Insight Psychological Therapists - Natalia Babanova

Natalia Babanova, Practicum Intern Therapist, BA, (She/Her)

As a therapist, I am passionate about supporting and encouraging people on their journeys of navigating the challenges of life. I love working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. I genuinely believe that every person is unique and brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom into the therapeutic space. I am committed to supporting my clients in achieving their goals, personal growth and wellbeing, while honoring their lived experiences, strengths, identities, and unique needs. As a compassionate and trauma-informed therapist, I create a warm, safe, non-judgmental, and culturally-sensitive space for clients to address and explore the challenges they might be experiencing.

NOTE: Our Practicum Intern (Student) Therapists offer reduced rates for counselling support. Please be aware that FEES WILL BE NON-REIMBURSABLE by Extended Health Care Benefit Plans.

**Natalia is currently seeing both online and in-person clients in Calgary but ONLY online clients in Edmonton. Session rates for Natalia are at a reduced flat rate of $50.00 per one hour session.

More About Natalia Babanova

I am passionate about helping my clients navigate the challenges of life and I feel honored to support them along the way on their journey to personal growth and wellbeing. Witnessing the positive changes and growth in clients is what I find the most rewarding. I genuinely believe that every person is unique and brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom into the therapeutic space. I am a curious, compassionate, and non-judgmental practitioner who has a deep appreciation for the human experience and diversity that we all bring into this world.

As a first-generation immigrant to Canada, I have a deep understanding of the challenges that newcomers face when navigating new culture, language, and adjustments in life. I am respectful of clients’ backgrounds, cultures, and ways of being, so I approach therapy from a culturally- and spiritually-sensitive lens.

Having worked and supported employees in a corporate environment for 10 years, I have an understanding of the corporate culture and challenges that individuals sometimes face, such as burnout, stress, workplace conflicts, transitions, and loss of employment. I recognize that all of these challenges can greatly impact individual’s mental health and wellbeing, so I am passionate about supporting and empowering people as they navigate difficult experiences.

I practice from a person-centered approach, so I see my clients as experts in their own lives. I see therapy as a collaborative process, where we work together to identify areas of concern, set goals, and implement skills and develop strategies to achieve those goals. I value an integrative and holistic approach to therapy, so I draw from a variety of treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and mindfulness.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

When did you know you wanted to become a therapist?

I have always been interested in people, their stories and experiences, so I always knew I wanted to pursue psychology. However, after completing my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, life took me in a different direction and I ended up in a corporate world. But, my keen interest in psychology and people never left me and after spending 10 years in a corporate environment, I finally decided to follow my heart and pursue my passion for psychology. I haven’t looked back ever since. I truly believe it is never too late to follow your heart and take a different path in life.

What do you think the world needs more of?

Creativity, passion, and open-mindedness

Qualifications

Master of Counselling (In Progress)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Affiliations

Psychologists’ Association of Alberta

Certifications

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Languages

  • English

My areas of focus:

Anxiety & Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Workplace Stress
Couples
  • Becoming a Parent or the Addition of Children
  • Cross Cultural Issues
  • Marriage and Relationship Concerns
Effectus (Cognitive & Performance)
  • Arts Performance
Grief & Loss Care
  • Life Transitions and Adjustment Issues
  • Losing Someone to Suicide
  • Loss of Employment
Other Areas
  • Cross Cultural Issues
  • Emotional Regulation
Thrive (Child & Youth)
  • Family Issues
Trauma Care
  • Trauma
  • Workplace Trauma

I have experience in:

  • Adolescent & Teen Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
  • Behavioural Issues
  • Changes in Health
  • Child & Youth Anxiety
  • Child & Youth Depression
  • Child & Youth Self Esteem Issues
  • Child & Youth Stress and Trauma
  • Communication and Negotiation
  • Compassion Fatigue
  • Cross Cultural Issues
  • Dealing with Physical Health Issues
  • Death or Loss of a Pet
  • Depression
  • Difficult People
  • Divorce or Separation
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Empty Nest Syndrome
  • Family Caregiver Stress
  • Family Issues
  • Food or Eating Issues
  • Gender Identity
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Graduation
  • Grief and Loss
  • Impulsivity in Children
  • Issues Related to Bullying
  • LGBTQ2S+ Issues
  • Life Transitions and Adjustment Issues
  • Losing Someone to Suicide
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Marriage and Relationship Concerns
  • Panic Disorder
  • Parenting Issues & Support
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Pregnancy
  • Retirement
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Self-Harming
  • Sexuality and Intimacy Issues
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Sports Performance
  • Stress Management
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Trauma
  • Weight & Eating Disorders
  • Workplace Trauma

My treatment approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy
  • Existential Therapy
  • Family Systems Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Person Centered Therapy
  • Psychotherapy
  • Reality Therapy
  • Solution Focused Therapy