MY PATH TO BEING A THERAPIST

I found myself in the health-helping profession by accident. My original plan was to become an architect but after a short 6 month contract working in Northern Alberta at Family and Social Services in my early 20s I was pulled towards psychology and a deep desire to understand the private quiet world of others— and that was it— I was hooked on helping.

I have been lucky to have a great number of social workers and psychologists around me who both encouraged and guided me— always creating opportunities and experiences for me to learn. It was those early years that pushed me to curate and develop the skills that would later help me to work and live a meaningful life that fills my insatiable curiosity to understand humanity—both my own and others.

After 25 + years now in the’ helping people sector I have been fortunate to hold many roles —social work, settlement , case management, trauma therapist, psychotherapist, & career and leadership advisor—each teaching me as much about myself as those I work with.

WHAT THERAPY IS TO ME

Therapy is about sitting in the pain of our human experience, letting go of what is no longer helpful, all the while continuing to learn, share oneself, and take risks. on the evolution of self with a lifespan relational approach, which for me, is central to mental wellness & health. I have a frank and practical approach to therapy and want to work with clients ready to do the work. I will point out what I see whether difficult or easy to hear though I am with clients every step of the way. I have learned that life is anything but a straight line and navigating it can at time be tricky.

WHO WORKS WITH ME

Many of the people I work with have experienced trauma and significant life transitions. The majority have been suffering for a long time while at the same time no one in their lives know this and to most they have appeared as high-functioning, successful, and the classic ‘ they have it all together’. Working in the public and corporate many of the leaders I have worked did not know they were struggling until they were… whether it is a slow knowing that something has changed and is not right or something significant in their life changes— like job loss, illness, death of a loved one, separation or divorce, perimenopause, children leaving home, or relocation.

CLINICAL SUPERVISION AND OTHER VENTURES

I provide clinical consultation and supervision to both new & experienced clinicians and have for the past 11 years. Theoretically, I am trained and grounded CBT, ACT, attachment and relational theories. I have been supervising psychotherapist, social workers and clinical counsellors for their supervision under the CRPO, CCPA and OCSWSSW regulatory bodies. I have been actively involved in the growth and promotion of mental health and the profession in Canada through mentorship and volunteerism with the CCPA since 2007. I continue to be active in my corporate career and leadership role leading a small leadership coaching practice for Amplitude Inc.

Nel is not currently taking on new clients. If you are interested in working with Nel in the future please reach out to her directlyor book a consultation—book an appointment above. Yes, Nel is taking on new Qualifying Psychotherapists for Supervision—please reach out to her directly or book a consultation—book an appointment.