I help people get clear on their needs, set boundaries that feel solid, and speak up even when it feels uncomfortable. If you are looking for a boundaries therapist in Edmonton, this page explains what that work involves, who it is for, and what you can expect when you reach out.
Sessions are in person at 8704 51 Ave NW, Unit 102, Edmonton, Alberta. Video sessions are available across Alberta, including Calgary.
Who this work is for
This is for adults who are tired of people-pleasing, struggle to say no, avoid conflict, or feel drained from putting everyone else first. It is also for adults dealing with anxiety, stress, trauma, and depression where those patterns play a role.
Children and teens are not seen here.
If you read that list and felt a flicker of recognition, keep reading.
What working with a boundaries therapist in Edmonton actually involves
Boundaries work is not about learning a script or becoming a different person. It is about getting clear on what you actually need, finding words for it, and practising saying those words out loud, even when it feels uncomfortable.
For many people, the struggle is not that they do not know what they want. They know. The problem is that saying it out loud feels selfish, risky, or just impossible in the moment. That is where therapy comes in.
A boundaries therapist in Edmonton working in this area will usually spend time on a few things:
- Where the pattern started, and what it has cost you
- What gets in the way when you try to speak up
- How to recognize your own needs before you are already overwhelmed
- Practical ways to say what you mean, clearly and without apologizing for it
- What to do when people push back, because some will
This is not a quick fix. But it is concrete work, and most people notice a shift sooner than they expect.
Ten questions to ask before you book
Choosing a therapist is a real decision. Here are ten questions worth thinking through, or asking directly on an initial call.
1. Do they work with boundaries and assertiveness specifically? Some therapists list these as interests. Others have built a practice around them. Ask what that work usually looks like in sessions.
2. What approaches do they use? Boundaries work can draw on several methods. Here, that means CBT, client-centered therapy, and EMDR when old experiences are driving the pattern. Which one leads depends on what is getting in the way for you. A good therapist will explain why they use what they use. You can read more about the approaches used at Good Carma Therapy.
3. Are they registered? In Alberta, psychologists are regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists. You can verify registration on their public directory. Carly Colasimone, MA, is a Registered Psychologist regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists and practises under the Canadian Psychological Association's Code of Ethics.
4. Do they offer a free consultation? A short call before you commit tells you a lot. Good Carma Therapy offers a free 15-minute consultation by video or phone. Carly describes what is going on and states honestly whether she can help. No commitment either way.
5. Where do sessions happen? In-person sessions suit some people better. Video works well for others, especially if you are outside Edmonton. Know what is available and what suits your life.
6. What does a first session look like? More on this below, but it is a fair question to ask upfront.
7. How do they handle it if things feel stuck? Therapy is not always linear. A good therapist will talk openly about what to do if an approach is not working.
8. What are the fees, and is there a sliding scale? Sessions at Good Carma Therapy are $235 for 50 minutes and $352.50 for 80 minutes. A sliding scale is available on request.
9. Do they take insurance? Many extended health plans cover sessions with a registered psychologist. Check your plan and ask the therapist what information they provide for claims.
10. Do you feel comfortable enough to be honest with them? This one is harder to answer before you start, but it matters more than any credential. The first session is a good test.
What the first session covers
The first session is not about going straight to the hardest thing. It is about getting a picture of where you are.
You will usually talk about what brought you in, what has been happening, and what you would like to be different. Carly will ask questions and listen. By the end, you will have a clearer sense of whether this is the right fit and what working together might look like.
You set the pace. Nothing is opened before you are ready.
How the work is done here
Good Carma Therapy draws on several approaches depending on what fits the person, not a single method applied to everyone.
Client-Centered Therapy
"My approach to therapy is client-centered and collaborative. I offer a supportive and empathetic environment where you can explore your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment."
This is the foundation. Everything else sits on top of it. Read more about client-centered therapy.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
"CBT helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, then gives you practical tools to change the patterns that keep you stuck."
For boundaries work, this often means looking at the beliefs that make saying no feel dangerous, and testing whether those beliefs hold up. Read more about CBT therapy.
EMDR Therapy
A structured therapy for trauma and PTSD. It works with memories that still feel raw by using bilateral stimulation in short sets. The client sets the pace and decides what is opened and when. This is worth considering when old experiences are driving current patterns. Read more about EMDR therapy.
Speak Up Skills
Assertiveness is not about being pushy or rude. It is having the confidence to say what you feel and need, clearly, calmly, and without apologizing for existing. This is a direct focus area at Good Carma Therapy. Learn more about Speak Up Skills.
The Canadian Psychological Association's Psychology Works fact sheets are a plain-language resource if you want to read more about what these approaches are and what the evidence says.
Free assertiveness resources
If you are not ready to book, or you want to read before you call, Good Carma Therapy has a library of plain-language guides and worksheets on assertiveness, boundaries, and people-pleasing. They are available to read or download with no sign-up required. Visit the Resources page to find them.
About Carly Colasimone
- Carly Colasimone, MA
- Registered Psychologist (Alberta)
- Regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists
- Practises under the Canadian Psychological Association's Code of Ethics
- Trained in EMDR
- Training spans CBT and client-centered therapy
- Verified listing on Psychology Today
Where to start
If you are in Edmonton or anywhere in Alberta and this sounds like your situation, get in touch and Carly will tell you honestly whether she is the right fit.
- How to Choose an EMDR Therapist in Edmonton
- EMDR in Edmonton: What a Session Actually Looks Like
- CBT Therapy Edmonton: What Actually Happens in a Session
You deserve to hear your own voice again.