Counselling for Children, Teens, Adults & Families

Sometimes the ways we have learned to cope, protect ourselves, or stay connected to others can begin to get in the way. Therapy can provide space to better understand these patterns, strengthen existing resources, develop new skills, and find different ways of moving forward.
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My approach is grounded in relationships and attachment, with attention to the connection between our thoughts, emotions, bodies, nervous systems, and experiences. Whether working with a child, teen, adult, or family, I aim to understand the person within the context of their relationships, experiences, strengths, and the world around them.

- My Services -

Children & Youth

Children don't always have the words to explain what they are experiencing. Behaviour, emotions, play, and body responses can all communicate something about what is happening beneath the surface.
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I use developmentally responsive, play-based and relational approaches to support children and teens in understanding emotions, strengthening regulation and coping skills, building confidence, and navigating challenges within themselves and their relationships.

​​Adult Services

The patterns we develop throughout our lives often make sense when we understand where they came from and what they have helped us manage, avoid, or protect.
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Therapy can create space to become curious about these patterns, including our thoughts and emotions, relationships, different parts of ourselves, and the ways our nervous system responds to stress. Alongside greater understanding, I offer practical strategies and therapeutic approaches to support meaningful change in everyday life.

- My Approach -

I believe we make the most sense when we are understood in context. Our early relationships, life experiences, environments, nervous systems, and individual ways of experiencing the world can all shape how we learn to connect, cope, protect ourselves, and respond when things become difficult.

Sometimes these responses show up as thoughts or behaviours we would like to change. Other times, they appear in our bodies, relationships, or as different parts of ourselves pulling us in opposite directions. Rather than focusing only on getting rid of a symptom or behaviour, I am interested in understanding what may be underneath it and what it may be communicating.
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My practice is integrative, drawing from approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, parts work, nervous-system and body awareness, play-based therapies, and biofeedback. This allows therapy to balance reflection and understanding with practical strategies for change.

Who I am as a therapist has been shaped not only by my education, clinical experience, and ongoing learning, but also by my own lived experiences and being a mom of twins.

- Meet Shannon -

I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Master of Social Work degree specializing in clinical social work. I have worked alongside children, teens, adults, and families, and over the years, my experience has shown me that there is rarely one simple explanation for why someone is struggling. I bring clinical knowledge and experience to my work, but also genuine curiosity about each person's story, relationships, nervous system, strengths, and the experiences that have shaped them.

Who I am as a therapist has been shaped by years of clinical work, ongoing training, being a parent, and my own lived experience. Together, these experiences have influenced how I understand people and the many different ways our brains and nervous systems navigate the world. They have also strengthened my appreciation for looking beyond behaviour or symptoms and becoming curious about what may be happening underneath.

​My practice is relational, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed. I believe people already bring important strengths, knowledge, and resources into the therapy room. My role is to help make sense of what may be getting in the way, strengthen what is already working, and introduce new perspectives, experiences, and tools where they may be helpful.

Outside of work, you'll likely find me putting together Lego sets with my kids, adding to my record collection, tackling a home renovation project with my husband, spending time with our dogs, or finding an excuse to head to the mountains. I have ADHD, which means I'm often managing my own executive functioning while having a few too many projects on the go. I'm playful by nature, appreciate a good sense of humour, and still believe in a little bit of magic.

Ready to Connect?

Finding the right therapist matters. Take some time to explore the different services and approaches offered here to see whether my practice feels like it may be a good fit for you or your family.

Wondering about fees, insurance and direct billing?


Shannon Martin Counselling Services 
390 Aberdeen Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 0R2

403-487-0100
​[email protected]

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If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate support, please contact:
The Distress Center: 1-800-784-2433
​Health Link: 811
In an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. ​

- My Affiliations -