Reyna Hiebert, MC, CCC

I forgot about Ft. Friday so here’s It is! I feel the need to share my own story if I’m asking others to be vulnerable and share their stories. Here’s my story! I have struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember. Literally I remember sleeping in my parents room on the floor at about 5 because I was too afraid to sleep downstairs. My anxiety was far beyond childhood fears and I went to see a therapist at 12 years when I began taking meds to manage my anxiety. ... In Jr. High and High school my anxiety was better managed although I became more afraid of sickness when I had a medical scare. It wasn’t until I was about 20 that I went for a formal assessment and was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobias and OCD tendencies (mainly related to my need to control when I felt out of control). I have also had panic attacks for most of my life with a brief period of about 2 years without any. My worst one occurred on the way to a weekend in BC with my friends. It was so hard to manage and I wanted the pain to go away so badly I had momentary intrusive/suicidal thoughts. All of these difficulties have lead me to pursue my career in mental health counselling. I feel privileged to every day to sit with people and listen to their stories. Most days are not easy as many people are at their very worst when they reach out for therapy. But I get to walk beside them and encourage them that there is always Hope! I also sometimes briefly share my experience with anxiety if I think it may be beneficial to the client when they feel alone and like no one understands. As much as my daily struggles with anxiety are challenging I’m so grateful I can use them to empathize with my clients

Friday ft. meet Michelle! Michelle and I met years ago while working at the same school- she is passionate about mental health and serving her community! Here’s her story. I have struggled with mental health for as long as I can remember, though when I was thinking those dark thoughts such as "I want to die" or feeling paralyzed in fear when walking down the hallway in school, I didn't know what to call it. It wasn't until I was in college that I was "formally" diagnosed wit...h depression and anxiety. After the diagnosis, I was handed pills and sent on my way. The pills made me foggy, caused me to gain 50 pounds, and left a heavy numbness over me that left me with no feelings at all. After years of this, I left for a year trip abroad, where I was sexually abused...for the second time, which caused me to ditch the medications and spiral. No one suggested supports beyond medication, and I felt utterly alone. After meeting my now husband, going to medical professionals and finding a medication that helped while still leaving me...me, I am now the best I have ever felt, which enables me the bravery to help others struggling through mental health. Around two years ago, I picked up my familiar paint brush, though instead of painting my usual happy pieces, I decided to attempt to paint my depression. I took a leap and posted it online, talking about the real me, depression, anxiety, and all, and was blown away by the response of others struggling with similar scenarios. I decided to continue painting and talking about all of the darkness that I was afraid to share, and now have an entire Mental Health Series, hanging up in Mental Health Space in Leduc, Renewed Resilience. Many people have been connected through these pieces, and I will gladly expose my pain and struggles if it continues to help others. It has meant more to me than I could possibly imagine, to be able to reach a hand to others and hopefully guide them to a little bit of light, within their darkness. To see the mental health pieces or if you would like to reach out to Michelle, you can visit her website: https://www.freebirdillustrations.com/

First feature: Caleb Eefting I met Caleb online after being gifted an AOK hoodie and looking into his company. His story is an example of dealing with mental health while playing pro hockey in Sweden. Thank you for sharing your story! My biggest challenge with mental health has been the consistency with growing and trying to overcome depression. At times I can sit and write out my thoughts, and talk to people and do all the things that I know will help me get through. But oth...Continue reading

Over the next few months I will be featuring stories and interviews with individuals who have in try e past or are currently experiencing challenges with mental health.

You are the expert in your own life- my role as a therapist is to guide you as you make these discoveries for yourself!

Over the past few years I’ve realized that being invited into someone’s life is a privilege. It’s a sacred thing to be apart of and I will never take it for granted. I see courageous and extremely brave people everyday who are willing to share their story and the deepest parts of themselves. I’ve learned that if I’m open, every person has something to teach me and for that I’m so grateful. The work I do is tough at times, but also so rewarding. When you’re ready to share parts of yourself that need healing please reach out to a therapist or someone you trust.

Are you or a loved one looking for mental health support right now? The best thing you can do is reach out and see if therapy is for you! Trust me you won’t regret it.

This is one thing I believe to be true- there is always hope!

Hey, I'm Reyna! Welcome to my mental health page where I will share helpful resources to support mental health and create awareness. In addition, I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor and member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults dealing with various mental health concerns, including but not limited to: anxiety; mood disorders; grief and loss; self-esteem; and, relationship problems. I firmly believe that a collaborative therapeutic relationship is a vital element of effective counselling. I strive for an empathetic and compassionate approach in order to create an environment in which clients can feel safe and accepted. My professional passion is advocating for mental health and decreasing the stigma associated with mental illness.