Abhishek Bardoloi

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Registered Provisional Psychologist, Couples, Individual Therapy, Psychologists

Like all Shift Therapists, Abhishek is trained in the ShiftGrit program- a structured therapy program that uses counter-conditioning and evidence-based techniques to establish new perspectives. This creates better, automatic responses for our clients- things like less reactivity, stronger boundaries, healthy assertiveness, smoother communication, improved mood-optimized performance... and many more...

What is your name/nicknames?

Hi, My name is Abhishek Bardoloi and I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist in Edmonton, Alberta, with 3 years of therapeutic experience. I have worked with adults, children, adolescence and couples with various presenting concerns including, depressive mood, anxiety, complex and relational trauma, communication, and boundary setting. I have a strong passion for working with those who are on a journey of self-discovery, healing and growth.

What do you do at Shift?

I offer individual sessions for Adults and adolescence, as well as sessions for couples. During therapy, I work with clients to help introduce a deeper level of understanding toward their concerns, and how those concerns may affect how they navigate their life. In session, I invite clients to be authentic to themselves without judgment for being who they are. I work with the client to formulate a plan that addresses their past concerns, as well as their goal of who they envision to be.

What are your academic credentials?

I have a BSc in Psychology from Grant Macewan University and a Master of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle. I have been a registered member of the College of Alberta Psychologists since 2022. I also have training in EMDR and the CAPS-5 assessment for PTSD.

Why did you decide to become a therapist?

Asking for help is perhaps one of the hardest decisions to make. It can be uncomfortable to take that step, or even confusing to know what step to take. I wanted to reduce the discomfort that comes with asking for help, and the stigma around seeking support around our well-being. I have had my own experiences with mental health stigma, and one of the hardest experiences for me was to openly talk about my mental health. I became a therapist because I began to see the value in providing a space where we can heal, learn and grow from our pain, in a space where we accept that both positive and negative feelings are normal and welcomed.

What do you bring to your therapy sessions, and what are some goals?

I model and encourage authenticity in my sessions so my clients can show up as their true selves. I invite clients to show up as they are, where we can be vulnerable and transparent about what is on their minds. I work with clients to bring this authenticity into their lives outside of sessions through the decisions they make, the relationships they foster, or the things they prioritize. I hope to work with my clients so they show up in their lives as their true selves, without the limitations of who they think they should be, or feel they need to be.

Who do you work with?

I work with adults and adolescents over the age of 12.

Why are you passionate about what you do?

Ever since I was young, I was influenced by mental health in one form or another. Often it was through my experiences with my diagnosis of ADHD and Tourette's Syndrome. For a long time, however, I could never explain why I was so afraid of openly talking about it as I am now. All I knew was that it made me uncomfortable to open up about the topic. As I began to immerse myself into the field of psychology, I finally was able to put a name to my experiences. I learned the definition of stigma, I learned that the uncomfortable feeling was known as shame. From there I wanted to learn more, and I also wanted to speak up so that perhaps others may be able to relate to my experiences as well.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy going to the gym, spending time with loved ones, and going to new events and activities around the city. I have been very passionate about fitness and weightlifting for several years, as I quickly saw its benefits to both my physical and mental well-being. I have also come to appreciate the time spent with family and friends, especially when taking part in events or shared activities together. I truly believe in having a strong support system as they play a pivotal role in our lives.

What is a skill that you are currently working on?

I am currently seeking training in formal assessments. This includes psycho-educational assessments, personality assessments, and assessments related to trauma. I am hoping to gain competence in these areas within the upcoming year. I have had a particular interest in assessments, as it allows me to fully conceptualize the client's experience.

What motivates or inspires you?

My biggest inspiration would be my mother. My mom worked as a doctor in India, but her credentials were not recognized when we immigrated to Canada. I have watched my mom grow as she raised my sister and me, while also trying to progress in her career. It has taken her many years to rebuild her credentials, but through her perseverance, she achieved her dream of being a Psychiatrist. Seeing the growth of my mom from the time we immigrated to Canada when I was eight, to seeing her now has inspired me to work hard in toward my own goals as a therapist to bring positive changes within the lives of my clients.