Evan Essapa

Specializing in Sport Psychology, Performance Anxiety, Youth & Young Adults, Depression/Anxiety, Mental Health and Cultural Identity

I am a bilingual Registered Provisional Psychologist who is passionate about helping individuals build confidence, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. I particularly enjoy working with teens, young adults, university students, and athletes between the ages of 15 and 35 who are navigating the pressures of school, sports, careers, relationships, and personal identity, depression and anxiety.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based therapeutic practices. I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel understood, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Sport Psychology & Peak Performance

As a former University of Alberta Track and Field and Soccer athlete, Team Alberta member, and participant in a professional soccer academy in France, I bring both personal athletic experience and psychological knowledge to my work with athletes.

I understand the demands of competitive sports, including performance anxiety, pressure to succeed, maintaining motivation, managing setbacks, and balancing athletic commitments with academics, work, and relationships.

Whether you are a competitive athlete, student-athlete, or someone striving to improve performance in other areas of life, I can help you develop mental resilience, strengthen confidence, manage performance-related stress, and work toward your goals.

My focus is not only on helping athletes perform at their best but also on supporting their emotional well-being and identity beyond sport.

Counselling for Teens & Young Adults

The transition from adolescence into adulthood can bring significant challenges. Academic expectations, career uncertainty, relationships, family pressures, social comparison, and questions about identity can leave young people feeling overwhelmed or unsure of themselves.

I particularly enjoy helping teens and young adults navigate these transitions while developing healthy coping strategies, emotional awareness, self-confidence, and stronger communication skills.

I work with individuals experiencing:

Anxiety, depression, and stress

Sport and performance anxiety

Low self-esteem and confidence challenges

Trauma and difficult life experiences

Addictions and unhealthy coping patterns

School, university, and workplace pressures

Relationship and communication difficulties

Cultural identity, belonging, and life transitions

Trauma, Anxiety & Emotional Well-Being

I provide evidence-based counselling to individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges. Drawing from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused interventions such as EMDR, and mindfulness, I help clients better understand their experiences and develop practical strategies for managing difficult emotions.

My goal is to help you move beyond feeling stuck, build resilience, and regain a greater sense of balance and control in your life.

Cultural Identity, Diversity & Belonging

As a Black male psychologist with experience working across diverse communities and cultures, I recognize the importance of feeling understood, respected, and accepted.

I have experience supporting individuals from visible minority communities, immigrants, first-generation Canadians, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Whether you are navigating cultural expectations, racial identity, discrimination, family pressures, or feelings of not fitting in, I offer a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your experiences and strengthen your sense of identity and belonging.

Psychological Assessments

In addition to counselling, I provide psychometric assessment services within my professional competencies and under appropriate supervision. Assessments can help individuals gain a better understanding of their psychological functioning, personal strengths, and areas where additional support may be beneficial.

Bilingual Counselling – English & French

I am pleased to offer counselling and psychometric assessment services in both English and French, allowing clients to communicate in the language in which they feel most comfortable.

My Approach

I believe therapy should be more than simply talking about problems. It should provide you with meaningful insight, practical tools, and the confidence to move forward.

Whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance, a young adult navigating life’s challenges, or someone looking to improve their emotional well-being, I look forward to helping you build on your strengths and achieve your personal goals.

Direct Billing: ASEBP, Alberta Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross and GreenShield may be available for direct billing. Coverage through other insurance providers may also be available. Clients are encouraged to confirm eligibility and coverage with their insurer before booking.