Our Services
Our team of registered social workers offers a wide range of support, resources, and education in the areas of high-conflict separation, co-parent conflict, parenting coordination, parent/step-parent coaching, one-at-a-time coaching, child welfare advocacy, and therapy.
Child Welfare Advocacy
When families become involved with Child and Family Services (CFS), Delegated First Nation Agencies (DFNA), or Indigenous Governing Bodies (IGB) in Alberta, it can be an overwhelming experience filled with questions, decisions, and emotions. Advocacy plays a vital role in this process, ensuring that the voices of children, parents, and caregivers are heard and respected.
What is Advocacy?
Advocacy is the act of supporting or arguing in favour of a cause or individual. When it comes to Child Welfare, advocacy means standing up for the rights and best interests of the children and families involved. It means ensuring everyone has access to the resources, information, and fair treatment needed to navigate the system effectively.
Please see our FAQ section for more information.
Parenting Coordination
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
This type of therapy focuses on mental health and emotional growth and is guided by a Registered Social Worker. It is particularly helpful for emotional regulation, non-verbal communication, trust, and boundaries.
Activities might include grooming, feeding, or leading the horse—no riding is required.
EAP has been successful in the past with clients who have not responded well to therapy, as building trust with the horse aids in building trust with the therapist as well. We have found this to be particularly helpful with teenagers exhibiting oppositional behaviour, even when they have been determined to never speak to another therapist again!
Melani’s ranch is home to three rescue horses, Grid, Boo & Sully, along with four rescue dogs and a barn cat. There is a home office where clients can have a snack, use the washroom, and warm up by the wood fireplace in the colder months. The ranch is accessible from Okotoks and other Foothills communities.
One-at-a-Time Coaching
Do you have a specific short-term goal or concern that you are struggling to move forward with? Are you wondering where to turn when you need to talk to someone about a specific issue?
One-at-a-Time Coaching is a one-time coaching session with a Registered Social Worker who can support you in reaching your goal.
If you decide after one session that you’d like to have additional sessions, please let your practitioner know, and you can be transferred into regular coaching.
Coaching
We offer Parent, Co-Parent and Step-Parent Coaching services. Meet regularly with a Registered Social Worker to gain support and clarity in the issues impacting your everyday.
Parent Coaching is for parents who need support in raising their children. Sessions can include intact parents or one parent.
Co-parent coaching is for parents involved in conflict with their co-parents when both parties are uninterested in Parenting Coordination.
Step-parent Coaching is for step-parents who are seeking support in navigating their tough role. Sessions are for the step-parent but may include the parent at the step-parent’s request.
Therapy
