online across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba & Ontario
Gretchen Savery
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) · MA · BA · RP (Qualifying)
- Families & Individuals
- English, Spanish
Support for ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Behavioural Issues and 7 more ↓
Areas of focus
If what you are carrying is not listed, it is still worth a conversation.
- ADHD
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Behavioural Issues
- Blended Family
- Children & Attachment
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Teen Issues
- Anxiety in Children
- Women's Issues
Also works with Attachment, Body image issues, Career change development, Caregiver stress, Child abuse, Children divorce, Eating disorders, Emotional / psychological abuse, Family conflict, Forgiveness, Health wellness, Life transitions, Mood disorders, Multicultural issues, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Parenting, Professional burnout, Relationships dating, Return to work, Self-esteem, Self-harm, Special needs / disabilities, Stress management, Teen divorce and Workplace issues.
In Gretchen's words
Throughout our lives we encounter many difficult/challenging situations that can turn into emotional growth when guided properly. Counselling became my passion when I discovered the many ways in which I can help others change their lives by guiding them in discovering their strengths and learning the skills needed to succeed. My counselling style is based on respect, sensitivity and understanding; it focuses on healing, gaining positive skills and eliminating harmful behaviours.
Continue reading Gretchen's approach
My training in Systemic Intervention and Family Therapy includes, but is not limited to, the modern family challenges that often affect everyone involved in the dynamic. Other areas I see include life transitions, stress management, self-esteem, and toxic habits in both children and adults. I easily connect with children, understand their needs and how to communicate and relate to them, as I have been working with children for over 15 years. I enjoy working with parents, helping them understand their children’s developmental stages and guiding them on how to foster healthy physical and emotional growth.
In my practice I strive to understand where you are and where you are coming from, to help you overcome difficult situations and/or develop skills to fulfil your potential and be where you want to be. My training includes a variety of approaches from which I can choose the most suitable for your situation. Everyone has very good reasons to be who they are, and with my guidance you can take steps to become who you want to be, regardless of your past or current situation.
Background
Master’s degree in Family Therapy and Systemic Intervention
Registered with Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP)
Also listed on
Qualifications & registrations
- Also holds
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Experience
- Over 5 years of experience in the counselling field
Trained in these approaches — drawn on depending on what each person needs, not a fixed formula.
A few questions, answered
From an early age I’ve found human mind and behaviour fascinating. I’ve always been a curious person looking to understand the way of things. That curiousness combined with my sensitive nature got me interested in understanding my surroundings and finding ways to create change and provide emotional support to people around me. Seeing how understanding and being there for someone can have a life-changing effect for them got me on the path of mental health counselling.
My clients are my favorite part of counselling; meeting them, making my way to understanding them, working together to build healing and change, and seeing them grow and achieve their goals.
Counselling can be intimidating, especially for the first time, so it’s important to know that during the session you’ll be in a safe space. The counselling session is a safe, non-judgemental space designed to focus on your needs. The client dictates the pace of the counselling process, things unfold as they become ready to talk about them. The counsellor is there to provide support and help the client navigate their situation, identify their goals, and provide tools and guidance during every stage of the process.
Having the opportunity to see people create a better life for themselves and to be a part of it. Helping others see the many wonderful things they sometimes can’t see about themselves and their lives. Creating long-term change. Fostering healing and wellbeing.
Talking can be a valuable tool when we are going through difficult times; counselling can enhance that experience by providing many other tools that won’t necessarily be present when talking to a friend or coach. Through counselling you receive support, understanding, and practical tools to cope with various situations. Counselling is free of judgement, is personalized and can involve evidence-based approaches to deal with mental health issues. Through counselling you can identify unresolved issues that can be creating difficult times in the present and identify the changes needed to prevent these issues from impacting the future. Counselling can be short-term, long-term, ongoing and on and off, as needed. Once a relationship has been stablished with a counsellor you can count on that support through different stages and moments of your life.
Talking provides the opportunity to really process our experiences and thoughts. It produces a sense of relief and allows us to be open to different perspectives and alternate ways of seeing things. When we talk, we are not just talking to someone else, we are hearing ourselves, and that can have a profound effect on how we see and experience the situation we are talking about. Talking opens the door to healing and improvement.
Getting to know Gretchen
- What activity instantly calms you?
- Swimming can be instantly calming, even just being in the water.
- Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
- Dinner is always the best, it is at the end of the day and there is no rush to be anywhere, which makes it more enjoyable.
- What's your favourite board game?
- Scrabble
- What was your favourite age growing up?
- Between 14 and 18