Our Calgary Psychologists & Therapists

Alya (Alexis) Ilythia, MSc/PG

“You’re not broken - you’re healing”

Hi, I’m Alya. If you’ve found your way here, I imagine you’re tired of feeling trapped by memories, exhausted from battling anxiety, or aching to feel safe in your own body again. Maybe you’ve even wondered, “Will I ever feel like me again?” Let me say this: What you’re feeling isn’t your fault - and it doesn’t have to be your future.

As a therapist and trauma specialist, I guide people like you from merely surviving to fully thriving. My clients often come to me feeling shattered by trauma, disconnected from their emotions, or paralyzed by fear. Together, we don’t just “manage symptoms” - we rebuild lives.

Why Work With Me?

Your healing deserves more than generic advice or temporary fixes. I believe trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why every session is tailored to your unique needs. We’ll honor what feels safe and empowering for you, moving at a pace that respects your journey.

Trauma and anxiety don’t just live in your mind - they’re stored in your body. Drawing on body-oriented techniques like polyvagal theory, we’ll work to release tension, calm your nervous system, and help you reclaim control. We’ll also use cognitive techniques like trauma-focused CBT to gently process painful memories, and somatic approaches to heal the mind-body connection and help you feel safe in your body.

What Healing Looks Like

I know how vulnerable it feels to ask for help. Your courage will always be met with compassion here - never judgment. In our sessions, you can cry, rage, sit in silence, or even laugh. All of you is welcome.

With a Master’s in Psychology & Neuroscience from King’s College London and specialized training in trauma-focused CBT, ACT, and somatic therapies, I blend science with deep empathy. My work is grounded in collaboration - I’ve partnered with physicians to address trauma compounded by chronic illness, ensuring care that honors both mind and body.

You deserve more than survival. Let’s begin your path to peace - start with a free 20-minute consultation.

More About Alya

  • Writing has always been a powerful outlet for me, both personally and professionally. I believe in the healing power of self-expression, and my poetry reflects that. My anthology, Tracing Stardust: An Inward Odyssey, blends themes of trauma, growth, innocence, and the beauty of life.

    Available on Amazon, this work allows me to share my journey of healing and self-discovery with others. Poetry and fiction not only serve as a therapeutic tool but also as a way to connect with others who may be on a similar path of transformation and creative expansion.

  • I believe that mental health is influenced by a multitude of factors, and no two individuals experience it the same way. Demographic factors such as immigration, socioeconomic status, bodily health, access to resources, and family dynamics all play a role in shaping one’s mental well-being.

    This understanding fuels my commitment to providing sensitive, inclusive care that respects each person’s unique background and challenges. I aim to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, feel seen, heard, and supported in their mental health journey.

  • Like many of my clients, I’ve experienced my own struggles with mental and physical health. From grappling with gut issues like colitis to dealing with social anxiety, panic attacks, and body image concerns, I understand firsthand how deeply the body and mind are interconnected.

    These challenges introduced me to bodily-focused trauma work, inspired by those who recognize the profound effects of cortisol and how stress and trauma are stored in the body. This personal experience gives me a deeper empathy for my clients and enables me to approach therapy with a more delicate, compassionate touch.

  • One of my core beliefs is that everyone possesses the potential to grow and heal, but sometimes they need the right support to activate this change. In my work with clients, I’ve come to appreciate the uniqueness of each patient's journey.

    My role isn’t to direct or control that path, but to serve as a guide, offering the scaffolding and belief that allows clients to find their own way. I strive to be the facilitator who points you in the right direction, helping you realize the strength and resilience already within you. With the right resources and support, transformation is possible for everyone.

Rod Mitchell, a psychologist in Calgary specializing in anger management and emotional wellness.

Rod Mitchell, MC, MSc, RPsych

“Stop fighting your emotions. Start leading them.”

Anger that leaves you regretting your words. Anxiety that hijacks your sleep. Stress that makes every decision feel impossible. If you’re here, it’s not because you’re “too emotional” - it’s because you’re ready to rewrite the script.

Hi, I’m Rod. For over a decade, I’ve partnered with Calgarians to transform overwhelming feelings into clarity, resilience, and the quiet confidence to live life on your terms.

Why Fighting Emotions Only Fuels the Fire

Anger isn’t a flaw - it’s a signal. Anxiety isn’t weakness - it’s a call to action. My approach isn’t about silencing what you feel, but learning its language. Together, we’ll uncover what your emotions are trying to tell you and how to respond in ways that align with your values. Clients often tell me they leave sessions not just with strategies, but with a renewed sense of agency.

A Pragmatic Path Forward

I blend evidence-based methods with practical, day-to-day tools. We’ll explore how your nervous system responds to stress, reframe unhelpful thought patterns, and identify the unmet needs behind intense reactions.

No platitudes. No judgment. Just grounded strategies that help you navigate conflict with calm assertiveness and make decisions without second-guessing - skills that become second nature over time.

Experience That Honors Your Story

As a Registered Psychologist and the founder of Emotions Therapy Calgary, I’ve supported survivors of family violence, professionals battling burnout, and those rebuilding trust in relationships. My work is rooted in respect for your unique journey - whether you’re recovering from trauma, navigating a career crossroads, or simply tired of feeling controlled by emotions.

You don’t have to “figure it out” alone anymore. Start with a free 20-minute consultation and let’s turn frustration into focus, and anxiety into action.

More About Rod

Rod Mitchell, an experienced Registered Psychologist, helping you unlock emotional freedom.

  • Whether it's hiking or camping, I find my peace in the Alberta wilderness. The Rockwall in the Rockies holds a special place in my heart as my favorite backpacking hike. There's nothing like the crisp mountain air and the views from the peaks to clear the mind.

  • We met online, and blending our lives has been like mixing two different puzzles into one picture. She's from India, where family and social rules are totally different from my own upbringing. Navigating these differences was tough at first - misunderstandings and all. But figuring it out didn't just make us a couple, it made us a solid team that respects and values what makes each of us unique.

  • With two young children at home, I'm not just a psychologist in Calgary but a parent who understands the hustle and bustle of daily life. The joys, the stresses, the ups and downs - I live them too. This allows me to approach therapy from a genuine and empathetic standpoint. Your life isn't textbook, and neither is my approach. Together, we'll navigate the real world.

  • I've felt the gut punch of anxiety, the weight of sadness, and heat of anger. I've seen how destructive these emotions can be and how real the struggle with them is. But it's this raw, personal experience that drives me, making my work more than just a job. It's a heartfelt mission to lead people through the emotional labyrinth and into a place of calm beyond the chaos of emotional turmoil.