Farella Anderson

What is your name?

Hello! Farella Anderson is my name and I am currently a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I am presently in the process of registering with the College of Alberta Psychologists as a Provisional Psychologist which has been my dream and aspiration for quite some time. I feel I have worked in healthcare for nearly all my life as an executive administrative secretary with the medical association, worked in a long-term hospital as a medical administrative assistant and finally here I am, as a therapist, doing and being exactly what I have always wanted to be and do - supporting individuals and couples in their uncertain life journey.

What do you do at Shift?

I strive to gradually build a strong therapeutic relationship as my first approach as well as being empathic and nonjudgmental. As humans, it is not uncommon to sometimes find yourself in a position where you feel lost, frightened and all alone. I am here to support you in whatever way you need, whether it's to assist in identifying the roadblocks, re-define your identity or embrace your true self, these can be achieved by working collaboratively with you in a safe, respectful, empathetic environment where trust is fundamental in the process. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds where cultural sensitivity is prime. I sincerely believe that a therapist is one who is able to make you feel safe, comfortable, where mutual respect is shared and trust is gradually built in the therapeutic alliance.

There are so many therapeutic approaches/modalities which I utilize according to the client's needs such as psychodynamic (attachment style theory), person-centred approach, cognitive behavioural therapy etc, but I strongly believe that every person is unique, therefore, call/email me or book a session, come in and let me listen to your concerns, and then listen again. I get the opportunity to observe and observe again. Together we interpret your thoughts, feelings and behaviour, then discuss, decide and formulate a treatment plan that is customized just for your specific needs. I strive to meet every client where they are with no assumptions!

What are your academic credentials?

I graduated from the Concordia University of Edmonton in 2018 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Sociology and went on to do a Master's in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University in New Brunswick.

Why did you decide to become a therapist?

As far back as I can remember, people have always found it easy to tell me their deepest secret knowing that I will never disclose nor judge them. When it came time to decide what career path I would take, nothing surprised anyone when I chose medicine with the intent to branch off to psychology. But life happened and I found myself doing something else for many years, because of civil unrest in my country of origin... Anyway, here am I doing what I have always dreamt of doing. I am very compassionate and would go far and above to make life better for people around me. Hence, this is no surprise that I am doing what makes me happy and fulfilled in helping people navigate their challenges and finding overall satisfaction in attaining their preferred outcome through their personal resources, strength and ability to bounce back - resiliency.

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

I have unique active listening skills where I listen deeply and attentively to the narratives as they unfold. I also use a non-directive approach to enable the client feel ready and willing to talk without any pressure. My honesty, openness and frankness come into play to allow the client imitate the same directness without judgment or assumptions and where respect and trust infuse the therapeutic environment and relationship.

Some goals could be:

• enabling understanding of values, beliefs and worth as a person
• engaging in work around attachment concerns/relationships
• setting healthy realistic boundaries and being assertive/firm
• gaining hope in the process to offset negative thoughts and emotions
• believing inI own abilities, resources and skills
• being true and authentic to who one is as a person

Who do you work with? (adults, children over x)

I work with individuals struggling with life transition/changes/challenges -( 16 yrs - 80 yrs)
Immigrants with acculturative stress/anxiety/depression and uncertainties in a new country
Relationships/couples therapy (pre-marital, marital, and young adults)

Why are you passionate about what you do?

I enjoy experiencing with my clients the growth, awareness and dedication as they navigate their challenges to attain the preferred outcome they hope for. It is also very fulfilling when a total stranger can come into your therapy room and a therapeutic relationship of trust and respect is built to work on concerns that are very painful! This is encouraging and deeply impactful for both therapist and client! This is what I am very passionate about - the rapport that is formed and the role played in this transformation.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy meeting new people of like-mindedness, reading a nice book just for relaxation, and watching movies from my cultural background. I also love cooking and baking and I do a lot of experimenting on different dishes, as well as gardening (a recent discovery) or just relaxing with my family as often as I possibly can in this busy world.

My grandchildren are beautiful blessings in my life, they bring a sense of richness to life that makes one refuse to grow old! Seeing them sit, crawl, stand and walk make one refocus on the importance of family and the meaning of life.

What is a skill that you are currently working on?

I am currently engaged in the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for couples- Elliott Connie. This is because relationships, especially couples with children is the root of the society and if there are healthy, happy and respectful families, the society would be stronger and sustaining to bring about stable and well-balanced individuals for strong leadership in the future. I am also hoping to embark in family therapy very soon.

What motivates or inspires you?

I motivate myself as an immigrant and a matured woman who came as a refugee from a war torn country and went back to school to achieve the dream I have always hoped for. This motivates and inspires me and if I can do this, I know that anyone can! It just needs discipline, and a strong support system to help you accomplish whatever one puts their mind to do because I believe that we all have the strength, resources and the ability to overcome any roadblocks, challenges to reach our potential. It is said that the sky is the limit!

What additional specialty trainings, courses, certifications or education do you have?

The Developmental Model for Couples - Level 1 and the advanced level