What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 8pm Tuesday 8:30am - 8pm Wednesday 8am - 8pm Thursday 8:30am - 8pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

http://www.dreamcatcherassociation.com/

Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy, 53044 Range Road 213, Strathcona, AB (2026)

04/20/2026

It's Volunteer Appreciation Week and all week long we're sharing the 7 Reasons We're Grateful for our amazing volunteers here at Dreamcatcher™Nature Assisted Therapy! 🎉

💛 Reason #1 — Your Compassion.

Compassion is the foundation of our business. It is the compassion we feel for others, both clients and animals alike, that drive our staff and volunteers to do what they do everyday. Our volunteers bring compassion into every shift, whether it's to care for our animals, help with animal handling for our groups, provide tours for guests, or illustrate compassion through their marketing efforts. Regardless of how they do it, they make it possible for our animals and clients to feel safe, supported, and cared for. We are so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for caring so deeply!

04/18/2026

Healing Through Play 🌿✨

Play therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach for all ages that allows people to express complex emotions that are difficult to put into words. Through play, clients can safely process trauma, anxiety, grief, and behavioral challenges in a way that feels natural and manageable.

Dreamcatcher™ incorporates all types of play into therapy, from art and sand trays to animal interactions and outdoor activities, each session is tailored to help you process emotions, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies.

By observing patterns and themes that emerge, our therapists help connect play experiences to real-life situations, allowing difficult emotions to be externalized and processed symbolically. Play therapy creates meaningful pathways to emotional well-being and personal growth.

To learn more about our services, visit our website: https://www.dreamcatcherassociation.com/oneonone.html

04/17/2026

✨𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠!✨

We are hiring for a Registered Psychologist or Registered Clinical Social Worker to join our team!

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗨𝘀:

Dreamcatcher™ takes a holistic approach to healing, integrating both traditional and non-traditional modes of therapy. Located on a beautiful 40-acre ranch just 15 minutes East of Sherwood Park, our therapists work within a natural or office setting alongside our human services assistance animals providing individual or group counselling to support those with complex mental health conditions including neurodevelopmental challenges, trauma, addictions, emotional and behavioural concerns, disabilities, functional challenges, and more.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂:

We are seeking a compassionate, experienced psychologist or LCSW who has training in animal assisted human services (AAHS), equine facilitated counselling, and other therapy mediums (e.g., play therapy, EMDR, art therapy, etc.), is FNIHB approved or willing to obtain upon hire, knowledge of Indigenous culture or is of Indigenous descent, is experienced in working with neurodivergent children and youth who may have multiple diagnoses and experienced trauma (complex conditions), has evening availability and reliable transportation, and who enjoys working outdoors in nature, though all seasons and conditions, with a variety of farm animal species.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺?

Our values are rooted in the ethical care, and wellbeing of all humans and animals within our care and in maintaining integrity through upholding the highest standards and best practices within the field of AAHS and psychology.

Dreamcatcher™ fosters a culture of collaboration, teamwork, mutual respect, and support in which every team member feels valued, heard, and equipped to do their best work. We provide a collaborative learning environment that emphasizes evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary expertise where our practitioners benefit from mentorship from experienced clinicians, advanced training in specialized therapeutic modalities, continuing education, and professional development opportunities. Among the many other benefits that come with working in a natural setting!

If this sounds like your perfect career, please apply with your cover letter and resume to eileen@dreamcatcherassociation.com or fax it to us at: 780.809.1046

04/17/2026

🌿 April is National Counselling & Psychotherapy Month 🌿

Each year, this month invites us to reflect on the vital role that counselling and psychotherapy play in supporting mental health and overall well-being. It's also an opportunity to reduce the stigma that can prevent so many people from reaching out for the help they deserve.

It’s also a time to recognize and appreciate the meaningful, often quiet work that happens in therapy spaces every day — moments of courage, vulnerability, growth, and healing that deserve to be seen and celebrated.

At Dreamcatcher™ Nature Assisted Therapy, we are committed to making therapeutic support eclectic and effective. Our animal- and nature-assisted model draws on a growing body of evidence supporting animal-assisted therapy, ecotherapy, and nature-based interventions — offering clients a unique, grounded, and deeply relational approach to mental health care.

Whether you're navigating neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, grief, multiple diagnoses, life transitions, or simply feeling the weight of everyday stress, you don't have to face it alone. Therapy is not a sign of weakness — it's a meaningful step toward understanding yourself and building the life you want.

This month, we celebrate not only the profession, but every individual who chooses to begin (or continue) their healing journey. 🤍

💬 If you or someone you care about has been considering counselling or psychotherapy, let this be your encouragement to take that first step.
📩 We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about our services or to book a consultation.

🌐 www.dreamcatcherassociation.com

04/15/2026

✨ 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘀𝘁✨

We are thrilled to introduce Eric Evans, a passionate and dedicated member of the Dreamcatcher™ team! 💙

Eric is a graduate student at the City University of Seattle pursuing his studies in Counselling, with a strong focus on Animal-Assisted and Nature-Assisted Therapy. Having grown up around animals, he has witnessed firsthand the profound impact they can have on healing — and he brings that genuine appreciation to every session at Dreamcatcher™, where he has also been a dedicated volunteer since 2022. 🐾🌿

Beyond his academic pursuits, Eric has extensive experience mentoring children and teens, including through his longtime passion for coaching and playing hockey — a role that has sharpened his ability to build trust, encourage resilience, and bring out the best in young people.

Eric works from an attachment-based, client-centred perspective, drawing on CBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, mindfulness-based practices and adding art and play therapy techniques to provide individualized support for clients navigating ADHD, ASD, FASD, grief, emotional regulation, behavioural concerns, substance use, and more.

🌟 𝙀𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨! We are also offering 2 free sessions when booking with one of our Intern Therapists! Reach out today to get connected.

04/15/2026

✨ Dreamcatcher™ is now accepting new clients!

Are you or someone you know looking for mental health support? Our incredible team of therapists is here to help you on your healing journey.

🌟 Meet our available therapists:
🔹Sarah Nicholson, M.C., Provisional Psychologist: Mon (9am-4pm) | Tues (12pm-8pm) | Wed (11am-8pm) | Thurs (4pm-8pm)
🔹Mandi Timani, M.C., Mental Health Therapist: Tues-Thurs (12pm-8pm) | Fri (9am-3pm)
🔹Colin Brekke, M.C., Mental Health Therapist: Mon-Thurs (12pm-8pm)
🔹Liesel Wierenga, Behavioural Interventionist: Mon (1pm-6pm) | Tues (2pm-4pm)
🔹Carley Ritz, Intern Therapist: Wed (12pm-8pm) | Thurs (2pm-8pm)
🔹Eric Evans, Intern Therapist: Mon, Tues, Thurs (12pm-8pm) | Wed (10am-5pm)

Taking that first step toward wellness is brave — and you don't have to do it alone. 💙

Fees for services vary by therapist, rates for these therapists are between $125-$235 for a 50-minute session. Did you know that Dreamcatcher™ is offering two free sessions when you book with one of our Intern Therapists?

To book with any of our available therapists or to learn more about this offer, please contact us!

📞 780.809.1047 ext. 1 📧 Info@dreamcatcherassociation.com

04/14/2026

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is simply showing up.

When someone we love is struggling, it can be hard to know what to say or do. But here's the truth — you don't need to have all the answers. You just need to be there. Connection itself is one of the most powerful things you can offer.

Here are some gentle ways to support someone you love:

🔷Create a safe, non-judgemental space for them to freely express their concerns and feelings by being empathetic and compassionate.

🔷Give them your full undivided attention. Face toward them, lean in, give eye contact, and minimize distractions.

🔷Validate and normalize how they feel, let them know that it is normal and okay to feel the way that they do and that they are not alone.

🔷Use open-ended or clarifying questions to facilitate deeper conversation and gain a better understanding for how they feel.

🔷Ask how you can best support them in the moment. It may be that they just want a friend to talk to or it could be that they need help catching up with errands or chores (this can be especially helpful for those experiencing grief or depression).

🔷In moments when you really aren’t sure what to say, sometimes the best thing you can do is say “thank you for feeling comfortable enough to share this with me”.

🔷Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, it’s okay to step away to care for yourself and set boundaries when supporting someone.

🔷Encourage them to seek a professional if they need extra support or if you are unable to continue supporting them. If you have the capacity, you could extend your care by helping to make the first step.

These small but meaningful acts of support can strengthen your bond and remind your loved one that they don't have to face hard times on their own.

If you or someone you love is struggling and need extra support, Dreamcatcher™ provides counselling services with a qualified therapist. Whether you're carrying anxiety, depression, or simply the weight of a busy life, you deserve a space where you can breathe, slow down, and feel truly supported. 💚

04/10/2026

Parents, we've got you covered for the upcoming PD Days!

While you're at work, your kids will be living their best ranch life—making friends with our horses, goats, donkeys, sheep, and chickens at our beautiful 40-acre property!

Here's what makes our camp special:
✨ Real animal interactions
✨ Expert-led by our Recreational Therapist
✨ Perfect mix of learning, playing & creating
✨ Safe, supervised, and seriously fun

The only problem? Your kids will beg to come back! 😄

Camp Details:
📅 Fri, May 1st & Fri, May 29th
👍Ages 7-12
⏰ 9 AM - 4 PM
🚗Drop off: 8:45am-9:00am | Pick up: 4:00pm-4:15pm
📍 53044, RR #213, Ardrossan, AB
💰 $125/child

Spots are limited and we need 10 campers minimum to make the magic happen—so tag a parent who needs this and let's fill it up! 🙌 To secure your spot, please register by:
📝 April 24th for the May 1st Camp
📝May 22nd for the May 29th Camp

Register using the QR code in the photo or follow this link: https://form.jotform.com/Dreamcatcher_Therapy/dreamcatcher-pd-day-kids-camp

🐐🐴🐓

04/10/2026

There's something quietly profound about farm animals. They don't judge, they don't rush, and they live entirely in the present moment — something many of us work toward in therapy every day.

At Dreamcatcher™, we witness the power of animals firsthand. Animals are remarkably attuned to human emotion. They respond to our energy, our breath, our stillness — offering biofeedback no device can replicate. That connection is at the heart of what we do. 💙

Today especially, we want to pause and express deep gratitude — not only for the animals in our program, but for farm animals everywhere. These gentle beings have supported humans for generations: providing livelihood and sustenance, offering companionship, teaching responsibility, grounding us in nature, and in so many cases, helping regulate our nervous systems simply by being present.

Our therapy animals give so much of themselves. They meet each client with patience, steadiness, and quiet acceptance. They help create moments of safety, connection, and healing that words alone often cannot reach. We are endlessly thankful for the trust they place in us and the work they do alongside us every day.

But animal-assisted therapy is just one way we can support you. At Dreamcatcher™, we also offer play, sandtray, art, music, EMDR, and talk therapy — because healing doesn't look the same for everyone, and neither should the path to get there.

Today, we celebrate and honor all farm animals — for their presence, their partnership, and the countless ways they enrich our lives, both seen and unseen. 🐖🐑🐓

💙 Does your child or loved one find peace in nature or with animals? We'd love to connect. Email us: info@dreamcatcherassociation.com

04/09/2026

Did you know that Animal Assisted Therapy uses two models? Let's break them down!

The Triangle Model is the standard model, it involves the client, human services assistance animal (HSAA), and the therapist. It works when the therapist has extensive training and experience with their specific animal and can confidently handle both therapeutic and animal management responsibilities simultaneously.

The Diamond Model on the other hand involves the client, HSAA, therapist, AND a qualified animal handler. This model shines when therapists need extra support—whether they're working with an unfamiliar species, learning about a new animal, managing high-needs clients, or facilitating groups where safety and attention are paramount.

Why add a handler? They're the species specialists who deeply understand animal behavior, body language, and individual personalities. While the therapist focuses on therapeutic goals and client needs, the handler ensures the animal remains comfortable, safe, and properly managed throughout the session. Together, they form a powerful collaborative team!

At Dreamcatcher™, we typically use the triangle model, however, we will sometimes use the diamond model with prior consent from our clients or guardians.

Our therapists work hard to learn and maintain their competency skills with our HSAA's, often engaging in group staff trainings, rescreening of the animals, and constant communication about any newly observed animal behaviours or health concerns.

If you are a professional in a helping field and would like to gain a deeper understanding of these models and learn how to integrate HSAA's into your practice, we offer certification in animal assisted human services! To learn more, check out our website: https://www.dreamcatcherassociation.com/aascertification.html

04/08/2026

✨ 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝘁𝘇, 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘀𝘁✨

We are excited to introduce Carley Ritz, a wonderful addition to the Dreamcatcher™ team! 💙

Carley started her journey with Dreamcatcher™ in the fall of 2025 as an Intern Therapist and brings over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, working with children, youth, leading restorative circling practices, and socio-emotional group facilitation.

She holds a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Alberta and is currently completing her Master of Counselling through City University of Seattle, with a passionate focus on Animal-Assisted and Nature-Assisted Therapy.

Her deep appreciation for the healing power of animals and nature was rooted in childhood — growing up with rescue pets and attending Outdoor School programs that shaped her understanding of nature's role in mental wellness. She continues to develop her horsemanship and equine skills, bringing even more therapeutic creativity to her work at Dreamcatcher™. 🐴

Carley works through a client-centred and strengths-based approach, integrating CBT mindfulness techniques, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Compassionate Communication, Somatic Experiencing, and offering art activities, play, and story telling to provide flexible, individualized support for each client.

Her goal is simple — to make meaningful connections and walk alongside her clients on their healing journey. 🌿

🌟𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨! We are also offering 2 free sessions when booking with one of our Intern Therapists! Reach out today to get connected.

04/06/2026

Easter Monday is often seen as a time of renewal—but renewal doesn’t have to be rushed 🌿

If the weekend felt joyful, overwhelming, lonely, or somewhere in between, you’re not alone. Holidays can bring up a wide mix of emotions, and all of them are valid.

In nature, nothing forces its timing—buds open when they’re ready, animals move with instinct, and growth happens gently, moment by moment.

Today can be a chance to slow down and check in with yourself:
✨ What do you need more of right now?
✨ What can you gently let go of?

Maybe your reset looks like:
🐾 A quiet walk outdoors
🌱 Noticing small signs of new growth
🐴 Taking a breath and grounding in the present moment

Healing doesn’t follow a calendar—but moments like these can be an invitation to begin again.

At Dreamcatcher, sometimes healing happens in a field, with muddy boots and a sheep that leans into you like you're exactly what she needed too.

This Easter Monday, we're wishing you those small, surprising moments of joy — the ones that catch you off guard and remind you that restoration is possible, one gentle moment at a time.

We’re here to support you, every step of the way 🌿💙

Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy

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Monday	8:30am - 8pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 8pm
Wednesday	8am - 8pm
Thursday	8:30am - 8pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm