Ashley Mercer, MSW, RSW

Welcome!
I am really glad that you are here!

Seeking support can be overwhelming. Moving Forward Counselling Services is committed to helping you find the support you need. Even if it isn’t here! You can trust that I am committed to providing or finding you the best support available!

Why trust me?

Because I care and life is too short to be miserable! Life can be challenging and you do not need to go through life’s challenges alone. We are all navigating life and doing the best we can…and sometimes…we need support to help us do better. You may be asking, why do I need a therapist? A therapist can help offer support, validation, guidance, and, if you are open to it, challenging feedback. Sometimes we can’t see the way out of a storm because we are in the middle of it. A therapist can offer perspective, one that you may not be able to see.

What are my qualifications?

If you don’t care…this is where you can skip this part. If you are curious, please read on. I am a registered social worker and hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Memorial University of Newfoundland. I have been living and practicing in Grande Prairie for nearly 20 years and have experience working in the areas of inpatient/outpatient addictions, outpatient adult mental health, and children’s school-based mental health. I have worked with children, youth and adults experiencing a wide range of issues. I love working with people of all ages; however, at this time, I will only be accepting referrals for people ages 12 and up. See below for a comprehensive list of education, training and registrations.

Why me?

You may be thinking, there are so many counsellors and therapists out there, why should I pick you? This is a great question and one that I would like you to think about. Therapists are like sneakers, they come in different shapes and sizes, have different qualities, expertise, and you wont like every one that you try on. Sometimes you may have to try on a couple to find one that fits right for you. I believe each person is the expert in their lives. I see myself as a passenger in your car of life. I am here to listen, guide, and direct, when requested. I like to use analogies, humor and be human right alongside you. I do not promise to take away your pain but I will sit alongside you and teach you how to feel it. Feelings are tough and so are you! 

How can I help you?

I want you to know that you drive the therapy process. You decide what you would like to work on. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment and assist you in moving forward with your identified goals. 

If you are struggle with any of the following, I may be able to help you:

  • anxiety (panic attacks, school avoidance, generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder)

  • stress (feeling overwhelmed by life)

  • Trauma

  • Childhood Abandonment/ Neglect

  • ADHD

  • significant somatic symptoms

  • emotional dysregulation (being reactive, overly sensitive and not knowing why, having big reactions, etc.)

  • mood disorders (trajectory of borderline personality disorder, borderline personality disorder)

  • self harm/ unhealthy coping

  • substance use

  • depression

  • grief and loss

  • relationship struggles

  • peer problems

  • high risk youth

  • parent/child/teen conflict (parent support/psychoeducation)

  • low motivation, energy, mood

  • loss of creativity, joy, fulfillment

  • disconnection

  • needing support, validation, goal setting

  • seeking purpose/fulfillment

  • or just because you want to feel better, develop a connection, deepen connection with self or others!

Your friendly neighborhood counsellor,

Ashley Mercer, MSW, RSW

“Love and belonging are irreducible needs for all people. In the absence of these experiences, there is always suffering.”
— Brene Brown, 2021

Therapeutic Modalities I may use in sessions are:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Play Based Interventions for Children & Teens

  • Shame Resiliency Development

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

Formal Education:

  • Master of Social Work - Clinical Designation - 2018

  • Bachelor of Social Work - 2007

  • Criminology Certificate - 2007

Professional Training:

  • EMDR Certified Therapist Training - 2023

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescence - 2021

  • The Neufeld Institute Conference - 2019

  • MAP-A - Treatment for Anxiety Disorders - 2019

  • Train the Trainer - Mental Health Literacy - 2019

  • Play Based School Counselling - Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute - 2018

  • CBT for Psychosis - 2017

  • The Trauma Addictions Connection - Dr. Stephanie Covington 2012

Active Registrations:

  • Alberta College of Social Workers

  • EMDRIA International Association

  • EMDR Canada

If you like what you see and are interested in starting your journey of moving forward, please click the BOOK NOW button at the top of this page to get started.

“You can choose courage or you can choose comfort but you can’t have both. ”
— Brene Brown