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.