Meet the faces at Apex Counselling and Consultation Services!
Barb Afseth MSW, RSW (SK)
Hi! My name is Barb Afseth. I am an experienced and passionate professional and a registered master level social worker. I have worked in the mental health and addiction area since 2001. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with people of all ages; assisting them to work towards improved mental health and relationships , supporting them to challenge obstacles, connecting them to available resources, increasing confidence and improving their life satisfaction. I practice from a strength-based, trauma-informed perspective and have significant training in the areas of understanding and healing from trauma as well as working with children and families.
I am trained in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (Train the Trainer), Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Play Therapy and Family Therapy as well as several other therapeutic interventions, I am comfortable working with all populations and with any mental health concern, in a safe, judgement free environment.
Personally, I love meeting people, hanging out with family and friends and animals! I have two dogs, one of which I’m in the process of training to use in therapy. I love to spend time outside in the summer. I love to travel. I feel most at peace in warm weather and on the beach.
Dana Babcock, MEd, Registered Psychologist #922 (SK)
Saskatchewan College of Psychologists with Authorized Practice Endorsement (APE)
Dana’s foundation of knowledge stems from a generalist practice for overall mental health concerns. She has the privilege of providing counselling services to children, youth, adults, and families implementing various treatment modalities. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered, collaborative, trauma-informed, and strength-based, in order to aid people with their challenges, personal growth, and goal attainment. She generally works from an integrated theoretical framework, drawing from different cognitive and behavioural therapies, trauma frameworks, Polyvagal Theory, Attachment Theory, and Child Development Theory. Her approach depends on the needs of the client.
“Helping people and developing a trusting relationship is the foundation of my practice. I understand that it takes courage to reach out for help, and there are times in life when we all need support, guidance, and someone on our side. There are many reasons why people access counselling services, and I strive to create a place of safety where change can happen. We will work together to develop goals and a plan to help you live your best life!”
Areas of interest include: child development, attachment, trauma, parenting, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, and stress management.
Kristin Wilde MSW, RSW (SK)
Hello! My name is Kristin Wilde. I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW # 1996) in Saskatchewan. My education includes a BA (Psychology), BSW, and MSW. I am passionate about working with children and youth because of their energy, curiosity, and desire to connect.
Born and raised in Saskatoon, I have a variety of life experiences that allow me to relate to and work with children, youth, and families. Among many other things, I have lived and travelled abroad; participated in an archaeological dig in the Middle East; worked as counsellor at Camp Easter Seal; participated in, coached, and judged recreational and competitive gymnastics.
I have been impacted by a loved one with addiction; experienced anxiety and depression; and journeyed through grief and loss. I have worked in the field of education for over 20 years; with many of those years of involving work with at-risk-youth. I enjoy working and engaging with individuals and their unique experiences, circumstances, and cultural backgrounds.
Working with young people who have been impacted by grief and loss, anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem related challenges, and addiction, is where my passion lies. I am mindful of development and trauma, and collaboratively work with others to provide the best support I can. I use a combination of techniques - including play, art-based, and strengths-based practices, to engage with clients, build a positive relationship, and understand stories. I aim to foster, highlight, and celebrate, effort, growth, culture and accomplishments.
For me, physical and mental wellbeing are important aspects I aim to foster and nurture. To keep healthy, I enjoy and prioritize exercising (including participating in triathlons!), being around family and friends, journaling, volunteering, and baking.
I look forward to connecting with children, youth, and families who desire to address challenges and work on “Peace-ing it together”. Hope to chat with you soon!
Chelsey Ivanochko, MSW, RSW (SK)
Hi, my name’s Chelsey, and I am a registered Master Level Social Worker. As a clinician, I do my best to utilize a strength-based, trauma-informed approach. Most of my clinical career has been working in Mental Health and Addiction Services within the Saskatchewan Health Authority. I have experience providing clinical services to children, youth, adults and families.
When I am counselling I use a variety of clinical modalities, depending on what might be a good fit for each individual and family. I am trained in Expressive Arts Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Family Therapy.
I have an extensive background working with children and families in the areas of prenatal and postpartum, early childhood development, trauma and attachment. My interest around trauma and attachment led me to becoming a trainer with the Neurosquential Model of Therapeutics. This looks at the impact of early experiences and adversities in our lives and how that can impact the development of the brain. From there, we look towards how we can retrain the brain and start building those positive connections using self-regulation and the relationships around us.
I am passionate about considering the bigger picture when working with individuals and families. I love listening to people’s stories and finding out more about where they come from. Being open and building connection are strengths of mine and I believe that each person is the expert of their own lives. I am grateful to learn from these experts while walking alongside them.
Amanda Day MSW, RSW (SK)
Hi! My name is Amanda. I am a registered master level social worker and board-certified assistant behaviour analyst with experience mentoring and coaching parents and working with children who have various neurodivergent and mental health needs.
I work with children, ages 5-14 and their parents. My areas of interest and experience include: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Anxiety & Depression, Suicide, Self-Esteem, Behaviour Challenges, and Sibling Relationships.
I love talking to other parents about the challenges and rewards of parenting. I often joke that if our children were born with a manual, parenting would be a smooth ride. The fact is parenting can be difficult. We are often hardest on ourselves as the parent. We can feel judged by others, and this makes our role that much harder.
When you come to my room, I want you to feel that you are in a judgement free environment. My goal is to ensure your family, including parents and children, feel supported and have tools and knowledge to manage various life stressors.
I practice using a variety of theories and methods, including Family Centered Practice, Trauma Informed Applied Behaviour Analysis, Cognitive Behaviour therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and several parenting and social thinking programs. I am currently working towards certification in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
I am passionate about children’s mental health and look forward to connecting with you.
Location
Located on Treaty 6 Territory; Homeland of the Métis
Address: The Rumley Building
206-224 Pacific Avenue, Saskatoon, SK. S7K 1P1