Our Pillars
Specialty Areas
Wilson Centre for Domestic Abuse Studies
The Wilson Centre for Domestic Abuse Studies at Calgary Counselling Centre plays a vital role in supporting people affected by domestic abuse. By collaborating with researchers across North America, the Centre advances understanding, enhances therapeutic interventions, and provides meaningful support for clients navigating the complexities of family violence.
In 2024, the Wilson Centre strengthened its commitment to addressing family violence through innovative approaches and enhanced community collaboration. Recognizing the complex needs of clients, we prioritized increasing support for our staff, students, and community partners working in this critical area.
In 2024, two vital group programs resumed marking an important step toward comprehensive support – Turn for the Better, for males who have experienced abuse, and You Are Not Alone group program for females who have experienced abuse.
By building capacity within our organization and strengthening relationships with community partners, the Wilson Centre continues to work toward safety, recovery, and resilience for all Albertans impacted by family violence.
Internal Efforts
Monthly Consultations
We introduced a monthly family violence consultation meeting, providing staff and students the opportunity to discuss client cases and receive clinical feedback.
Community Support
Collaborations with Calgary-area probation officers and parole officers expanded our understanding of justice services and informed our approaches to mandated clients.
Staff Workshops
Staff participated in workshops on critical topics such as housing support for people who have experienced abuse, Shelter Movers’ relocation services, and Claire’s Law, a tool empowering individuals in concerning relationships.
Reducing Costs
Automated the creation of required court documents for mandated clients, we improved efficiency and eliminated associated costs for clients.
The Wilson Centre for Domestic Abuse Studies continues to work toward safety, recovery, and resilience for all Albertans impacted by family violence.
Removing Barriers to Accessing Support
In partnership with Shelter Link (YWCA and Fear Is Not Love), we developed and piloted a rapid access referral model, allowing outreach teams to refer clients facing urgent domestic violence situations for same-day counselling.
The addition of a men and boys outreach worker brought new opportunities to engage young males on mental health and gender-based violence.
By creating an advisory council and presenting at community agencies and events, this role has made over 800 impactful connections and sparked important conversations.
Depression & Anxiety
Depression and anxiety continue to be among the top reasons Albertans seek support at Calgary Counselling Centre. Our clients achieve success rates through counselling that surpass published benchmarks by 38%.
We recognize the connection between anxiety and depression, with anxiety often preceding more debilitating symptoms. By prioritizing early intervention, we help clients develop coping strategies before symptoms escalate, ultimately improving long-term mental health outcomes.
We are dedicated to providing Albertans with the tools and support needed to manage depression and anxiety effectively. By integrating evidence-based treatment, expert training, and early intervention strategies, we help clients build resilience and regain a sense of control over their lives.
With rising concerns about anxiety and depression in young people, we have strategically increased our counselling team to ensure more children and families receive the support they need.
Children & Youth
At Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta, we know that strong mental health starts early. That’s why we continue to expand our child, youth, and family counselling services. With rising concerns about anxiety and depression in young people, we have strategically increased our counselling team to ensure more children and families receive the support they need.
We take a holistic approach, integrating counselling for both children and their parents or caregivers to create lasting change. When one person in a family struggles, the impact is felt by everyone. By involving the whole family in the counselling process, no one is left out, and each member gains tools for healthier communication, conflict resolution, and stronger relationships.
In 2024, we provided counselling to 2,043 children, youth, and emerging adults between the ages of 3 and 24.
| 12 and under | 13.1% |
| 13-17 | 10.8% |
| 18-24 | 76.1% |
Alongside individual counselling, we offer group programs to help families navigate conflict, strengthen relationships, and equip young people with essential coping skills.
Group counselling can play a vital role in family well-being. Research shows that clients who participate in both group and individual counselling report greater overall well-being, and the positive changes they make tend to last longer.
2024 Client Videos
Brad’s story
Sheila’s story
Stephanie’s story
Rene’s story
Juandre’s story
2024 Client Stories
Phuong’s story
“Counselling helped me recognize my limits and needs, and by doing so, I was able to set boundaries and be a happier, more present person when it mattered.”
Brad and Jessie’s stories
On this episode of Living Fully, clients Brad and Jessie share their personal stories, what they were going through, and their experiences with counselling and the Building Esteem group program.
By integrating evidence-based treatment, expert training, and early intervention strategies, we help clients build resilience and regain a sense of control over their lives.