Owain Bamford

Student Counsellor

I am a third-year student enrolled in the Masters of Counselling program at City University in Edmonton. My counselling practice is guided by the principles of respect, cultural curiosity, empowerment, and self-efficacy. I have a special interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I am passionate about supporting and empowering children and youth from a variety of backgrounds. I currently work as a Child and Youth Care Worker (CYCW) and provide emotional and social supports to children and youth at a therapeutic residential treatment campus in the Edmonton Area. Prior to becoming a CYCW, I worked as a youth pastor at a church in Edmonton for five years providing a variety of supports and opportunities for young people. I received my Masters in Religious Studies from the University of Alberta in 2019, and my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta in 2011.

I acknowledge that I live on Treaty 6 territory, and respect the traditional knowledge, territories, and peoples of this land. As our society continues to learn about the legacy of colonialism in Canada, I continue to seek ways to decolonize my own practices.

Qualifications and Experience

Master of Counselling Psychology
City University of Seattle
Sept 2021- Present

Master of Arts- Religious Studies
University of Alberta
Class of 2019

Bachelor of Arts- History & Classics
University of Alberta
Class of 2011

Owain's Approach

Attachment-Based Therapy

Works to repair and strengthen the relationships between the individual family members

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Change unhelpful and problematic ways of thinking to change unwanted or unhealthy behaviours.

Solution-Focused Therapy

A strengths-based approach that focuses on your current and future problems and goals rather than past experiences

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Helps you behave according to your values by using mindfulness and acceptance skills to control your responses to situations

ACT

Therapy to help you to embrace the present moment, build psychological flexibility, and commit to positive change, fostering a life aligned with you values.

Based on Modalities