Seeking support can be intimidating. When you make the decision to reach out, I aim to be a compassionate and encouraging voice in helping you to navigate through any challenges. I believe that counselling is a collaborative journey, and I believe that each individual is the expert on themselves. I position myself from a stance of learning from others and not just about them. Following this, I have found myself drawn to the humanistic modalities, where I see you as knowledgeable in your own experiences and as an active participant within the therapeutic setting.
Erica Burdzy
Areas of Practice SpiritualityAbuseADHDAnxietyBlended FamiliesDepressionDisordered EatingGender IdentityGrief/LossLife Adjustment/TransitionLGBTQ+ParentingPersonal Development/GrowthPTSDRelationship ProblemsSelf-Esteem/Self-CompassionSeparation and DivorceSexualityStress/BurnoutTraumaHealth/Medical ConcernsWomen's Health Counseling
|Autism|Child-Parent Relationships|Anger Management|Behaviour problems|Body Image||Career/Vocation|Communication|Infidelity|Learning Difficulties|Loneliness/Isolation|Pain Management|Panic Attacks|Personality Issues|Post-Partum Adjustment|School / Academic|Self-Injury|Sleep problems|
Approach
I use a client-centered approach and strive to create a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment. My approach to therapy is primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and I also draw from Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused, Emotion Focused, and Trauma Informed theories.
Erica’s approach integrates:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Narrative
Person-Centered Therapy
Play Therapy
Background
Erica is a Registered Provisional Psychologist and a member in good standing of the College of Alberta Psychologists. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology from MacEwan University and a Master of Counselling degree from Athabasca University.
Prior to completing her Bachelor of Arts degree, Erica worked in a local agency that supports individuals with disabilities to reach their goals and live fulfilling lives. While completing her undergraduate degree in psychology at MacEwan University, she had the pleasure of working within one of the local school divisions supporting students, parents, teachers, and other multi-disciplinary team members. Over the past year, she has provided counselling services to children, adults, and couples here at River’s Edge while completing her Master of Counselling degree.
Favorite Quote
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
— Brené Brown
Wellness Matters Videos
See Erica’s talks below to get to know her and an area she often works with in therapy
How Erica works with…
Children
Working with children, I prioritize creating a nurturing and engaging therapeutic environment where they feel safe and understood. I strive to create a therapeutic space that is both safe and engaging, recognizing each child’s unique perspective and needs. .I use a blend of therapeutic techniques, tailored to each child’s developmental stage and unique needs. I help children build resilience and problem-solving skills in ways that align with their interests and developmental stage. I also emphasize the importance of involving parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process, fostering a collaborative environment that supports the child’s growth. My goal is to empower children to navigate their challenges with confidence and develop the skills they need for a fulfilling life.Adolescent / Teen
Navigating adolescence can be incredibly challenging. My approach focuses on cultivating a strong therapeutic bond with adolescents to assist them in managing a variety of issues related to self-esteem, stressors, and other mental health challenges. Together, we explore ways to create a supportive environment that promotes trust and open dialogue. I use a range of therapeutic modalities tailored to each teen's age and interests. Additionally, I collaborate with caregivers in strengthening their relationships with their teens.Couples
In working with couples, my approach focuses on fostering open communication and mutual understanding within the relationship. I create a safe and respectful environment where both partners feel heard and valued, recognizing that each individual brings their own perspectives and experiences to the relationship. My practice integrates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also drawing from Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused. By facilitating a collaborative and empathetic dialogue, I support couples in enhancing their connection, resolving conflicts, and building a healthier, more resilient partnership.Trauma/PTSD
When addressing trauma, my approach is deeply rooted in creating a compassionate and secure therapeutic environment. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic alliance, recognizing that healing begins with trust and safety. My practice is guided by Trauma-Informed Care principles, which involve understanding the pervasive impact of trauma and ensuring that every interaction is sensitive to the needs of those affected. I integrate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to help clients process their experiences, reframe their narratives, and develop effective coping strategies. Additionally, I draw from Solution-Focused approaches to empower clients to identify and build on their strengths and resources. By fostering a collaborative relationship, I work with clients to set achievable goals and support their journey toward recovery and resilience.We’ll help you find the right fit.
Our client care team works with each new client to ensure they are matched to the right therapist.
It’s essential to find a therapist who aligns with your unique needs and preferences. If you’re unsure where to begin, you don’t have to figure it out alone.