Hi, I'm Rhonda. Thank you for stopping by my website.
I'm a clinical counsellor who works with people from all walks of life who have struggled to find a way through life's toughest challenges.
My goal is to help you stop feeling like nothing can ever change for the better and start encouraging you to see healing and transformation.
Clinical counselling and therapy for adults, teens, and couples in-person and online.
About Rhonda Pickles, RPC, MPCC
My Journey To Becoming A Counsellor
"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.
My life experiences led me to become the counsellor I am today.
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.
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 natural ability to:
· 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 Strong Pull Towards Helping And Bring Warmth And Understanding To Sessions
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 you are worthy of love and care.
· I believe that there is no shame in asking for help.
· I believe that you are not broken or need to be fixed.
· I believe that therapy should address the person as a whole - their mind, body, and spirit.
· I believe that people underestimate their ability to change. It's possible to change, to enjoy life again.
· I believe that 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.
As A Counsellor, I Embrace the Following Philosophies
CONGRUENCE –
"A state in which a person's ideal self (internal) and actual experience (external) are consistent or very similar." Carl Rogers
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.
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:
- 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's 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.
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