Hi! My name is Gracia (pronounced gray-sha) and I use she/they pronouns. I am a Master of Counselling student completing my practicum at Ignite Counselling and Wellness Services under the supervision of Michelle Kennedy and Lauren Groves. I have lived in Edmonton for about 15 years and have previously worked in non-profit, primarily working one-on-one with youth who were experiencing significant systems challenges. I have experience working with young people, adults, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, racialized folks, individuals with trauma histories, and parents.
I am excited to connect with clients regarding boundaries, self-care, relationship issues, identity, school issues, life transitions, stress, grief, anxiety, and depression. I have a particular interest in doing work related to identity and authenticity as well as working with bisexual women to dismantle the dominant stories of heteropatriarchy and biphobia.
I am passionate about working with people to support them on their journey to finding their own fulfilling and authentic life. As a queer woman, I understand that who we are can sometimes be judged or lead to challenges outside of our control. No matter who you are or what life has held for you, I accept and cherish you. I want to walk beside you as you take steps to feel good and achieve your goals. You are the expert in your situation, and your perspective is unique. Your goals will always be defined by you, and you are the expert in what change looks like for you. By getting to know each other, we can get to the fulfilling (and sometimes difficult!) work of change within a trusting and supportive relationship.
My work is based on the idea that different levels of oppression can impact mental health and wellbeing. For this reason, I am committed to a multicultural and inclusive practice. As an uninvited white settler living on Treaty 6 territory, I benefit from colonial systems and white supremacy. I commit to unlearning, learning, and challenging dominant narratives that harm so many of us. I am working on developing a feminist, decolonial, queer, liberatory practice and as a student, I’m still on my own journey! I might not always get it right, and I am always open to hearing how I could do better.
One of my core values as a person and as a professional is the belief that all human beings have inherent worth. My responsibility as a student therapist (and human being) is to treat every person with respect and care. An important part of change in counselling is the relationship that you and I build, and it is important to me that we are equals in this relationship. I strive to build a safe and supportive environment in which you feel heard and are an active participant in change. I always want you to feel like you can share if I get something wrong and I commit to taking your feedback seriously. Within you is the incredible strength and knowledge that has gotten you this far. You can expect me to expand on what’s already working and gently nudge you to see your circumstances in a new light. I look forward to witnessing your healing journey and cheering you on!