Jennifer Poland

(She/Her)

BA, MA, CCC, Counselling Therapist (ACTA)

Its nice to meet you!

I grew up in central Alberta and have always appreciated the road less traveled. Embracing the uncertainty and challenges that come with stepping outside of your comfort zone, I moved to Georgia for nearly 10 years. The road less traveled often leads to profound personal growth and transformation—it’s about taking risks, staying curious, and being open to new experiences. These things require courage and resilience, and while the path isn’t always the easiest, it often leads to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

After my time in Georgia, I moved back to the family farm with my husband. Starting a family and becoming a mother has been both a challenge and a blessing. I deeply value the importance of understanding family systems—not only in my own life but also in the work I do with clients. I strive to offer a holistic perspective on individual challenges, especially when family dynamics are at play.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of supportive roles—whether helping children with disabilities, supporting youth in residential settings, or assisting families in protective services. These experiences have shaped my passion for psychology and given me the opportunity to help others navigate their own unique journeys.

As a counsellor, my goal is to empower you to move beyond mere survival. Together, we’ll focus on overcoming obstacles, breaking through barriers, and aligning with your vision for a fulfilling, meaningful life.

Offering in person, Phone or Virtual Session

I recognize that it is difficult looking for the right therapist. You want to ensure that you are comfortable within the therapeutic environment. I strive to create an atmosphere where you are able to be vulnerable and leave every session feeling heard and supported

Whether you are looking for short term or long term counselling I am here to help. Located in rural Didsbury, Alberta, I invite you to connect with me through a free 15 minute consultation.

What are some of the things I can help you with?

Mission

Provide therapy that is adaptable to each individuals needs utilizing the person-centered approach.

Vision

Our vision is to help everyone through their own healing journey on their terms.

Values

My Approach

Integrative

Every client attends counselling for their own reasons, I use an integrative approach to be responsive to each client’s unique needs. I am happy to pull from several therapeutic orientations to support clients in addressing identified outcomes and goals. Individuals meeting with me can expect a trauma informed, inclusive counselling session that may be grounded in therapeutic interventions from Somatic Attachment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Strengths-based Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Psychedelic Integration Model, and Expressive Arts.

Strengths-Based Therapy

When you attend counselling, you are the expert on your own life and in charge of setting direction for your counselling goals and experience. Together we can focus on naming your goals and using your existing strengths and resources to tackle challenges and reach your desired outcomes. Instead of focusing on problems, this approach highlights what clients are already good at and helps them use their abilities to make change. It emphasizes empowerment, having agency, collaboration, and positive thinking, building confidence and resilience.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. Techniques used in this form of therapy teaches individuals practical strategies to change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours that may not be wanted. Each person has unique challenges and CBT can help you identify negative thoughts, evaluate challenging thoughts, change your thought patterns, and adjust behaviours.

Family Systems Therapy

Family can be the most rewarding and the most difficult and complex thing to navigate. Family Systems Therapy looks at how family members interact with each other and how those relationships shape a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. We explore the influence of family and how those within the family dynamic has created impact within our lives. With this form of therapy I can help you restructure patterns that you may want to change that have been developed though your childhood and family dynamics.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT can help people manage their emotions, handle stress and improve relationships. It focuses on two key ideas, acceptance and change. I use this form of therapy to help people learn to stay present in the moment, increase their ability to handle difficult emotions, regulate those emotions, and communicate effectively in relationships.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance of ourselves can be difficult. We can feel guilty for the emotions we have, not believing they are rational for the situation; or feeling like they shouldn’t happen at all. ACT can help us recognize and make peace with difficult thoughts and emotions instead of struggling against them. I can help you change your relationship with those thoughts so they don’t overwhelm you, and focus on what truly matters most in your life.

Education

Registration

Training Highlights

Harassment Investigation Training Level One and Two
Alberta Relationships in Motion Facilitator
Executive Skills Coaching
Alberta Anxiety to Calm Facilitator
First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training