Come as you are.
Amelia Larson
MSW, Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW), Approved Clinical Supervisor
Hi there,
My name is Amelia (she/her) and I look forward to connecting with you. I know that it can be a little intimidating to open up about what's not going right. My values of authenticity, acceptance and curiosity are foundational to who I am as a person and I use them to ensure a safe and non-judgmental space.
I focus on areas of life transitions, parenting, romantic relationships, anxiety and stress, and trauma reduction.
I am certified to practice Narrative Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), Solution-Focused Therapy, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Process Therapy, EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and Expressive Arts Therapy.
When you feel ready, we can explore how to get you to a happier and healthier version of yourself. A complimentary 15 minute chat will help you determine if I am the right fit for you (Let’s Connect). I'm confident you will leave our first session together feeling a little lighter, with an idea of what your next steps are.
I offer both virtual and in-person walk and talk sessions.
Verified by Psychology Today
“I am honoured by the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey to manage life's stresses and achieving connection, meaning, purpose and joy. I look forward to exploring where your journey can lead you.”
About me professionally
Amelia is a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) and Approved Clinical Supervisor of Record, qualifying her to provide therapy services having undergone additional specialized training, supervision, and testing above the RSW qualifications. She brings over 17 years of experience helping individuals transform challenges into opportunities for growth and personal well-being.
With a supportive, non-judgmental, and authentic demeanor, Amelia creates a safe environment for you to be who you are. She addresses the whole person through a holistic/integrative lens, considering the connections between your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health—and your unique circumstances. She believes that making shifts in one area of your life can have profound impacts on other areas.
Tailoring therapy to your distinct needs, Amelia draws from her certifications in a variety of modalities in combination with her education in human development, among others. Using a client-led approach, she can assist you in gaining a greater understanding of yourself and what you need to show up as the best version of you. She will help expand your ability to see different perspectives so that you can shift your viewpoint and obtain new insights. She aims to arm you with the skills and tools to be able to have healthy relationships and the feeling of belonging in your life.
Amelia’s interests include family of origin and inner child work, processing past trauma, and romantic relationships—and how all of these can interconnect. She recognizes that the environment in which you were raised impacts you today and the stories you tell about yourself shape your identity and experiences. One approach she uses is narrative therapy where she can help you understand your story from a new perspective, empowering you to create a more positive and fulfilling life narrative.
It is an incredible honour for Amelia to be able to witness your journey, assist you to better understand yourself, and support you with your fears and your own ability to work through it. She believes that therapy can provide an invested connection which is the most healing thing to help you become the best version of yourself.
My Approach to Therapy (click to watch)
Post Secondary Education
Master of Clinical Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University
Bachelor of Applied Science, Human Development and Family Relations, University of Guelph
Registrations
Alberta College of Social Workers, Clinical Designation
BC College of Social Workers
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Approved Clinical Supervisor of Record with the Alberta College of Social Workers
About me personally
Amelia is guided by the willingness to have an open heart and open mind. Her natural empathic ability to make the connection between harmful behaviour and inner suffering allowed her to stop the cycles of intergenerational trauma and unhealthy coping that defined her family of origin story. She developed courage, curiosity, and a positive mindset as an approach to life, characteristics that have served her well and are integral to her therapy practice.
Amelia has always been fascinated by people, and her curiosity led her to study human development and family relations at the University of Guelph. It was there during her work placement at a young men’s group home where her interest in social work began. She was drawn to learning about each person’s life and helping them figure out how to turn challenges into opportunities.
Saying “yes” to all prospects that came her way, Amelia has travelled to different parts of the world working with people in a variety of circumstances. All of these encounters gave Amelia insight into the human experience. She realized that we are all wired for connection and that language is only one way to communicate. We are more similar than we are different, we all have the same needs—to belong, to be accepted, to be safe, to find joy.
With the desire to make a difference in the trajectory of people’s lives, Amelia pursued her master’s in clinical social work at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Today, Amelia is the clinical director at a large social service agency and offers therapy and clinical supervision services from her home practice. She has worked with people from all backgrounds through her extensive non-profit experience, giving her the ability to truly understand people’s stories and journeys.
Being a mother and partner is most important to Amelia. She recognizes that self-care is essential to be the best version of yourself not only for you, but also for your family and others. Being outside in nature, practicing yoga, mindfulness, reading, drinking tea, listening to good music, very casual running and other forms of self-care are some of the ways she brings regulation and grounding into her life.
-
Amelia has travelled to different parts of the world working with people in a variety of circumstances from hurricane relief in Mississippi-USA and community development in Costa Rica, to serious child illness in Ireland and educational barriers for girls in Tanzania. She also taught English as a second language in Korea and travelled the Trans-Siberian railway.
Amelia pursued her master’s in clinical social work at Wilfrid Laurier University. During this time, she undertook a program where some of her classmates were incarcerated in a women's federal correctional institution, some for a life sentence. Through this life-changing experience, she learned about systemic injustice often rooted in the child welfare system and the need to create environments where all families can thrive. She also discovered that we make decisions based on our perceived threat to survival.
