Carol Wybenga,MA Counselling, Certified Professional Counsellor

My Approach to Helping

More Info About My Practice

Riverstone Counseling is a small counselling practice with flexibility in scheduling and reasonable rates. I see individuals (adults), couples and even families. Secure online therapy is available , however personal face to face sessions are an option when requested. As a Certified Professional Counsellor I am well trained and accredited to help with a wide range of issues. These sessions are not covered by Alberta Health or most group benefits but may be more cost effective in the long term. Journeying with you in life circumstances is my goal.

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

So, what is it about going to therapy anyways? Often when we are troubled we reach out to friends or perhaps family members to talk. They may offer us comfort and support, giving advice about what we should do or what they would do or would have done. They may then move on to share their own experiences, leaving us mostly in the situation that we were before, often leaving us feeling unheard and hopeless.
The difference with therapy is that this is a completely different relationship. The relationship is just about you. The therapist is trained in ways to help you in the most supportive and non-judging way possible. There are no secrets that need to be kept, no feelings that can't be shared and no dreams that are shut down. It is possible to explore the why behind the things that we do that are self-destructive and the how of concrete, proven ways of breaking free. Therapy offers the difference between coping and healing which is all the difference in the world.

Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed

We all seem to understand the concept of being injured, needing medical care when an organ isn't working quite right, or toxins making us ill. We limit that understanding to everything we can see. However, science proves that trauma, vicarious trauma, high stress living, unhealthy childhoods, ongoing care giving and even living with unsafe people can result in injury to our brains. At no point would we ever suggest to someone with open wounds, broken bones, organ failure and disease that they are somehow weak for getting treatment or flawed because they are dealing with major health challenges. This is precisely what psychological injury is. An injury that can be treated and healed. Untreated psychological injury leads to anxiety, depression, broken relationships, physical illnesses and many other things that make life anywhere from difficult to unbearable. A good therapist provides the care that helps to heal the injuries and retrain the brain to function stronger and more resiliently. Strength.