Shalini Dhunnoo, M.C., R. Psych.

Registered Psychologist – Rate $220 per session

Client Focus: Children (8+), Adolescents (9-17) & Adults (18+), Couples

Available Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday days

First off, Shalini would like to say good for you for taking a step towards wellness by visiting this page and thank you for taking the time to read a bit about her counselling perspectives and focus.

She understands that there are so many different factors in life that can cause us to feel overwhelmed. Counselling is a way to more objectively reflect on your experiences and develop coping skills to improve your quality of life.

Shalini views counselling as a collaborative conversation where the client is the expert of their experiences and where she can bring forth clinical understandings and experience, and importantly, empathy. She emphasizes working with clients in a way that is real, good-humored, and goal focused. Her interest in counselling resulted from her own trauma and mental health struggles and as a result, she believes in treating individuals as humans first. She values cultural humility, and addressing concerns based on client needs and strengths.

Shalini has experience and continues to work with children (starting at age 8), youth, adults and seniors of varying cultural backgrounds, with a range of concerns. She works with issues related to stress, depression, anxiety, trauma experiences, family/relationship concerns, cultural dynamics (with a decolonizing lens), work, school, and other day-to-day stressors, chronic pain, self-esteem, and general coping skills. She applies a variety of counselling approaches to fit the client, including: cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to help one understand the link between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours; narrative therapy to help clients understand life stories, reframe experiences and perspectives towards personal growth, and emphasize personal strengths; solution-focused therapy to emphasize client goals and problem solving; and existential therapy to define values and find meaning in life experiences.

Shalini received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, majoring in psychology and sociology, followed by her Master of Counselling from City University of Seattle. She is a registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Shalini believes that it is important to stay current with cultural views of mental health and clinical skills and engages in ongoing education. 

Specializations:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress & Burnout
• Couples Therapy
• Trauma
• Self-esteem
• Chronic pain

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Pragya Varma, M.Ed.

Registered Provisional Psychologist – Rate $180 per session

• Please note Pragya can only direct bill to AB Blue Cross and Greenshield. All other insurance will need to be paid and submitted.

Client Focus: Adults (18+) and Couples

Available Monday evenings 

Pragya’s approach to counselling is eclectic. She likes to utilize various interventions from different evidence-based treatment modalities.  She mainly uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). Pragya’s focus is to build a collaborative and egalitarian therapeutic alliance where the client feels safe and supported and where the therapist and client work together toward healing. Pragya also understands that an individual’s socio-cultural background may play an immense role in their experiences.  As such, she likes to incorporate culturally informed and safe practices. Additionally, she believes that mental and emotional well-being is influenced by various factors such as childhood experiences, past and current relationships, and wellness (ex., sleeping habits), and thus, she likes to explore those factors in the therapeutic process as well. 

Pragya has experience working with various clinical presenting concerns such as mood disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder), life transitions, attachment and relationship issues, grief, trauma, and personality disorders. Her previous clinical experience includes working with populations who had experienced intimate partner violence/domestic abuse, sexual violence and complex trauma. Pragya works with adults and couples, and specializes in the young adult (18-30) age range. 

Pragya is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who completed her Master of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of Lethbridge. She also has a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology from the University of Alberta. She is registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists as a Provisional Psychologist and is being supervised by Kirsten Klemm.

Specializations:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress & Burnout
• Couples Therapy
• Trauma
• Self-esteem
• Bipolar Disorder
• Personality Disorders

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Dr. Cedric Benning, PsyD

Registered Provisional Psychologist – Rate $180 per session

• Please note Dr. Benning can only direct bill to AB Blue Cross and Greenshield. All other insurance will need to be paid and submitted.

Client Focus: Children (8+), Adolescents (9-17) & Adults (18+), Couples, Families 

Available Sunday, Monday evenings & Tuesday and Wednesday days

Welcome to the journey of self-discovery and healing. I’m Dr. Cedric Benning, a dedicated and passionate provisional psychologist with over five years of experience in the field of mental health. My professional journey has taken me across borders, allowing me to gain valuable insights and cultural perspectives that enrich my practice.

My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of the human experience. I specialize in providing clinical psychological services for individuals of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults. My therapeutic toolbox includes an eclectic and integrative blend of modalities with a focus on trauma-informed care. While I draw from various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy and clinical hypnotherapy, I tailor each treatment plan to meet the unique needs and goals of my clients. 

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse populations in a variety of settings, including clinics, rehabilitation centers, and research institutions. The insights generated during my clinical experience have reinforced my belief that mind and body are parts of a greater complex interrelated system, and in order to reach optimal levels of health, we will, together, venture to address both the psychological and physical aspects of your life. Whether it’s supporting individuals coping with trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, depression, or life transitions, my goal is to create a safe and nurturing space where healing can unfold.

My commitment to ongoing learning and professional development ensures that I stay informed about the latest research findings and therapeutic techniques, allowing me to provide the highest quality of care to my clients.

Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, I invite you to embark on this journey of growth and transformation with me. Together, we can navigate the challenges you’re facing and uncover the strength and resilience within you. I am able to provide services in English, French, German and Pidgin English. 

Thank you for considering me as a partner on your path to healing.

**Please contact Dr. Benning for a complementary 15 minute consultation at cedric@boostpsych.com

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June-Marie McMaster, M.C.

Registered Provisional Psychologist – Rate $180 per session.

• Please note June can only direct bill to AB Blue Cross and Greenshield. All other insurance will need to be paid and submitted.

Client Focus: Adolescents (13+) & Adults (18+)

Available Thursday evenings

June Marie McMaster (June) adheres to a non-pathologizing and non-blaming perspective on mental health issues. In other words, she is guided by the concept of common humanity which affirms that, through no choice of our own, we all just find ourselves here doing the best we can to face inevitable struggles in life. June believes that human nature is intertwined with basic instincts (i.e., self-protection from threats and the drive to seek out what will help us survive/thrive). However, in today’s world, these responses sometimes do not serve us in healthy
ways. Moreover, we often disregard the importance of nurturing our innate soothing system.

June is in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists and the Psychologists’
Association of Alberta. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University
of Alberta and a Master of Counselling Degree from City University of Seattle. In her sessions
with clients, June uses a non-directive, person-centered approach but also integrates techniques
from psychodynamic psychotherapy, narrative therapy, and compassion-focused therapy (CFT).
Moreover, she regularly uses, and has a deep appreciation for, solution-focused therapy (SFT)
and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). June is honored to have the opportunity to provide
clients with respect, dignity, full attention, and support as they share their stories and associated
concerns in a safe environment.

Specializations:

• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Loss and Associated Grief
• Identity Issues and Self Discovery
• Adolescent Psychology, Young Adult, and Adult Counselling
• Indigenous/Diverse Clients
• Integrative Therapy with a Person-Centered Foundation
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
• Solution focused therapy (SFT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT
• Compassion focused therapy (CFT)

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Kirsten Klemm, M.C., R.Psych

Registered Psychologist – Rate $220 per session

Client Focus: Adults (18+)

Available Monday to Thursday days

Kirsten is a Registered Psychologist at Boost Psychology. She is passionate helping her clients reflect on their lives and assisting them to move toward feeling better. Kirsten first and foremost, practices from a humanistic lens. She values each of her clients for their individual strengths. She also incorporates cognitive behavioral and exposure-based theories of counselling. Kirsten works to create a warm and welcoming space for all of her clients at Boost.

Kirsten works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, life transitions, and trauma and PTSD. She especially enjoys working with people experiencing perfectionism, workaholism, and boundary concerns. For PTSD treatment, she uses Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).  

Kirsten is a member in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists and the Psychologists Association of Alberta. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, trying new hobbies, and golf.

Specializations:

• Stress & Burnout
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD and Trauma
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Prolonged exposure therapy (PE)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

 

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Chelsey Wakefield, MACP, R. Psych

Registered Psychologist – Rate $220 per session

Client Focus: Adolescents (14+), Adults (18+), Couples

Available Sunday days and Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday days

Chelsey believes that real change and support happens when you are able to connect with your therapist and establish a therapeutic relationship. All the education, training, and therapeutic tools aside, we need to feel comfortable and safe while “sitting on the couch”. To get the most out of therapy you need to find a therapist that is the best fit for you. In order to do that you probably need to know a little bit about her…

Chelsey has always known that she wanted to work with people and help others. She used to think that this meant that she needed to be the driving force in change. She thought that in order to help someone she needed to become an expert and be able to tell people the “right” thing to do. Throughout her time working in the Human Services field and through her training to become a Registered Psychologist she has realized she was very wrong in this assumption.

Real change comes from within and it starts with the individual and not the therapist. Although Psychologists have knowledge and expertise in the counselling process, we are the expert in our own lives. Psychologists and clients need to collaborate to reach counselling goals. Chelsey believes that the best way for her to help you is by spending time getting to know you and creating an environment where you can feel safe and comfortable to share. Establishing a space where you can feel safe to share and be vulnerable provides the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your unique circumstances, feel empowered, and able to identify insights, supports, and tools to your current situation.

Human beings are social creatures, we have an innate need for relationships. As such, relationships play a huge role in our lives and directly influence our emotional, mental, and even physical health. Cultivating a healthy relationship with our partners is vital to our overall well-being and life satisfaction. Using the Gottman Method, Chelsey works to help couples create a sense of hope and resilience in their relationship by focusing on creating, fostering, and nurturing friendship, trust and commitment, bring forth a positive perspective, learn effective communication skills, and, ultimately, building a meaningful life together.

As a Registered Psychologist, Chelsey is passionate about supporting adults and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, coping, self-esteem, relationship concerns, and trauma. We are all doing the best we can with the moments we are given and sometimes we need support to do even better.

What Does Working With Chelsey Look Like?

First, she will start by getting to know you and understanding what has brought you in to seek out support. She is often told that she has a genuine, “what you see is what you get” nature that allows clients to feel comfortable. This ultimately provides a space where you think about your concerns in a different way and gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what you are currently experiencing. You will also hear Chelsey asking you, “what is your goal” or “agenda” in coming to counselling. She believes that having a landmark helps to identify and pull upon your strengths and resources to create change. Lastly, Chelsey’s style is often described as direct and focused. This allows you to make the most of your time and investment in your mental health as well as, create a compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive environment. Chelsey is available evenings and weekends to best support her clients.

Specializations:

• Stress & Burnout
• Trauma & PTSD
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-compassion
• Couples Therapy
• Solution focused therapy (SFT)
• Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE)

 

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Revekka (Rea) Kakoullis, M.Sc., R. Psych.

Registered Psychologist – Rate $220 per session

Client Focus: Adolescents (16+) & Adults (18+)

Available Sunday days and Wednesday evenings 

Revekka Kakoullis, also known as Rea is a free-spirited psychologist in Edmonton, AB with 19 years of clinical experience. She assists adolescents and adults experiencing issues with: anger, anxiety, coping skills, depression, grief, interpersonal conflict, parent-child conflict, school refusal, self-esteem, self-injury, stress, and suicide. She works with clients 16+. 

Rea values respectful, authentic and collaborative therapist-client interactions, in a psychological and emotionally safe environment. Rea works to ensure her clients experience acceptance, comfort to express authentic feelings, meaningful interpersonal connection, as well as purposeful and empowering support.

Rea believes though our humanness may leave us exposed to certain vulnerabilities it is through our courage we are able to transform those vulnerabilities into meaningful growing opportunities. Having been born in Cyprus during a time of upheaval, it fostered a great compassion and understanding for others, this eventually led her to become a psychologist.

Rea draws on a compassionate, validating, and empowering counseling framework. Her approach involves supporting her clients to help them enhance self-awareness, illuminate personal and social strengths, and understand their responsibilities and choices. Consequently, she takes a culturally sensitive/competent, developmentally attuned, trauma-informed, and solution-focused approach to therapy. Rea’s approach includes responsive therapeutic intervention in every session – be it only one session or more.

• Adolescent Psychology
• Stress & Burnout
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-compassion

 

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Corrine Slator, M.C.

Mental Health Therapist – Rate $120 per session  
(Please note this is not covered by extended health plans) 

Available Monday evenings

Corrine is a graduate from the Master of Counselling program at City University and is currently in the process of obtaining licensure as a Registered Provisional Psychologist. Her practice is grounded in a strengths-based approach, emphasizing personal empowerment to help align thoughts, behaviors, and goals with core values. She understands that opening up in therapy can feel challenging, especially when facing difficult emotions or situations. With a warm and approachable demeanor, Corrine is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can feel comfortable exploring your inner world. She works with:

Individuals (15+):

No matter your age, seeking help to better understand yourself, recognize your potential, find hope, and take action to overcome challenges is a big first step! Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, low self-esteem, relational issues, or navigating a major life transition, Corrine offers guidance on your path to greater self-awareness and self-compassion as you build confidence and progress toward your goals.

Couples/Partnerships:

Relationships are hard work! Corrine facilitates the exploration of relational dynamics and shares practical skills to help you invest in your relationship. Whether you’re preparing for a deeper commitment, working through communication difficulties, hoping to resolve conflict, or nearing your breaking point, Corrine applies techniques from various modalities to help build trust and strengthen your connection.

Modalities:

Corrine is committed to ongoing learning and professional development. She draws from several therapeutic modalities to best meet the needs of each individual client, primarily utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Corrine also incorporates concepts from Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and the Gottman Method, which she plans to obtain formal training on in the near future. 

• Adolescent Psychology
• Stress & Burnout
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-compassion
• Couples Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

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Karan Gill, BCom 

Mental Health Therapist – Rate $120 per session  
(Please note this is not covered by extended health plans) 

Available Wednesday evenings

Karan is a Master of Counseling student in the final stages of completing his degree. He is committed and has a keen interest in working with individuals impacted by anxiety, depression, addictions (gambling and alcohol), interpersonal issues, and stress management. As a therapist, Karan utilizes an integrative approach pulling from multiple modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapies. Karan approaches therapy with a client-centered perspective while emphasizing empathy and understanding in session. Through counseling, he believes exploring and navigating challenges in collaboration with clients can aid in fostering growth. Karan hopes to create a compassionate and safe environment where issues and challenges can be further explored. 

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