Aleksandra Gavric
- Position: Registered Provisional Psychologist
- Experience: Master of Counselling
- Location: Sherwood Park, AB
- Email: info@onyxtherapy.ca
- Phone: (587) 745-2662
- Regulatory or Governing Body/Professional Association: College of Alberta Psychologists
- Registration #: P7126
- Fees: $220, Effective July 1, 2023 Alek's fees will increase to $220
Aleksandra Gavric
I am a therapist specializing in treating individuals who have experienced complex trauma resulting from toxic relationships, dysfunctional family systems, and adverse social environments.
When we experience complex trauma, it can leave lasting effects on our lives that can be difficult to navigate on our own. It can impact the way we perceive ourselves, our relationships with others, and even our ability to regulate our emotions. This can result in patterns of behaviour that may feel out of our control. However, through therapy, we can begin to unpack these patterns and gain a better understanding of how they developed. By exploring the root causes of these patterns, we can interrupt the cycle and create new, healthier ways of relating to ourselves and others.
Within every complex trauma survivor, there is a unique strength and resiliency that we can draw from to overcome challenges. Regardless of your background, education, or past experiences, achieving your relationship and life goals is achievable. Resilience is a natural human quality that is present within each of us, and therapy provides a space to access this inner strength, learn new tools and coping strategies, and make progress toward the life you desire.
I am here to work with you toward achieving your goals and freeing yourself from the impacts of trauma.
Individuals who have experienced complex trauma often develop coping mechanisms such as caretaking and people-pleasing behaviours, leading to a tendency to feel overly responsible for the emotions of others. This can lead to a lack of boundaries, fear of conflict, negative self-talk, and intense feelings of shame and guilt.
As a result, many individuals who seek therapy with me have experienced trauma that has resulted in symptoms such as burnout, mood swings, emotional dysregulation, hypervigilance, and low self-esteem. My goal is to help clients develop new perspectives and actively challenge these patterns, encouraging them to express experiences that they may have previously kept hidden. Ultimately, my aim is to support clients in discovering more fulfilling and functional ways of living in the world.
The first step in the healing process is to prioritize one's own needs and take the necessary steps to establish a more positive and nourishing relationship with oneself.
Rebuilding a relationship with oneself is a crucial step for individuals who have experienced complex trauma. By fostering self-acceptance, self-care, and self-trust, we can establish healthy boundaries, assert our needs, and form fulfilling relationships. I aspire to help my clients achieve their individual goals while gaining a more profound understanding of themselves and creating stronger, more authentic connections with others.
To accomplish this, I frequently integrate techniques and insights from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Somatic therapy, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing Therapy (EMDR). By using these modalities, I can develop practical and effective strategies for addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and relationship issues, while also exploring clients’ inner worlds in a supportive and safe environment.
I place great importance on building connections with each of my clients, leveraging these connections to create a safe environment.
During a therapy session, my goal is to establish a secure and accepting space where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions. I strive to create a supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood, knowing I am here to assist them in their journey of healing and growth. All that is needed is a willingness to progress and a small seed of desire for change. I value authenticity and openness and promise to provide a non-judgmental environment.
A genuine connection between the client and therapist is one of the most vital components of successful therapy.
Professional Background
- Master of Counselling - The City University of Seattle 2019
- Bachelor of Psychology - Carleton University 2015
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and childhood/developmental trauma
- Narcissistic abuse (emotional, physical, psychological, financial abuse)
- Perfectionism
- Codependency
- Caregiver stress and burnout
- Sleep difficulties
- Addiction (substance use, behavioral addictions)
- Pain/somatic symptoms (including indigestion)
- Separation/divorce
- Single parenting
- Self-worth and self-esteem
- Family estrangement
- Life transitions (e.g., retirement, career change, relocation)
- Emotional dysregulation
- Attachment trauma
- Workplace trauma/harassment/bullying
- Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- EMDR Basic Level 1&2
- Looking Through the Eyes: EMDR and Ego State Therapy Across the Dissociative Continuum
- Toward an Embodied Self: Somatic Methods for EMDR Therapists
- Imaginal Nurturing, Ego States and Attachment
- Ego State Therapy Interventions to Stabilize your Most Wounded, Belligerent & Dissociative Clients
- Healing the Heart of Complex Trauma and Dissociation with EMDR and Ego State Therapy
- How to work with Shame
- Treating Trauma Master Series
- How to work with Clients Who are Stuck
- How to Foster Post Traumatic Growth
- Practical Brain Focused Strategies to Work with Depression
- Depression Care & Trauma Care
- Goal Management Training
- College of Alberta Psychologists
Let’s Discover How I Can Help
Start feeling supported, coping with difficult situations, and having stronger connections. Reach out to see if I would be the right therapist for you.
When you reach out, you’ll talk to our administrative staff and, you can share what’s going on for you, ask any questions you may have, and get scheduled in for your first session with me.
Email us today at info@onyxtherapy.ca.
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