It Takes Practice Counseling Services

It Takes Practice Counseling Services We provide counselling and assessment services for children, youth, adults, couples and families in Red Deer, AB

Meet Amber Chamberlain, Registered Provisional Psychologist at It Takes Practice Counselling in Red Deer.Amber offers at...
03/30/2026

Meet Amber Chamberlain, Registered Provisional Psychologist at It Takes Practice Counselling in Red Deer.

Amber offers attuned, grounded therapy for teens, adults, and couples who are looking for a safe space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences,and begin creating meaningful change.

Her approach is straightforward and compassionate. Amber pays close attention to patterns and gently shares what she notices, helping you see what may no longer be serving you. At the same time, she brings a deep respect for your resilience—holding space for both your strengths and the areas that feel harder to face.

In sessions, Amber creates an environment where you can slow down, speak openly, and feel genuinely heard. The work often becomes a process of curiosity and discovery, helping you better understand yourself without pressure to have everything figured out. Over time, this can lead to feeling more grounded, more connected to yourself, and more able to respond to life with clarity and self-compassion.

Amber tends to work well with people who feel stuck but are ready to explore their patterns and make active changes. Her work is warm, collaborative, and practical supporting new ways of coping, connecting to your values, and moving toward what matters most.

With couples, Amber helps identify what’s getting in the way of connection, rebuild trust, and support more honest, connection-focused communication.

If you’re looking for a space that feels supportive, steady, and focused on real change, Amber offers a thoughtful place to begin.

Learn more or book a consultation at ittakespractice.ca.

03/25/2026

A Part of Sheri's Story:

As a child, I experienced the loss of a parent. I have noticed the anniversary of that loss carries a weight that changes over time. Sometimes it shows up quietly- feeling tired, more emotional, or more reflective than usual. Other times it feels loud- more restlessness, craving for change, and sleep disruption.

Growing up with early parental loss also means the grief often evolves as I move through different stages of life. Milestones, relationships, and life transitions can bring new awareness to that loss. The anniversary can become a moment where those layers resurface.

Over time, I’ve learned that taking care of myself around that date matters. It might mean slowing down, making space for memories, connecting with supportive people, and travelling.

Anniversary reactions are a common part of grief, especially when loss happens early in life. If these moments feel difficult to navigate, talking with a therapist can help you understand your experience and find ways to care for yourself through it.

If this resonates with you, please be gentle with yourself. You don’t have to carry those moments alone. Support can help make space for both the grief and the life that continues to grow around it.

ittakespractice.ca

Meet Sheri Thibeau, Registered Psychologist and founder of It Takes Practice Counselling in Red Deer.Sheri offers a thou...
03/23/2026

Meet Sheri Thibeau, Registered Psychologist and founder of It Takes Practice Counselling in Red Deer.

Sheri offers a thoughtful, down-to-earth approach to therapy for adults and couples who want clarity, support, and a space to do honest work. Her style is both direct and compassionate,helping you notice patterns that may be keeping you stuck, while also creating a space where you feel understood and supported.

In sessions, Sheri is engaged and collaborative. She doesn’t just listen, she reflects, asks meaningful questions, and gently challenges what’s no longer working. Together, you slow things down, make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface, and begin to respond in ways that feel more grounded and intentional.

Sheri’s work is informed by neuroscience, attachment, and trauma-informed approaches. She supports individuals navigating stress, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm, as well as couples feeling disconnected or caught in the same patterns.

Clients often leave sessions with a clearer understanding of themselves, feeling less reactive and more confident in how they handle relationships and everyday life.

If you’re ready to look at things more closely and move toward meaningful change, Sheri offers a steady, supportive place to begin.

Learn more or book a consultation at ittakespractice.ca.

Wondering if you have ADHD? An ADHD assessment can offer clarity, not just a label.A professional assessment provides:1....
03/18/2026

Wondering if you have ADHD?

An ADHD assessment can offer clarity, not just a label.

A professional assessment provides:

1. An Honest Answer: Distinguishes ADHD from similar conditions (anxiety, burnout).
2. Tailored Treatment: Access to medication and therapies that can be life-changing.
3. Workplace/Academic Support: Formal documentation to request accommodations.
4. Improved Relationships: Understanding your brain reduces guilt and helps you communicate better.

If you are struggling to keep up, you don't have to navigate it alone.
Schedule a free 30-minute ADHD assessment consult here:
https://aws-portal.owlpractice.ca/ittakespractice/booking


It is important to remember that ADHD brings strengths! Many adults with ADHD are creative, energetic, spontaneous, pass...
03/17/2026

It is important to remember that ADHD brings strengths!

Many adults with ADHD are creative, energetic, spontaneous, passionate, and able to think outside the box. These qualities can bring excitement, humour, and new ideas into a relationship.

With understanding and the right supports, couples can move away from blame and toward connection. ADHD does not have to define the relationship. It can become something partners learn to navigate together.

Learn more about counselling services at www.ittakespractice.ca

For a partner with ADHD, relationships can sometimes feel frustrating and draining.Many adults with ADHD care deeply abo...
03/16/2026

For a partner with ADHD, relationships can sometimes feel frustrating and draining.

Many adults with ADHD care deeply about their partner but struggle with things like remembering plans, staying organized, finishing tasks, or managing strong emotions. When these challenges happen often, they may hear criticism or feel like they are always “messing up.” Over time, this can lead to shame, frustration, or feeling like they can never get it right.

Partners with ADHD may also feel misunderstood. What seems like 'not caring' is often difficulty with attention, memory, or overwhelm.

The good news is that there are ways to make relationships work better. Learning about ADHD together can help couples understand what is really happening. Simple strategies like clear communication, shared calendars, reminders, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and creating routines can reduce stress for both partners. Counselling can also help couples learn tools to work as a team.

With understanding and the right supports, couples can move away from blame and toward connection. ADHD does not have to define the relationship. It can become something partners learn to navigate together.

Learn more about counselling services at www.ittakespractice.ca

ADHD affects how partners connect and communicate in a relationship.In intimate relationships, ADHD can show up in diffe...
03/12/2026

ADHD affects how partners connect and communicate in a relationship.

In intimate relationships, ADHD can show up in different ways. Someone might forget plans, struggle to finish tasks, lose track of conversations, or react strongly to emotions. For the partner without ADHD, this can sometimes feel like their partner is not trying or does not care. For the partner with ADHD, it can feel frustrating to keep letting someone down when they truly want the relationship to work.

Over time, these misunderstandings can lead to arguments, hurt feelings, or feeling disconnected from each other.

The good news is that learning about how ADHD affects relationships can really help. When couples understand these patterns, they can find better ways to communicate, support each other, and work as a team.

If ADHD is affecting your relationship, you are not alone. Counselling can help couples understand each other and build healthier ways of connecting.

Learn more about relationship counselling services at www.ittakespractice.ca

Conflict is a normal part of relationship, and can build intimacy if managed well.  How you handle conflict determines i...
03/11/2026

Conflict is a normal part of relationship, and can build intimacy if managed well.

How you handle conflict determines if you’re building the relationship, or damaging it.

To keep things productive, try setting these 6 essential boundaries:

Implement "Time Outs": When emotions hit an 6 out of 10, call a break. Use a pre-agreed signal like "I'm overwhelmed, I need 20 minutes". This isn't avoidance; it’s a "circuit breaker" to stop your brain from going into fight-or-flight mode.

No Swearing or Yelling: Degrading language is an attempt to make the other person feel as bad as you do. Keep your voice down—a gentle answer turns away wrath.

No Threatening: Threats (like mentioning divorce or breaking up) destroy safety. Relationships won't survive in a constant state of threat. Focus on the desired behavior rather than the consequence of not getting it.

Stop Stonewalling: Shutting down or refusing to speak (the "silent treatment") is one of the most damaging behaviors in a relationship. If you can't talk yet, communicate that you need time and promise to return to the conversation.

Listen to Understand, Not to Respond: Most people just wait for their turn to speak, without actively listening to what is being said. Instead, focus entirely on their perspective without judging or planning your "rebuttal". Try to summarize what they said before you share your own side.

Select One Topic: Don't bring up "everything they've ever done wrong". Addressing multiple issues simultaneously overwhelms your cognitive capacity; pick one specific concern and stick to it until it's resolved.

Healthy boundaries aren't walls to keep people out; they are the rules of engagement that keep you both safe.

Read more on our blog about the use of boundaries in relationship:
https://www.ittakespractice.ca/post/relationship-trauma-communication-boundaries

Kristy's Recommended Reading on Boundaries and Communication:Setting Boundaries - Krystal Mazzola WoodMore Love, Less Co...
03/08/2026

Kristy's Recommended Reading on Boundaries and Communication:

Setting Boundaries - Krystal Mazzola Wood
More Love, Less Conflict - Jonathan Robinson
How to Set Boundaries - Tamra Daye DC.
The Dance of Connection - Harriet Lerner

Amber's Recommended Reading on Boundaries and CommunicationThe Five Keys to Mindful Communication - Susan Gillis Chapman...
03/07/2026

Amber's Recommended Reading on Boundaries and Communication

The Five Keys to Mindful Communication - Susan Gillis Chapman
Fight Right - Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman
Set Boundaries, Find Peace - Nedra Glover Tawwab
Setting Boundaries that Stick - Juliane Taylor Shore

Sheri's recommended reading on Boundaries and Communication:The Next Conversation - Jefferson FisherWhy Won't You Apolog...
03/07/2026

Sheri's recommended reading on Boundaries and Communication:

The Next Conversation - Jefferson Fisher
Why Won't You Apologize - Harriet Lerner
Setting Boundaries that Stick - Juliane Taylor Shore
Making Great Relationships - Rick Hanson

Beyond Compromise: The Power of "Win-Win" Collaboration. We’ve explored how avoiding, competing, accommodating, and comp...
03/05/2026

Beyond Compromise: The Power of "Win-Win" Collaboration.

We’ve explored how avoiding, competing, accommodating, and compromising can fall short. So, what does it look like when a relationship actually thrives through conflict?

It looks like the Collaborating Style.

Collaboration isn't about meeting in the middle or one person giving in. it’s about expanding the possibilities until both parties get their core needs met.

It’s the only style that prioritizes both the goal AND the relationship at 100%.

Why Collaboration is the "Gold Standard":

True Problem Solving: Instead of patching over a symptom, you dig deep to find the root cause. This prevents the same argument from popping up next week.

Mutual Buy-In: Because both people helped craft the solution, everyone is genuinely committed to making it work. No one feels like a "loser."

Strengthened Trust: Every time you successfully collaborate through a hard moment, you build "relationship capital." You prove to each other that you’re on the same team.

How to shift into a Collaborative mindset:

Identify the "Underlying Need": Stop arguing about the position and start talking about the interest. (e.g., Instead of "I want you home at 6," try "I need to feel supported with the evening routine.")

Invite Brainstorming: Use the phrase: "How might we find a way to make [Your Need] and [My Need] happen at the same time?"

Listen to Learn, Not to Respond: You can't find a win-win if you don't fully understand what a "win" looks like for the other person.

The Reality:
Collaboration takes time, energy, and vulnerability. It’s not for every minor disagreement, but for the big things, it is the only way to grow.

Address

30 Davison Drive
Red Deer, AB
T4R2J3

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm

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