Lyvia Hughes

Some things are hard to say out loud, even to a therapist. Sex, desire, intimacy, identity, and relationships that don’t follow the usual script are often what people carry quietly. My job is to make it easy to talk about them. Nothing you bring will shock me, and you won’t have to edit yourself to be understood.

I work with adults, couples and relationship groups at WJW Counselling & Mediation, in person at our St. Albert location and online across Alberta virtually.

How I Can Help

People usually come to me when something in their love life, sex life, or sense of self feels stuck. I support:

• Sex therapy: desire differences, arousal or orgasm concerns, sexual pain, and healing after sexual trauma

• Ethical non-monogamy (ENM) and polyamory: opening a relationship, jealousy, agreements, and caring for more than one partner

• Kink-informed therapy: a space where kink is understood as a valid part of who you are, not a problem to fix

• 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming care: gender identity, sexuality, coming out, and finding community

• Couples and relationship counselling: communication breakdowns, emotional distance, and rebuilding trust

• Anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and more

My Approach

My sessions are warm, direct and collaborative. I draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Gottman Method couples therapy (Level 2 training). I adapt these to you rather than fitting you into a model. I hold a post-graduate certificate in Sex Therapy.

The three values that guide my work are authenticity, empowerment and growth. You know your life best. I’m here to help you trust that, and to build relationships that feel true to you.

Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, University of Lethbridge

• Master of Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University

• Post-graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 2 training

Before becoming a therapist, I worked in disability services, where I learned how to advocate for people and how much it matters to be truly heard. That still shapes how I show up for clients.

Community Roots

I’ve spent years volunteering with and supporting communities that are often overlooked. In Southern Alberta, I was involved with Lethbridge PrideFest, YQueerL, and Didi’s Playhaus, a queer theatre and community space. I also worked with the Southern Alberta Pagan Association, which built community for people of earth-based and alternative spiritual paths, and I briefly ran a non-profit of my own. Whatever your identity, relationships or beliefs, you’ll be met with respect here.

A Little About Me

I grew up in Southern Alberta and moved to Edmonton in 2022 with my two teenagers, two cats and a brand-new puppy. My path to this work wasn’t a straight line. I started university at 17, paused to raise my kids, and came back to finish what I started. That experience taught me that it’s never too late to grow, and I bring that belief into every session.

Outside the office, you’ll find me on Edmonton’s river valley trails, wandering Whyte Ave, or at home with a crochet project (one of many I’ve started) and an episode of Grey’s Anatomy or Gilmore Girls. I’ve taken swing, burlesque and pole dance classes since moving here, and I still love to write and journal.

Quick Questions

Best advice I’ve ever received: When I was expecting my first child, someone told me, “Everyone will have advice. Do what feels right for you.” I still come back to it.

Bucket list: A cruise. I’m happiest on or near the water.

If I were an animal: An eagle, for its grace and perspective. A wolf would be a close second.

Hidden talent: Making friends quickly, wherever I am.

Personality type: ENFJ, “The Mentor”

Book a Session with Lyvia

Lyvia sees adults, couples and relationship groups in person and through secure online therapy anywhere in Alberta