Hey, I’m Theresa 

Theresa Rybchinski

BKin., M.S.W., R.S.W., SP., A.R.T Therapist

My Story

Professionally, I am a social worker, and a mental health and somatic practitioner working from a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive lens, blending somatic psychology, internal family systems, polyvagal theory and attachment theory.

I am also a human that got over some dark stuff. I leaned heavily on the wilderness to bring me home to myself.

Thank you for being here; I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to search for support, especially if your world feels dark right now. 

Secondly, although I cannot name names, I want to give gratitude to those who have supported me through the years. I deeply value community and connection and owe my life to those in my corner. I couldn’t have made it here without my community, mentors, and teachers.

My guiding principles

Safety, Dignity, Humanity, Connection, Curiosity, Respect, Empowerment, Integrity, Vulnerability, Service, Holism.

Education &
Career Background

I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work specializing in Addiction and Mental Health and am a Registered Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). Previously, I studied Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Calgary. I am also a certified yoga teacher. I have accumulated numerous training and workshops in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness through the years. I am a trained Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, a form of Somatic Therapy. With my training, I consider myself a body-centred therapist, and I weave all of this knowledge and experience into my sessions with you.

Additionally, I have spent the past seven years working in the field of trauma and addiction at wilderness addiction treatment centers, inpatient and outpatient addiction centers, harm reduction programs and Indigenous mental health programs that support folks who have experienced various forms of trauma.

My personal story

I know the dark world of a mental health disorder all too well. I've walked alongside and loved a close family member entrenched in addiction for much of my life. I have also spent many years recovering from a personal mental health crisis, that led to addiction patterns and severe burnout. I've journeyed into the dark depths and know how to get through it and beyond. 

The gift of this experience is that I developed the empathic understanding to sit with others in their dark places, too.

There were many moments along the way when I thought it would never end, succumbing to the belief that my life would always be like this.

Can you relate?

Ultimately I found a way out and through to the other side. The wilderness helped pull me away from my ongoing mental health crisis. Combining my love for the outdoors with somatic-based therapy, I successfully restructured my life to heal my mind and body. Humans have a deep capacity to heal, but sometimes, we must remember how to reconnect to what we have lost.

I owe my life and health to the wild places and the mountains that have held me over the years.

I lead from personal experience and a place of service. I help you unravel past experiences so that you can understand how these experiences impact your present-day experience and ultimately interfere with your wellness. By providing a safe space for healing, I will walk alongside you as you process and integrate your pain, restoring a sense of empowerment and vitality to your life.