Nurturing the strength within
Trauma-informed and attachment-based counselling— grounded in the belief that growth doesn’t come from fixing, but from rediscovering the strength that’s already within.
Services Offered
Child & Youth Counselling
Through play, art, and connection, I help children and teens explore big feelings, build emotional regulation skills, support identity development, and strengthen relationships.
Adult Counselling
I support adults in reconnecting with themselves and fostering resilience, authenticity, and balance. Rooted in attachment and nervous system regulation, my trauma-informed approach creates space for insight, healing, and self-trust.
Parent Coaching
Supporting connection, co-regulation, and emotional safety between caregiver and child — so you can grow and heal together.
Infant Massage
I guide parents in gentle, nurturing massage techniques to support their baby’s relaxation, sleep, and digestion — while strengthening the bond between caregiver and child.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
If your child is struggling with big emotions, anxiety, meltdowns, or shutting down…
If parenting feels heavier than you expected…
If old patterns from your own childhood are showing up in ways you don’t like…
You’re in the right place.
About Carissa
I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) based in Calgary, Alberta, with over 14 years of experience supporting children and families in both school and home settings. I provide child and parent counselling for families navigating big emotions, anxiety, attachment challenges, and relationship stress.
I’m especially passionate about helping children build emotional regulation skills and supporting parents who want to feel more confident and connected in their relationships.
My approach blends play-based therapy, attachment-focused work, and nervous-system–informed support in a way that feels natural, compassionate, and deeply respectful of each family’s story.
About Panthera
I chose the name Panthera, to represent the “big cat” personalities of the feline pets in my own family – who are featured below.
Panthera — the genus that includes lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars — symbolizes strength, courage, and presence. At Panthera Counselling, the name reflects the inner power and resilience that lives within each person, waiting to be seen, trusted, and expressed.
Toewser (a.k.a. the lion)
Toewser was the courageous, wise, noble leader of the pack. He was the only cat I know to meow back when spoken to, as if he wanted to engage in deep conversation. We earned his trust slowly, and he became our “trusty Toewser” — until he passed in August 2024.
Washington (a.k.a. the tiger)
Washington was loyal and playful – he was the only cat I knew that would play fetch like a dog. At times, he could be a little anxious and literally had 9 lives, but now he is safe and sound, resting in peace. Washington passed away in May 2025.
Idaho (a.k.a. the black jaguar/leopard)
Idaho represents power and transformation – much like his ‘big cat’ counterparts. Although black cats are said to bring bad luck, he has been a steady presence in our family, only adding to the love and strength of the pack.
Kentucky – honourable mention
Kentucky is the newest edition to the pack, coming to our family a couple of years ago. Although he is not part of the original crew, we think his “big cat” personality would be a cougar – displaying independence and curiosity.
Location
Panthera Counselling is located within the Lark and Raven Wellness offices – Suite #205 (2nd floor), 4723 1 St SW in the Britannia Health Centre.
There is free 2 hour street parking in front of the building.
