I am excited to work with clients who feel stuck in a pattern, lost, confused, exhausted, overwhelmed, fed up with how things currently are for them and may now be seeking hope. Once suffering hits this stage, folks may be inclined to dig deep and explore what’s working and what isn’t — to be real with themselves and with me.

I want my clients to know that it is perfectly okay to be blunt and honest, and I welcome your ability to express your authentic whole self (yes, this includes crying and sometimes even swearing!). Emotional expression provides an excellent avenue forward into the work and shows your continued resilience. I believe emotions can indicate our needs and, thus, are helpful assistants (rather than the pests we are often taught they are).

What brought me to this work was my personal grieving process of developing a chronic health condition at the early age of 18. During this time, I experienced a loss of bodily autonomy, a disempowering medical system, and an overall hopelessness in navigating a difficult life transition. Through my own grieving process and with the help of a great therapist, I realized I could use my experience for good by leaning into compassion for those who are actively suffering. Over the years, I decided I wanted to dedicate my life to a profession that helps people cope with difficult or dramatic life changes, and assists clients to regain a sense of agency, hope, and a willingness to endure (despite the inevitable difficulties of life).

I have previous experience working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, ADHD, attachment-related issues, behavioural concerns, borderline personality disorder, depression, emotional dysregulation, grief and loss, life transitions, acute trauma/developmental trauma (as with PTSD/CPTSD), or stress, and relationship issues. My treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solutions-Focused Therapy (SFBT).

My goal is to take a humanizing approach to mental health rather than focusing on pathology. For me, I believe there is a lot right with you: after all, you’re still here and that is a telltale sign of adaptive and intelligent life. My goal as a therapist is to draw out and focus on your strengths and for you to leave each session feeling empowered, respected, and truly witnessed in your integrity.

Clients who work with me will enjoy a witty, inviting, explorative, and accepting environment to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours without judgment. To make sure our space remains a safe place, I check my own assumptions, beliefs, and value judgments at the door and encourage clients to correct me if I get it wrong. I will do my best to check in with you if I sense a disconnect and on my theories, thoughts, or queries as relevant to you and our work together. I am here to walk alongside you.

I am currently registering as a Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. I am an active member of the Psychologists' Association of Alberta and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. I obtained my Master of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle. If I sound like the type of clinician you wish to be working with, please feel free to get in touch.

 – Jayme Fath, MC
Registered Provisional Psychologist