Individual counselling takes place in a safe, caring, and confidential space to allow for open discussion and problem-solving. Counsellors are trained mental health professionals from a variety of different educational, professional, and cultural backgrounds, with expertise supporting a variety of different challenges and barriers to mental wellness.

We work on examining thought and behavior patterns, setting goals and processing difficult feelings. We believe that there is no single or “cookie cutter” approach.

A key to successful work with children is parental involvement and support. We alternate time during sessions between parent(s) and child so that parents develop the knowledge and understanding to support the skills their child is learning.

Please note: We require an initial parent-only session prior to working with children. Please do not bring your child to the first session as this time is used to gather background and discuss concerns.

Navigating the ups and downs of a relationship is not easy. As people move through life they grow and change, face challenges, and discover differences. Relationships require attention, time, and effort in order to flourish.

Krista Smith is the clinician that provides couples/relationship counselling at East Plains Counselling & Assessment. Krista provides a warm and accepting environment for individuals in a variety of relationship structures including traditional, same-sex, polyamorous, and open relationships. In a supportive and non-judgmental manner, Krista helps clients to understand themselves and their needs in the context of a relationship, resolve conflict constructively, compromise, negotiate, and communicate effectively. She helps people to have open discussions that address underlying issues while moving towards mutually agreed upon solutions.

Krista focuses on a forward facing model designed to bring about change and strengthen relationships. Limited time and focus will be spent on re-hashing who has said or done what in the past (chances are great you have already been over this information many times before deciding to look for support). The focus will be on moving forward, understanding current feelings and needs and building on both individual and combined goals. This collaboration requires each person to be self-reflective and focus on themselves and what they are willing and able to do to bring about change.

Family counselling helps family members to understand each other, support each other, and work through difficult situations in a safe space. We offer counselling for all family relationships including parent/teen; couples; extended family relationships; and non-traditional families including same-sex and polyamorous families.

Family members can expect to learn the skills to improve communication, resolve conflict, and move forward in a positive direction.

We offer assessment, diagnosis and support in the following areas:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

Mood Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Learning Disabilities

Cognitive Abilities (strengths & weaknesses)

Behavioral Issues

Several of our clinicians provide educational support sessions. These are one-on-one sessions designed to work with the child or teen to support their ability to learn. We combine expertise in mental health, learning and behavior to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. We work from a model that builds off of a student's strengths and unique learning profile. We are able to support learning, study skills, time management, focus/attentional issues, and organization. We are also able to work to support a student's emotional and social needs by helping them build skills that can transfer to their school relationships. Alongside working with the student, we provide practical advice and information to parents that are looking to support their child's educational, emotional and social development. If you are looking to book an educational support session you can choose the counselling session option through online booking and provide information in the intake form as to what you are looking for and areas that your child requires support. Stacey Braithwaite and Krista Smith are the clinicians that provide Educational Support Sessions.

Many clients come to us seeking support in parenting. Our clinicians are trained to support parents through all stages from early prenatal stages to teenage years and beyond. We combine expertise in child development, behavior, learning, and parenting styles/approaches to help navigate the ups and downs of parenting. We provide a judgement free environment for parents to explore their parenting approach and learn how to best connect with and guide their child. We support parents looking for support during pregnancy and beyond. We provide ideas and strategies for managing difficult behaviors including (but not limited to) ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning issues, communication issues, sleep issues, toileting issues, food/eating issues, discipline, peer relationships, teenage dating, parental expectations, divorce/separation, drug/alcohol use, and academic issues. Our clinicians are all parents themselves and understand many of the challenges that come with raising children/teens in the world today.