Meet Janessa
Janessa Yellowbird, MA Counselling Psychology Practicum Student
I'm someone who believes in honest conversations, meaningful connection, and making room for all the parts of being human.
I believe therapy can be a place where you don't have to perform, have the right words, or pretend you're doing better than you are. My hope is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and comfortable enough to be yourself.
I bring warmth, curiosity, and honesty to my work, while meeting each person with compassion for where they are and respect for where they want to go.
Why I became a counsellor
Throughout my life, I've watched people I care about struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and grief. I saw how people can get stuck in coping patterns that helped them survive something, but eventually made life harder.
My own experiences with loss and grief shaped how I understand hard seasons of life. Grief doesn't simply disappear. We learn to live alongside it.
Many of us were never taught how to understand ourselves or process what we've been through. Counselling can offer a place to feel understood, while building the tools to move through life with more connection and intention.
How I work with people
You deserve to feel comfortable being honest, even about the harder things underneath. My role isn't to tell you who you should be or how you should live. It's to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and help you understand yourself more deeply.
I'll meet you where you are, while also gently challenging you when a different perspective or way of approaching something might be helpful.
Therapy isn't something I do to you. It's something we figure out together, at a pace that feels manageable and meaningful for you.
Professional background
I'm currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and gaining clinical experience as a counselling psychology practicum student.
My work is grounded in approaches including CBT, DBT-informed skills, mindfulness, and somatic approaches, with a focus on helping people develop greater self-understanding, emotional awareness, and practical tools for navigating life's challenges.
I'm committed to continuing to learn and grow as a counsellor, with ongoing training and professional development shaping how I support the people I work with.
Sometimes, being seen is the beginning of feeling less alone.
You can start here
If something in your life feels heavy, confusing, or difficult to navigate on your own, you don't have to have all the answers before reaching out.