I am accepting new clients for April 1, 2025. Please take advantage of the free 15-minute phone consultation or e-mail me at rachael@ignitewellness.ca to connect and see if we are a good fit.

I am accepting new clients for April 1, 2025. Please take advantage of the free 15-minute phone c... Read More

I am a Registered Psychologist and am available for free 15-minute phone consultations, and either virtual, in-person, or phone sessions.

I believe there exists a natural drive within each of us to create a meaningful and contented life, and I view counselling as a brave step towards that goal. I focus my approach to therapy on feminist, culturally conscious, and health at every size (HAES) perspectives while incorporating motivational interviewing and DBT skills and techniques.

My approach is to collaborate with clients and help identify, dismantle, and re-story the unhelpful messages we receive from ourselves, others, and society to create alternative narratives that embody strength, resiliency, and kindness. By discovering and voicing their needs, clients may be empowered to develop meaningful ways to view themselves, their experiences, and the world.

I am a Registered Psychologist and am available for free 15-minute phone consultations, and eithe... Read More

Not currently accepting new clients, but accepting waitlist requests for spring 2025. Email lauren@ignitewellness.ca if you’d like to be added to the list.

Welcome to Ignite Counselling & Wellness Services! My name is Lauren Groves and I am a Registered Psychologist. I aim to inspire change and stimulate excitement and passion in my clients. I believe that everyone is the expert of their own lives and are capable of making positive changes. I view my role as a guide to assist people in tapping into their own wisdom and power. I approach my practice through a feminist therapy lens; which means I don’t believe counselling should be a mystery and actively work to develop a collaborative working relationship with my clients. ​ I have experience and enjoy working with issues related to body image, self-esteem, self-compassion, assertive communication and boundaries. I maintain a body positive, sex positive, queer and trans friendly, safe(r) space within my practice. ​ My practice is located on the West end of Edmonton and is accessible from multiple bus routes and free parking is available. Sliding scale fees are available for those who are unable to afford the typical cost of counselling. ​ Note: My office is located on the main floor and does not require stairs to access.

Not currently accepting new clients, but accepting waitlist requests for spring 2025. Email laur... Read More

I am currently not taking new clients

I’m excited to be joining the Ignite team!

I enjoy working with people taking steps towards the lives they want - to live authentically, take up space, improve relationships, or understand loved ones and the world around them.

I am a fat, queer femme person and I deeply believe that all people deserve support to live rich and full lives, with the tools to overcome oppression. I have experience with issues related to Trans, Queer (2SLGBTQ) identities, Sexuality, HIV/AIDS, polyamory, sex work, adoption and recovery.

Depending on the person and their needs and goals, I draw from narrative therapy, acceptance & commitment therapy, sex therapy and other approaches. My practice is informed by feminism, queer and trans liberation, anti-racism and anti-oppression.

I’m interested in working with people from Edmonton and area but also from across Alberta. Having worked with people in large and small Alberta communities, I understand some of the particular dynamics living in a smaller community.

I am currently not taking new clients I’m excited to be joining the Ignite team! I enjoy workin... Read More

Hi! My name is Gracia (pronounced gray-sha) and I use she/they pronouns. I am a Master of Counselling student completing my practicum at Ignite under the supervision of Michelle Kennedy and Lauren Groves. I have lived in Edmonton for about 15 years and have previously worked in non-profit, primarily working one-on-one with youth who were experiencing significant systems challenges. I have experience working with young people, adults, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, racialized folks, individuals with trauma histories, and parents.

I am excited to connect with adult (18+) clients regarding boundaries, self-care, relationship issues, identity, school issues, life transitions, stress, grief, anxiety, and depression. I have a particular interest in doing work related to identity and authenticity as well as working with bisexual women to dismantle the dominant stories of heteropatriarchy and biphobia.

I am passionate about working with people to support them on their journey to finding their own fulfilling and authentic life. As a queer woman, I understand that who we are can sometimes be judged or lead to challenges outside of our control. No matter who you are or what life has held for you, I accept and cherish you. I want to walk beside you as you take steps to feel good and achieve your goals. You are the expert in your situation, and your perspective is unique. Your goals will always be defined by you, and you are the expert in what change looks like for you. By getting to know each other, we can get to the fulfilling (and sometimes difficult!) work of change within a trusting and supportive relationship.

My work is based on the idea that different levels of oppression can impact mental health and wellbeing. For this reason, I am committed to a multicultural and inclusive practice. As an uninvited white settler living on Treaty 6 territory, I benefit from colonial systems and white supremacy. I commit to unlearning, learning, and challenging dominant narratives that harm so many of us. I am working on developing a feminist, decolonial, queer, liberatory practice and as a student, I’m still on my own journey! I might not always get it right, and I am always open to hearing how I could do better.

One of my core values as a person and as a professional is the belief that all human beings have inherent worth. My responsibility as a student therapist (and human being) is to treat every person with respect and care. An important part of change in counselling is the relationship that you and I build, and it is important to me that we are equals in this relationship. I strive to build a safe and supportive environment in which you feel heard and are an active participant in change. I always want you to feel like you can share if I get something wrong and I commit to taking your feedback seriously. Within you is the incredible strength and knowledge that has gotten you this far. You can expect me to expand on what’s already working and gently nudge you to see your circumstances in a new light. I look forward to witnessing your healing journey and cheering you on!

Hi! My name is Gracia (pronounced gray-sha) and I use she/they pronouns. I am a Master of Counsel... Read More

Welcome! I’m a Registered Psychologist who has worked in non-profit organizations, residential treatment, private practice, and doing psychoeducational and psychological assessments.

Having sat on both sides of the metaphorical therapy couch, I truly value the therapist-client relationship. My priority is a warm, accepting, and safe(r) space. I view people not as isolated units, but as relational creatures existing within systems that influence our wellbeing. This means healing doesn’t take place alone either. I am here to understand, acknowledge, and validate your experiences, while empowering you to tackle day to day and major life challenges.

My practice is guided by a trauma-informed, feminist perspective, and I integrate various strategies based on individual needs. I draw from areas including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), mindfulness, emotion focused therapy (EFT), EMDR, and attachment theory. I’ve worked with people dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem, difficulty setting boundaries and being assertive, identity development, parenting children with mental health challenges, and parent-teen conflict. People of all genders, body sizes, and sexual orientations are welcome.

Struggling is hard work, and much more common than our society lets on. I’d be honoured to help lighten your load.

Welcome! I’m a Registered Psychologist who has worked in non-profit organizations, residential tr... Read More

I am unfortunately NOT accepting new clients at this time. If you are a new client and would like to see me please do not book a “returning client” appointment. If you are interested in being placed on a waitlist for any future availability please email michelle@ignitewellness.ca.

I am unfortunately NOT accepting new clients at this time. If you are a new client and would like... Read More

Hi there! I’m Meagan (she/they). As a student therapist, I am excited to complete my practicum at Ignite under the supervision of Michelle Kennedy and Lauren Groves!

My Counselling Approach: Both my personal and professional values emphasize the inherent worth and dignity of all while recognizing that life’s challenges and systemic inequalities can often make this difficult to feel. My approach prioritizes creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. I lean on trauma-informed and person-centred principles as the foundation of my practice, but my approach is continually growing and evolving. It is best described as integrative and multi-modal, allowing me to tailor the therapeutic experience to meet the unique needs of each client. A saying that resonates with me is: “We are taught in school how to be counsellors, but it’s through therapy that I learn how to be your counsellor.” As your counsellor, I aim to create a space that honours and validates your experiences. My goal is to help you understand and navigate your experiences without judgment, fostering a collaborative process based on trust and mutual respect. You can also expect me to adapt my approach to meet your unique needs as we work together.

A little about me: I’ve spent my life in Treaty 6 territory, first in Saskatchewan and now in Edmonton. As an uninvited white settler, I acknowledge the privileges I hold and am committed to ongoing learning and unlearning within colonial systems. As such, I aim to consistently challenge dominant narratives and make meaningful changes in the spaces I occupy. In addition to being a lifelong learner, I wear many hats: I am a daughter, fiancé, friend, student, and a proud cat parent. I love joining sports teams and trying new activities, even when I’m not the best at them—it’s the social connections and the joy of pushing myself out of my comfort zone that make it worthwhile. Hiking is another passion of mine; I enjoy immersing myself in nature, soaking in the beauty around me, and wandering without a set destination. In my downtime, I’ve been teaching myself to sew and play guitar, and I’ve recently gotten into cozy video games. My favourites are Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing – I love curling up under a blanket with a cup of tea, snuggling my cats, and diving into these games!

Educational Background: I hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Alberta. Throughout my degree, I emphasized taking courses that encouraged me to explore various societal and cultural experiences and influences. As such, my studies focused on understanding and navigating various inequalities within social, economic, and institutional structures, including how these systems impact individuals and communities. After graduating, I worked one-on-one with youth facing historical and structural barriers, alongside their associated challenges, in a Nêhiyawéwin (Cree) and Iithga (Stoney) community. This deepened my commitment to culturally responsive care. Currently, I’m pursuing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and look forward to applying my growing knowledge at Ignite!

If what I’ve shared resonates with you, I would be honoured to explore how we can work together. I look forward to the opportunity to be in your corner and support you on your journey.

Areas of Practice:

Interpersonal relationships and dynamics; recognizing and communicating needs, establishing and maintaining boundaries, I have a deep passion for exploring challenges with people-pleasing tendencies

Self-exploration and identity

Providing support with life’s experiences including stress, sadness, grief, change, anxiety, depression

Hi there! I’m Meagan (she/they). As a student therapist, I am excited to complete my practicum at... Read More