Monika Pakstas

Registered Social Worker (She/Her)

Get to Know Monika

My approach reflects my formal training and down to earth, relaxed nature. I provide therapy that is gentle and supportive, while also oriented towards personal growth and behavioural and emotional change. I specialize in supporting people who have been through traumatic and stressful life events, whether they occurred recently or long ago. If the impacts of stress or trauma are showing up in your mood, behaviours, or relationships, we may be a good fit to work together.

I help my clients heal holistically. We may begin with understanding the connections between thoughts, feelings, and the body. Using evidence-based approaches, I will support you to resolve the impacts of events that are impacting you today. This may include exploring different parts of yourself, or processing feelings related to trauma. For me, healing isn’t just about feeling better in the present; it also includes living a life aligned with your values and fulfilling your potential.

Over the past five years, I have worked with people impacted by sexual violence, family/domestic violence, eating disorders, addictions, and other related mental health concerns. I have training in perinatal mental health and parenting support. I am trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.

For anyone interested in working together, I look forward to meeting you!

About Monika’s Practice

What is your training?
I have a Master of Social Work degree and am a Registered Social Worker in Alberta. I have completed specialized training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Narrative Therapy. I have also completed training in Perinatal Mental Health, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I have received specialized supervision in clinical work with trauma and eating disorders, and completed trainings in body image from the Centre for Body Trust.
Individuals 16 and above, including adults in their senior years. I am also a registered provider for Breaking Free Foundation and the Trans Affirming Network.
  • Family & Early Parenthood:
    • Pregnancy and postpartum mental health (anxiety, depression)
    • Navigating reproductive issues such as infertility or pregnancy loss
    • Support with impacts of personal trauma history
    • Healing emotionally from difficult birth experiences
    • Fostering healthy social and intimate relationships in parenthood
  • Healing from traumatic or distressing events, including sexual or domestic violence, or childhood events
  • Navigating dating and relationships following sexual or domestic violence or trauma
  • Disordered eating (as medically stable), body image concerns, addressing the impacts of diet culture
  • Mild to moderate anxiety or depression
  • Setting boundaries
  • Perfectionism and self-criticism
  • Stress management
  • Aging, navigating retirement, and mental health in the elder years
Like many therapists, I draw from my lived experiences in my counselling practice, such as navigating the realities of diet culture, experiencing loss, and finding my way through pregnancies and parenthood. I hope that I can use what I learn from these experiences to foster deeper understanding and more compassionate connections with each of my clients, even with those whose stories differ greatly from my own.

monika@monarchpsychology.com

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