Wild Heart Psychology
Welcome to Wild Heart Psychology
with Alysha Cooper -- a modern psychologist
Let's Begin
Here's My Story...
My Background: Alysha (she/her) is a psychologist who engages mindfully with compassion, purpose, and curiosity. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology at Mount Royal University before earning her Masters of Education in Counselling at the University of Lethbridge. Alysha has specific experience working with women’s mental health at an outpatient clinic and worked at a general outpatient clinic seeing individuals of all ages, experiences, cultures, and mental health concerns (including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder, psychosis, etc). She has also facillitated groups for women who are at risk of or have experienced domestic violence, adult and teen dialectical-behaviour therapy (DBT) groups, in addition to mindful self-compassion groups.
My Treatment Modalities: Alysha takes a holistic approach to counselling and recognizes the intersectional nature of people’s lives and identities. She draws from solution-focused and trauma-informed therapies that integrate people’s values so that they can live with purpose and meaning. Alysha also has training in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindful self-compassion (MSC), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), accelerated resolution therapy (ART), and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Alysha considers herself "an open book" and believes in practicing what she preaches. Alysha tries to bring laughter, lightness, and understanding while gently challenging old beliefs and behaviour patterns that are no longer serving us. She believes in collaborating with people and creating authentic space for healing, learning, and growth to occur -- even if it's messy at times.
Outside of Therapy: Alysha is passionate about living fully. She is a creative person who enjoys film, fashion, reading, crafting, spending time with loved ones, and connecting with animals (she is a self-proclaimed “crazy cat lady”). When she’s not doing that, Alysha lives an active lifestyle by spinning and running.
Areas of Specialization: Overwhelmed Achievers + Professionals, Perfectionism, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Anger Management, Self-Compassion, Grief and Loss, Mindfulness, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, and Emotional Regulation.
Services
Individual Therapy
Sorry, Alysha is not currently accepting new clients!
Alysha works collaboratively with you to develop an individualized treatment plan specific to your hopes for therapy. Her areas of interest include: high achieving professionals (lawyers, engineers, artists, doctors, aestheticians, social workers, dentists, nurses, real estate agents, teachers, business professionals, and so much more), anxiety, perfectionism, self-compassion, trauma, depression, grief and loss, mindfulness, BPD, ADHD, and emotion regulation. She also enjoys working with adolescents (ages 13 and up).
Workshops + Groups
Alysha is happy to offer workshops and groups focusing on: 1.) The pillars of mental health (nutrition/medication, movement, sleep, social supports/hobbies, and purpose/meaning); 2.) Mindful self-compassion skills; and 3.) Strategies for how to manage stressful events, emotions, and interpersonal relationships (for adolescents and adults). If you are interested in a workshop with friends, your staff, or co-workers, please contact Alysha via email. Note: these workshops are pychoeducational and are not a substitute for therapy.
See my Instagram or booking link for upcoming groups!
FAQs + Fees
How much are your fees?
Alysha charges $220 per 60-minute session for in-person and teletherapy appointments. The 60-minute sessions are typically around 50 minutes of therapy and 10 minutes for emails, rebooking, and notes. This is the recommended rate for individual therapy set out by the Psychologists' Association of Alberta. Please visit the following website for further information: https://psychologistsassociation.ab.ca/about-paa/resources/recommended-fee-schedule/
Will my insurance cover therapy sessions?
It is important to check with your individual insurance provider prior to booking a session with Alysha as she does not provide direct billing to all insurance providers at this time. The cost of the session is owed at the end of the session and you are welcome to contact your insurance provider for reimbursement as she will provide you with an invoice for your treatment. Most insurance providers do cover a portion of therapy or you are likely able to use your health/personal spending account to cover said fees.
What happens if I need to cancel or miss an appointment?
If you are late, your appointment will not be extended past the originally scheduled time and you will be charged the full fee.
Alysha also asks for 24-hours notice prior to cancelling an appointment. You can email her to cancel at wildheartpsychology@gmail.com. If you do not cancel your appointment within that 24-hour time frame or miss your appointment completely, you will be charged $50.00). Please note that this is usually not covered by insurance providers.
How long are sessions?
A session is schedule for approximately 60 minutes. If you know that you would like a longer session, please notify Alysha in advance and she will accommodate her schedule for you at an additional cost.
An ART session is usually 90 minutes and is charged at $300.00. Alysha also charges $300 at a discounted rate for regular 90-minute sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
Alysha has found that depending on the presenting issue(s), the complexity of same, and the client's involvement outside of session, most clients are able to reach their goals in 2 to 20 sessions. Some clients like to meet weekly, every 2-3 weeks, or monthly in the beginning. Please note that you can book up to 3 appointments at a time. It is recommended that you book quickly after your session as it can take approximately 2-3 weeks to book with Alysha (unless there is a cancellation) and if you require a specific day/time.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes! Please contact Alysha at wildheartpsychology@gmail.com to schedule a free 15 to 20-minute consultation via telehealth or phone.
Okay, I think I'm ready. How do I book?
I'm so happy you made the decision to take care of yourself. Consider this a step in the right direction. Please book an initial assessment with Alysha by emailing her, calling her through her Psychology Today profile, or visiting https://wildheartpsychology.janeapp.com/ Alysha will get back to you within 24 to 48 hours.
I think I need help immediately. What do I do?
Alysha is unable to provide crisis counselling to current or new clients. Typical wait times to see Alysha are about 2 to 3 weeks. Of note, you can book multiple appointments at a time.
If you need immediate support, please call the Distress Center at (403) 266-1601, the Canada Suicide Prevention Line at 1-833-456-4566, or present at your nearest hospital or Urgent Care.
Hours + Location
Come Visit
Tuesdays: 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays + Thursdays: 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
(Dates and times subject to change)
Located at #4035, 909 17 Ave SW on the fourth floor inside of the Mount Royal Executive Center (located beside Best Buy and Structube).
I acknowledge Treaty 7 territory—the traditional and ancestral territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kainai, Piikani and Siksika as well as the Tsuu T’ina Nation and Stoney Nakoda First Nation. I acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland. I acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations. I am grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. I make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.
