Alberto Medeiros

What is your name/nickname?

Hello, I’m Alberto Medeiros, a Registered Provisional Psychologist in Calgary, Alberta. I work with individuals and couples on challenges including anxiety, depression, and family dynamics. I bring a culturally aware perspective to my practice, with a client-centered, direct approach that prioritizes purposeful counselling. My goal is for clients to feel that therapy is an empowering investment in their well-being, and I also offer sessions in Portuguese.

What do you do at Shift?

At Shift, I work with individuals dealing with challenges such as addiction, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and family violence. I bring a culturally informed approach to therapy, helping clients navigate challenges like impulsivity, relationship struggles, and significant life changes. I provide practical strategies and foster a deeper understanding of personal strengths, empowering clients to take meaningful steps toward clarity and long-lasting change. I aim to create a supportive space where clients feel confident and motivated to build a fulfilling life.

What are your academic credentials?

I earned my Master of Counselling Psychology from the City University of Seattle, where I gained valuable knowledge in therapeutic techniques and client-centered care. My journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Mary’s University, which gave me a solid understanding of human behaviour and mental processes. I also completed a Diploma in Criminal Justice from Bow Valley College, which deepened my understanding of how mental health intersects with the justice system. These experiences have shaped my approach to therapy, helping me work with clients from various backgrounds and perspectives.

Why did you decide to become a therapist?

My journey into psychology started from a place of curiosity—mainly, I wanted to understand myself better. Growing up, I often questioned how certain experiences shaped how I thought, felt, and interacted with others. This led me to dive into ADHD and its impact on personal growth, and that’s when I had those “aha!” moments that gave me real clarity about how the mind works. As I went deeper into my studies, I realized just how powerful psychological tools can be in helping people navigate their struggles and find balance. Over time, I developed a real passion for supporting others in their personal growth, especially when life throws those curveballs. I’m about helping people build resilience, reconnect with who they are, and make positive changes. That drive to help others find clarity and confidence is what ultimately inspired me to become a therapist.

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

In therapy, I take a directive, collaborative approach where I guide you through the process while respecting that you are the expert on your own life. Therapy should be a safe space where you can speak openly without fear of judgment, and my goal is to make the process as effective and straightforward as possible. I encourage open communication and feedback to ensure that we are always moving in a direction that works for you.

I work with you to set clear, actionable goals that align with your values and long-term well-being. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of your next steps, we’ll break things down into smaller, manageable actions that feel realistic and achievable. The aim is to help you build momentum, gain clarity, and feel more confident in your ability to create positive change. Whether it’s overcoming anxiety, strengthening relationships, or improving self-esteem, my goal is to help you experience a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment, making therapy a truly empowering part of your growth.

Who do you work with?

I work with individuals, couples, adolescents (12+), and families on issues like anxiety, depression, family violence, addiction, and diagnostic concerns such as ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), narcissism, antisocial personality, and criminal behaviour. My clients are diverse in age, background, and experiences, and I adapt my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Why are you passionate about what you do?

I deeply enjoy working with clients to explore the intricacies of the human mind—understanding why we think, feel, and act the way we do. This process often involves guiding clients to develop a greater introspective awareness, where they can reflect on their thought patterns, emotions, and behaviours. By encouraging this self-exploration, I help clients build insight into the root causes of their struggles and develop the resilience needed to manage challenges, make informed choices, and cultivate lasting change.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my free time, I enjoy gaming, hiking, and travelling. I’ve been an avid gamer since I was 8, collecting a variety of consoles over the years. These days, I mostly play MMORPGs and MOBA’s on PC, where I get lost in solo adventures or team up with friends for raids. I also enjoy diving into philosophy and education, exploring abstract concepts that expand my thinking and challenge how I see the world. Travelling is another passion of mine—I love discovering new places, connecting with different cultures, and learning about how others live.

What is a skill that you are currently working on?

I am currently planning to gain EMDR certification to better support clients in addressing trauma, which I believe is crucial for helping individuals work through attachment-based issues. Additionally, I am seeking training in personality assessment inventories to enhance my ability to assess and understand clients' unique personality traits, as well as psycho-educational assessments.

What motivates or inspires you?

I’m inspired by the courage clients show when they face change, especially when they push through fear and uncertainty to grow authentically. It’s truly motivating to watch individuals set meaningful goals and challenge themselves, even when the journey feels tough or unclear. The strength required for lasting change reminds me that resilience isn’t just something you’re born with—it’s a skill you build. I’m dedicated to helping clients strengthen this resilience, empowering them to face life’s challenges with confidence and perseverance.

What are your additional areas of clinical interest?

I have a deep interest in understanding how addiction impacts mental health and self-perception, particularly when it leads to feelings of being stuck or anxious. I’m also fascinated by Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) and have done extensive research on its therapeutic benefits. This research has deepened my understanding of how sensory experiences can be used in mindfulness-based approaches to promote relaxation and emotional regulation in therapy. As someone who enjoys ASMR, I often unwind by watching ASMR videos or listening to my favourite YouTubers as I fall asleep. It’s a great way to relax and wind down.

Additional Certifications:

• Registered Provisional Psychologist in Alberta
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training with Dr. Russ Harris through Psychwire, emphasizing practical applications of ACT principles
• Completed Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) training through PESI, integrating mindfulness practices to support emotional well-being
• Certified in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), focusing on identifying and supporting individuals at risk
• Completed an intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training course through PESI, focusing on emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness
• Trauma-Informed Care training, addressing the impact of trauma on mental health and promoting safety and empowerment in therapy

Do you have any lived or personal experiences that can be utilized in therapy with you?

My experiences have deeply shaped my understanding of how early relationships, cultural contexts, and personal histories influence emotional awareness and personal development. Coming to Canada at an early age and adapting to a new environment presented challenges that gave me a unique perspective on cultural shifts and emotional growth. As an immigrant from Brazil, I’ve experienced the complexities of adjusting to unfamiliar settings while trying to maintain a sense of identity. Navigating these shifts wasn’t always the easiest, and at times, I struggled to understand the customs and expectations of each new culture. These challenges have helped me develop a more empathetic and nuanced approach in my work, allowing me to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and support them in navigating their own emotional and cultural experiences.

What's one podcast that you like and why?

"The Diary of a CEO". Recently introduced to this podcast, I was particularly captivated by Andrew Bustamante’s perspective on the gap between how we see ourselves and how others see us as that perspective does not always align with our worldview.

What's one book that you like and why?

"Being and Time by Martin Heidegger". This book takes you on a deep dive into the intangible aspects of human existence and challenges you to find authenticity and meaning in life. Fair warning: it’s a challenging read—don’t expect to breeze through it. You’ll likely need several breaks to process what’s going on and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Consider yourself warned as this one is for the hardcore philosophy fans who love a good mental workout (and perhaps a little existential crisis).

What's one quote that you like and why?

“When we accept that every moment is temporary, we free ourselves from attachment and find meaning in the present. True confidence doesn’t come from success; it comes from surviving failure.” – Dr. Alok Kanojia

Available for:

Anxiety-related symptoms (GAD, Phobia, Panic, Social, etc.) | Mania | Depression | Exposure Therapy | Anger Management | Mood | Coping Skills | Divorce | PTSD | Stress & Burnout | Assertiveness Training Self Esteem | Boundary Adherence | Relaxation and Mindfulness | and much more...