Ms. Ashlyn Demers
Ms. Ashlyn Demers, Registered Psychologist
Beginning counselling can be one of the most intimidating yet personally rewarding things someone can do for themselves. While it is normal to feel stuck or unsure at times, I believe everyone has the ability and strength to navigate through life and its challenges. I hope to help you see this while working alongside you.
I see counselling as a process of moving towards well-being. This can look different depending on you and your goals. Perhaps you’d like to manage life’s challenges or explore past and present experiences. You may hope to gain insight and perspective, develop different skills, or increase your sense of self. Whatever you land on, as we work together, I will provide my attention, empathy, compassion, and curiosity to support you.
Because no one person is the same, I take an integrative, person-centred approach to counselling. Such an approach emphasizes the therapeutic relationship in driving change. It also allows us to adapt what we do in counselling to best meet your needs and goals. To promote the therapeutic relationship, I draw on my ability to connect authentically, which involves bringing patience, warmth, a non-judgmental attitude, and when appropriate, some humour to my work.
In addition to the therapeutic relationship, I use a variety of different therapeutic approaches and evidence-based interventions. Some approaches I draw from include Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and EMDR.
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, “Soften the orange a bit on the right-hand corner.” I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.”
~ Carl R. Rogers
Educational Background:
- Master of Education in Counselling Psychology (University of Lethbridge)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (MacEwan University)
Areas of Experience:
- Anxiety
- Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (Tics, Hair Pulling, Skin Picking)
- Burnout
- Communication
- Depression
- Emotion Regulation and Processing
- Grief and Loss
- Identity Exploration
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Perfectionism
- Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Self-Compassion
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Harm
- Stress Management
- Suicidality
- Trauma