Living Well Counselling Reviews Analysis: What 200+ Calgary Clients Really Say
Rod Mitchell, MSc, MC, Registered Psychologist
What Reviews Reveal About Living Well Counselling Services in Calgary
Searching through counselling options while managing mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. This analysis of 200+ Google reviews for Living Well Counselling (current as of September 2025) cuts through the marketing to show what clients actually experience.
Why we wrote this: Emotions Therapy Calgary specializes in treating anger, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. We created this counselling Calgary reviews analysis as a resource for clients comparing therapy options - whether you choose Living Well Counselling, our clinic, or someone else entirely.
If you'd like help figuring out what you need, we offer free 20-minute consultations with no pressure to book.
For those still exploring options, you may also find our companion articles helpful:
Table of Contents Hide
Individual Counselor Profiles
Over 80 reviews name specific counselors, revealing clear patterns in expertise and client satisfaction.
Most-Reviewed Counselors
| Counselor | Reviews | Primary Specialty (per reviews) |
|---|---|---|
| Katherine Jarrell | 15+ | ART trauma therapy |
| Nicola Kassier | 12+ | Life transitions |
| Aziza Giga-Hirji | 11+ | Patient-paced therapy |
| Emily Zhang | 10+ | Long-term support |
| Carrie-Lee Gibson | 9+ | Complex transitions |
| Ian Seitz | 8+ | Couples counseling |
Who to Choose Based on Reviews
If you're a couple: Ian Seitz - uses Gottman method, multiple "saved our marriage" reviews
If you have trauma: Katherine Jarrell - ART specialist with "profound" breakthrough sessions
If you want faith-integrated: Nicola Kassier - works with all beliefs but offers faith perspective
If you need long-term work: Emily - clients stay for months/years, very patient approach
If you're an immigrant: Anne Sureshkumar - specifically praised for immigrant mental health
If you have addiction issues: Jennifer Watts (owner) - specializes in recovery support
If previous therapy failed: Katherine or Ian - both have multiple reviews from clients who failed elsewhere
The Matching Process
Lisa (intake coordinator) receives consistent praise for matching clients quickly - often within 48 hours. Reviews suggest the intake process successfully pairs clients with compatible counselors.
"Lisa responded to my request right away and got me connected to a therapist the same day" - Stephanie N.
Treatment Effectiveness & Timeline
Reviews from clients show specific patterns in how therapy progresses at Living Well Counselling.
Reported Timeline for Improvements
| Timeframe | What Clients Report |
|---|---|
| First Month | Feeling heard, getting initial tools, starting to understand patterns |
| 3-6 Months | Noticeable changes, relationship improvements, better symptom management |
| 6+ Months | Using skills independently, sustained improvements |
Success Rate Patterns
Based on review counts, clients report positive outcomes most often for anxiety (18 reviews), relationship issues (11 reviews), trauma (7 reviews), and life transitions (9 reviews).
Previous Therapy Attempts
Seven reviewers specifically mention failing with other therapists before this clinic. A common theme is that Living Well Counselling focused on skill-building rather than just talking.
"I tried a few therapists in the past and didn't have any success. Ian not only won me back to therapy, he helped me heal" - Spencer K.
Couples & Relationship Counseling Success
Eleven reviews specifically address couples therapy outcomes at Living Well Counselling, with multiple reviewers crediting counselors with saving their marriages.
Reported Couple Outcomes
"Saved our marriage" - 3 explicit mentions
Communication breakthroughs - 5 couples report learning to actually hear each other
Happy again - Multiple couples use phrases like "helped us be happy again"
Individual growth within relationship - Several mention working on personal issues affecting partnership
What Couples Say Works
"Ian helped us navigate conflict in a healthier way... He is relatable and provides practical strategies" - Eileen S.
"My wife and I have been working with Ian for several months... The way we communicate and tackle life's hardships together has completely evolved" - Konrad N.
Beyond Crisis Management
One reviewer notes couples counseling isn't just for problems: "even if your relationship is good, it would be like going to the dentist or a mechanic for a tune up."
While Ian Seitz receives most couples reviews, Cathy McCurdy and Nicola Kassier also work with couples.
Specialized Therapeutic Approaches
Reviews identify five specific therapeutic approaches offered beyond standard talk therapy.
| Approach | Therapist | Best For (per reviews) |
|---|---|---|
| ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) | Katherine Jarrell | Trauma, PTSD, disturbing memories |
| Gottman Method | Ian Seitz | Couples seeking research-based approach |
| Faith-Integrated Counseling | Nicola Kassier | Those wanting spiritual perspective |
| Immigrant-Focused Support | Anne Sureshkumar | Immigration stress, cultural adjustment |
| Addiction/Recovery Support | Jennifer Watts, Ian Seitz | Substance use, behavioral addictions |
About These Approaches
ART gets the most dramatic reviews, with clients calling it "profound" and a "game changer" for trauma.
"It's a powerful method for dealing with strong negative memories or resolving trauma" - Suzanne N.
Immigrant support appears unique in Calgary reviews. Anne Sureshkumar receives specific praise for understanding immigration-related mental health challenges.
Faith integration is available but not required. One reviewer clarifies Nicola is "dedicated to her faith but still able to connect and help with patients regardless of their belief structures."
Red Flags & Concerns
Notable finding: Out of the 200+ reviews we analyzed, only three describe negative experiences - all administrative issues, none about therapy effectiveness.
Administrative Issues Mentioned
Two incidents appear across all reviews:
Scheduling error (2 years ago): One double-booking on New Year's Eve; owner apologized and offered solutions
Payment policy concern (7 years ago): One person declined services over advance payment requirement; policies may have changed since
The Silence on Treatment Failures
Zero reviews describe therapy being ineffective after starting sessions. This could indicate high success rates, or that dissatisfied clients don't leave reviews.
Conclusion
Living Well Counselling demonstrates specific strengths: specialized approaches like ART and Gottman Method, counselors with distinct expertise, and successful intake matching. The 97% positive review rate reflects genuine client satisfaction.
The reviews suggest that the clinic works best for clients who: already know which specialized approach they need, can afford potential out-of-pocket costs, and connect with a counselor matching their specific needs. Their strength lies in individual counselor expertise rather than consistent clinic-wide approaches.
At Emotions Therapy Calgary, we prioritize accessible communication and offer free 20-minute consultations to help you explore what approach might work best. Whether you choose Living Well Counselling, our clinic, or another option entirely, taking the step to seek support is what truly matters.
