About me
Welcome!
I provide psychotherapy and counselling services in Red Deer and online throughout Canada to individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, addictions, burnout, and life transitions. My approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based therapies including EMDR therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/kimberly-ann-darbyson-red-deer-ab/1708283
My why
Before becoming a counsellor and trauma therapist, I spent over two decades working in human services, education, and healthcare, supporting individuals through some of life's most difficult challenges while navigating my own. I know firsthand that while these roles can be deeply rewarding, they can also lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, anxiety, and a sense of losing connection with yourself.
Therapy provided me with a place to set down the weight I was carrying and focus on my own healing. Through that experience, I discovered the profound impact of feeling truly seen, heard, and supported. My desire to help others find that same experience inspired me to pursue a new education and career path in counselling.
My education and credentials
In addition to the highly common and rigorous School of Hard Knocks, my formal education includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alberta and a Master of Counselling degree from Athabasca University.
I have completed training in a variety of counselling approaches, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Applied Polyvagal Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT).
I have earned the Certified Canadian Counsellor designation with Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
