Our Team

Alleah Bowring

Intern Counsellor and Art Therapist

(She/Her)

Hi, nice to meet you! I’m Alleah.

I am a Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy Intern Counsellor currently attending Adler University and receiving supervision by Heather Hassenbein, MCPAT, RCC, BCATR. My counselling style is a blend of verbal and nonverbal therapy in which communication may come through talking or through the process of creating using art materials. I recognize that you are the expert in your own life and want to work collaboratively with you to help you gain insight and awareness that can lead to change and toward desired goals. I believe the path to healing is relational, and I nurture the therapeutic relationship gently but directly, by offering a supportive and accepting space with a focus on connection to self and to others.

Questions & Answers

What extra or specialized training do you have?

• 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher Training
• 75 hour Vinyasa Yoga for Youth Training
• U of A Indigenous Canada Learning Course

Why are you becoming a counsellor/art therapist?

I consider myself a nurturing person and I am passionate about doing what I can to live in a healthy world, and I believe that a large part of that begins with feeling health in our bodies and minds. That concept has led to my desire to help others in finding ease and joy along their paths in life. I have always had a keen curiosity about humans and the ways in which we do and think, and part of that fascination includes how we express ourselves through creative and visual ways. My journey first led me to explore the body through movement, and now to explore the mind and the connection between the two through counselling and art therapy as well. I felt the benefits of these modalities in my life and am grateful to have the opportunity to share these practices with others.

What have you learned so far in becoming a counsellor?

As a counsellor, I have learned that what matters most is building a strong therapeutic relationship and an environment that feels safe and supportive. I am there to help each client with their unique individual goals in ways that work best for them.

What types of clients do you work with?

I predominantly work with adults in individual and group settings.

What is your cultural background?

I grew up and lived in Saskatchewan for the majority of my life and have mostly British and Ukrainian roots.

What are your beliefs around religion/spirituality?

I do not consider myself religious, but my sense of spirituality resides in connecting to the Earth and to each other. I believe that whether someone is religious or spiritual in any nature, that all these different beliefs all lead in a similar way, which is in connection to the world and to others, in order to bring deeper meaning to our lives.

Do you take notes during session?

Yes, I often will take notes during session, especially if there are specific details that may be important to the client. I want to ensure I remember them for current and future sessions. I am human, and may forget these details otherwise, and so by taking notes I can ensure I’m providing my best care to each client.

What are your expectations from clients?

I am there to provide support for each client that is wanting help and desiring change in their lives. I allow the client to lead in this in order to reach their desired goals. My expectation is that clients will have to do the work in order to make those changes for themselves. This may not be an easy process and may be challenging; and that is where my work lies, is to provide support and encouragement along the way. In order to get there, I expect clients to be able to say no, to ask questions, and to have open dialogue if something explored in sessions didn’t quite work for them.

Is there anything else a prospective client should know about working with you?

I recognize that you are the expert in your own life and want to work collaboratively with you to help you gain insight and awareness that can lead to change and toward desired goals. I believe the path to healing is relational, and I nurture the therapeutic relationship gently but directly, by offering a supportive and accepting space with a focus on connection to self and to others. Counselling can be an opportunity to put your healing first, and one step in your healing journey to commit to embodying a life that aligns with your values. I am overjoyed to support you along your path. Let’s work together!