Rachel is a clinical marriage and family therapist. In addition to a Master of Science degree from Loma Linda University (Canadian campus), She acquired a post degree diploma in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Rachel serves as director of experiential therapies for Interact Counseling including EMDR, Equine Assisted EMDR, EAGALA-model equine therapy, art and play therapies, as well as Therapeutic Yoga.

Counseling Background:

Served as child, family and marriage therapist within Alberta Mental Health System, Canada as well as provincial/municipal/private agencies. Primary focus was on severe mental health diagnoses, high-risk child and adolescent family interventions, relational issues, trauma, abuse, and addictions. Conducted consultations, psychiatric assessments and crisis interventions for multidisciplinary treatment teams with hospitals, medical clinics, and private/government agencies throughout the province of Alberta. Participated in the delivery of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing services as well as the design and implementation of walk-in clinics within the provincial health care system. Gave particular emphasis to client empowerment and advocacy within community and legal systems.

Also served in various capacities within family service agencies in the greater Calgary metropolitan area – i.e. child therapist as well as crisis intervention and child protective specialist. Involved in the management of court mandated, high-risk families as well as interagency legal advocacy and emergency apprehensions. Served as a play therapist within a multidisciplinary team for behaviorally and emotionally disturbed children. Also worked in secure treatment facilities as a part of a multidisciplinary team to assist high risk adolescents and their families.

Additional Professional Training:

  • Play Therapy
  • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
  • Suicide Intervention
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
  • Blended Family Issues
  • Eating Disorders

Professional Memberships

  • Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), Level II, clinical therapy and horse specialist
  • International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP)