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MONIKA PAKSTAS

Registered Social Worker (she/her)

My approach to therapy is a collaborative one built on a strong and trusting relationship. I am here to support you in exploring and gaining a deeper understanding of the thoughts, feelings, or challenging experiences that have brought you to seek therapy. In doing so, we can work to uncover narratives that support your well-being, and skills that will help you move forwards toward more peace and contentment in your relationships with yourself and others.
 
I have a Masters 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 Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. In addition, I access specialized supervision and training around eating disorder support. I have also completed training in mindfulness. 

I have a Masters of Social Work degree and am a Registered Social Worker in Alberta. I have completed specialized training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. In addition, I access specialized supervision and training around eating disorder support. I have also completed training through Canadian Perinatal Mental Health. 

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. 
  • Disordered eating and eating disorders (for those that are medically stable)
  • Body image concerns
  • Trauma (with specialization in sexual violence or abuse/family violence)
  • Mild to moderate depression
  • Mild to moderate anxiety
  • Perinatal well-being and reproductive health (managing stress before, during or after pregnancy, adapting to being a parent, enhancing self-care, dealing with feelings of anxiety or low mood, infertility, pregnancy loss)
  • Aging and adapting to new life stages
  • Perfectionism

While I do not think it is necessary that a counsellor has been through similar experiences to their clients in order to support them effectively, I do think that having shared lived experiences can sometimes provide clients with a greater sense of ease and connection with their therapist.

 

Some of the things that prospective clients may find it useful to know about me are that I am the parent of a young child and have also experienced a pregnancy loss. I am grateful to be part of a multi-cultural family and am passionate about practicing therapy from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens. I am also in recovery from an eating disorder. For each of these areas, I am able draw upon personal as well as academic knowledge when supporting clients who are going through similar circumstances. 

I am currently available on Mondays from 4-6 pm and Tuesdays from 4:30-7:30 pm.

I am currently available for a free 15-minute telephone consultation to connect and find out if we would be a good fit for working together. My fees are $200 per 50-minute session. I have a sliding scale that is available upon request. In this case we can have a conversation about your financial needs.

MONIKA PAKSTAS

Registered Social Worker (she/her)

Hi, I'm MONIKA.

My approach to therapy is a collaborative one built on a strong and trusting relationship. I am here to support you in exploring and gaining a deeper understanding of the thoughts, feelings, or challenging experiences that have brought you to seek therapy. In doing so, we can work to uncover narratives that support your well-being, and skills that will help you move forwards toward more peace and contentment in your relationships with yourself and others.
 
I have a Masters 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 Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. In addition, I access specialized supervision and training around eating disorder support. I have also completed training in mindfulness.

I have a Masters of Social Work degree and am a Registered Social Worker in Alberta. I have completed specialized training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. In addition, I access specialized supervision and training around eating disorder support. I have also completed training through Canadian Perinatal Mental Health. 

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. 
  • Disordered eating and eating disorders (for those that are medically stable)
  • Body image concerns
  • Trauma (with specialization in sexual violence or abuse/family violence)
  • Mild to moderate depression
  • Mild to moderate anxiety
  • Perinatal well-being and reproductive health (managing stress before, during or after pregnancy, adapting to being a parent, enhancing self-care, dealing with feelings of anxiety or low mood, infertility, pregnancy loss)
  • Aging and adapting to new life stages
  • Perfectionism

While I do not think it is necessary that a counsellor has been through similar experiences to their clients in order to support them effectively, I do think that having shared lived experiences can sometimes provide clients with a greater sense of ease and connection with their therapist.

 

Some of the things that prospective clients may find it useful to know about me are that I am the parent of a young child and have also experienced a pregnancy loss. I am grateful to be part of a multi-cultural family and am passionate about practicing therapy from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens. I am also in recovery from an eating disorder. For each of these areas, I am able draw upon personal as well as academic knowledge when supporting clients who are going through similar circumstances. 

I am currently available on Mondays from 4-6 pm and Tuesdays from 4:30-7:30 pm.

I am currently available for a free 15-minute telephone consultation to connect and find out if we would be a good fit for working together. My fees are $200 per 50-minute session. I have a sliding scale that is available upon request. In this case we can have a conversation about your financial needs.