Clinical counselling and therapy for adults, teens, and couples in-person and online.

As a clinical counsellor, I support people from all backgrounds who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward. My work is about helping you shift from believing “nothing will ever change” to experiencing real possibility, healing, and transformation. Let’s begin creating that change together.

I'm Rhonda Pickles, RPC, MPCC, c-ISTP™

about

Hi!

"Helping people like you is what I look forward to every day."

I've been married for 31 years, and together with my spouse, we raised two incredible young adults. I know what it's like to navigate relationship and parenting challenges and understand the level of commitment and hard work it takes to get through the hardest of days.

Therapy turned my life around.

I've been through wonderful and challenging experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help.

I help people overcome and move forward from painful past experiences because I've experienced plenty. As a child, teen, and young adult, I struggled with anxiety and depression. At the time, I didn't understand what was going on; I felt like something was always wrong with me. I struggled academically and socially and wasn't making the best life choices. I shut down, withdrew, and lacked motivation most days. I know what it's like to have difficult childhood experiences and still be affected by them well into adulthood.

I'm no different from the clients I see. Like everyone else, I'm human.

My life experiences led me to become the counsellor I am today.

I love helping people become healthier and more empowered while witnessing them achieve more fulfilling lives. The most rewarding thing about being a counsellor is seeing a person walk away lighter, more hopeful, and excited about their life. I am committed to supporting you in your healing and transformation journey.

Being a counsellor is a distinct honour and privilege.

I have a strong pull towards helping and bring warmth and understanding to sessions

· Help people identify what they are feeling.
· Sense what other people may be thinking and feeling.
· To put clients at ease with empathy, humour and warmth.
· Inspire hope for getting better.
· Accept people for who they are and in their current life circumstances.

People who know me often say that I am an excellent listener who can be fully present for people's stories, even if they are difficult.

I have a natural ability to:

I bring a wealth of personal experience, professional knowledge, and expertise to my clients. My approach ensures my client feels in control of their journey, emotionally safe and always supported.

Sessions will provide you with the space to express your thoughts and feelings. In feeling safe, secure, and comfortable, you'll be able to figure things out about yourself and be understood and heard, where you can truly be yourself.

There isn't a "one size fits all" approach to counselling. As I have training in a variety of therapeutic approaches, our sessions will be tailored to fit your specific needs, concerns, and desired outcomes.

Our sessions are focused on you

I believe that

As a counsellor, I embrace the following philosophies

You are worthy of love and care.

There is no shame in asking for help.

You are not broken or need to be fixed.

Therapy should address the person as a whole - their mind, body, and spirit.

People underestimate their ability to change. It's possible to change, to enjoy life again.

Even if we feel we've lost hope, it's possible to show up, commit to ourselves, and do what it takes to start feeling better.

"A state in which a person's ideal self (internal) and actual experience (external) are consistent or very similar."

Congruence is the guiding principle I endeavour to live my life by every single day – the delicate balance between the interplay of the internal and external human experience.

CONGRUENCE

Carl Rogers

After my kids were in school full-time, I decided to attend college. I was eventually awarded a designation in Professional Counselling. Over the next several years, I went on to further advanced education, training, and professional development in these key areas:

- Certified in Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice (ISTP)™️
- Specialization in Family and Community Counselling
- Mediation, Negotiation, and Conflict Resolution
- Community Justice Forum Facilitator Training
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training
- Complex PTSD and Trauma Certification Training
- Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory in Trauma Treatment
- Attachment and Developmental Model of Couples and Relationship Counselling
- Gottman Method for Couples Counselling
- Equine Assisted Counselling and Wellness
- Animal Assisted Therapy
- Workshop creation and facilitation on mental health and wellness topics

My Professional Background

Combining my advanced post-secondary education with ongoing clinical supervision, I went on to earn the master level designation of MPCC (Master Prac. of Clinical Counselling). I am fully insured and licensed to practice clinical counselling as an RPC (Registered Professional Counsellor) and a member in good standing by the CPCA - Canadian Professional Counsellor Association. This governing body requires me to always adhere to a high standard of practice, professional code of ethics, and ongoing yearly clinical supervision.

I love learning and attending yearly training and personal and professional development seminars to keep up with current trends and developments in mental health, counselling, and psychology.

Recognition of Excellence

In 2017, after years of hard work establishing my private practice and introducing Equine Assisted Counselling in 2014 to my growing business, I received the distinct honour of receiving a business award for Business of the Year – Outstanding Business Achievement.

Call today for your free 15 min phone consultation. During the call, you can briefly share your story, ask any questions you may have, and tell me more about how I can help.