I am unfortunately not accepting new clients at this time. Please reach out to me at rachael@ignitewellness.ca if you are interested in being placed on the waitlist.

I am unfortunately not accepting new clients at this time. Please reach out to me at rachael@igni... 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 summer 2024. 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 summer 2024. 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

My work as a therapist is guided by the belief that our stories are nested within broader social, cultural, economic, and political narratives that can diminish our personal ways of knowing and understanding the world. Within our time together, I aim to nurture a collaborative, transparent, and empathic space where we can be curious about the stories we tell. A space of possibility where we can wonder if there are more valuable stories that we could author. Guided by feminist and queer ethics of care, my intention is to cultivate a transformative relationship where we can construct counter-stories that center your personal values.

While I am eager to work with most any client and appreciate all clients’ openness around working with a practicum student, I am most passionate about dismantling the gender/sex binary and promoting the gender health of all individuals, both trans and cis alike. While I look forward to working with 2SLGBTQI+ folk, I am also eager to support their loved ones.

“As multi-beings, we carry with us many stories of our lives, and these stories become central to our self-understanding and relations with others” - Kenneth Plummer

My work as a therapist is guided by the belief that our stories are nested within broader social,... Read More