Vision and Mission
A world where individuals embrace their full selves, live with emotional balance, and grow through life’s challenges- like the embers that burn bright after their flame, and lotus that find its beauty from the dark. We envision a community where healing is nurtured and validated through the integration of multiple truths. At the heart of this vision is the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to live an authentic and meaningful life.
Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based psychological care that honors the complexity of human experience. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Client-Centered and Trauma-Informed Practices are valued as they support individuals in cultivating resilience and increase effectiveness. Our mission is to help clients build skill sets, by facing their challenges, uncovering their strengths and to build an intentional life, even in the presence of pain. Our role in that mission is to provide a genuine, empathetic and informed practice to support our clientele.
About
Hi there! My name is Ashley Hertner, and I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the role emotions play in shaping our experiences- not only from how we react to them, but in how they guide, inform and enrich our lives through both the highs and the lows. I came to understand that emotions are not obstacles to overcome- they are powerful signals, offering insight, connection and even healing when we learn to listen to them with compassion.
That understanding sparked something deep in me. I knew in my heart that I wanted to spend my life helping others explore and honour their emotional world- to feel validated and empowered.
Personally, I grew up on the East Coast, in a culture deeply rooted in connection, relationships and community. That environment helped shape my belief in the importance of showing up for one another- whole-heartedly. It’s this relational spirit that I bring into my therapy room: a space where curiosity and openness are used with intention to be fully seen, supported and met exactly where you are.
My practice is built on this belief: that emotional awareness is not a weakness, but a profound source of strength. I’m here to walk alongside you in navigating life’s challenges and transitions, because I know just how important it is to feel heard and supported just as you are.
Experience and Qualifications
My professional journey started in the world of child support services, where I found a passion in working as a youth worker, youth coordinator and finally, a family support worker. My role in these positions really allowed me to step into support others in real world experiences. I worked with attachment styles to assist in reunification, while also supporting the logistics of families navigating mental health systems and supports in youth and adult services. After a few years in the field, I pursued a Master of Counselling degree to embark on my journey to be able to support persons from a psychological perspective. Through the opportunities of Student Internship, Mental Health Internship, a Provisional Psychologist title, and now as a Registered Psychologist, I have gained 8 years in the mental health sector and am eager to continue my journey to learn and grow.
My experience and interests include working with clients who experience challenges in the following areas: anxiety, depression, tolerating distress, emotional dysregulation, boundary setting, stress management, life transitions, trauma, intrapersonal relations, interpersonal relationships & communication. I have a growing passion in serving individuals who have experienced traumatic events or adverse experiences. As well, a special interest in serving those who encounter experiences with emotional sensitivity.
I have obtained the Gottman Method Couple’s Therapy Level 1 and 2. As well as training in the following modalities of therapy, including: Dialectic Behavioral Therapy Comprehensive & Skills Training, Emotion-Focused Attachment Science, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (basic, and advanced trainings include: RTEP – Recent Events Protocol, GTEP – Group Protocol and EMDR for CPTSD- complex trauma). I also obtained the Gottman Method Couple’s Therapy Level 1 and 2 and other attachment trainings which involve the teachings of supporting parents and transplanted children. I strive to be diligent in extracting skillsets which draw from a Trauma-Informed lens, by maintaining trainings involving diversity, and cultural sensitivity.
Who We Serve
Support for Individuals (16+)
Relationship Counselling
Adult Family Sessions
Guidance for Parents
Group Therapy
Service Fees
The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta determines the Recommended Fee Schedule for Registered Psychologists in Alberta. Effective January 1, 2025, it is recommended that individual, couples and family therapy in Alberta costs $235.00 per 50-minute counselling session. Following the Recommended Fee Schedule, 80-minute counselling sessions are available at the cost of $352.50.
Sliding scale fees may be available and it is encouraged to bring up in consultation or initial sessions to assist with accessibility to therapy.
Report writing, letters, consultation and form completion are billed at the rate of the service provided, please see informed consent for further information on this matter.
The fees may be covered in part of in whole by your benefits provider, or other benefits/extended health care coverage.
Payment is applicable at the end of each session.
Please see Recommended Fee Schedule.
Approaches
DBT
Increasing skill set in four core areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness while managing interfering behaviours to build a life worth living.
EMDR
Visiting client experiences whether past, present or future, to allow a safe space for emotional processing, to establish new ways of thinking and to reduce emotional distress.
The Polyvagal Theory and A Trauma Informed Lens
Using a person-centered lens to acknowledge specific client needs, while being informed of the somatic response to adverse experiences.
Gottman Method
Drawing from evidence-based practice around what contributes to building an effective sound relationship house for couples.
Attachment Focused Therapy
Getting to the roots of attachment, the very source of our human nature to need connection and to highlight specifics of how to re-establish or navigate roots of attachment of self or others.
Compassion Therapy
Accessing a sense of humanness, appreciating your authentic self, offering care and understanding as a gentle manner to validate self and reduce the inner critic.
Resources
In case of an emergency or if you are needing immediate support please call 911, go to your nearest hospital emergency center, or call one of the emergency community support services listed below:
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Suicide Crisis Helpline
– 988 -
Distress Line in Edmonton
– (780) 482-4357 (HELP) -
Distress Line in Calgary
– (403) 266-4357 (HELP) - Access 24/7 – (780) 424-2424
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Adult Crisis Response Team (24/7)
– (780) 342-7777 -
AHS Stabilization Unit (24/7)
– (780) 342-7692
College of AB Psychologists
The College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) is the regulatory body for the profession of psychology in Alberta. CAP regulates the profession and as a client, you have the right to access their services/support.
Location
#201, 4103 97 St. NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 6E9
Land Acknowledgement
Edmonton is located within Treaty 6 Territory and within the Métis homelands and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. We acknowledge this land as the traditional territories of many First Nations such as the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot).