About Us

We are gender and sexuality affirming, as well as kink and poly friendly, and you may well wonder what that means.

To us, that means:

we won't

assume your gender, sexuality, kink, or relationship style, nor will we assume the issue you are seeking help with is related to or caused by said gender, sexuality, kink, or relationship style
try to "cure" you of any gender identity, sexuality, kink, or poly identity

we will

be aware that any distress you have about your gender, sexuality, kink, or poly identity may be a normal part of internalized cultural/societal bias rather than evidence of a disorder
be sensitive to whether and how your gender, sexuality, kink or poly identities affects your relationships
remain aware of our own issues and how they may enter therapy
consult with colleagues who are knowledgeable and/or suggest referral options if you bring in issues that are outside of our knowledge base or boundaries of competence

We are Members of/Providers with:

The Trans Affirming Network: A collection of local businesses who all share the value that it is essential to create spaces that are welcoming, respectful and inclusive of trans and gender diverse folks

Pineapple Support: a free support and therapy service for all persons working in the online adult entertainment sex industry

Lethbridge ICA Counselling Subsidy Program: financial assistance for counselling in Lethbridge

Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health: an interdisciplinary professional organization which works to support the health, wellbeing, and dignity of trans and gender diverse people

Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit: provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for a range of health benefits that are not covered through other programs, including mental health counselling

The College of Alberta Psychologists: serving the interests of the public and guiding the professions of psychology

Alberta College of Social Workers: regulatory college for the profession of social work

Amy's Training

AMY MARCO (she/her)

Registered Psychologist

Areas of Practice: I am especially passionate in my work about gender and sexuality, kink and sexual practices, internalized weight stigma and fatphobia, trauma and attachment, dissociative disorders including dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality disorder), religious trauma, interpersonal violence, abuse, and mental health concerns of all kinds.

My identities and locations include white settler, middle class, cisgender, queer and lesbian, parent, and woman. I pass as able-bodied however I experience chronic pain. I am larger bodied but do benefit from many of the privileges afforded to thinner bodies.

I started work in the healthcare field since 2006 when I began my career in nursing. I work from a feminist philosophical foundation and view suffering as often resulting from systemic and structurally based discrimination and oppression. My training includes EMDR, Internal Family Systems, DBT, affirming counselling practice, cognitive behavioural therapy, body focused therapies, and attachment focused therapies. I also draw on additional approaches to offer a flexible and creative therapeutic experience. I offer compassion and collaboration to clients, to meet your goals and achieve healing. My belief is that we find healing in connection with others and in connection with different parts of ourselves.

In addition to counselling services I offer presentations and workshops on topics related to my areas of practice, as well as clinical supervision and consultation services.

I currently offer daytime appointments Monday-Friday. I am a provider with NIHB, WCB, and the city subsidy program, as well as a member of the Trans Affirming Network. Please contact me for more information on availability and services.

Serena's Training

SERENA VISSER (she/her)

Registered Clinical Social Worker

Areas of Practice: I am especially passionate in my work with folks on journeys of gender and sexuality, loss and grief, trauma, unpacking religious trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker. I have been working in community based and post-secondary counselling settings since 2006. My location and identities frequently afford me visible and hidden privilege as a white settler, cis, queer, currently able-bodied, conditionally middle class, woman, and parenting human.

I would describe my practice as person-centred, relational in focus, trauma and structurally informed, and kink and poly friendly. In our work together I aim to nurture authentic and compassionate space, where we can bring honesty, transparency, creativity, and even humour to the counselling process. When relevant or requested we can also draw various therapeutic processes, including EMDR, affirming therapies, mindfulness and self compassion, creative therapies, Internal Family Systems, body focused therapies, DBT, CBT, and other therapeutic modalities.

I am passionate about continued learning and growth - as a human in relationship, and as a professional. On the human in relationship front, my family - both biological and chosen - invites and supports learning everyday. In terms of professional growth, I am currently undertaking doctoral studies exploring how power moves through the institutional norms practices trans and gender diverse clients face in the mental health system. I also hold an assistant professor (teaching) appointment in social work.

Please note I am not accepting new referrals at this time.

Starting September 2023

Caitlin Rowe (she/her)

Counselling Intern

Areas of Practice: Caitlin is interested in working with stress management, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma.

Caitlin is a Master of Counselling Psychology practicum student from Yorkville University under the supervision of Amy Marco. Her Identities are white settler, middle class, cis female, and parenting person.

Although she is still learning about her counselling orientation, she tends to lean towards person-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy style approach. Caitlin approaches all situations with compassion and understanding in order to create a safe space in which she can work collaboratively through each of her clients unique experiences. Caitlin wants to thank all future clients for allowing her to be a part of their healing journey.

Available to see clients starting in September, Tuesday-Friday. Please contact now to be added to waiting list. Fee is $25 per session. If this is not affordable to you please contact us anyway as some pro bono spots are available.

ABOUT US