Are you an adult, adolescent, or family struggling to connect the dots and make sense of ruptured self, lack of inner peace? It could be challenging trying to heal trauma or mend broken relationships as a family. When left unresolved, trauma can become part of us. Taking a fresh lens of Healing Centred Approach, my goal is to support you in developing insight into holistic restoration of your wellbeing. I believe individuals are multidimensional beings therefore my goal is to help you unfold and unpack your concerns in order to alleviate suffering and foster healing.
My speciality entails supporting clients of diverse backgrounds. I draw from diverse therapeutic toolboxes such as Cultural Betrayal Trauma Theory, Solution Focused, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Family Systems , Person Centred, Multicultural, Solution Focused Brief , Rational Emotive Behaviour therapy.
Incorporating cultural traditions, seeing the individual as the expert in their own life, whatever complementary therapeutic approach I integrate in therapy, I respect that individuals present with complex issues that offers some understanding of their struggles or illnesses. The aim is to identify coping strategies as we unmask shame and promote healing.

Navigating challenges in family life can cause us to feel disconnected, exhausted, and frustrated among other things. Whether ongoing or temporary, they can erode our ability to tap into the very things that have supported us so far—our strengths, values, and tenacity. I am here to support you and/or your child with many sticky concerns including relational difficulties, shifts in mood (anger, shutting down), parenting challenges, life transitions, trauma, grief, anxiety, & depression.

Planted in Zimbabwe, rooted in Africa and grounded in Abya-Yala, Turtle Island, Canada for the past 19 years, Shayla is a mother first before all the academic and professional accolades. When she is not adulting, mothering or coparenting with her partner, she can be often found holding space for healing journeys and bearing witness to the sacred and multistories of youth, adults and families of diverse cultures and identities. She is also an Africentric Cultural Safety Consultant who invests her time providing psychoeducation on racial trauma and cultural responsiveness.

Shayla is an Alberta board approved social work clinical supervisor and CRPO recognized clinical supervisor who coaches and supervises and supports other therapists across Canada. Shayla is interprovincially licensed and has been practicing as a social worker since 2009; she is passionate about anti oppressive practice, UBUNTU, cultural humilty and decolonizing mental health.

In addition to the multiple roles that Shayla wears, she is a sessional social worker instructor with University of Calgary and an equity responsive, certified workplace psychological health and safety consultant and advisor.

As a mixed raced cis-gendered woman, with a background in gender studies and social work, I understand how oppression and the intersectionality of one’s life may impact emotional wellbeing.

My gentle nature and in depth, comprehensive training enables me to work with those whom have experienced traumatic events – including onetime happenings or experiences that have happened over a long time. I am able to connect to many different types of people; those who are eager about counselling and those who hold fear about it.

My skills and approaches work best with clients who are ready to engage in deep healing; who are ready to create transformation in their lives by truly integrating their pain into their life history not have it negatively impact their present.

The integrated healing approaches I use combine cognitive, emotional and somatic knowledge to gain a comprehensive perspective and experience of ourselves and our world. I believe in full wellness – supporting clients to explore, outside of therapy, what may bring joy and contentment; focusing upon enhancing client strengths.

There are many reasons why people seek counselling – the desire to feel better is a common thread that connects them. With me, you will find a safe, private space to explore the issues that you struggle with. You will learn strategies to increase your wellbeing & minimize emotional pain and discomfort.

I have been working as a mental health clinician for nearly 20 years. My work has included supporting adults, children, youth, and families to experience mental health and wellness. I have a
Master’s of Social Work Degree with a Clinical Specialization and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I apply a strengths-based approach coupled with a trauma-informed lens. I believe people have the ability and the right to re-author their stories and I value healthy connections with oneself and with others.

My training and experience includes working in adult mental health in-patient, community-based child, adolescent, and family mental health, working with vulnerable populations in the inner-city, parent capacity building, parent group facilitation, mental health consultation to professionals, psycho-education, providing presentations, and teaching.

My practice centres on supporting healthy relationships including those we have with ourselves, which is foundational in influencing the relationships we have with others, including with our friends, our partners, our children, and our families. Many of us spend time, energy, and money decluttering our homes and workspaces. I believe our hearts, minds, and emotions deserve to be decluttered too. Some of us are holding on to emotions and habits that no longer serve a helpful role in our lives, but that can change. If you’re reading this profile, you’re ready for change. That’s a good thing, and I can help you let go of the clutter.

I can support you to deal with and let go of anger, fear, anxiety, worries, difficulties in relationships, parenting struggles, conflict and concerns and challenges that are occupying your time and energy. I can help you to experience increased emotional and mental health, positive relationships with yourself and others and increased confidence in parenting.

Life can be hard. Sometimes we deal with challenges and want a solution yet don’t know where to start. If it’s time for you to begin to let go of the concerns and challenges that are occupying your time and energy then feel free to contact me so I can help you begin your journey of living without excessive emotional and mental clutter.