Risewell Psychology

✨ Team Happenings: A Little Update ✨

Here’s a peek into what our amazing team has been up to lately:

🎨 We kicked off August with some team bonding and crafting—creativity and connection are our jam!

🚶‍♀️ Amy has been soaking up the sun on her Walk and Talks with clients. Fresh air + great convo = the perfect combo.

🐾 Taylor’s been making furry friends at all the dog parks—because who doesn’t love a good puppy hangout?

🌟 Courtney had her first big adventure with Benny—cheers to many more!

🏞️ Victoria caught this jaw-dropping view at Spray Lakes—talk about a postcard moment!

👩‍🎓 Dr. Theresa had a blast reconnecting with her UBC undergrad besties—nothing like a little nostalgia!

📚 Kelsey and Courtney have been eye balls-deep in EPPP prep— and we’re happy to report they both passed!! 🎉

🌊 Kelsey also took a trip to the Island and snapped this epic pic—ocean vibes for days!



*This post is for general information and educational purposes only. Information contained in these posts do not represent psychological treatment or therapy.

Today, we’re celebrating an incredible team member and friend, Amy! She has been with Risewell since the very beginning, and we couldn’t be more grateful to know such an amazing human being.

Amy brings her whole heart to everything she does. Thoughtful, supportive, and authentic in every interaction, it’s no wonder our team and her clients adore her!

Thank you, Amy, for trusting me (Theresa) on this journey and for bringing so much life and positivity to our team.

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays! 🥳🎂

Here's what our team got up to over the past few weeks:

1. A big highlight for us was participating in PILSC's 3rd Annual Run/Walk. Risewell was a sponsor of the event and our team volunteered their time at the event.
2. Dr. Theresa hit up the Stampede with some amazing people.
3. Kelsey went backcountry camping and captured some incredible views.
4. Aditi Loveridge, from PILSC, delivered a workshop for our team about pregnancy loss.
5. Our team attended Indigenous Training with Leigh Sheldon.
6. Amy took her boys to the ball game!
7. Courtney became a fur mama, welcoming the sweetest little pup.
8. Amy and her family headed back to her roots in Bermuda.
9. Taylor was invited to review an article in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence- a first time for her!

You can learn more about our team and their areas of focus on our website (link in bio). We have therapists accepting clients at the moment, so feel free to reach out if you need support.



*This post is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Posts do not represent psychological treatment or therapy.

Kelsey Moss, Registered Provisional Psychologist in AB, and Registered Yoga Teacher, offers yoga as a complimentary intervention in individual therapy sessions 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️

Yoga is a mind-body practice involving physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. It incorporates mindfulness and various awareness-based practices to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and relief of muscular tension.

Here are some ways that Kelsey may incorporate yoga into therapy sessions with her clients:

👉 using gentle yoga postures like child’s pose, downward-facing dog, and savasana;
👉 breathing, meditation, and mindfulness techniques;
👉 discussions of mental and philosophical yogic concepts;
👉 yoga can be integrated based on client preference and therapist recommendations.

While there are evidence-based benefits of using yoga as a complimentary intervention in therapy, it is not always appropriate for everyone and there are also risks with engaging in yoga. Understanding both the benefits and risks of using this form of intervention is important and something that Kelsey reviews with all her clients before engaging in yoga.

Whether you’re dealing with late-diagnosed ADHD, trauma, or stress and burnout, Kelsey is here to help you.

Kelsey is currently accepting new clients and would love to meet you and discuss whether integrating yoga into therapy may be beneficial for you (link in bio).

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We are so excited to introduce you to our newest team member, Victoria Silver!

Victoria is a Registered Psychologist dedicated to providing a warm, non-judgmental space for clients to explore themselves and their relationships with compassion and curiosity.

Her passion for understanding people and supporting them through challenging emotions led her to specialize in trauma, anxiety, and couple therapy.

Victoria holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology from the University of Lethbridge, where she focused on the impact of COVID-19 on therapeutic relationships.

Outside of work, she enjoys rock climbing, gaming, music, and spending time with her partner and their cat.

To learn more or book in with Victoria, visit our website (link in bio).

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On this Mother's Day, if you find yourself navigating complex emotions, remember:

🤍 It's okay to feel whatever you're feeling. Give yourself permission to honour your emotions without judgment.

🤍 Consider taking a break from social media and potential triggers.

🤍 Reach out for support from those you trust.

🤍 Spend some time in nature

🤍 Treat yourself to something you love.

Your well-being matters.

Event Alert! 🏔️

Join us at our downtown Calgary store on Thursday, May 16th for an evening filled with drinks, exciting prizes, community vibes, and vital mental health support.

The team will delve into the physical benefits of outdoor activity, while our pals from will guide us on building resilience through nature and mindfulness.

Enjoy refreshing brews by . Plus, we will have some amazing prizes!
Tickets are $10 and these proceeds benefit , a charity championing mental health through trail running.
Limited capacity - Secure your spot now! RSVP at the link below now!

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/890493478967?aff=oddtdtcreator

We are so proud to be a Partner of the third annual Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre (PILSC) Legacy Run/Walk happening this June!

This event raises vital funds for PILSC to continue to offer no-cost support for people navigating pregnancy loss, infant loss and infertility. PILSC’s fundraising goal this year is $125,000 and we would be honoured to have you join us in helping them reach their goal.

PILSC believes no one should have to walk this journey alone. We are honoured to walk alongside them and the community.

Link in bio to regsiter.

Ready to make the most of your therapy journey? Here are 8 tips to help you get the most out of your therapy sessions.

What tip would you add to the list?

This is where you'll find us on the first Wednesday of each month—minus the professional hair and makeup, and in much stretchier pants. These Wednesdays are when we come together as a team to support each other, learn from one another, celebrate milestones, share tears and laughter, and just generally care for each other. It's one of the fondest parts of the month, as we gather as a heart-centered team passionate about doing our best work to support our clients and each other.

Meet Camille Granda, our newest Administrative Assistant at Risewell Psychology! Bringing a wealth of experience in Operations Management, Camille is dedicated to providing exceptional care and heart-centred support in Risewell Psychology’s day-to-day operations.

‌After obtaining her Bachelors of Business Administration from SAIT, Camille's personal journey through loss led her to discover the healing power of yoga. Inspired by her own transformation, she became a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, integrating this practice to support young adults with disabilities. Motivated by the profound impact of holistic healing, Camille pursued her Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.

Guided by Rumi's wisdom, "your heart knows the way. Run in that direction," Camille embraces each interaction with genuine warmth and authenticity. Alongside the Risewell Psychology team, she's ready to support you on your journey, wherever it may lead.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Camille enjoys playing tennis, training for her half marathon, surfing, coffee dates, board games with friends, and snuggling with her beloved cockapoo, Honey.

There is a prominent saying in the autism community, ‘nothing about us without us’.

When our founder, Dr. Theresa embarked on her dissertation research exploring the therapeutic experiences of autistic adults, it was vital to her that the direct experiences of autistic adults be included in this work. Dr. Theresa’s latest research article shares the experiences from eight autistic adults who shed light on what helped them in therapy, the challenges they faced, and what they wished for in therapy.

The findings from this research offer key take aways for clinicians looking to enhance their knowledge of working with the autistic community. It is hoped that by learning directly from autistic adults may help to improve upon the delivery of mental health care for these adults.

This research is published in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Wellbeing, an open access journal freely available to the public.

You have newly entered the workforce and while you have credentials to back your experience, you can’t help but feel like an imposter. You might find yourself going through a process of reevaluation of close interpersonal relationships or stressed due to your current and future financial situation.

The journey of adulthood in your twenties often brings forth a myriad of challenges.

If you feel overwhelmed by the challenges we can help you find your confidence and navigate through the stressors.

Visit our website to learn more about the practice and our therapists. Reach out via email or DM if you have any questions.

Curious about the link between emotional regulation and ADHD? Head over to our latest blog by Taylor Molstad, M.Ed., Registered Provisional Psychologist.

The blog explores how challenges in managing emotions can contribute to internalizing symptoms like anxiety which may impact relationships and daily life for individuals with ADHD.

Taylor explores the common struggle ADHDers face, often expressing lower confidence in handling their emotions and sometimes resorting to unhelpful strategies. This exploration highlights the importance of acknowledging the complexities of emotions—neither inherently good nor bad—while recognizing the unique challenges they pose in our lives.

Read the full blog on our website to gain valuable insights into the emotional landscape of ADHD.

In the realm of neurodiversity, ADHD is not a disorder; it's a unique set of traits. Our brains aren't defective; they're beautifully diverse. This March, let's spotlight the incredible female experience of being neurodivergent.

To all the neurodivergent women out there, your unique perspectives and strengths shape a world that needs your brilliance.

Knowledge is power, and understanding the diverse ways our brains operate is the first step toward a more inclusive world.

We firmly believe in giving back to the community that supports us. We do this by donating a portion of our revenues to local charities, lending our skills and talents through volunteering efforts, and providing the community we love with accessible low-cost wellness workshops.

We're honoured to announce our continued support for the 3rd annual Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre (PILSC) Legacy Run/Walk this Spring. This event raises awareness and vital funds for PILSC so they may continue to provide our community with no cost supports for those who have endured infertility, pregnancy loss, and infant loss.

As advocates for community well-being, we're not just financially supporting this important event, but our team is also volunteering their time.

Explore more about PILSC, learn how to participate, or contribute by visiting their website https://pilsclegacyrun.com

We're excited to introduce Kelsey Moss, our newest Mental Health Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher. With a passion for holistic therapeutic approaches, Kelsey believes in providing comprehensive support—mental, emotional, spiritual, and embodiment—to her clients.

Holding a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, Kelsey is a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. Her unique background in neurophysiology, gained through years in concussion research and rehabilitation, adds a valuable perspective to her practice.

Kelsey values the inherent human ability to navigate dynamic and ever-changing lives, understanding that both the experiences of hurt and healing contribute to personal growth. Life, according to Kelsey, can be beautifully messy, and she encourages embracing both the chaos and the magic.

Beyond the therapy room, Kelsey finds joy in outdoor activities like hiking, snowboarding, and camping. She's a runner, reader, and dedicated to various forms of mindful movement, forever exploring the world of yoga. Kelsey shares her life with her partner and an energetic mini-aussiedoodle pup.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Kelsey as she brings her expertise and genuine care to the Risewell community!

*Services offered by Mental Health Therapists are generally not covered by insurance, so fees are offered at a reduced rate. Contact us for more information.

At Risewell Psychology, we offer EMDR therapy- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Originally developed by Francine Shapiro in 1989 for veterans with PTSD, this type of therapy has been shown to provide benefits for those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain, and stressful life events.

In an EMDR session, you'll identify and address negative beliefs causing present distress, guided by gentle bilateral stimulation. Memories won't disappear, rather how you experience and relate to memories and beliefs shifts to be more adaptive and less overwhelming.

If you are wondering whether EMDR is the right fit for you, or have other questions about this type of therapy, we are just a phone call or email away.

📧 [email protected]

☎️ 403-617-2136

Join Our Team!

We're on the lookout for a passionate and organized individual to fill the role of a Part-Time Administrative Assistant at Risewell.

If you're dedicated to providing exceptional care, have a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience, and excel in communication, time management, and organization, we want to hear from you! Familiarity with the Jane app is a plus.

Apply today or tag someone who might be the perfect fit. Please send a cover letter outlining why Risewell would be a good fit for your career path, and a curriculum vitae or resume to [email protected]

Communication is key, not just in romantic relationships but in all aspects of life.

Your needs, desires, and feelings may not always be obvious to others, so take the reins in expressing them. As we celebrate the month of love, let's extend the practice of open communication to our relationships with family, friends, and beyond. Your voice matters, and sharing your needs can be a powerful tool for building understanding and connection.

In today's fast-paced world, smartphones have become indispensable parts of our daily lives. They have revolutionized the way we communicate and navigate the world, helping us to stay connected with loved ones to managing work and daily tasks. However, as we delve deeper into the digital age, it's essential to examine the impact of our smartphone usage on our mental health.

In our latest blog post written by Dr. Theresa, we explore the latest research on smartphone usage and our mental health and discuss strategies to foster a healthier and more balanced connection with these powerful devices.

Click the link in bio to read the full article and stay tuned for some practical, research-backed strategies to help you foster a more balanced relationship with your smartphone.

Embarking on a journey of therapy can be both nerve-wracking and courageous. At Risewell, we specialize in individual therapy for teens and adults, ensuring each session is personalized, evidence-based, and compassionate.

We recognize the vulnerability that comes with this decision, so feel free to reach out via our contact form with any questions. We're here to guide you through the process, assisting in finding the right therapist for your needs.

If Risewell isn't the perfect fit, we'll gladly point you in the right direction. Your well-being is our priority.

Our founder and Registered Psychologist, Dr. Theresa, shares her personal story of what led her to the field of psychology and how Risewell came to be.

*Dr. Theresa is not accepting new clients at this time.

Early career professionals often face a myriad of questions and worries as they navigate the beginning stages of their professional journey. These thoughts and questions are not only normal but shared by many at this stage in their career.

If you're an early career professional navigating the complexities of work stress, imposter syndrome, uncertainty about where you are or self-doubt, Courtney Edwards, our dedicated therapist, is here to support you.

Your concerns are normal and valid, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with them alone. Seeking support can be a powerful step towards building confidence and resilience in your career.

Your body is a lifelong home, yet body dissatisfaction is a widespread challenge.

It’s high time that we start nourishing our body, rather than approaching our body punitively. Instead, approach it from a place of love, compassion, and celebration. It takes a lot of bravery to reframe the narrative and approach our bodies with tenderness.

What resolutions will you be implementing in 2024 to cultivate a relationship with your body rooted in kindness and dignity?

Meet Taylor Molstad!

Taylor is a Registered Provisional Psychologist driven by a commitment to dismantling shame and stigma around profound emotions, self-harm, and suicidality. Taylor's journey into psychology is both academic and deeply personal. Motivated by personal transformative experiences with trauma and the healing process, Taylor completed her Master’s in Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Lethbridge. Taylor is a peer-reviewed author, her research delves into academic outcomes for university students following sexual violence, extending to her thesis, a comprehensive exploration of the impact of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) on students who have experienced violence.

If you find yourself feeling like you are "too much" or have been labeled as "too sensitive," Taylor would love to meet you.

To learn more about Taylor or to book with her, please visit our website: https://www.risewellpsychology.com/

Have you read Lexie Kite’s book More Than a Body? It’s one of our favs.

Lexie defines ‘self-objectification’ as “when people learn to view their own bodies from an outside perspective which is a natural result of living in an environment where bodies are objectified.”

It’s easy to compare to our bodies to others. To feel influenced by the insidious cultural narratives of what “good” bodies should look like or the ways a “normal” body should perform. And this comparison and self-objectificaton has very real and potentially harmful consequences when it comes to how we see and relate to our own bodies.

No one is immune from body comparison. But with awareness and practice, we can learn to identify when we are engaged in this comparison. Rather than berating yourself with comments like “I shouldn’t compare myself”, we invite you to take a gentler approach. Why? Because the research actually supports how being compassionate with ourselves during times of struggle is actually more effective in the long run.

So, when you notice yourself viewing your body from an outside perspective or comparing your body to someone else's see if you can bring a sense of curiosity and kindness as you check in with yourself.

👉Notice if you are feeling any emotions or experiencing sensations in your body like tightness, tingling or temperature shifts.

👉Check in with your surroundings and what may have triggered those emotions to arise.

👉Evaluate past responses and consider what has helped in the past. What has made you feel better or worse when you have had these feelings in the past?

👉Finally, decide how you want to respond. Consider stepping away from social media if this is where you noticed yourself feeling triggered. Or consider taking rebellious action by doing something that actually honours and cares for your body.

Let's nurture our whole selves—mind, body, and soul.

What are ways that you practice self-care that aren't related to appearance?

New Year, Nurtured You! As we step into 2024, let's redefine resolutions with self-love.

Ditch the scales and resolutions that revolve around appearances. Instead, we invite you to explore the idea of getting to know your unique body, fostering a loving connection with your body and aligning goals with true well-being.

Click the link to read our latest blog on Navigating New Year’s Resolutions written by our very own, Taylor Molstad, Registered Provisional Psychologist. Taylor dives into diet culture, Intuitive Eating, the Hunger-Body-Mind Connection, and Self-Kindness.

https://www.risewellpsychology.com/blog/navigating-new-year-resolutions

The journey is not always about becoming someone new, but rather, it's an exploration of un-becoming – shedding the layers of things, habits, and identities that no longer serve us.

Perhaps it is about letting go of material possessions and attachments that weigh us down rather than uplift us. The journey of un-becoming can invite us to assess our belongings and let go of the excess baggage. It is a conscious decision to declutter our physical space, making room for what truly matters and aligns with our genuine desires.

Or maybe, the un-becoming journey is about a meticulous examination of our habits, discerningwhich ones hinder our growth and which ones propel us forward. Through conscious effort and self-reflection, we release habits that no longer resonate with our authentic selves, making space for habits that foster our own sense of fulfillment.

Possibly, the un-becoming journey is the deliberate shedding of the person we have become; the person who today may no longer be serving us. It's about unraveling the layers within ourselves that have developed from our early life experiences, from our human need to survive, or from the cultural pressures that tell us who we should be. This process allows us to rediscover our core identity, to know our genuine needs and align ourselves with what we value today. Un-becoming the person we thought we _should be_ can liberate us from the shackles of conformity, empowering us to live a life that resonates with our deepest and truest self.

Comment below and share what you're un-becoming this year. ⬇️

Quote Credit:

Let’s pause to reflect and center our focus on setting intentions for the year ahead.⁠ ⁠

Why intentions?⁠ ⁠

Intentions are the guiding principles that steer us toward the person we aspire to be, honouring the ongoing process and effort we invest in cultivating meaning in our lives.⁠ ⁠

Intentions encourage us to:⁠ ⁠

🌾 Approach each day with mindfulness⁠

🌾 Live authentically in alignment with our beliefs and values⁠

🌾 Prioritize what holds genuine importance to us⁠ ⁠

Let’s shift away from the pressures and potential setbacks linked to resolutions. Instead, we're channeling our energy into aligning daily choices with overarching values, fostering new attitudes and transformative perspectives.⁠ ⁠