VIDA (Life) is a journey where we can grow and find beauty and strength, but we also encounter obstacles and challenges along the way that can bring about pain and suffering. Vida Counselling and Psychological services offers support on this journey, to help you navigate the path you are on so that you can find relief from distress and increase your capacity and enjoy the moments that make life worth living. VIDA was created with purpose, to be a small beacon of light that brings hope, healing, and transformation to peoples lives no matter where they are on their life journey.

VIDA Counselling and Psychological Services was founded in 2020 during a time of global health pandemic, economic, political and social crisis. These continue to be stressful times in which our nervous systems may be in a constant state of arousal. We may go through periods of experiencing threats to our personal wellbeing and may also have big worries about the quality of our relationships or the wellbeing of loved ones. It could be that you are also feeling the impact of institutional racism, violence and systems of oppression, historical and/or current trauma. Perhaps you feel like you are fighting to hold it together and things seem hopeless.

The research is clear that chronic and toxic stress wreak havoc on our nervous systems and can impact every area of life. When our resources are overwhelmed and the stress of it all threatens to take over our lives, our tendency may be to isolate and retreat. It is actually during these difficult times when we should most be reaching out to our natural and professional supports. Now more than ever, we must all find ways to take care of ourselves and each other. You do not have to suffer alone.

If you would like to find out more about how Vida Counselling and Psychological Services can help you, please reach out for a free 15 minute phone consultation.

Brisa ochoa

Brisa is the founder of Vida Counselling and Psychological Services. Inspired to use her talents, experience and abilities to help others, she brings a unique lens to therapy. She draws from her education and training in psychology, along with her faith and multicultural background, to offer a holistic approach that will help people live more fulfilling, enjoyable lives.

Brisa came to Canada as a refugee child, along with her family, escaping war-torn Guatemala. At an early age, she was faced with the challenge of adapting to the Canadian Western World while still identifying with her Spanish/Indigenous roots. Brisa has endured heartache and trauma on her life journey and has taken the perspective of a wounded healer who has learned to find beauty, strength and purpose amidst life’s challenges and wants to share what she can with others.

I am a Registered Psychologist in the province of Alberta and I have experience with diverse populations and multiple presenting issues. I understand that every person and situation is unique and am sensitive to the various learning styles and preferences we all have. This is why I use an integrative approach to counselling.

I am trained to help with a variety of presenting concerns and am especially passionate about trauma therapy and the intersection of faith, culture, and mental health. My approach is grounded in attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology. I also draw from a range of traditional methods of talk therapy (CBT, EFT, Solution-Focused) as well as experiential/creative approaches that include art, play, and sandtray. I have specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and am also a trained facilitator of the Circle of Security – Parenting (COSPTM) Program. I also specialize in integrating the science of evidence-based psychology practice with Christian faith-based counselling to provide a trauma-informed and holistic approach to wellness.

Creating a supportive, trusting relationship is very important to me. I honor the diversity and uniqueness of individuals and cultures and I consider it an honor and a privilege to support people through a variety of personal or relational challenges. If you are interested in taking the next step, please contact me, I would love to offer you my compassionate presence, guidance and support.