January 2027 Cohort
Hello, my name is Heather-Alexa (she/her). I'm thrilled to be joining Couch of HOPE as a Counselling Therapist Intern while completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.
I've always been fascinated by people, the stories we carry, and the relationships and experiences that shape who we are. This curiosity has guided much of my personal and professional journey. I hold a Bachelor of Community Development from Acadia University, an Advanced Diploma in Public Relations, and certification as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.
Before pursuing counselling, I spent five years working as a health and wellness coach, supporting individuals across North America as they navigated personal challenges and worked towards meaningful change. This experience taught me that growth isn't always about knowing what to do. Sometimes, it's about understanding ourselves, recognizing familiar patterns, and discovering what's getting in the way.
Living and working abroad, my experiences in caregiving, and my involvement in film, music, and theatre may seem like different worlds, but each has shaped how I connect with people. They've taught me to look beyond first impressions, appreciate different perspectives, and recognize that not everything meaningful is easy to put into words. I'm naturally curious, deeply empathetic, and genuinely interested in understanding what matters most to people. I believe that warmth, authenticity, and a little humour can make even difficult conversations feel more approachable.
I'm particularly interested in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, self-worth, boundaries, and life transitions. My interest also extends to couples and family counselling, particularly the ways our closest relationships influence how we understand ourselves, communicate, and connect with others. My approach is collaborative and person-centred, informed by humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, narrative, and solution-focused perspectives. I strive to approach each person with curiosity rather than assumptions, recognizing their unique strengths and working collaboratively to explore possibilities for meaningful change.
Above all, my hope is to create a welcoming, non-judgemental space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and comfortable being your authentic self. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating uncertainty, or simply hoping to understand yourself a little better, you don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
I look forward to connecting with you!