ABOUT ME

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Hello!

My name is Natalka Lewis and I am a counsellor who believes in supporting individuals and families by meeting them where they are at, drawing out their strengths and by offering a safe and warm space where people can be their authentic selves. I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC-Q) and I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I practice from a strengths-based & trauma-informed lens. In therapy, I use an integrated approach where I draw from several models of therapy based on client needs including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Somatic Therapy, Play Therapy and others. I believe in a collaborative approach to counselling where you, as the client, are involved in making treatment decisions, setting goals. Together, we will build a strong therapeutic relationship that will empower you, support you and offer areas for growth. Your mind and your body are connected; I can provide a holistic approach to helping you navigate life’s challenges and move towards a healthy & balanced life. 

Though I have a range of experience with many demographics and areas of concern, I am particularly drawn to working with families, adolescents and children as well as young adults who are transitioning into adulthood.  I transitioned into the field of counselling after a first-career in dance education where I formed my love and passion for working with kids and adolescents. I am a kid at heart and my experiences have taught me so much about child development and how to communicate with kids/youth. I am a neurodiversity affirming therapist and I offer lived experience and tools for kids and adults with ADHD.

In addition to my training and education as a counsellor, I have an extensive dance/arts background.  I hold a BA in Dance (Contemporary Dance with a specialization in Ballet) and was lucky to enjoy a professional career as a dancer, choreographer and educator. I am the founder/director of Luminare Dance Projects (formerly Trip the Light Dance Company). I continue to enjoy being a dance educator and am a certified ballet teacher. I hold my Associate Diploma with Cecchetti Canada. I have been on faculty at institutions such as Alberta Ballet School, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, & Evolutions School of Dance, to name a few. With over 12 years of professional dance experience and over 15 years of teaching/coaching experience, I bring valuable lived experience to my counselling & mental health workshops with artists, dancers and other athletes. I enjoy working as a counsellor with artists and athletes on their mind-body connection and improving their mental health in order to improve their sport and craft. I understand the intricacies of early-specialization sports/activities and the demands on the artists and athletes of today.