About me
Rea Kowal BN, M Couns
Rea has over 45 years experience in in the helping professions and coaching. She views psychological symptoms as a normal response to unresolved trauma; where trauma is defined as stress at a level that exceeds our ability to cope or make meaning of what is happening. You are not crazy or broken! Changes to neural structure and function caused by trauma can lead to difficulty with emotional regulation, memory issues, impaired cognitive function, unhealthy relationship patterns, and altered sense of self. Rea uses cutting edge treatment modalities that activate innate neuroplasticity to heal and repattern the brain, including: Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Accelerated Resolution Therapy(ART), Comprehensive Resource mode(CRM), Havening and Internal Family Systems (IFS). In collaboration with her clients, these evidence-based “power therapies” are blended in wrap-round fashion according to individual needs to create long-lasting and positive change. Clients will experience a “global shift” in felt sense and functioning.
Rea offers trauma-informed therapy for a broad range of issues, and specializes in adult PTSD, complex/developmental trauma, attachment issues, dissociation and performance enhancement. She draws on extensive experience as a psychologist, registered nurse, competitive figure skater and coach in her work with individuals, couples and families. Insight gained through her roles of wife, mother, and grandmother allow a deeper understanding of issues through the lifespan.
Rea takes a holistic approach to healing that honours the interconnection of body, mind and spirit and offers alternative energy practices for those who wish. She is a certified Reiki Master and has advanced training in psychedelic assisted therapy. Non-traditional treatments that may be dovetailed into the modalities listed above therapies include Advanced Integrative Therapy (AIT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Tapas Acupressure Technique(TAT). Spiritual issues and generational trauma can be addressed with these healing practices.
Having worked through her own “grit” in life, Rea is non-judgmental and has empathy for how difficult and painful it can be to face “the truth of one’s life”. She feels truly blessed and grateful for the honour of witnessing the healing journeys of her clients and considers her work to be a calling rather than a job.
Approach
Mental health issues do not occur in a vacuum. Whether longstanding or recent, psychological symptoms often stem from unresolved trauma. Normal coping strategies that were helpful and maybe even lifesaving at the time become maladaptive solutions in the long run. Some individuals can easily find the source of their symptoms, while others have no recollection of any life altering event. This holds true when trauma occurs at the earliest stage of life “when there are no words.”
Astonishingly, 75 percent of all knowledge gained during one’s lifetime occurs by the age of five! We become who we are in relation to others – namely our primary attachment figures. Through them we make meaning of the world around us and develop core beliefs about self, safety, life and relationships. These deeply engrained memories become a map of the world which enables us to navigate life automatically without thinking. Negative relationships and events during this time can profoundly alter life’s trajectory and lead to a disconnection from self.
Talk therapy is a common approach to treatment. With a focus on the present, the therapist guides the client to identify negative beliefs and distorted thinking at the roof psychological distress. By learning skills to change thought patterns, the client can influence emotions and behaviours in a positive way.
Rea prefers a trauma-informed approach that shifts the problem from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” The focus of treatment becomes healing the root cause of symptoms and enhancing posttraumatic growth. She uses both traditional and non-traditional approaches for therapy, healing and discovery. While trauma work can be difficult and painful at times, it offers the potential for profound personal growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of oneself, the world and perhaps even the cosmos.
As you shed layers of protective strategies that are stuck in your body, mind and spirit you will reconnect with your authentic self and sense of purpose; and reclaim the joy, aliveness and wholeness that are inherently yours! Rea’s wisdom, skilled guidance, sense of fun and optimistic attitude inspires courage and hope.
Populations Served
Rea works with adults 17 and older. She celebrates diversity and strives to create an inclusive and welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, including LGBTQ+ communities.
Professional Memberships:
College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologists’ Association of Alberta
Canadian Register of Health Services Psychology
Center for Havening Research and Training Inc
EMDR Canada
EMDRIA
International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Areas of Interest
Addictions
Adult PTSD/Complex/Developmental Trauma
Anxiety Disorders
Attachment Disorders, Relationship Issues
Autoimmune Disorders
Chronic Pain
Depressive Disorders
Dissociative Disorders
Disordered Eating
Generational/Past Life Trauma
Performance Enhancement for Athletes, Artists and Business Professionals
Sexual Abuse
Somatic Issues
Spirituality
Sports injuries
