Marion is a Masters level clinician who completed her M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Alberta. She continues to develop her therapeutic skills under the tutelage of Dr. Myrtle Heery, of the International Institute for Humanistic Studies in California.

Marion's Approach and Philosophy Toward Therapy

Marion’s belief in the power of people to grow and transform emotionally, physically, and spiritually, whether intentionally—or in response to life’s challenges, is the basis of her philosophy and approach to therapy. Therapeutic techniques may be drawn from several theoretical orientations customized to the needs, beliefs, values, and goals of each individual. Through therapy, individuals can learn to tap into their own inner wisdom and strengths in order to maximize potential. With enhanced self-awareness, knowledge, and tools, individuals may discover their passions and the enhanced ability to experience hope, joy, peace, purpose and meaningfulness in life!

Choosing therapy is seen as a proactive decision to choose to live life more fully, and with greater awareness. In relationship with a therapist skilled in depth therapy, a person can explore and examine their unique concerns, intentions, purpose, and meaning. Often, we have developed beliefs that may actually work against us, which manifest in behaviours that are contrary to our true intentions. Therapy offers the opportunity to develop skills toward understanding ourselves and our behaviours better, discovering our true intentions, and making choices that are uniquely our own. Mind and body are connected and our overall health relies on caring for our emotional needs as well as our physical ones. A choice to engage in therapy can be a choice leading to better overall health and functioning.

Anyone can benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of self and circumstances encountered through life that may affect our sense of self, our health, our confidence at any given point in time, as well as the ability to enhance and enjoy our relationships with others. Marion sees her role as a facilitator with specific skills and knowledge that can contribute to a process of self-development and/or healing. The person seeking therapy does so voluntarily and may be encouraged but will not be obligated to any course of therapy. Therapy may be brief, intermittent, or longer term, depending on the needs and goals of the individual.

Those with outward courage dare to die

Those with inward courage dare to live

--Lao Tzu

Couples and Other Significant Relationships:

"Love is the most profound emotion known to human beings. For most people, romantic relationships are the most meaningful element in their lives. But the ability to have a healthy, loving relationship is not innate. Almost all of us have experienced a failed relationship, and most of us have to work consciously to master the skills necessary to make them flourish. The good news is that with effort and perseverance, you can learn what you need to learn to make your relationship last." Psychology Today.

COUPLES THERAPY:

As part of her commitment to ongoing training, Marion has an Advanced Level of Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, a research-based approach. Gottman couples therapy provides a flexible framework that contributes to productive sessions and your goals of learning skills in communication, managing conflict, and deepening connection. Couples gain deeper insight into themselves and each other while they are provided with knowledge and coached with skills that can contribute to building better relationships or to repairing damaged ones.

About Marion:

Marion is the mother of three grown children whose commitment to professionalism and service has been influenced by a background which includes business management and strong community involvement. She volunteered as a professional educator with the Canadian Red Cross where she presented workshops and school programs related to child abuse, relationship violence, and harassment prevention. Over ten years of voluntary service to Victim Service Programs offered experience in program management, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, relationship violence and child abuse issues, as well as training for critical incident stress debriefing with emergency response personnel. Her experiences ignited her desire to become a therapist and contribute to the well-being of individuals and community. Marion is in a committed relationship and enjoys music, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and hiking in the mountains.

Marion has worked with a diverse clientele including different cultures, abilities, socio-economic status, gender, age, etc. Some of the challenges brought to her have included; depression, anxiety, suicide risk, domestic violence, sexual assault, mental health and coping, chronic pain, health, behavioural changes, anger management, stress management, relationship issues, past trauma, crisis, grief, midlife, divorce, employment, and many more. Her life experience and work with individuals, couples, teens, and families, offers a broad range of knowledge to augment her therapeutic skills and apply toward many of the challenges that people are facing when they access counseling.

Marion Stewart's Areas of Specialty:

Availability