Lorna Barnes

As a counsellor with over two decades of professional experience, my academic journey began at Providence University College, where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences in 2000, followed by a Master of Arts in Biblical Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary in 2003. I am a registered Certified Professional Counsellor with the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists and hold registration with The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA).

My career began as a Program Therapist working in a group home setting with youth in foster care or from troubled homes (2004-2010). The youth had issues in abandonment and rejection, self-esteem, conflict and oppositional defiance disorder, FASD, identity issues, and suicidal ideation. In 2010, I contracted in a private practice of psychologists and counsellors, working with adults aged 18 and older. This environment fostered professional growth and broadened my experience with diverse challenges, including parenting issues, childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, addiction, domestic violence, stress and anxiety management, illness-related concerns, grief, divorce, and spiritual matters.

In 2015, I established my own private practice with my therapeutic approach being holistic and integrative, drawing on various theoretical frameworks, including Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, Christian Counselling, Existential Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Attachment Theory. This integrative approach allows me to tailor treatment plans to each client's unique needs.

My counselling philosophy centres on creating a safe and trusting therapeutic environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences and emotions. I believe many life challenges stem from past trauma and experiences that negatively impact one's sense of identity and purpose. My role is to facilitate self-discovery, build confidence, and empower clients to live authentically. I emphasize examining and challenging negative self-perceptions that may hinder personal growth. My treatment approach begins with a thorough assessment of the client's current situation and personal history, focusing on identifying underlying emotional patterns and belief systems while equipping clients with practical tools for personal growth. Through active listening and empathetic understanding, I support clients on their journey of self-discovery and identity development, integrating past experiences into a meaningful narrative that promotes healing, growth, resilience, and self-acceptance. My areas of specialization include childhood trauma, Christian counselling, parenting, codependency and boundary issues, relationships, depression and anxiety, domestic violence situations, grief counselling, divorce support, and workplace conflict.