Counselling in the Country

What Counselling Looks Like in Rural Alberta

When you live in rural Alberta, life looks a little different.

Your day might start with feeding animals, getting kids on the bus down a gravel road, heading off to pick up feed or chasing the livestock that got out the night before. You probably know your neighbours, the lady at the post office knows your name, and it doesn’t take long for news to travel through the community.

In a place where “everyone knows everyone,” the idea of going to counselling can feel… complicated.

In small communities, privacy feels different than it does in a city. You can’t just disappear into a large crowd. If you go somewhere, chances are someone you know will see you.

Because of that, many rural folks worry:

• “People will think something is really wrong with me.”

• “They’ll assume I’m a bad parent / bad partner.”

• “They’ll talk.”

These worries are real and understandable. But here’s the quiet truth many people don’t talk about:

Lots of people in your community are struggling with something too – stress, anxiety, grief, family conflict, burnout – even if they look “fine” on the outside.

Counselling doesn’t mean you’re “crazy” or weak. It means you’re human, and you’d like a bit of support while you carry what you’re carrying. If you would call the mechanic when your truck is making a weird noise, it’s just as reasonable to talk to a counsellor when your mind, heart, or relationships feel like they’re rattling.

Even in a small or rural setting, counsellors are bound by clear ethical and legal rules about confidentiality.

That means:

• What you talk about in session stays in session.Your stories, worries, and emotions are not shared with your employer, school, neighbours, or family without your written permission (except for a few safety-related exceptions that your counsellor will explain up front).

• Your counsellor won’t start a personal conversation if they see you in public. If we pass each other in the grocery store or at the rink, I won’t greet you unless you greet me first. This puts the choice in your hands.

• Records are kept secure and private. Notes are stored according to professional standards and are not visible to anyone else in the community.

• We can talk about your privacy worries honestly.If you’re nervous about being seen, we can discuss options: different times of day, online sessions, or other ways to help you feel more comfortable.

You are allowed to ask questions like:

• “How do you handle confidentiality in a small community?”

• “What happens if you know my child’s teacher / coach / doctor?”

• “What if we have mutual friends?”

A good rural counsellor expects these questions and will be open and clear in their answers.

In-Person Sessions-Without the "Stuffy Office" Feel

In-person therapy can still feel down-to-earth:

• A cozy, simple office – not a cold, clinical space.

• Plain language instead of heavy jargon.

• Space for kids to move, play, and explore during sessions.

We also offer outdoor, walk-and-talk, or animal-assisted sessions, which can feel more natural than sitting in a chair the whole time.

Scheduling That Understands Seasons

Rural work isn’t 9–5, Monday to Friday. Rural life has its own rhythm: seeding, calving, harvest, long shifts, icy roads, and sudden changes in plan when “the cows are out” or equipment breaks. Counselling in rural Alberta needs to respect that. A counsellor who knows rural life understands:

• There might be times of year when regular weekly sessions are hard.

• Calving or harvest might mean you need later appointments, phone calls, or some flexibility.

• Your energy and stress levels rise and fall with the seasons.

We can work together to build a plan that’s realistic and sustainable, not one more thing to feel guilty about “failing.”

You Don't Have to Do It All Alone

Rural culture often values independence, toughness, and “getting on with it.” There’s a lot of pride in working hard and not complaining.

Those strengths are real. They help communities survive tough winters, economic ups and downs, and long days.

But even the strongest people sometimes need:

• A place to lay it all down for an hour.

• Someone who isn’t family or a neighbour to listen.

• Tools to handle stress, anger, worry, or grief differently.

Counselling isn’t about fixing you because you’re broken. It’s about walking alongside you so you don’t have to carry everything alone.

If any part of this resonates, your next step doesn’t have to be huge.

You might:

• Book a short phone consult to ask questions about privacy, cost, or format.

• Try one session and see how it feels – there’s no obligation to commit long-term.

• Ask about online options if you’d prefer to start from home.

It’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay if you don’t know exactly what you want to talk about. You’re welcome to show up exactly as you are. Just off the Highway at Heartfelt, we look out for our land, our animals, and our people. Reaching out for counselling is one way of including yourself in that circle of care.

Beyond the Prairies: Women's Mental Health in Rural Alberta

When we picture rural Alberta, many of us think of wide-open skies, hardworking families, and communities built on resilience. Yet beneath that image lies a quieter reality: women in rural Alberta face unique mental health challenges that are often overlooked. While strength and resourcefulness define these communities, isolation, stigma, and a lack of accessible services can make it difficult for women to find the support they need.

Living in rural Alberta means that everything—from groceries to medical care—requires more planning and travel. For women seeking mental health support, this distance often becomes a barrier. Some must drive hours to the nearest counselor, as well as the added costs of travel, child care, or time away from farm work, and accessing care becomes even harder.

Women in rural Alberta often juggle multiple roles: supporting their families, running households, helping with farming or ranching, working outside of the home and contributing to community life. This constant balancing act can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

For mothers, perinatal and postpartum mental health support can be scarce outside larger cities. Young women may struggle with limited job opportunities, social isolation, and the pressure of traditional gender expectations. Domestic violence survivors in rural areas face even greater risks due to limited access to shelters and support services.

In addition, the agricultural lifestyle itself also brings stress. Unpredictable weather, fluctuating markets, and the physical demands of farm work that all take a toll. Research shows that farmers and agricultural workers in Alberta report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. For women, who often serve as both caregivers and co-workers in family operations, the emotional weight can be crushing.

Heartfelt Counselling has the opportunity to support women of all ages in rural communities by blending traditional therapy with the calming presence of animals to create an environment where women can feel safer, grounded, and supported. A recent study of middle-aged and older women found that women with strong attachment to animals reported lower anxiety and depression scores. In particular, among women who had experienced childhood abuse, the positive effect was stronger.

For many clients, sitting in a clinical office feels intimidating or unsafe. By contrast, being in the presence of therapy animals helps reduce anxiety, builds trust, and makes it easier to open up about difficult emotions. The animals act as non-judgmental companions, providing comfort during moments when words may feel too heavy.

Confidentiality and professionalism remain at the core of every session. Whether meeting in person or online, women can trust that their privacy is respected. The relaxed, non-clinical environment combined with animal support makes Heartfelt especially well-suited for women in rural areas who may hesitate to seek traditional counselling. In places where distance and stigma can prevent women from asking for help, Heartfelt provides a unique bridge: a confidential, compassionate space that feels safe, healing, and deeply connected to the rural way of life. Give me a call if you have any questions or would like to hear more about the programs that Heartfelt offers.

A New Pony with a Heart for Healing

There’s a new pony at the paddock—and her name is Pearl.

Pearl is a small, soft-eyed pony with a gentle heart. She’s quiet, kind, and very good at standing close when someone needs a little comfort. Pearl has come to help people who are feeling sad, worried, or going through something really hard—like grief or change.

Not too long ago, Pearl helped someone very special with a loss when she lived with her previous owner. When that special person was able to find peace and a small understanding of loss, Pearl's owner felt that she would be perfect to join our program and help others work through the challenges of grief. Pearl came to Heartfelt and found she was the new pony in the paddock. But here’s a little secret: being new isn’t always easy, even for ponies like Pearl.

When Pearl first arrived, everything was different. New sights, new smells, new routines. The other animals already knew each other. They had their favorite spots in the field and their own way of doing things. Pearl sometimes felt a little unsure—like she didn’t quite know where she fit in yet. Pearl didn’t quite know what to do. The world felt strange and different without them. One day, feeling confused and overwhelmed, Pearl ran away. She didn’t know where she was going—she just knew she didn’t want to be the new pony anymore. For a while, Pearl wandered. She missed her old home and felt unsure about where she belonged. Everything felt unfamiliar. She was grieving, even though no one could see her tears.

Have you ever felt that way?

Even though Pearl is great at helping others feel better, she needed a little kindness too. Kind hands reached out and gentle voices spoke softly. Her new owner found her wandering and brought her back to Heartfelt. Pearl was brought to a place where healing happens—not just for people, but for ponies too. Now, Pearl is slowly learning that even though she’s in a new place, she doesn’t have to be alone. The other animals are curious and friendly. Slowly, Pearl started to feel more comfortable. She began to recognize the voices of the humans who care for her. She found her favorite patch of grass. She even learned which pony likes to nap in the sun and which one loves to play. The humans give her time and space. And slowly, Pearl is finding her rhythm again—one step, one breath, one soft nuzzle at a time. And she got it! A quiet nuzzle from a horse named Hobo, a soft “hello” from a new friend, and plenty of space to just be herself.

Because she knows what it feels like to be new and struggle with feeling

s of loss, Pearl has a special way of connecting with people who feel the same. She doesn’t rush. She doesn’t judge. She just stands close, listens with her big soft eyes, and lets you know—you’re not alone.

So if you’re ever feeling out of place, like you don’t quite fit in yet, Pearl gets it. She’s been there. And she’s here now, to walk beside you—hoof by heart.

Pearl enjoying her hay

Enjoying the warmth of the sun.