Meet our Therapist, Ardelle
Written by our therapist, Ardelle, MSW, RSW
Hello and a warm welcome to you! My name is Ardelle (MSW, RSW) and I am one of the therapists here at Canopy Cove. I have been with Canopy Cove since September 2023, and I primarily work with couples, and adults. I am trained in Somatic Experiencing ®, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), Emotionally Focussed Family Therapy (EFFT) and am a Certified EMDR Therapist. Here is a little bit more on me!
How did you end up as a therapist?
My journey into becoming a therapist did not start right out of high school. I originally was going to university to become a teacher. I really loved the idea of working with children and youth and being engaged in their learning processes. Somewhere early in that post-secondary experience I had this idea that I would much prefer to work with humans one on one, or in small groups. I had a curiosity about healing and relationships and wanted to further understand the human experience of joy, fear, resiliency and pain. My current approach to therapy focuses on attachment, relationships and nervous system healing.
What Motivates you as a Therapist?
Process.
There are a few words that stick out for me which describe what motivates me: curiosity, trust, privilege and process. I love the curious and compassionate hat I get to wear to work every single day. Every person's experience is different, and I get to show up in a curious way of getting to know the person sitting across from me. Therapy really is a process. It is such a privilege to be able to sit across from others and hear them, really hear them and experience the full spectrum of emotion with them. I truly believe all who sit with me have this innate capacity for health and vitality in their life. Through their trust, I get to hold people in a way that moves them towards healing and growth, and that is such a privilege.
Knowledge.
I am also motivated to learn more. I like to invest into training and consultations as a way to increase my knowledge and keep me sharp for supporting clients. The more I learn, the more I realize there is so much more to know. I am currently in the process of completing Somatic Experiencing ® and will be taking my advanced training in November and April 2026. I am also working towards certifying in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Doing trainings and consultations keeps me inspired and up to date to better support clients.
What Supports You in Doing This Work?
This is a question I have been asked quite a bit, or I will hear comments of “that must be so hard.” Here is the truth. This work is so rewarding and does require a considerable amount of emotional capacity to be able to support people in an attuned, nurturing and compassionate way. Here are the things and people that support me:
1. The Practice:
I work with an amazing group of therapists. At the heart of the work we do is supporting healthy and secure attachments, and it is something we absolutely embody as a team. Together, we consult, take in movement, cry and share food. The therapists within our team are pillars for supporting me in doing this work, and I have so much gratitude for how we are able to show up for each other.
2. Family:
I am big on family and my family is definitely part of my reason why I do this work. As I mentioned above, healthy and secure attachments are at the heart of this work, and it starts in my own home. I have two young children who are just beginning to build relationships with the world around them, and it is so important to me that we live in a way that creates a steady and secure familial foundation for all of us. We are also very connected to extended family across generations, which fosters a greater sense of belonging for all of us.
3. Movement:
Alright, this one is big for me. I am a mover! I love to move my body and engage in physical activity. This is a non-negotiable in my day, and movement generally starts at 5:30am. Movement allows me to connect with my body, push my body and repair my body. I grew up as an athlete and continue to compete in various ways into my adulthood. I am currently training for a trail running race this fall, which I will be doing with some dear friends. Maintaining connection to physical activity has not only supported my physical health, but my emotional and social health as well. I have a great community of like-minded people around me which keeps me motivated and connected to similar goals.
Why Practice in Olds, Alberta?
I have had the opportunity of living in other communities, such as Calgary, Lethbridge and Kelowna, and here I find myself in Olds. So how did I get here? I grew up in Innisfail, and have very strong familial roots in that community. When I started a family, it felt important to be close to family, and live within a small knit community. I feel connected to the rural experience that Olds has to offer. Small communities come with their own culture, and I enjoy the opportunity of getting to know people from all different walks of life. What I cherish about rural communities is the slower pace of life; what a privilege it is to be able to walk my kids to school and be able to bike to the library in the evenings. I feel a connection to the changing seasons within Central Alberta; fall brings with it the smell of harvest while our winters can bring cold temperatures with clear blue skies. I feel grateful to be able to provide this service within a rural community and increase accessibility to supports such as the ones we offer, right here in Olds.
