Counselling & Workshops

Counselling

As a kindred spirit:

  • You are looking for counselling services to unlock your natural strength and resiliency to live the life that you desire and deserve
  • You believe that having a safe space to share openly in is a critical part of your overall wellbeing
  • You know you are welcome to schedule services individually and with partners
  • You believe you were born with the ability to heal
  • You understand awareness is the first step

At Kindred we are committed to working with you – and your partner(s) – to empower you to embrace what makes you human. We hold a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for you to tap into your own strength and resiliency and examine or repair areas of disconnection with yourself and others.

We invite you to reach out with any questions you may have.

Workshops

Certain life situations, shared by or experienced with a group of others, can make for an excellent workshop setting. If you are interested in any of the following workshops, please reach out to us!

At Kindred we are able to offer the following workshops:

Open Air Counselling

Did you know that simply being in nature has an immediate calming effect on the nervous system? Also, did you know that when our bodies are moving we are able to process information and emotions better?

Open air counselling allows us to capture the power of both the outdoors and movement. This walk and talk style of therapy typically takes place in and around our office in West Hillhurst, adjacent to the beautiful Bow River and vibrant Kensington.

Conflict & Communication: A relationship workshop for partners

Conflict & Communication is designed to help partners deepen their understanding of the common issues that can plague relationships, especially after becoming a family. Through a combination of education and break-out exercises, partners will gain knowledge and insight into their own behaviours within relationships and build skills to address conflict and stress in a safe and healthy way.

This workshop is based upon the methods created by renowned couples’ researcher Dr. John Gottman, as well as elements of Dr. Sue Johnson’s emotionally focused couples therapy. The foundation of our work as therapists is rooted in attachment and the importance of the relationships within our lives.

Partners will:

  • Learn about common patterns that occur within relationships and how to navigate them.
  • Practice strategies and skills for connecting with your partner and improving your communication.
  • Enjoy a laid back and fun group environment with other couples.

Partner’s Intensive Workshop

Our Partners Intensive workshop is designed to help partners understand negative patterns within their relationship and develop strategies for managing stress and conflict. Each session is co-facilitated by both Erin and Amanda, Certified Canadian Counsellors. We offer a blend of education and exercises that allow couples to build upon their friendship, create deeper understanding of each other’s struggles within the relationship and practice skills for navigating difficult issues.

The workshop is based upon the methods created by renowned couples’ researcher Dr. John Gottman’s as well as elements of Dr. Sue Johnson’s emotionally focused couples therapy. The foundation of our work as therapists is rooted in attachment and the importance of the relationships within our lives.

In this workshop we will meet together for three sessions. Each session lasts 1.5 hours and is tailored to suit the specific needs of the partners. Sessions are scheduled according to what works best for you, and we are flexible and able to meet most scheduling requests.

Partners will:

  • Explore and understand conflict and communication specific to your relationship
  • Learn about common issues that partners experience
  • Express needs to your partner in a secure environment
  • Receive specialized support in addressing issues within your relationship
  • Build strategies to strengthen and encourage friendship with your partner
  • Engage in exercises designed to improve communication and connection

Bringing Baby Home: A relationship workshop for expectant partners

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be!” is a common phrase we hear from expectant partners. They’re right. Becoming parents is a life experience that no amount of planning can prepare us for. However, expectant parents can inform themselves about the changes around the bend. The Bringing Baby Home workshop draws on decades of research to prepare partners for the transition to parenthood.

69% of new parents experience conflict, disappointment and hurt feelings in their relationship. Even the strongest partners struggle during the transition to parenthood, and this stress affects babies too.

In a relaxed and supportive environment, new parents learn ways to foster baby’s development and strengthen their relationship as they transition to becoming their own unique family. Bringing Baby Home combines scientific research, exercises, and education to improve the quality of life for babies and children by strengthening their families.

Partners will:

  • Learn what to expect throughout the transition to parenthood
  • Understand infant development during the first year
  • Develop communication and conflict management skills
  • Learn how to strengthen friendship and maintain intimacy
  • Develop strategies for co-parenting
  • Understand signs of postpartum mood, anxiety and adjustment disorders and available resources within the community