Hi, I am Cynthia Matthews, The Collaborative Counsellor
I am passionate about helping people reconnect with their values, improve relationships, and cultivate meaningful change. I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space tailored to meet each client’s unique needs where clients can explore their experiences and build emotional strength.
I am a dedicated mental health professional with a deep commitment to helping people navigate life’s challenges with courage and clarity. With a background in counselling psychology and extensive experience working with individuals, families, and groups, I support clients experiencing anger, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties and various life transitions.
As your counsellor I see my role as a guide. As my client, you will have access to hands-on activities, have choices during therapy conversations, explore options by being curious about your life's patterns as you move toward the change you are seeking. You will have the opportunity to practice therapeutic skills in a safe compassionate non-judgmental space.
My work is deeply informed by neuroscience and nervous system regulation. I help clients understand how their body responds to stress and teach practical ways to calm, ground, and restore balance. Through a trauma-informed and body-based approach, I guide clients toward greater safety, connection, and self-trust.
My practice is trauma-informed and holistic, honouring the connection between mind, body, and spirit. I believe healing happens in relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us and I’m committed to helping clients rediscover that sense of connection and wholeness.
Outside of my practice, I value connection, community, creativity, and time in nature, elements I often encourage clients to incorporate into their own self-care and healing journeys.
Transforming your mental wellness one session at a time.
My therapeutic style blends compassion, curiosity, and collaboration. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, trauma-informed practices, and somatic approaches to help clients heal mind, body and spirit. You have the inner capacity for growth and transformation when given the right tools and support.
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Education & Professional Background
I hold a Master of Education (M.Ed) in Counselling Psychology and am a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I am also registered in Alberta with Alberta Counselling Therapists Association (ACTA) as a Counselling Therapist (AB-CT).
Before entering private practice, I spent over 25 years in education, including many years as a school principal. That experience deeply informs my counselling work, giving me insight into human development, learning, leadership, and the many transitions individuals and families face throughout life.
My background in education taught me the importance of empathy, collaboration, and communication; values that continue to guide my work as a therapist today.
As a Case Manager with the John Howard Society, a registered counsellor in private practice, and an educational leader, I have consistently supported individuals in navigating mental health challenges through compassionate counselling, collaborative care planning, and culturally sensitive practice.