Areas of Specialization

The  Reality Therapy (Choice Theory) approach to counselling posits that  every problem is fundamentally a relationship problem (Glasser, 1995).  We strive to empower you to bring the best of yourself to every  relationship, whether it be a partnership, common-law, marriage, family,  workplace, or business relationship.  With a focus on open  communication, building or re-establishing trust, increasing  understanding, and navigating conflicts, relationship is at the heart of  everything we do. Services available in English, French, and Spanish.  

We help people overcome the shock and trauma associated with motor  vehicle accidents. In addition to the symptoms described above, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, sleep disruptions, cognitive impairments,  driver or passenger anxiety are all common symptoms that may appear  following an MVA; sometimes they do not appear for several weeks or even  months after the accident. We will work with your rehabilitation team,  lawyers, physicians, and insurers to help you achieve optimal  functioning as soon as possible so you can get back to living your life. 

Trauma can occur as a result of catastrophic events such as the September 11th attacks, a violent robbery/home invasion, sexual assault, motor vehicle accident  or other event. It can also be the result of chronic intense stress such  as working in a high stress job, being a hostage or P.O.W., bullying,  military service, or other situations that  are long lasting and require  the brain to remain in a state of hyper-arousal for an extended period  of time. Symtoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder may include  flashbacks, nightmares, auditory and/or visual hallucinations,  heightened anxiety, hypervigilance, depression, and survivor guilt.   

We work with First Responders to recover from the occupational stressors that may contribute to acute stress or post-traumatic stress disorder, and will assist you with transitioning back into the workplace after a traumatic event.  

We are on the preferred list of providers for the OPPA, NRPS, Badge of Life, and Boots on the Ground.

Have you been the target of strange, aggressive, or belittling behaviours at school or at work? Are you feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious because of these attacks? Workplace bullying can be defined as "repeated events and actions intended to offend,  humiliate, harass, cause the victim stress and demonstrate hostile or  aggressive behaviours" Einarsen (1999), and is identified  as "repetitive, abusive behaviour that devalues and harms people in the  work environment" (Barrow, 2009). In addition to providing counselling,  moral support, and effective coping strategies for toxic workplaces, our therapists will educate and empower  clients who are experiencing bullying. We also treat children who engage in bullying behaviour (Anger Solutions for Kids), and children who have been the target  of bullying. Services available in English, Spanish, Gujarati, Hindi, and Urdu.   

Sometimes disagreements and disputes cannot be resolved without the help of an impartial third party intervenor. Sometimes, hurts and old emotional  wounds resurface and threaten to destroy the stability of a  relationship. We are happy to provide Marriage and Couples Counselling provided by Norelis Alvarez and Gulzar Firashta, who is certified in the Gottman Model. Services are available in English, Spanish, Gujarati, Hindi, and Urdu.

We provide Anger Solutions counselling for adults (age 18+), teens (aged 13-17), and children (aged  9-12). We accept referrals from individuals, physicians, rehabilitation  professionals, and from probation and parole services. 

Self-referrals  are welcome. Group sessions are also available. Learn more about Anger  Solutions by visiting www.angersolution.com. 

Julie Christiansen, who developed the Anger Solutions Program is our resident specialist; however, Norelis Alvarez is also certified in the program, and offers the  Anger Solutions in Spanish. This program is fee for service. Call for more information. 

Leah Hageman and Gulzar Firashta are both skilled in working with teens and young adults aged 15+. Whether the challenge is depression, anxiety, sleep issues, anger, grief and loss, or resolving adverse childhood experiences, Gulzar and Leah are available to provide diverse and client-centered interventions to assist each client with resolving their unique challenges.

Spa for the Soul is proud to be a part of the movement to making psychotherapy and mental health services accessible to all. Our building is fully accessible, and we provide secure, PHIPA approved virtual services for those who cannot get out due to coronavirus, or for those who live outside of our regional municipality. 

We offer a sliding fee scale to those who may be struggling financially - these are difficult times we live in! To ensure that you are able to secure timely, affordable therapy, speak with your therapist at the point of intake about your financial situation and we will negotiate a rate that is mutually satisfactory based on your need.

Thank you for choosing Spa for the Soul!