top of page

 

Your question is important !

​

Ask here: connectpsychotherapy@gmail.com

​

I am a licensed Mental Health Therapist practicing in Edmonton, Alberta. I work with couples, families, children, teens, and Adults. 

Academic Credentials

  • Masters of Clinical Social Work, University of Windsor 

  • Masters of Information Science 

  • Bachelor of Information Technology and Library

VJA (2).jpg

VANESSA J. AKELLO, MSIS, MSW, RCSWA

MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST

Associations 

  • Member of The Theraplay Institute

  • Lifetime member of Emotion-Focused Therapy Edmonton (EFTEC)

  • Lifetime member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)​​

My Approach

I provide specialized, individualized treatment for trauma, attachment injuries, and mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, stress, and suicidal ideation. Many clients come to therapy feeling stuck or discouraged after trying approaches that have not led to lasting change. They are often seeking more than symptom relief—they want to understand how their experiences have shaped their lives, relationships, and patterns.

I believe lasting change begins with insight. My work focuses on exploring the roots of challenges, including past experiences, relational patterns, and internal narratives. Together, we create a safe, supportive space to make sense of these experiences in an empowering way.

​

My approach integrates trauma-informed and attachment-focused work with self-discovery. We explore not only what has happened, but how those experiences continue to affect your emotions, body, and relationships. A key part of therapy involves processing emotional pain and grief, allowing you to move beyond coping toward meaningful healing.

In sessions, you will develop awareness of your thought patterns, emotional responses, and decision-making. I also incorporate psychoeducation to help you understand the “why” behind your experiences, making change more accessible and sustainable.

​

I work with individuals who are motivated for growth, including high-achieving professionals who may feel overwhelmed or disconnected despite outward success. I strive to balance compassion with thoughtful challenge, fostering insight, healing, and lasting transformation.

​

Beyond clinical work, I provide supervision to clinicians and offer crisis support to organizations during emergencies and mental health psychoeducation workshops.

​

I am licensed to practice in Alberta and Ontario.

Psychotherapy

Associations 

  • Member of The Theraplay Institute

  • Lifetime member of Emotion-Focused Therapy Edmonton (EFTEC)

  • Lifetime member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)​​

Holding Hands

When do people need Counselling?

​

At some point in our life, we may find ourselves struggling with life challenges. We may experience stress caused by school, relationship difficulties, work, finances, fertility issues and family conflicts. These issues may lead us to feel sad, depress, anxious, hopeless, helpless, alone and fearful of the future or life in general. In this circumstances, people often turn to a Mental Health Therapist to help them figure out how to cope and get well. People may also struggle with the decision to seek help if they have never been to a therapist before. They may wonder what therapy is all about. Here are a few pointers.

 

Therapy is the process that occurs when you and your therapist set aside time in order to explore the stressful or emotional feelings in your life. Therapy is the act of helping you see things more clearly from a different view-point. This can enable you to focus on your feelings, experiences or actions with the goal of facilitating positive change. Therapy is a relationship of trust.  Confidentiality is paramount to successful therapy. Therapists are required by law to explain regulation on confidentiality and privacy at the onset of your meeting. They may, however, be required by law to disclose information if they believe that there is a risk to life.

 

Therapy is not a judgmental process. Therapy is not expecting or encouraging a client to behave in a way which may negatively impact them. Therapy is not looking at a client’s issues from the Therapist's own value system.

​

Associations 

  • Member of The Theraplay Institute

  • Lifetime member of Emotion-Focused Therapy Edmonton (EFTEC)

  • Lifetime member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)​​

© Connect Psychotherapy & Counselling Ltd

bottom of page