I believe none of us are free until we are all free and strive towards the liberation of all oppressed peoples.
I bring an awareness of systemic oppression and its many impacts into my work.
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About me
I spent much of my life on a personal quest—to understand myself, heal, and find clarity. Through that journey, I reclaimed myself, redesigned my life, and created space to live in peace.
Books—and the voices of certain authors and leaders—have long been companions and guides in my life. When the path disappeared beneath my feet, their words tethered me. I carry their wisdom with deep reverence into the work I do today.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Anxiety, Depression, and Shame
Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Children and Adolescents
Appreciating Extreme Parts in Context: IFS, Food, and the Body
Complete IFS Therapy Immersion: Integrating the IFS Model Across Clinical Applications
Embracing All of You- r. Gabor Maté and Dr. Richard C. SchwartzIndigenous Ways of BelongingIndigenous Ways of Belonging
Supporting Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Children and Adolescents
Antiracism: Responding to Racialized Situations
The Clinical Application of Compassion
I’m also a mom to two bold and brilliant teenage daughters who keep me grounded, humble, and continually inspired. They are, without a doubt, my most challenging—and most magnificent—teachers.
I have also spent much of my life being a teacher in the public school system.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) has been and continues to be a profoundly healing practice in my own life and continues to shape how I understand growth, healing, and self-compassion. Through this work, I have experienced the power of turning toward our inner world with curiosity and care, rather than judgment.
It is a privilege to bring this approach into my work and to walk alongside others as they reconnect with their own inner wisdom and capacity for healing.
My Approach
I believe therapy is a space to pause and connect to the truth of who you really are.
My work focuses on understanding emotions, patterns, and life stories—helping you reconnect with yourself and find clarity.
Qualifications & Trainings
I am the founder of Christy Westra Counselling , a Canadian Certified Counsellor and applicant to the College of Alberta Psychologists. I hold a Master’s degree from the University of Alberta (2021) and have completed another year and half of graduate work in counselling psychology beyond that.
Christy Westra, C.C.C, via Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), M.Ed.