Healing Journeys for Individuals & Couples
Personal and spiritual growth in a safe, supportive space.
Begin your path to healing and resilience today.
“Who am I?
Does my career define me, or the roles I play, like father, mother, child, friend or citizen?”
“What does it mean to be alive on this planet?
How does death fit into the mystery of life? “
“How do I handle the world’s existential crises?
Issues like wars, climate change, poverty and political divisions?”
Big life questions like these can come up for us at any time, but they're especially likely to hit us during crisis points -- like after a traumatic event, a career change or the loss of a relationship.
They also tend to come up during major transitions -- life-changing events like the birth of a child, adjusting to an "empty nest" or facing retirement.
These questions can bring difficult mood states along with them, such as anxiety and/or depression. They can affect our close relationships, and they can taint the way we see the world and experience life.
A strong nurturing relationship, such as with a sensitive counsellor, can help guide us through these difficult times. I am committed to being that supportive presence for each and every person I work with, wherever they find themselves.
Come sit with me in the owl’s nest.
Together, we’ll explore life's challenges and big questions, and how to bring them into harmony with your daily life.
I can't wait to meet you!
Owl's Nest Counselling - Roger Thiessen
Existential & Spiritual Growth Counselling
Engage in deep, meaningful conversations about purpose, meaning, and personal growth to enrich your spiritual journey.
Therapy for grief, trauma, anxiety, depression & addiction
Process grief and past trauma and learn to deal with anxiety using compassionate, evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique journey.
Couples Counselling
Support for couples navigating challenges and transitions to build a resilient and loving partnership.
Roger Thiessen, MPS, CCC
Who in your life truly listens to you?
I base my practice in deep listening. I believe in your own inner owl: the innate wisdom you have but just can't find right now. My role is to provide a safe, gentle, non-judgmental and confidential space to help you get in touch with your wisdom so you can live your fullest life.
I've come to believe that the purpose of suffering is to help us better understand ourselves, our relationships and life itself – it seems we can’t grow without it! I would like to help you break through to what life has in store for you next.
Fundamentally, there's nothing wrong with you; at difficult points in our lives, we all developed coping strategies that helped us survive. But at some point, we find that these strategies get in the way of living our fullest life.
The key to growth is finding new strategies and practices that truly help us, rather than holding us back.
Let's work together to facilitate your healing and growth!
HOW DID I COME TO WHERE I AM TODAY?
I’ve always been passionate about spirituality. My first graduate degree was a Master of Divinity and I was a pastor in a protestant denomination for 8 years. In my mid-thirties, I returned to grad school to get my Master in Psychotherapy & Spirituality from St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton, AB.
Since then, I have explored and come to embrace timeless truths and practices from many spiritual traditions and have incorporated them into my own spiritual practice, particularly mindfulness. These truths help us explore the “big questions” outlined above. From a mindful place of self-compassion and self-knowledge, we can address and bring healing to the wounded parts in us that come from past experiences of trauma and/or neglect.
WHAT TO EXPECT
In our work you will:
> engage in self-reflection from a place of self-compassion
> gain an understanding of the painful experiences that have led to maladaptive coping strategies and difficult emotions
> develop healthier coping strategies
> accept and love yourself for the beautiful being you are, so that you can engage more joyfully in all aspects of life: personal, relationships, work and community.
> And ultimately, begin the process of healing from trauma and neglect.
MY APPROACH
In my counseling, I draw on many therapeutic models depending on which ones best help you move forward. I have found two modalities particularly helpful in this healing journey: Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR.
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS
The Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach to therapy acknowledges that the human psyche isn’t a single monolithic thing (self); rather, our psyches are made up of different “parts:”
> wounded exiles that get expressed through feelings like loneliness and shame,
> firefighters that use things like addictions to cope with these feelings, and
> managers like control and self-criticism that help to protect our exiles from further pain.
In the IFS process, we access our calm, curious, compassionate Self (our wise Mind) to bring healing to our wounded parts, and to help our managers & firefighters be relieved of their burdensome (and maladaptive) responsibilities of protecting our systems.
EMDR
EMDR (which stands for Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) is a highly effective treatment for overcoming anxiety, depression and other effects of trauma. It involves guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to facilitate the processing of memories in order to reduce symptoms of conditions like PTSD.
Sessions available in-person or online
1. In-person
Some clients prefer to meet in person because they find being face-to-face brings a deeper connection to our therapy sessions. My office is in the Bonnie Doon area of Edmonton AB.
2. Telehealth
Others prefer telehealth (therapy through online video meetings) because it eliminates commuting and you can meet in the comfort of your own home, workplace etc. All you need is a private space where you can speak freely, a computer (or even your phone), and a good internet connection.
There is no cost difference between in-person and telehealth appointments.
What happens next?
1. Initial consultation
Whether you have been in therapy before or if this is completely new to you, it is important that our working together is a good fit. Get in touch with me through the contact form below to schedule a free, confidential 15-minute consultation where we can determine this.
2. Sessions
If you decide to move forward with therapy, we will likely do weekly 50-minute appointments. Although the frequency is entirely up to you, most clients find that weekly or biweekly appointments are the most productive. Counselling is available through online telehealth video sessions or in-person.
3. Location
In-person sessions take place at my office in the Bonnie Doon neighborhood of Edmonton, AB (pictured above).
4. Payment
Sessions are $185/hour, sliding fee scale available. Payment options are cash, CC, e-transfer and cheque. I don’t direct bill but you are welcome to submit receipts to your insurance provider.