Carissa Cochrane
MACP
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Counselling Therapist
EnglishBackground
I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor and bring over 14 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families, along with extensive work in parenting support and coaching. I’m knowledgeable in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, ADHD, autism, emotional regulation, and child development. My background allows me to meet each family with a grounded, informed, and compassionate approach.
Your therapeutic experience with me
When you come to Panthera Counselling, my goal is for you to feel grounded, welcomed, and genuinely cared for. Sessions move at a pace that feels comfortable and attuned, with space to explore emotions, experiences, and patterns without judgement. You can expect a mix of gentle structure and flexibility — some days may be more playful or creative, while others may be reflective, skill-building, or focused on regulation. I follow your cues closely, offering support in ways that feel safe, empowering, and respectful of your nervous system. Above all, you can expect a relationship built on trust, authenticity, and compassion, where every part of your story is met with curiosity and care.
Areas of expertise
These represent my core areas of expertise, backed by specialized training and extensive clinical experience.
Anxiety & Worry
Attachment
Children
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Parenting / Parent-child Relationship
I also provide skilled support in these additional areas and welcome clients seeking help with these concerns.
ADHD
Play-based Therapy
Sandplay
Art-based Therapy
Autism
Trauma
Coping Skills
Family Relationship
Grief, Loss, And Bereavement
School Concerns
Perinatal Mental Health
Stress
Women's Issues
Teens
Therapeutic approaches
These are my primary therapeutic approaches, backed by specialized training and extensive clinical experience.
Play-based Approach
Play is a child’s language for understanding their world and healing. Using Synergetic Play Therapy principles, I support nervous system regulation, emotional expression, and connection through attuned, relationship-focused play.
Person-centered Approach
You are the expert of your own experience. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where your needs, pace, and goals guide the work, fostering empowerment, authenticity, and self-trust.
Attachment-based Counselling
Healing happens in relationship. I focus on strengthening secure connections, nurturing safety, trust, and emotional closeness between caregivers and children — and / or within your own inner world.
Trauma-informed Therapy
I work with sensitivity to your nervous system, past experiences, and current supports. Sessions prioritize safety, choice, and regulation, helping you build resilience and heal at a pace that feels right.
I also incorporate these evidence-based approaches when clinically appropriate:
Strength-based Approach
Mindfullness & Somatic Practices
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Parts Work
Self-compassion & Mind-body Practices
Neurodiversity-affirming Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Art-based Therapy
Polyvagal-informed Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Client communities & cultural expertise
These are the client communities and cultural backgrounds I have specialized experience supporting.
Client populations I serve
Children
Teens
Parents
Perinatal (pregnant, Postpartum, And Transitioning To Parenthood)
Neurodiverse Clients
Cultural expertise
Canadian
2SLGBTQ+
Indigenous Community
Cross Culture And Intercultural Relationships
Professional credentials
Canadian Certified Counsellor
- No.11244711
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Counselling Therapist
- No.2162
The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta
Educational background
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University, Canada
Specialized training
Understanding/Applying the DSM-5-TR in Healthcare
Bow Valley College
Practice locations & services
Immediate crisis support available
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available right now:
- 🚨 Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance
- 💬 Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support and suicide prevention