“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”
~ Brené Brown
My Therapeutic Approach
I work closely with individuals (adults age 18+), couples, families and groups. With a client-centered and strength-based framework, I embrace a holistic approach in my practice and draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities. I view clients as experts in their own lives and work closely with them to develop treatment plans as well as identify and achieve their therapy goals.
I have completed training in a variety of evidenced-based therapies, all of which inform my practice. Having a broad range of training and certification in evidenced-based therapy is important because we can create unique treatment plans for each client’s differing therapy needs.
A multitude of therapeutic certifications allows me to effectively meet the individual treatment goals of my clients using techniques that have been proven through research to be effective. I have completed training and certification in the following research and evidenced-based therapeutic modalities:
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- Master Level Therapist
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) – Advanced Training
- Gottman Couples Therapy, Level 1, 2 and 3
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT)
How can I help?
Individual Therapy
In working with individuals ages 18 and older, I have experience treating trauma and PTSD, depression, grief and loss, anxiety, phobias and addiction. I offer a non-judgmental approach to treatment to help you meet your therapy goals and improve the quality of your life.
Couples Therapy
Whether you want to reduce conflict, improve communication, or strengthen your connection, as a trained couples therapist, I can help you improve your relationship.
Benefits of Therapy
There are many benefits you can experience from attending therapy, including:
- A safe and non-judgmental space to work through difficult feelings and emotions.
- Assistance with becoming unstuck, making progress and moving through problems that are holding you back.
- The ability to work through past distressing or traumatic events so you can live your life more fully and with happiness.
- Processing and healing experiences and feelings of grief and loss.
- Improving your self-esteem, learning to set boundaries with the people in your life and discovering and defining the things that you truly value.
- Acquiring numerous tools and coping skills for dealing with the stress of work, family and everyday life.
- Improving partnerships and deepening connections within your intimate partner/couple relationship.
About me
Elizabeth Mannas (she/her/hers)
Registered Clinical Social Worker
Alberta College of Social Workers Registration #9450 Clinical Registry #19406
I have been working in the fields of social work, mental health, addiction and therapy since 2006. After graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I attended the University of Calgary and completed a Bachelor of Social Work in Generalist Practice. Following this, I completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work with Clinical Specialization. I then completed a Clinical Social Work designation within the Alberta College of Social Workers. This is an advanced practice designation which requires an additional two years of clinical practice which includes clinical hours, supervision, training and final examination to join the clinical registry.
Most recently, I joined the Alberta College of Social Workers Clinical Committee. This is a legislative committee which develops policies and procedures for clinical social work practice in the province of Alberta as well as oversees application and evaluation of applicants to this registry.
My career has equipped me with a diverse therapy experience working with a variety of populations. I have worked extensively in addictions treatment; in a detoxification unit, various inpatient addiction treatment programs, as well as in an outpatient addiction clinic specializing in women’s mental health and trauma. Additionally, I have worked in the field of domestic violence, as well as in the forensics system within the context of mental health and addiction. My hospital experience working on acute mental health inpatient treatment units has enhanced my extensive knowledge of mental health treatment across the spectrum.
I have worked treating active military service members, veterans and RCMP officers as well as other first responders who experience operational stress injuries due to their service, which has allowed me to view and treat mental health conditions through an attachment framework and trauma-informed lens. I have extensive experience working in the field of trauma both service related and non-service related.
In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, Pilates, playing with my two dogs, reading, gardening, travelling, watching baseball and spending time with family and friends.
Working in this field is a tremendous honour and I am humbled by the courage and strength of the clients with whom I work. Attending therapy can be a difficult decision but the journey of self discovery can also be incredibly rewarding and well worth the hard work. I very much look forward to taking this journey alongside you to help you meet your therapy goals and live your life to the fullest.
I gratefully acknowledge the beautiful land on which I work and make my home is unceded and unsurrendered. It is the traditional lands of the people of the Treaty 6 Region of southern Alberta, including the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), and the Tsuut’ina First Nation, the Stoney Nakoda (Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations) . In addition, it is also the home of the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. The presence of Indigenous peoples on this land reaches back to time immemorial and I live here as an uninvited settler.
Frequently asked questions
Is therapy for me?
Everyone attends therapy for their own personal reason. If you have had relationship problems, addiction or mental health concerns, or have experienced a traumatic or stressful event, then attending therapy may help you.
How do sessions work?
When you come in for your appointment please make yourself comfortable in the waiting room until your appointment time. Sessions are generally 60 minutes long, however, some therapy sessions will be up to 90 minutes in length (for example: when doing trauma treatment sessions). During the initial session, we will spend time identifying your concerns and what brings you into therapy as well as identifying your treatment goals (i.e. what you would like to get out of the process?). We will also identify a collaborative treatment plan to ensure you are getting the most out of therapy.
How do I know if therapy is effective?
During the first few sessions, I will work with you in establishing your therapy goals. These are the things you would like to accomplish in our work together, and by identifying them at the beginning, they will help to indicate your improvements.
How many sessions will I need to attend?
Everyone comes into therapy with different circumstances and concerns, and therefore the number of sessions required for each person will vary.
How often do I need to attend sessions?
Generally speaking, most people attend therapy for one hour once per week. This helps us maintain traction and momentum in therapy so that you can continue to work on and achieve your therapeutic goals.
Why should I see a Registered Clinical Social Worker?
In the province of Alberta, Social Workers are regulated professionals under the Health Professions Act which means we must be registered with a governing body to practice in Alberta. We must adhere to Standards of Practice and Ethical Guidelines set out by our governing body to ensure the highest quality of treatment for clients.
Fees
- Sessions are available both in-person and online
- Session fees are as follows:
- Individuals: $220 for 60 minutes or $330 for 90 minutes
- Couples: $300 for 60 minutes or $350 for 90 minutes
- Fees are paid by credit card, cash, cheque, or e-mail transfer at the end of the session
- Please call for a free 15-minute phone consultation to ask any questions
Insurance Coverage
- Many employer health benefit plans cover therapy services provided by Registered Social Workers in the province of Alberta and direct billing is offered for many plans.
- Please inquire with your plan directly regarding coverage you may have for Registered Social Work services. If direct billing is not available, after the session and receiving payment, you will be provided a receipt to submit for reimbursement.
- Additionally, Registered Social Workers in Alberta are health care professionals recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as medical practitioners for the purposes of the medical expense tax credit.
Policies
Cancellation Policy
There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. If a session is canceled with less than 24 hours or missed altogether, the session fee is to be paid in full prior to booking another appointment.
Confidentiality Policy
Confidentiality is very important in establishing safety in a therapeutic relationship. As a therapist, I am required ethically and professionally to keep all of your information confidential, and I require your written permission to disclose any of your information to another person. The limits to confidentiality (when I am required to disclose your information without your consent) are as follows:
- If you are at imminent risk to harm yourself or someone else
- If you disclose that a vulnerable person is at risk of being harmed, such as a child or senior
- If I receive a court order or subpoena to provide my files and documentation
Contact
Address
Urbancore Office Building
Suite 201, 2632 24th Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2T 5H9
There are several parking spots available in the front of the building as well as there is a parking lot on the south side of the building as well as one at the back.
Contact
Email: elizabeth@mannastherapy.com
Phone: (403) 585-1588
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday: 10am-4pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed