currently completing a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and is a student member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She also holds Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) degrees from the University of Alberta. Previously, she worked for several years in leadership roles in communications/PR providing consulting services to clients across many sectors in Canada and the United States. Kerry has also served on volunteer boards including the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and the Stollery Women’s Network (SWN), as well as in mentorship roles supporting young professionals and students.

Through Kerry’s two decades of corporate experience, and training with Dr. Gary Namie from the Workplace Bullying Institute, she also brings a nuanced perspective regarding the complex issues impacting people at work and how to cope.

Inspirational Quotes:

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.” – Lao Tzu

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” / “With the certainty of tides, just like hopes springing high, still I’ll rise.” – Maya Angelou

How do you believe counselling can help?

Healing and coming into one’s own with a greater sense of self-acceptance is a journey. This includes effectively managing and negotiating relationships with others, which can be challenging and complicated. Counselling can help provide individuals a doorway into greater self-revelation and insight that can help carry a person through life’s challenges with greater confidence and resiliency.

Your approach to counselling:

I aim to provide a respectful space supported by an empathic and collaborative style rooted in compassionate listening and understanding where clients can explore their own self-discovery and grow to become their best selves. I take an integrated approach from a client-centred theoretical perspective where individuals are holistically appreciated. And I incorporate tools and techniques that are suited to supporting people’s own unique paths, including drawing upon cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion focused, and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) interventions.