Debra Rapske Ascent Counselling Services

Description

Debra is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologist (CAP) and is a member of the Psychologists Association of Alberta (PAA). She holds a number of additional professional memberships including: The International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Association (EMDRA), and Observed & Experiential Integration Therapy (OEI). Debra is also an approved service provider for Veterans Affairs Canada.
Debra received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Calgary, Canada. Her honors thesis work involved furthering the knowledge of unforgiveness and its impact on couple relationships. She went on to receive her Masters in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University in Langley British Columbia, Canada. There her thesis research involved the evaluation of Government policy on addiction treatment as it relates to best practice for residential treatment with specific focus on addiction and trauma treatment for Adolescent Aboriginal girls. Debra has been in private practice, serving in the Calgary area since 2011. She completed her internships with two separate organizations including the Sunshine Coast Treatment Centre and Rick Bradshaw Ph.D. & Associates, Registered Psychologist (Private Practice). She further completed her residency with the Calgary Counselling Center. Debra is currently undergoing the process of becoming a certified EFT Therapist for Couples. Debra believes that all persons have a purpose and possess potential for growth. Healing, growth, and change happen in the context of relationship and are a critical aspect of the therapeutic process. She takes an empathic, compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to create a safe and caring environment allowing people to identify and understand their personal and interpersonal concerns. It is her desire to help support and guide her clients to a deeper understanding of themselves so that they can experience effective, positive, and courageous changes in their lives. Debra works from an Emotion Focused Therapeutic approach with individuals and couples. She integrates research in the area of neuroscience to aid her work, highlighting the important implications of this knowledge for the human capacity to heal. Furthermore, Debra blends trauma therapies with attachment theory and process oriented body therapies. She believes in using the felt-connection between the body, the mind, emotions, and spirit toward more integration and wholeness. She is also influenced by Cognitive Behavioral, Developmental, Existential, and Gestalt therapy which allows for flexibility to take an integrative counselling approach, enabling her to tailor therapy so that each client receives what works best for them. Debra has clinical experience in the following areas: - Trauma – PTSD & Dissociation - Abuse & Neglect – Emotional, Physical, Sexual, Spiritual - Addictions – Substance Abuse - Marriage an Relationship Concerns - Grief & Loss - Self-esteem - Stress management - Anger Management - Communication issues including boundary setting and assertiveness - Life transitions & personal growth - Anxiety & Depression - Spiritual Issues - Provision of Group and Individual Psychotherapy - Psychoeducation Specialized Training - Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI)* - Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)* - Ericksonian Approach to Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy - Gottman Couples Therapy - Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and Individuals - Attachment Disorders