Non-judgmental,
compassionate counselling.

Remote and in-person sessions based out of Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan). We offer diverse, evidence-based approaches to support you through difficulties.

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Branches Counselling Services is the sister organization to Oaks Mental Health.
All of our therapists at Branches are also educators at Oaks.

Our Therapists

Alexandra Kurth

M.A. (Master’s in Counselling), CCC.
I am not currently accepting new clients.
I specialize in guiding individuals dealing with identity issues, anxiety, and depression, fostering a celebration of uniqueness in a safe space. Together, we'll reshape thought patterns, embrace emotions, and cultivate self-compassion for a strong, authentic self. Tailored for neurodivergent individuals (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia) and transgender community members, my client-centered approach incorporates CBT, ACT, and mindfulness to empower you on your unique path to thriving.
More About Alexandra
Erin Redekop

BSW, RSW.

I am here to facilitate your goals and to offer tools, care, and an outside perspective to help you identify and work through problematic patterns, point out your strengths and cultivate self-compassion. Safety, empathy, authenticity, and curiosity are all key components of my counselling practice. Together, we will identify what thriving means and looks like to you and work towards getting you there.
More About Erin
April Derkson

BSW, RSW.
In my practice, I work from a trauma-informed, feminist framework to create a safe place of compassion and empathy, where you can feel heard and feel safe to reconnect to your power, voice, and confidence. My goal is to provide a therapeutic space where connection can be made, stories can be shared and honoured, and healing and growth can flourish.
More About April
Cara Taylor

MSW, BSW, RSW.
One of my favourite phrases is “come as you are.” You are welcomed and allowed to bring whatever pain, feelings, or struggles you’re currently experiencing to our sessions. I think a non-judgmental presence and feeling safe is essential for our time to be meaningful and impactful. In our work together we can explore how you make sense of the world and your experiences, how to cope with difficult feelings, and how to move towards wellness (as defined by you).
More About Cara
Marcela Scott

BSW, RSW.
In addition to English, Marcela offers sessions in Spanish as well.

I am here to create a non-judgmental and safe space for you. Together, we will explore your experiences to better understand what is affecting your sense of self. During our time, we will find what works for you in an authentic and compassionate way. Bring what you want to this space, from your struggles to your accomplishments. Everything is welcome. I am honoured and humbled when you choose to share your story with me.
More about Marcela
Sarrah Ahmed

Practicum Student for M.A. in Counselling
There is no cost for sessions with Sarrah. As of January 2nd, 2025 sessions will be $25 each.
My approach to therapy is anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and feminist. It is also eclectic in nature. That is, I utilize various aspects of different forms of therapy, such as narrative therapy and strengths-based therapy, and cater them to your particular needs and situation. My main goal in therapy is to develop a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship with you and create a space where you feel supported, safe and comfortable with being open and vulnerable.
More about Sarrah

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible doorways and bathroom.
• No stairs to enter any part of our space.
• Accessible parking spots available upon advance request.
Children

• Babies are welcome to accompany you to appointments.
• Change table available for use
• Fridge available to store formula, breastmilk, etc.
Refreshments

• We have various complimentary beverages (coffee, tea, water bottles, juice boxes, Bubbly, Vitamin Water, etc.) and snacks (granola bars, chips, fruit snacks, etc.) available.
Affordability

• We offer sliding scale services on a case by case basis.
• We are happy to accept postponed payments or create payment plans to make counselling more affordable for you.
Pet Friendly

• Feel free to bring cats or dogs to your appointment with your therapist, even if they are not a licensed support animal.

Our Values + Approaches

Empathy

Being curious and non-judgmental about your experiences, emotions, and perspectives.
Self-Compassion

We believe in becoming more mindful, compassionate, and kind in your dialogue towards yourself.
Autonomy

You have choices about how our sessions go and what the best path forward looks like for you.
Collaboration

Partnering with you in understanding and processing your experiences. Your knowledge and experience are equally valuable to ours.
Trauma-Informed

We recognize and acknowledge the impact of trauma along with the importance of creating emotional and physical safety.
Harm Reduction

We do not view addiction or substance use as moral failings. We also recognize zero substance use is not always possible or helpful.
Anti-Oppressive

We acknowledge and talk about how sex, gender, class, race, ability, health status, body size, religion, etc. affect your experiences.
Strengths-Based

We look for the ways you've shown strength in hardships, especially when you can't see it for yourself.
Storytelling

We believe peoples’ stories are sacred and that there is power in how we tell our stories.

Our Clinical Supervisor

Sheena McCallion, MSW, RSW.

Sheena holds a Masters degree in clinical Social Work from the University of Calgary. She has been in practice for 23 years in a variety of mental health-related roles. She has advanced training in several counselling modalities. Sheena is thrilled to be working with the fine counsellors at Oaks.

Clinical supervision provides accountability and ongoing professional development to ensure you receive the highest quality care possible. Each of our therapists is required to do both group and individual clinical supervision each month.

FAQ

Our office is located at 1815 D Lorne Avenue - also home to Oaks Mental Health! We are wheelchair accessible, and there is free street parking surrounding the building.
Individual counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length and cost $150.
Couples counselling sessions are 60 minutes in length and cost $175.
For no-shows and late cancellations (within 60 minutes of the appointment time) we will bill for 50% of the session rate.
We do not take the traditional approach of charging a session fee for cancellations within 24-48 hours of the appointment. We understand mental health and physical health conditions are not always predictable, which can lead to last-minute cancellations.
Most insurance policies will reimburse for a counselling session with an RSW (Cara, Erin & April) or CCC (Alexandra), but it is your responsibility to check with your service provider regarding coverage before your appointment.
Direct-billing available for:
Ali: Victim services
Erin: NIHB, Victim Services, GreenShield
April: NIHB, Victim Services, GreenShield
Cara: NIHB, Victim Services, GreenShield, BlueCross, Canada Life, Manulife, Desjardins, & More

If using direct billing, please reach out to hello@oaksmentalhealth.ca prior to booking a session.
Our main phone line is shared with Oaks Mental Health: 306-914-2150. General inquiries can be sent to hello@oaksmentalhealth.ca.
You can also contact your specific therapist via email:
Erin Redekop:erin.r@oaksmentalhealth.ca
April Derkson:april@oaksmentalhealth.ca
Alexandra Kurth:alexandra@oaksmentalhealth.ca
Cara Taylor: cara@oaksmentalhealth.ca
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency:
Call Mobile Crisis Saskatoon @ 306-933-6200
Or click here to find a crisis line near you.