Calgary Counselling & Therapy Services: Expert Emotion Therapists Near You
Regain Control Over Your Emotions
With Compassionate, Effective Therapy
Imagine waking up feeling confident, emotionally balanced, and ready to embrace life. Our Calgary therapists are here to help you make that a reality. Discover the tools to break free of your emotions and start feeling better.
FROM STRUGGLE TO STRENGTH
Life can feel overwhelming when emotions take control. Anger, anxiety, stress, or grief can cloud your judgment and drain your energy, leaving you unsure of how to move forward. These emotions don’t sit quietly - they disrupt your ability to enjoy life, connect with others, and perform at your best.
The impact can be far-reaching and long-lasting. You might avoid situations, struggle in relationships, or feel disconnected. Left unchecked, these emotional burdens can trap you in a cycle that’s increasingly difficult to escape.
But you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Emotions Therapy Calgary, we specialize in helping you break free from these emotional traps. Our personalized approach to counselling goes beyond symptom relief, addressing root causes and building long-term emotional resilience.
With and compassionate empathy and evidence-based counselling near you, we’ll guide you through life’s challenges, helping you build stronger relationships and rediscover joy. We’re here to help you thrive - to live a life where you feel balanced, confident, and in control of your emotions.
Transform Your Life: Professional Therapy in Calgary & Alberta
Emotional Balance
Gain more control over intense emotions and find inner peace. Navigate life's challenges with resilience and calm.
Clarity & Purpose
Discover your true passions and values. Find direction and make decisions that align with your authentic self.
Stronger Relationships
Develop the skills to build and maintain meaningful connections. Experience deeper intimacy with loved ones.
TESTIMONIALS
“Helped me to grow as a professional and to be a better person.”
“The best therapist I have ever used.”
“Fantastic to work with.”
“Professional, reliable, compassionate.”
“Easy to speak to and non-judgmental.”
“I would refer a family member in a heartbeat!”
Our Areas of Therapy Expertise
ADHD
Counselling
Improve focus and unlock your potential.
Anger
Management
Regain inner calm and repair relationships.
Anxiety
Counselling
Overcome worry to live with confidence.
Depression
Counselling
Lift the cloud of depression and feel joy.
Grief
Counselling
Heal your heart and embrace life after loss.
Mental Health
Workshops
Learn valuable skills for mental wellness.
Stress
Management
Recharge your energy and restore balance.
Meet Our Calgary Psychologists & Therapists
Alya (Alexis) Ilythia, MSc/PG
Hi, I’m Alya! If you’re here, you might feel exhausted by trauma, anxiety, or disconnection from your body. Let me reassure you: Your pain isn’t your fault, and together, we can transform survival into thriving.
As a therapist, I help clients rebuild lives, not just manage symptoms. Using body-oriented approaches like polyvagal theory and somatic techniques, we’ll calm your nervous system and restore mind-body safety. Paired with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy we’ll gently process pain while honoring your unique pace and needs.
With a Master’s in Psychology & Neuroscience from King’s College London and specialized trauma training, I blend science with compassionate, collaborative care. Whether healing from trauma or seeking emotional safety, you’re welcome here – tears, silence, laughter, and all.
You deserve more than survival. Let’s start your journey to reclaim peace with a free 20-minute consultation.
Rod Mitchell, MC, MSc, RPsych
Hi! I'm Rod, a Registered Psychologist and the founder of Emotions Therapy Calgary. Our team of experienced therapists, counsellors, and psychologists brings years of collective experience and a deep commitment to your emotional well-being.
We specialize in managing intense emotions, offering evidence-based care in a supportive counselling environment. Together, we will navigate your emotional landscape, set clear objectives, and empower you to feel strong and in control of your life.
Ready to break free from the emotions that have been holding you back? The first step is a free 20-minute consultation. Let's talk about how we can help you reclaim the life you deserve.
Psychological Methods Our Therapists Offer
ACT Therapy
Align your actions with your values and commit to lasting change.
CBT Therapy
Reframe thoughts and develop healthier thinking patterns.
EMDR Therapy
Process painful memories to regain control of your life.
Somatic Therapy
Experience holistic healing by integrating mind and body.
"If you're finding it hard to manage your emotions, we're here to help. Our approach isn't just about coping – it's about understanding your feelings and using them to create positive change in your life."
- Rod Mitchell, Registered Psychologist
Why Our Calgary Counselling Services Stand Out
Specialized Expertise
Our psychologists specialize in treating intense emotions, providing you with targeted, effective care.
Personalized Therapy
Your unique psychotherapy plan is designed to match your specific needs and counselling goals.
Proven Techniques
Using evidence-based methods like EMDR and CBT, we offer solutions that create lasting change.
. Flexible Scheduling
Professional counselling care from anywhere in Alberta, including evenings and weekends.
Measurable Progress
We use data-driven methods to track your growth and optimize your therapy journey.
Compassionate Care
Our warm, accepting environment encourages emotional exploration without fear of judgment.
Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy Near You With Professional Counsellors
Individual Therapy
Personalized support for your unique journey.
Couples Counselling
Build your relationship and improve communication.
Family Therapy
Heal conflicts and grow together as a family unit.
AS FEATURED IN
Online Counselling Available Throughout Alberta
Our secure online therapy brings professional counselling support directly to you, anywhere in Calgary and Alberta.
Research consistently shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person counselling. Whether you're seeking personal psychology growth, couples therapy, or family counselling, our virtual meetings provide the same high-quality therapeutic relationship.
With online counselling sessions, you can engage in therapy from the comfort of your chosen space, maintain consistent care even when traveling, and benefit from more flexible scheduling options.
Distance is no longer a barrier to exceptional counselling and mental health care. Whether you're in Edmonton, Medicine Hat, or rural Alberta, your journey to better mental health near you is more accessible than ever.
What to Expect in Your Counselling Journey
In-Depth Exploration
We begin with an exploration of your emotional patterns, triggers, and goals. This comprehensive understanding allows our counsellors to create a highly personalized treatment plan.
Emotions as Allies
We teach you to view intense emotions not as enemies to be suppressed, but as powerful signals that can guide positive change in your life.
Practical Skill Building
You'll learn concrete techniques to manage experiences like anxiety, depression, and trauma in real-life situations. Through guidance, you'll develop a robust emotional toolkit.
Mind-Body Connection
We combine cognitive strategies with somatic, body-awareness counselling techniques. This leads to more comprehensive, holistic healing.
Adaptive Therapy
Your journey of growth is unique. Our therapists continuously adjust their approach based on your progress, ensuring your therapy remains effective and aligned with your goals.
Support Beyond Sessions
Our therapists provide carefully selected resources and tools to support your continued growth between therapy appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The duration of counselling varies based on your story - your individual needs and goals. Some clients find significant improvement in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Our psychologists and registered provisional psychologists work with you to address various issues, from burnout to relationship challenges, tailoring the length of therapy to your specific situation.
We'll discuss a tentative timeline during your consultation and regularly review progress throughout your counselling.
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Absolutely. Your privacy is our top priority. All information shared in therapy is confidential, with exceptions only as required by law (such as risk of harm to self or others).
Your therapist will discuss our confidentiality policy in detail during your counselling intake meeting. Our counselling centre is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where you can explore personal and family issues freely.
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Yes, we offer direct billing for counselling in Calgary and Alberta to many insurance providers. We'll discuss payment options and help you understand your coverage for counselling Calgary sessions during your consultation. Most providers cover counselling sessions with our therapists, counsellors, psychologists, and registered provisional psychologists.
We are also accessible to First Nations and Métis clients who have Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) coverage for counselling sessions.
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Beyond our counselling meetings, we provide resources and tools to support your continued growth and emotional wellness. This may include recommended readings, worksheets, or exercises tailored to your specific needs, goals, and life transitions.
Our approach aims to help clients maintain progress and apply therapeutic insights to daily life, whether you're working on personal growth, family systems, or couples issues using methods like the Gottman approach.
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If you're struggling with intense emotions, relationship issues, or feeling stuck in life, therapy can be incredibly beneficial.
Our free consultation is an excellent opportunity to discuss your concerns and see if our counselling approach aligns with your needs. The therapeutic relationship we build is designed to provide a safe, supportive space for you to explore and address your concerns effectively.
Your Path to Emotional Wellness Starts Here
If you're feeling uncertain or nervous about starting therapy, you're not alone. Many of our clients felt the same way before taking that first step. That's why we've created a friendly, no-pressure process to guide you to your first session.
1
Reach Out
Fill out our brief contact form. Just your basic info and a few words about what brings you here – that's all we need to get started.
2
Free Consultation
We'll reach out to schedule a no-obligation 20-minute consult. We'll discuss your goals, answer questions, and ensure we're the right fit.
3
Start Therapy
If we align, we'll schedule your first session. Together, we'll begin developing your personalized plan for a brighter tomorrow.
Beyond Our Clinic: Affordable & Free Therapy Services in Calgary
At Emotions Therapy Calgary, we believe everyone deserves access to good counselling services in Calgary, regardless of financial circumstances. For those unable to access our psychology services, we maintain a comprehensive guide to affordable and free therapy Calgary options and mental health resources near you.
Your mental health matters. We hope our guide helps you find the best ways to access the resources you need on your journey to good emotional wellness.
Use the accordions below on this page to explore the guide. Know of a resource we missed? Email us at info@emotionstherapycalgary.ca to help expand this list.
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Free therapy in Calgary can be categorized into three types: widely available services with limitations, like Eastside Family Therapy's walk-in single sessions; specialized programs for specific groups, such as those by Immigrant Services Calgary; and affordable sliding scale options, including the Open Path Collective therapist directory and the Calgary Counselling Centre.
Within these broad categories, each free or affordable therapy service has its own nuances and details, and offers a unique approach to mental health support. Read on to learn more about each option.
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The Affordable Therapy Network is a directory of therapists across Canada who offer reduced rates and sliding scales. The network aims to increase the availability of counseling for those in financial need.
Features:
Low-Cost Rates: Sessions between $50 and $65 for those experiencing financial difficulty. Pro-bono and pay-what-you-can options with intern therapists.
Sliding Scale Rates: Rates approximately $70 to $120 for those who can afford more, varying between practitioners.
Free Consultations: Many therapists offer free consultations to help find the right therapeutic match.
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The Calgary SCOPE Society offers free counselling specifically designed for adults with developmental disabilities who are funded through PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities). Their dedicated professionals provide personalized support that fosters independence and empowerment.
Features:
Outreach Services: Assistance to individuals, families, and organizations with support tailored to the unique needs of each individual and family. This includes support for behavioral, social, or emotional challenges.
Community Support Program: Provides flexible levels of support for people with disabilities, including assistance with home, leisure, relationships, and wellness activities. The support ranges from 5 hours a week to 24-hour care based on individual needs.
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Carya extends its compassionate arm to families, older adults, and provides functional family therapy, all on a sliding scale to accommodate various financial situations. They are a beacon for those seeking mental wellness, fostering a nurturing environment for growth and healing.
Features:
Family Counselling: Support for families, couples, and parents facing mental health challenges, relationship problems, parenting challenges, grief, and life transitions.
Older Adults Counselling: Counselling services for older adults to address depression, anxiety, loneliness, elder abuse, and other challenges of elderhood.
Youth Engagement: Empowering youth through counselling and programs focusing on self-esteem, confidence building, and community leadership.
Community Support: Various programs and activities for community members, designed to foster connections and support individuals and families.
Elder Abuse Response Team: Specialized support for older adults at risk of or experiencing abuse.
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The Centre for Sexuality offers free counselling for those facing challenges related to sexual health and sexuality. Embracing inclusivity, this organization provides a safe space for individuals to explore and understand their sexual health in a non-judgmental environment.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: Offering free and confidential services, catering to a wide range of demographics including children, youth, adults, and seniors.
Professional Counselling: Client-centered counselling services that empower individuals to understand and navigate their sexual health and wellness.
Educational Workshops and Resources: Workshops and a vast array of online resources on sexual health, ensuring access to factual, evidence-based information for everyone.
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Cultivate is a group of mental health professionals offering a wide range of services on a pay-what-you-can basis. Their approach focuses on accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity, providing flexible support to meet individual needs.
Cultivate offers individual counselling, couples and family therapy, and specialized services for issues such as neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ concerns, eating disorders, and chronic illness. They also provide psychoeducational assessments for learning disabilities and cognitive function.
Since 2019, Cultivate has provided over $2 million in subsidized services through their Pay What You Can program, demonstrating their commitment to making mental health care accessible to all.
Features:
Pay What You Can Program: No proof of income required, sessions as low as $10 with limited $0 fee slots available.
Multilingual Services: Available in English, Spanish, Punjabi, Russian, and more.
Flexible Scheduling: Appointments available 7 days a week, from 7am to 10pm.
Service Locations: In-office, online, and in-home/workplace sessions available.
Collaborative Approach: Works with other healthcare providers and support systems.
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The Distress Centre Calgary stands as a pillar of hope for individuals in Crisis. Specializing in immediate support, they also provide telephone assistance for youth, ensuring that no one has to face their struggles alone.
24-Hour Crisis Support: Available by phone, text, or chat, offering immediate crisis intervention and support.
Professional Counselling: Up to six free short-term crisis counselling sessions with, evening and emergency appointments available.
211 Service: Access to a network of community, social, health, and government services to assist Calgarians and those in Alberta.
Youth Support: Youth peer support is provided through the ConnecTeen youth program.
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Immigrant Services Calgary provides psychotherapy and counselling on a sliding-scale basis, including free in-home support for those who qualify. This organization prides itself on its ability to offer services in multiple languages, ensuring that newcomers to Calgary are welcomed and supported.
Languages available for counselling services:
English
French
Spanish
Arabic
Mandarin
Plus other languages upon request
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Kindred focuses on providing timely, accessible support and education to help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Kindred offers two key programs: Rapid Access Counselling and Never Too Late, both designed to provide accessible support to individuals in need.
Rapid Access Counselling: Kindred provides single-session counselling support for individuals, couples, and families across Alberta. This service offers 75-minute appointments, often available within three business days, to address current crises or ongoing challenges.
Features:
Available province-wide for all ages
In-person, online, and phone sessions
Affordable fee model where clients set their own comfortable fee
Free for families, children under 18, and their caregivers
Typically available within three business days
Appointments available Monday to Friday, including evenings
Never Too Late (NTL) Program: NTL is a free program supporting adult learners who want to complete their GED (high school equivalency). It offers academic, social, and emotional support in a cohort-based learning environment.
Features:
19-week program with two 3.5-hour sessions per week
In-person and virtual options available
Daytime and evening groups to accommodate schedules
Access to volunteer tutors outside of class time
Wrap-around support to reduce barriers to learning
Scholarships available from various community partners
To access these services, you can book online at www.CommunityConnectYYC.ca/kindred.
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The Open Path Collective offers affordable, in-office and online psychotherapy sessions for those in financial need. They serve clients who lack health insurance or have insufficient mental health benefits, ensuring access to mental health care at reduced rates.
Affordable Sessions: Psychotherapy sessions are offered between $40 and $70, with a special rate of $30 for student intern sessions.
Lifetime Membership: A one-time fee of $65 provides lifetime access to affordable therapy sessions within their network.
Wide Demographic Reach: Services are available to all races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, countries of origin, disabilities, ethnicities, and people.
Online and In-Office Therapy: Clients have the option of choosing between in-person or online sessions based on their preference and need.
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Skipping Stone offers specialized counselling services for transgender youth, adults, and their families, emphasizing a fees-based-on-ability-to-pay model. This organization is dedicated to providing support and resources tailored to the transgender community in a respectful and affirming environment.
Features:
Community Coaching: An empowerment-focused approach providing emotional and practical support, building resiliency and improving wellbeing.
Peer Mentor Program: A 6-month program matching trans youth and/or parents with mentors for community and connection building.
Community Group Programs: Groups for trans and gender diverse folks of all ages, including partners and parents, to build a sense of community.
Expressions Program: Helps individuals express themselves through learning skills like style, wardrobe, grooming, and hygiene.
Gender Affirming Gear: Provides access to gender affirming gear like binders, breastforms, and packers, with sizing and care information.
Affirming Health Care: Collaboration with healthcare providers for services like hormone therapy and gender affirming surgeries.
Name/Gender Marker Changes: Assistance with the process of changing name or gender marker, including a comprehensive guide and clinics for support.
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The Alex is a multifaceted community organization offering a wide range of health and social services to support vulnerable Calgarians. Their approach is rooted in understanding the challenges of accessing healthcare and providing comprehensive, accessible support.
The Alex's services cover a broad spectrum of needs, including addiction support, mental health care, LGBTQ2S+ services, parenting support, peer support, and sexual health services. Their programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible, with many offering specialized support for specific demographics or needs.
Features:
Community Food Centre: Addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating
Community Health Centre and Bus: Providing accessible medical care
Dental Health Programs: Offering dental care to those who might otherwise go without
Housing Programs: Supporting individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Justice Navigation: Assisting those involved with the justice system
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine: Providing timely support for substance use issues
Youth Health Centre and Bus: Tailored health services for young people
Seniors Health Centre: Specialized care for older adults
Social & Wellness Programs: Promoting overall well-being and community connection
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Wood’s Homes offers comprehensive and immediate mental health support with a variety of services tailored to meet the needs of families, couples, and individuals. These services are designed to make mental health support more accessible to everyone.
Free Single-Session Therapy: Immediate and accessible support for urgent mental health needs, offering one-time sessions to address current challenges.
eTherapy: Therapy available through email, providing a convenient and flexible option for those preferring remote access to mental health services.
Walk-In Services: Available on specific days for instant support without prior appointment requirements, catering to immediate counselling needs.
Extended Services: Up to six visits or sessions with the same counselor or therapist, allowing for continuous and consistent support.
Mobile Crisis Family Support: Intensive support and guidance available both in-person and online, focusing on family crisis situations.
Mental Health System Navigation: Assistance in navigating the mental health system in Alberta, connecting clients to the best services for their needs.
Integrated Ethnocultural Team: Offering immediate support from a team proficient in multiple languages, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for diverse communities.
Wood's Homes' team of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and family therapists, work together to address client concerns, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mental health care.
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Each of the following resources provides distinct services aimed at enhancing mental health in Calgary. They represent vital community assets and offer diverse support ranging from counselling to psychiatric assessment and beyond.
Access Mental Health provides information, consultation, and referrals for individuals in Calgary facing addiction and/or mental health concerns.
Alberta Health Services offers walk-in counselling for a variety of emotional and mental health issues. This service provides immediate access to help without the need for an appointment, tackling urgent needs swiftly and effectively.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in the Calgary region offers peer support with free, one-on-one sessions, fostering recovery and resilience through shared experiences and understanding.
The Counselling for Immigrant Women (CIWA) program offers engagement and a sense of community for women of all ages.
Crowfoot Primary Care Centre provides the One-Step-at-a-Time counselling service for various life challenges.
The CUPS Mental Health Clinic offers counselling services, psychiatric assessments, and medication support prescriptions, especially targeting individuals without regular family doctors and clients of CUPS Health Services.
The Mustard Seed Neighbour Centre provides counselling on addictions, relational guidance, and more, along with having a dedicated Indigenous counsellor.
The South Calgary Health Centre offers walk-in mental health therapy on a single-session basis, providing immediate and accessible help.
YW Calgary supports the creation of healthy family dynamics with individual and family counselling that promotes mindfulness and resilience.
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This PDF from Alberta Health Services is a valuable tool for anyone seeking a quick overview of mental health support options. It's especially useful as a printable resource that you can easily take with you or share with others who might benefit from these services.
WELLNESS RESOURCES
OUR LOCATION
Contact us today to start sessions with our Calgary therapists.
It’s time to step into the brighter tomorrow you deserve.