About Alanna Russell

Hello, my name is Alanna Russell and I am an Associate Therapist at Thrive. I have a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Gender Studies from the University of Winnipeg and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I am also a certified member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

I have experience working with adolescents and adults within a person-centered approach and feminist lens to address daily life and emotional difficulties. However, I also like to integrate models from Mindfulness, Interpersonal, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapies when providing tools and alternative perspectives. I have been honored to collaborate with clients who manage issues related to anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, self-identity, sexual assault, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. I also enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ individuals to sensitively explore the complexities of how we identify ourselves and connect with others.

I personally believe that authentic connection with others is one of the greatest tools we have in our healing journeys and therefore aim to provide a nonjudgmental environment for my clients to reflect, explore, and be heard. My work is tailored towards the uniqueness of each individual by meeting you where you’re at and setting intentions in how we attend to your problems and help you reach your goals. If possible and when appropriate, I even try to create a fun atmosphere within my sessions because I believe it is essential to shine compassionate light on the darkness that any of us can experience.

In my free time, I love checking out local music, art shows, and restaurants. I also like to play guitar, do yoga, and engage in lots of self-care activities.

If we have the opportunity to work together, it would be an honor to get to know you and help you sort through your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.