Alberto Medeiros

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:
Exploring Calgary’s trails and the breathtaking landscapes of Kananaskis and Banff. I also love gaming, particularly MMORPGs and MOBAs, either solo or with friends. Travelling is another passion of mine, as it allows me to experience different cultures, connect with people, and expand my perspective.

For Self Care:
I prioritize self-care through hiking, workouts, and quiet moments of reflection. Whether it’s reading or simply being outdoors, these practices help me unwind, reset, and stay grounded.

For Fun:
I enjoy gaming, watching podcasts, and exploring new hobbies that pique my curiosity. I also love travelling to new destinations, learning about different cultures, and discovering unique ways of life.

For Growth:
I’m naturally curious and passionate about understanding what motivates people. I spend time reading and engaging with content that deepens my perspective on human behaviour and emotional resilience. I believe growth comes from learning with an open mind and applying that knowledge to help others.

Something unique about me is:
I integrate a culturally informed perspective into therapy, drawing from my Brazilian heritage and fluency in Portuguese. This approach helps me tailor therapy to clients’ unique cultural contexts, ensuring they feel understood and supported.

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-centred 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.

Before I was in the mental health field, I was studying criminal justice.

Initially, I planned to become a police officer or work in corrections, but I realized my passion lay in helping individuals on a deeper, personal level. This shift led me to pursue psychology, where I could focus on understanding behaviour and creating meaningful change.

The most impactful thing about my experience here was:

Recognizing how unmet needs, early experiences, and environmental factors shape behaviour. This realization inspired me to address the root causes of challenges rather than just their outcomes, ultimately guiding me toward psychology and a more personalized approach to helping others.

Three things you are currently obsessed with and why:

1. Understanding personality traits: I’m fascinated by how traits like abstract thinking versus practicality influence decision-making and interactions. This exploration deepens my understanding of how people navigate the world.
2. ASMR: I’ve spent years researching its effects on relaxation and focus. ASMR’s parallels with mindfulness-based therapies make it a fascinating tool for managing depression, anxiety, and sleep issues.
3. Existential philosophy: I’m drawn to exploring the concept of free will and how people shape their lives. Understanding how our beliefs and experiences influence decisions is both intriguing and empowering.

The most helpful book I have read is:

Being and Time by Martin Heidegger.

My biggest takeaway from it was: How our awareness of mortality shapes how we live, challenging us to find meaning in our choices and be mindful of how we spend our time.

The most interesting book I have read is:

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond.

Because: It highlights how geographical and environmental factors—not cultural or racial superiority—shaped the dominance of certain societies, offering a nuanced perspective on history and human development.

My favourite podcast is:

The Diary of a CEO.

The best thing about it is: It features thought-provoking perspectives, like Andrew Bustamante’s discussion on the gap between self-perception and how others see us, offering valuable insights into self-awareness and growth.

Specialty and Specific Interest Areas:

Client populations: I work with adults and adolescents (12+), offering support for addiction, ADHD, anxiety, depression, family violence, and significant life transitions.

Clinical concern: I specialize in technology-based addictions (e.g., gaming, internet use, pornography) and their impact on emotional well-being. I’m passionate about helping clients break cycles of immediate gratification to find long-term fulfillment. I also focus on anxiety, depression, ADHD, family dynamics, and personality-related concerns like narcissism and antisocial tendencies.

Non-clinical concern: I support individuals in building emotional resilience and navigating life’s challenges, such as job loss, relationship struggles, and personal setbacks. My approach emphasizes adapting to circumstances rather than trying to control external factors, fostering strength and clarity in the process.

Expertise and Additional Areas of Study:

I have the following additional courses / workshops / training:

1. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Training with Dr. Russ Harris
2. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Training through PESI
3. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Intensive Course through PESI
4. Trauma-Informed Care Training
5. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

I have expertise and experience working with:

1. Addiction: Including technology-based addictions, supporting individuals in breaking cycles of dependence and finding purpose.
2. Domestic violence: Working with both survivors and perpetrators to address patterns, rebuild safety, and foster healthier relationships.
3. Neuro-developmental conditions: Such as ADHD and learning disabilities, with a focus on improving cognitive and emotional regulation.

Some of the clinical orientations, methods, and theories I integrate with ShiftGrit’s therapy protocol:

Some of the clinical orientations, methods, and theories I draw from are:

1. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Fostering psychological flexibility and guiding clients toward values-driven action.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Challenging negative thought patterns to improve emotional and behavioural responses.
3. Existential Therapy: Helping clients explore personal responsibility, meaning, and purpose in their lives.
4. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Teaching clients to stay present and non-judgmental to build emotional resilience.
5. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): For emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

People like working with me because:

I take a direct, no-fluff approach to therapy that focuses on meaningful progress. I create a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients feel supported in exploring their challenges while gaining practical tools for growth. My sessions are collaborative and empowering, with a focus on helping clients align their actions with their values to create positive, sustainable change.

A Bit More About Me...

“When we accept that every moment is temporary, we free ourselves from attachment and find meaning in the present.” This quote inspires my work, reminding me—and my clients—that resilience is built in moments of change and challenge.