*No longer accepting clients*

One thing I know for sure, after decades of listening to so many unique and interesting individuals as they take the risk of sharing their personal stories with me, is that counselling and therapy are more than a collection of techniques, theories and skills.  All good therapists know that beyond all else it is the therapeutic relationship with their client that heals.  

Maybe you, like many, never had a chance to learn psychological skills, or perhaps you have the skills and need custom application coaching, or you need to heal from trauma.  I provide, confidential, open-minded understanding to all clients, many of whom may be struggling with inner conflicts they feel unable to share with others in their lives. In many ways, a session with a therapist is like a conversation; one in which the utmost attention is paid to your needs and barriers in order to help you learn and to heal from past injuries, large and small.  We also have a lot of laughs along the way.

Types of Mental Health Needs and Clientele Treated:

• Mood and anxiety management; stress, anger and other emotions management; communication/assertion skills and interpersonal dynamics, self-worth, loss/grief and life transitions.  
• Compulsive cycles, including substance abuse, eating, sexual behaviours, and criminal cycles; as well as bipolar and schizophrenia cycles management.
• I specialize in treating adults for the long-term effects of various traumatic childhood and adult experiences, such as PTSD, including life threatening events, sexual, physical and mental abuse/assault and multi-generational traumas.
• I have worked successfully with clients who have come to me for treatment of the above issues while they are also addressing race, gender and sexual orientation barriers and transitions.  I am not an expert in these areas; you are the expert in your experience. I am always learning. I am a cisgendered, straight, Caucasian woman.
• I have worked with clients from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, religious and non-religious traditions, some of whom felt conflicted about their beliefs.  For example, I have enjoyed hundreds of hours working with Indigenous clients. I have advanced training in cross-cultural counselling, but I have learned the most from my clients who have taught me to speak many different cultural and spiritual ‘languages’. 

Treatment Approach and Techniques:

• I have advanced training in CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems [IFS] & body-based focusing/mindfulness & imaginal approaches such as EMDR & CRM [see our ‘Helpful Information’ page for links to more information].  I have a grounding in traditional psychodynamic theory & have also spent many years honing my skills in psychoeducation incorporating a Solution-Focused approach. 
• Experience allows a therapist to skillfully integrate a number of theoretical frameworks and research-based techniques.  Working as a 1:1 team, you and I develop a customized approach that incorporates your strengths and the skills you already have. I am your guide, focused on agreed-upon goals of change, as we explore the areas you are ready to look at.

Length of Treatment:

• Short-Term Individual Counselling of four to six sessions -- largely covered by most insurance benefit plans -- can be very effective for many individuals who need to learn and apply customized skills for managing mood, anxiety, interpersonal/communication, self-esteem, stress, emotions and behaviour. For some individuals brief counselling may also allow time to identify and desensitize an underlying key emotional factor in a particular cycle.  
• Goal Directed In-Depth Longer-Term Therapy is an option following a course of short-term counselling after which some individuals are ready to learn advanced skills, and to delve into the roots of trauma triggers, recurring cycles, and attachment issues, allowing desensitization followed by integration of adaptive strengths. 

More About Me:

• I have been a counsellor since 1984, initially in mental health at the Alberta Hospital and at the Calgary Foothills Hospital. Having matured personally and as a therapist I entered private practice in 1994.  I am a Registered Psychologist in Alberta [#2327].  
• For over twenty years, I provided therapy and risk assessment services for individuals in the community on federal parole with the Correctional Service of Canada.  These people, many of whom identified as LGBTQ2S, are among the most brave and inspiring I have supported through the process of change and believe me there is nothing you can tell me that will shock me.  
• I am always learning, personally and professionally, and have sat in the “client” chair doing my own work, like you.  I am a proud Canadian immigrant and have lived in three Canadian provinces. I worked and attended university as an only parent for many years.  Since retiring from the Correctional Service in 2018 I have continued my part time private practice and I am very happy to now enjoy more time having fun with my grandchildren.

Contact Information and Fees: 

Please call me Jane.  I am available Tuesdays and Thursdays for appointment times from 1pm to 7pm.  Text or voice call: @403-714-2203. Email: janealdous@shaw.ca.  Responses on weekdays within 24 hours.  Please see ‘Contact Us’ page for address, directions, parking.

I follow the College of Alberta Psychologists current fee guideline which is $200/hr.  Most extended employment benefits programs provide some coverage. I am an approved service provider for Indigenous Services Canada, Non-Insured Health Benefits [NIHB].  

I accept credit, e-transfer, cheque and cash – 24 hours notice for cancellation of appointments is required to avoid fee payment for the booking.  

Jane Aldous M.Ed~C-Psych., Registered Psychologist [#2327-AB]