Gurjeet Bara

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:
Spending time with family and friends, going for walks, reading books, listening to music or podcasts, and working out. I enjoy simple pleasures, like sitting somewhere with a hot drink or spending time outdoors. I also love bookstores, coffee shops, and relaxing with a good sci-fi or superhero story.

Self Care:
Being an introvert, alone time is essential for recharging. Journaling helps me sort through my thoughts, and spiritual practices such as meditation or prayer are a big part of my well-being. Keeping my space clean and organized, maintaining connections with loved ones, and engaging in my interests all help me feel balanced.

For Fun:
Hiking, travelling, enjoying my hobbies, and gathering with friends or family. I also love delving into graphic novels, watching certain TV shows, and finding ways to be present in the moment.

For Growth:
Learning is a core value for me. I’m always reading books on psychology and psychotherapy and engaging in professional development. I’m currently taking an online course in Jungian psychology and am also focusing on my physical health—improving my workouts and diet to feel my best.

Something unique about me is:
I find joy in the little things, whether it’s nature, hobbies, or spending time with others. My background in mindfulness has helped me develop this awareness. I’m also a collector—I started collecting books and graphic novels as a kid, and I’m getting back into it now!

What are your academic credentials?

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta, and a Master of Counselling with Counselling Psychology specialization from Athabasca University.

Before I was in the mental health field, I was…

I worked in retail while completing my undergraduate and graduate degrees, spending most of my time in men’s clothing. This experience was invaluable in developing communication skills, patience, and the ability to navigate difficult interactions.

The most impactful thing about my experience here was:
Learning how to interact with people from all walks of life. My experience in customer service and retail helped me develop strong communication skills and a deeper sense of patience, acceptance, and adaptability.

Three things I am currently obsessed with and why:

1. Star Trek – I’ve been following it since I was a kid. It represents a hopeful future, inclusion, and cooperation, and it brings thought-provoking and philosophical ideas to life.
2. Psychology – I’m diving deeper into Carl Jung’s work and Jungian psychology, which explores the unconscious mind, symbolism, and the process of individuation.
3. Fitness & Weight Training – I’m learning how to work out and lift weights properly, developing a simple but effective routine and seeing real progress.

The most helpful book I have read is:

The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron.
My biggest takeaway from it was:
Highly sensitive people process information deeply, feel emotions intensely, and can become overwhelmed easily. Understanding and embracing this trait can help individuals harness its strengths while learning to navigate its challenges.

The most interesting article or book I have read is:

The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness by Epictetus.
Because:
It offers practical wisdom from ancient Stoic philosophy, emphasizing emotional resilience, focusing on what’s in our control, and living a virtuous life. His teachings on mindfulness and journaling remain highly relevant today.

My favorite podcast is:

This Jungian Life.
And the best thing about it is:
It provides a depth-psychological perspective on various topics and includes dream analysis in each episode, making it a fascinating listen.

Speciality and Specific Interest Areas

Client populations:

I practice individual therapy with adults and teens, helping them explore their challenges and develop insight, awareness, and coping strategies.

Clinical concern:

I have a special interest in working with depression, anxiety (general and social), addictions, and chronic pain because these conditions can be deeply challenging but also have immense potential for healing and transformation.

Non-clinical concern:

I have a special interest in working with introverts, highly sensitive people, self-esteem challenges, cultural identity, and spirituality because these areas shape how we navigate the world and our relationships.

Expertise and Additional Areas of Study

I have the following additional courses, workshops, and training:

• 2-Year Training in Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy
• Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in my practicum
• Training in Psychodynamic Therapy through independent study and supervision
• Dr. Sue Johnson’s Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples
• Additional Training in Mindfulness-Based and Somatic Approaches

I have expertise and experience working with:

1. Introverts & Highly Sensitive People – Helping individuals understand and navigate their unique sensitivities in a world that often favours extroversion.
2. Anxiety (Generalized & Social) – Developing tools for managing worry, overthinking, and social confidence.
3. Depression – Supporting clients in identifying patterns that contribute to low mood and guiding them toward strategies for improvement.
4. Addictions (Substance & Behavioural) – Helping clients break cycles of addiction and develop healthier coping strategies.

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

1. Psychodynamic Therapy – This involves developing self-awareness, identifying how past experiences shape the present, recognizing repetitive patterns, and exploring internal conflicts and defense mechanisms. A major goal is self-knowledge and self-acceptance.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Identifying and reframing negative thought patterns and developing behavioural strategies to improve emotional well-being.
3. Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy – This approach integrates mindfulness and body awareness, allowing emotions and unconscious beliefs to surface for deeper processing and healing.

People like working with me because:

I bring a genuine, non-judgmental presence into therapy. Clients appreciate the sense of understanding, patience, and teamwork as we navigate their challenges together. I strive to create a safe, supportive space while also offering meaningful insights, strategies, and encouragement for growth.