Individual Counselling Calgary
Something brought you here. Maybe it’s been building for a while — a pattern you can’t seem to break a relationship that’s fraying, or just a sense that you’re not quite yourself. Maybe something specific happened and you’re not sure how to process it. Or maybe you’ve simply reached the point where you want more from your life than you’re currently getting.
Individual counselling gives you a dedicated space to work through whatever that is. At Solasta, our registered psychologists and therapists work one-on-one with adults across a wide range of concerns, tailoring every session to where you actually are.
What to Expect From Individual Counselling at Solasta
Free consultation The process starts with a free 15-minute consultation — a chance to talk about what’s brought you in, ask questions, and get a sense of whether Solasta is the right fit. There’s no pressure and no commitment required.
First session Your first full session is an intake — your therapist will ask about what’s brought you in, relevant history, and what you’re hoping to change or understand. You don’t need to have everything figured out. A good therapist helps you find the words.
Ongoing sessions Sessions are 50 minutes and can take place in person at our NW Calgary office or virtually across Alberta. How often you meet depends on your goals and your life — weekly sessions are common, though some clients prefer fortnightly. Your therapist will discuss what makes sense for your situation.
How long does counselling take? This depends entirely on what you’re working through. Some clients achieve meaningful progress in 6-10 sessions. Others benefit from longer-term work, particularly when working through trauma, complex patterns, or longstanding difficulties. Your therapist will give you a realistic sense of the timeline and review it with you as therapy progresses.
What Individual Counselling Can Help With
People come to individual counselling for all kinds of reasons. There’s no threshold you have to meet, no minimum level of difficulty that qualifies you for support. Some of the most common reasons people seek individual counselling at Solasta include:
Anxiety and worry
Persistent anxiety — whether it shows up as constant worry, panic, social anxiety, or physical tension — is exhausting to live with. Counselling helps you understand what’s driving it and develop practical strategies to manage it more effectively.
Depression and low mood
When motivation disappears, enjoyment fades, and getting through the day feels like an achievement, therapy can help you understand what’s happening and find a path through it. Depression is treatable, and you don’t have to wait until it gets worse before seeking support.
Grief and loss
Grief doesn’t follow a schedule and it doesn’t always look like sadness. Therapy provides space to grieve without judgment and at your own pace — whether the loss is recent or something you’ve been carrying for years.
Burnout and stress
Chronic workplace stress, caregiver burnout, or the general overwhelm of trying to keep everything together can take a significant toll. Counselling helps you identify what’s sustainable and what isn’t — and start making changes.
Trauma and difficult experiences
Whether you’ve experienced a single traumatic event or a longer pattern of difficult experiences, the effects can show up in unexpected ways — in your body, your relationships, your sense of safety. Trauma-informed therapy creates a safe pace for processing what happened.
Relationship difficulties
Individual counselling isn’t just for people in crisis — it’s also for people who want to understand their patterns in relationships, communicate more effectively, set healthier boundaries, or work through the aftermath of a relationship breakdown.
Life transitions
Divorce, job loss, a major move, becoming a parent, losing a parent, retirement — significant changes can destabilise even the most grounded people. Counselling provides a space to process the transition and find your footing.
Self-esteem and identity
Questions about who you are, what you want, or why you keep repeating patterns that don’t serve you are entirely legitimate reasons to seek counselling. Therapy helps you develop a clearer, kinder relationship with yourself.
Personal growth
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people come to counselling simply to understand themselves better, develop greater self-awareness, or work toward goals that feel just out of reach.
Therapeutic Approaches We Use
Our therapists draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, tailoring the method to the person rather than applying a one-size-fits-all framework.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. Practical, structured, and well-evidenced for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) — a highly effective trauma treatment that helps the brain reprocess difficult memories so they lose their emotional charge. Recognised by the World Health Organization for PTSD and trauma.
Somatic therapy — works with the body’s physical responses to stress and trauma, particularly useful when talk-based approaches alone aren’t reaching the full picture.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — helps you develop psychological flexibility, accept difficult emotions without being controlled by them, and commit to living in line with your values.
Narrative therapy — explores the stories you tell about yourself and your life, helping you identify and rewrite narratives that are keeping you stuck.
Mindfulness-based approaches — develop present-moment awareness and self-compassion as tools for managing anxiety, depression, and stress.
Your therapist will discuss which approaches are most likely to be useful for your specific situation, and the approach may evolve as therapy progresses.
How Can Individual Counselling Help You?
Individual counselling is a powerful opportunity to address challenges, build self-awareness, and create lasting positive change.
It’s not just about solving immediate problems but also about equipping yourself with the skills and insights to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence.
Whether you’re managing stress, seeking deeper connections, or striving for personal growth, therapy can help you uncover your potential and empower you to lead a balanced, fulfilling life. Counselling may be able to help you:
Develop Healthier Coping Strategies for Managing Stress and Emotions
Counselling provides practical tools to handle stress and regulate emotions, helping you feel more in control of your mental well-being.
Gain a Deeper Understanding of Yourself and Your Relationships
Therapy fosters self-awareness, allowing you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours while improving the quality of your relationships.
Identify and Overcome Barriers to Personal Growth and Happiness
By addressing limiting beliefs or unresolved issues, counselling can help you unlock your potential and achieve greater satisfaction in life.
Cultivate Mindfulness and Self-compassion
Therapy encourages practices that promote present-moment awareness and self-kindness, fostering a more balanced and compassionate mindset.
Build a Toolkit of Skills to Handle Future Challenges With Confidence
Through counselling, you develop techniques to approach obstacles with resilience, ensuring you’re better prepared for life’s uncertainties.
At Solasta, we believe in empowering you to take an active role in your journey toward mental wellness and personal growth.
Why Choose Solasta for Individual Counselling in Calgary?
At Solasta, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, compassionate care. Here’s why our clients trust us:
Experienced Psychologists
Our team brings a wealth of expertise in various therapeutic approaches, ensuring the best fit for your needs.
Person-Focused Care
We prioritize your goals and preferences, creating a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship.
Flexible Options
With in-person and virtual counselling available, we make it easy to access support wherever you are in Alberta.
Addressing Common Concerns About Therapy
Will Counselling Work for Me?
Every individual’s experience with therapy is unique, but our evidence-based approaches are proven to support meaningful change.
Our psychologists collaborate with you to tailor the process to your specific needs and goals, ensuring the best chance for success.
What if I’m Nervous About Starting Therapy?
It’s natural to feel apprehensive, especially if it’s your first time in therapy.
Our psychologists are trained to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace.
How Long Will I Need to Attend Counselling?
The duration of therapy depends on your goals and the challenges you’re facing.
Some clients find relief in just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support. Together, we’ll determine a timeline that works for you.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychologists Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Therapists Specializing in Individual Counselling
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FAQs
Do I need a referral to start individual counselling?
No. You can contact Solasta directly — no doctor’s referral is required.
How much does individual counselling cost?
Please visit our fees page for current rates. Sessions with registered psychologists and registered provisional psychologists are covered by most extended health benefit plans — check with your provider for your specific coverage.
Is counselling covered by Alberta Health Care?
Private psychology services are not covered by Alberta Health Care (AHC). However, most extended health benefit plans through employers do cover sessions with registered psychologists. Some employers also offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which may include a set number of free sessions.
What if I don't connect with my therapist?
Fit matters enormously in therapy. If the connection doesn’t feel right after a few sessions, it’s completely reasonable to try someone else — and we’ll help you find a better match within our team.
Can I do individual counselling online?
Yes. Virtual sessions are available for clients throughout Alberta and work just as effectively as in-person sessions for most concerns.
What's the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?
In Alberta, registered psychologists have doctoral-level training and can provide both therapy and formal psychological assessments. Registered provisional psychologists have the same scope under supervision. Canadian Certified Counsellors and registered social workers are master’s-level clinicians who provide therapy. All Solasta clinicians are regulated and provide evidence-based care — your free consultation will help match you with the right person for your needs.
Our Calgary Office Space
Our thoughtfully designed counselling spaces are crafted to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel completely at ease.
Get Started With Solasta in Three Easy Steps
Find Your Therapist
Book Online
Choose a date and time that fits your schedule and receive instant confirmation of your appointment.
In-person or Online
Visit our welcoming Calgary office or meet with your therapist online from the comfort of your home.