Ashley Cavers-Paproski

Ashley Cavers-Paproski

  • Position: Student Therapist
  • Experience: Master of Arts (Counselling Psychology)
  • Location: Sherwood Park, AB
  • Email: info@onyxtherapy.ca
  • Phone: (587) 745-2662
  • Regulatory or Governing Body/Professional Association: Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
  • Registration #: N/A
  • Fees: $60/hr plus GST *Student therapists are not covered by insurance
  • Availability: Monday & Friday Evenings
  • Sessions: In Person & Virtual
  • Direct Billing/Insurance: Not covered by Insurance

Ashley Cavers-Paproski

Student Therapist

Fees: $60/hr plus GST *Student therapists are not covered by insurance

I am a student therapist completing my practicum and I work with adults, and youth (13year and up).

I have been working as a social worker for 15 years, and most of my experience has been supporting children, youth, and families within the scope of child intervention. As a social worker, I have learned how our adverse childhood experiences can have a significant long-term impact on a person’s psychological and physical well-being.

Experiences such as abuse, neglect, mental illness, addictions, loss and grief, violence, and intergenerational trauma can create toxic stress within the body. This excessive activation of the stress-response system can lead to lasting wear and tear on the body and the brain.

I am passionate about supporting children, youth, and adults through a trauma-informed lens.

Trauma adaptations manifest in many ways, from hyper-vigilance, relational and attachment issues, low self-esteem, lack of trust, difficulty opening up to others, and dissociation. Trauma typically alters worldviews, resulting in avoidance of places and people leading to isolation. There is no single event that can fully encapsulate the experiences that cause trauma. Each person’s experiences, perceptions, and the impact of the traumatic event(s) are all unique.

I believe all persons are inclusive members of society and as a counsellor, it is essential to empower individuals to meet their potential.

Navigating the justice system, collaborating with agency partners, and advocacy are areas that can be challenging to conquer without support. Larger systems have created oppressed populations through marginalization which has led to privilege and power imbalances within social groups. Anti-oppressive practice is a broad concept that focuses on mitigating power imbalances by giving people the tools to deepen their understanding of how power and privilege work at different levels within society. I resonate with the ideology that the development and facilitation of programs and practices can positively shift societal dynamics in ways that can decrease oppression.

I value a holistic counselling approach since it focuses on treating the individual as a whole with compassion and in a non-judgmental environment, rather than only addressing specific issues and symptoms.

The integrative method of holistic counselling considers the interconnectedness of a person’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. Holistic counselling encourages self-awareness and self-empowerment by exploring various areas of a person’s life, as well as the ability to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

Through observation within my professional experiences, I have recognized that heightened self-awareness enables people to cultivate a stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment. This level of awareness allows them to create knowledgeable decisions, implement appropriate boundaries, and develop healthier relationships.

By addressing all these aspects, stress, anxiety, and depression can be reduced and one’s overall quality of life can improve. In addition, holistic counselling can have a positive long-term impact because it equips individuals with strategies that they can apply continuously in various areas of their lives. These strategies can include mindfulness practices, stress management techniques, effective communication strategies, and self-care routines.

I have a strong fascination with body-centered therapies such as somatic experiences which focuses on releasing stored tension and trauma from the body.

Somatic techniques include breathwork, movement, and body awareness exercises which can explore and heal emotional wounds that are held within the body.

I use a humanistic therapy approach which includes being authentic, open, and genuine, using active listening, and responding with unconditional positive regard to foster self-awareness, self-worth, and personal growth in all individuals.

The types of humanistic therapy that I focus on are client-centred therapy and existential therapy. Using a client-centred approach encourages a person to reflect and clarify their ideas to be able to better understand themselves and then alter their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Whereas existential therapy explores a person’s search for meaning in life, especially in the face of uncertainty, conflict, and loss and grief. The objective is to encourage people to view themselves as having the capability to direct their behaviours in a positive light and achieve their desired goals.

I am a person who has experienced my own trauma which has led me to become intrigued with understanding the long-term impact it can have on any person, and ways to promote life-long healing. This is what led me into the field of social work and now on to the journey of becoming a provisional psychologist.

I believe that an important skill to use in all counselling sessions isactive listening because it demonstrates empathy and the opportunity to build a strong therapeutic alliance.

Every person wants to be heard and understood because it allows for validation, promotes reflection, and an opportunity for change to occur. I feel privileged to be able to be a part of a person sharing their story and I recognize the vulnerability it takes for them to be able to do so. Finally, I strive to demonstrate authenticity, compassion, transparency, and empowerment for all people to be able to develop the skills they need to continue to grow and thrive.

Professional Background

Education
  • Masters of Counselling Psychology (MACP), Yorkville University
  • Bachelor of Social Work, University of Calgary
  • Diploma of Social Work, University of Grant MacEwan
Specializations
  • Mental Health
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD
  • Grief & Loss
  • Personality Disorders
  • Substance Abuse/Addiction Issues
  • Gambling
  • Family Violence/Domestic Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Self-Harm
  • Parent-Teen Conflicts
  • Parenting Challenges
  • Attachment Issues
  • Boundaries
  • Spirituality
  • Trauma
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Disability Barriers
  • ADHD
  • Behavioural Concerns
  • Blended Families
  • Pregnancy/Post-Partum/Prenatal
  • Relationship Issues
  • Sexual Abuse/Assault
  • Stress
Treatment Approaches
  • Attachment-Based
  • Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Compassion-Focussed Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Skills
  • Person-Centered
  • Narrative
  • Mindfulness
Professional Training
  • Working with Indigenous Families and Communities
  • Client and Family Centred Practice
  • Non-Violent Crisis Training
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Suicide Intervention Skills
  • Family Violence
  • Boundaries, Ethics, and Critical Thinking
  • Core Story of Brain Development
  • Sexual and Gender Diversity
Professional Associations/Regulatory Board
  • CCPA Student Member
  • Registered Social Worker

Let’s Discover How I Can Help

Find peace in your life, cope with difficult emotions, and find your inner strength. Reach out and let us know if I could be your best fit therapist.

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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