Kayla barbour
Hi! I’m Kayla Barbour. I was on my way to becoming a scientific researcher (mice, labs, the whole works) when I decided I’d be better off catering to my inner therapist instead. I completed a Master of Counselling degree through Athabasca University, where I learned therapy techniques and models of psychotherapy. Connecting with people was something that came naturally, but it wasn’t until I joined the working world and began doing therapy that I learned how to harness the power of the human spirit.
I quickly realized that people who were coming to me for help knew what they wanted out of life, but they weren’t quite sure how to get there. It was as if stumbling blocks were getting in the way of them finding happiness and fulfillment. Once we worked together to identify solutions to the blocks, they quickly found that happiness was indeed within reach. I soon learned that my passion is helping people get “unstuck” in order to make their ideal life a reality.
Using a solution focused approach I’ve helped clients in outpatient and inpatient settings attend to concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, decision making, self-esteem, eating disorders, and anger management. I’m also a big fan of using cognitive behavioral therapy and teaching skills like effective communication, emotional regulation, and mindfulness in order to help people improve relationships, cope with stress, and stop worrying.
Here are some of the concerns I mainly work with: anxiety and worry (especially social anxiety), depression and unstable mood, OCD, self-esteem, relationship concerns, eating disorders. I also have a special interest in post-partum anxiety and depression. If you are experiencing a different concern but still want to work with me, reach out and let's chat about it.